A Tale of Two Japanese Islands: Kyushu & Okinawa

Fly into Tokyo, ideally Haneda airport, as we'll be leaving from there on an 11am flight to Fukuoka (the gateway to Kyushu). If you're on a lengthy, overnight flight, you may want to consider arriving a day early to rest, relax, and get acclimated to the local time. Please see the FAQ section on this page for more information about your travel and arrive early options. 

On arrival in Fukuoka, we'll transfer to our five-star accommodation, Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, ideally located in the heart of Fukuoka’s vibrant Hakata district. After a late lunch at the hotel, we'll visit Jotenji Temple, credited with introducing udon and soba noodles to Japan.

Next, we'll continue to Tochoji Temple, home to Japan’s largest wooden Buddha statue.

We'll finish our afternoon at Kushida Shrine, a key site for the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, and explore the surrounding Hakata Old Town to learn more about its rich history.

In the evening, we’ll participate in a unique dining experience at Robata Rotei, a restaurant specializing in local Kyushu fish and meat roasted over an open fire.   

Note: Our concierge can assist you with pre-night accommodations at Haneda Airport or in Tokyo proper. Haneda Airport has a large mall attached, and we recommend staying overnight here before the trip begins to help with jet lag. There is also spectacular shopping and relaxing onsen experiences. 

After a delicious hotel breakfast, we’ll immerse ourselves in one of Fukuoka’s traditional crafts and visit Hakatamachiya Furusatokan. Here, we’ll learn to create Hakata Hariko, papier-mâché dolls, a craft cherished since the Edo period. This hands-on workshop will deepen our appreciation for the region’s artistic traditions and provide a unique souvenir to take home.

After our crafting session, we’ll enjoy a delicious unagi (eel) lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Unagi is a delicacy in Fukuoka, known for its rich flavor and tender texture. Don't knock it until you've tried it!

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Fukuoka Castle, once the largest in Kyushu. As we explore the castle grounds within the expansive Maizuru Park, we’ll dress in a kimono for a professional photoshoot, capturing the essence of Japan against a historical backdrop. Afterward, we’ll unwind with tea at Ohori Terrace, enjoying serene views of the surrounding park.

To cap off our day, we’ll take a food tour of Fukuoka’s famous yatai (food stalls). Led by Bruce, a local expert, we’ll sample iconic dishes such as Hakata ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe). This is an opportunity to indulge in the city’s vibrant street food culture as we explore different stalls.

Our day begins with a hotel breakfast, preparing us for a day of cultural exploration as we make our way to Beppu. 

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and visit Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning and scholarship. The shrine’s beautiful grounds, filled with plum trees and historical treasures, offer a serene start to the day.

On our way to Beppu, we’ll stop at Kamado Shrine, another Shinto shrine on Mount Homan. This peaceful spot is renowned for its association with good fortune and protection.

For lunch, we’ll savor a delicious meal in the Sukiyaki area, savoring the rich flavors of the local food. 

Upon arriving in Beppu, we’ll check into the Amanek Yula-Re, where we’ll soak in the rejuvenating hot spring waters and indulge in a 60-minute facial or massage at our sister hotel. 

We’ll round out our day by dining together at The Peak restaurant, lingering over locally sourced ingredients that perfectly encapsulate Oita's unique cuisine. Once we head back to our hotel, you'll have the opportunity to take a late-night hot springs dip, if you're feeling up to it. 

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll explore Beppu's famous 8 ‘hells’, a collection of unique hot springs, each with its own distinct characteristics, from bubbling mud pools to cobalt-blue waters. 

These hot springs are not for bathing but for viewing, offering a fascinating insight into the geothermal activity beneath the region. We’ll also try Jigoku Mushi, a local onsen-cooking method in which food is cooked using the natural steam from the hot springs, a culinary experience unique to Beppu.

After lunch, we’ll take a scenic drive to Aso. The journey will take us through landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, with Aso’s caldera - one of the largest in the world - providing a dramatic backdrop as we approach our destination.

By evening, we'll check into the Galleria Midobaru. Take some time to relax and unpack before we gather at the hotel's beautiful restaurant for a wagyu steak meal. 

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll transfer to Takachiho Gorge for a leisurely walk amidst the gorge’s breathtaking scenery, including its beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes.

We’ll have lunch at Chiho no Ie, located near the gorge, where we can relax and savor a delicious meal while surrounded by nature.

Later, we’ll return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest before we head out for a traditional Kaiseki meal at Terrace Midobaru. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that focuses on seasonal fresh produce and is considered fine dining.

We’ll begin a day of discovery with a scenic drive around Mount Aso, taking in the area’s remarkable geology, flora, and fauna. Traveling along the volcano's caldera rim and through the countryside, we’ll soak in the breathtaking views of rolling grasslands and volcanic peaks that define the landscape.

We’ll pause for a picnic lunch in true 'forest bathing' fashion, allowing us to fully soak in the abundance of beautiful greenery around us.

Continuing, we'll visit Suizenji Garden, a beautifully landscaped traditional Japanese garden known for its miniature representations of iconic landscapes and tranquil ponds. This serene setting offers the perfect opportunity for a stroll and a moment of appreciation for the artistry of Japanese horticulture.

What better way to round out the afternoon than with a traditional tea ceremony? Decompress and enjoy a moment of mindfulness as our host prepares green tea for the group.

Our journey today comes to a close in Karatsu, a charming coastal town celebrated for its pottery and rich samurai history. If time allows, we'll make a stop in Okawachiyama village, famous for its Imari porcelain. 

Once we're in town, we’ll check into a traditional ryokan, where we’ll experience Japan’s renowned hospitality in elegant, tatami-matted rooms, with the opportunity to soak in a private onsen.

As the evening sets in, we’ll gather at the ryokan for a delicious kaiseki dinner, with each dish thoughtfully prepared using fresh, local ingredients to give us a taste of the region’s unique flavors.

Enjoy a slow morning in the ryokan, taking time to savor your breakfast before we set out for our last full day together.

We'll begin with a visit to the former residence of the Takatori coal baron, a stunning example of Meiji-era architecture. This residence offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Japan’s industrial elite during the Meiji period, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens that enhance its charm.

After a leisurely lunch in town, we'll continue to the Karatsu Castle, a striking hilltop fortress built in the early 17th century, featuring elegant white walls, tiered roofs, and a commanding vantage point over Karatsu Bay. We'll wander the halls that showcase samurai history and the region’s cultural heritage.

In the late afternoon, we'll delve into Karatsu’s rich pottery tradition. Guided by an expert, we’ll visit local kilns and workshops to learn about the craftsmanship that has made Karatsu ceramicware highly regarded in Japan. 

As our day comes to a close, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner at Restaurant Présage in Karatsu. This elegant French restaurant, known for its seasonal, locally sourced dishes and beautifully plated creations, offers an intimate and refined setting to reflect on our journey. It’s the perfect chance to share some laughs, savor one last exquisite meal together, and soak in the warmth and flavors of Kyushu before we say our farewells.

Our last day begins with breakfast, enjoying the ryokan's peaceful morning ambiance together one last time.

In the morning, we’ll depart from Karatsu for Fukuoka Airport for our flight back to Tokyo, enjoying a scenic drive through the Kyushu countryside along the way. Here we'll say our goodbyes with promises to stay in touch (most people do!). 

For those who want to see more, we've designed an extension to the island of Okinawa. We'll say goodbye to the rest of the group and catch a flight to Japan's southernmost prefecture. Onward!

For those continuing with us on the extension to Okinawa, we’ll board a 1 pm flight, arriving at approximately 2:45 pm.

Upon touchdown in Okinawa, we’ll be picked up by our guide and transported to the Shuri Castle for a guided tour of the beautiful grounds and the old town of Naha. The Shuri Castle dates to the 14th century and symbolizes the history and culture of Okinawa.

After a stop for tea, we’ll head to our hotel at the other end of the island, the stunning five-star Terrace Club Wellness Resort at Busena overlooking the East China Sea. After checking into your club deluxe room with ocean view and terrace, we’ll relax for a while before meeting for dinner at their fine-dining restaurant, featuring healthy seasonal cuisine.

Today, after your choice of Japanese or Western breakfast, we’ll depart the resort just after 9 am for a culturally immersive experience.

We’ll join a local guide to learn how to practice the art of Zen meditation and Zen cooking. This island is one of the five famous Blue Zones in the world, where people frequently live to be over 100 years old. Therefore, learning about their healthy lifestyle will be beneficial for all of us.

Traditional “Zen” training involves sitting in the correct posture on the floor, being aware of the breath, and stabilizing the mind. However, we’ll be trying something a bit more accessible: restoring the body by stretching our muscles, practicing mindful breathing, and relaxing our tension-filled bodies. 

After this unique experience, our guide will teach us how to cook simple Japanese food with local ingredients, and we'll also take home our recipes to share with friends and family.

Now that we are in a Zen frame of mind, the afternoon will be spent back at the hotel, relaxing in their famous Thalasso spa. You’ll be treated to several therapies, including a hammam scrub and bio tour, as well as a Japanese facial or a body drainage massage.

Now that we are fully relaxed, we might want to nap a bit, then meet for a quick transfer over to our sister hotel for a Shabu Shabu dinner.

We’ll depart after breakfast at 9 am in a buggy to reach the pier. Here we’ll hop on a boat for a snorkeling tour, taking advantage of our easy access to the crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and an incredible variety of tropical marine life that makes every moment in the sea feel breathtakingly alive. (Options available for those who don’t wish to snorkel).

We’ll enjoy lunch at Bisen today, savoring an ultra-fresh sushi experience that highlights the island’s rich coastal flavors in an intimate, traditional setting

This afternoon is yours to relax, read, nap, or gaze out at the bright blue sea.

This evening, we’ll have a celebratory final meal at Teppanyaki Ohana, specializing in Wagyu beef that is expertly grilled right in front of us.

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and head back down to the capital, Naha, for our afternoon flight back to Tokyo. 

However, first we’ll stop at Shuri Ryusen for a coral-dying workshop, a local Okinawan art form. We’ll have time to learn the process and create our own piece to take home, making it the perfect souvenir from our time on the island.

We’ll arrive at the airport around 1 pm for our 3 pm flight to Tokyo. Here you can grab lunch of your choice, whether a bento box, ramen, or something else. 

We'll arrive back in Tokyo Haneda airport around 5:30 pm, in time to catch a flight home at 9 pm or later. There are many late-night flights from Haneda to the US and elsewhere, making it an easy place to depart from.