A Tale of Two Japanese Islands: Kyushu & Okinawa

We'll meet at the Haneda Airport for an 11 am flight to Fukuoka from Tokyo, arriving in the early afternoon. Fukuoka is the gateway to Kyushu, blending modernity with rich historical roots. 

After checking into Hakata Miyako, our five-star hotel, we'll enjoy a late lunch at the hotel as we learn about the history of Hakata Old Town. We'll venture out to visit the Kushida Shrine, a key site for the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. 

We’ll continue to Tochoji Temple, home to Japan’s largest wooden Buddha statue, and then to Jotenji Temple, credited with introducing udon and soba noodles to Japan. 

We’ll end the tour at Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. 

In the evening, we’ll participate in a unique dining experience at Robata Rotei restaurant, specializing in local Kyushu fish and meat that are roasted over an open coal 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 to it, and we recommend staying overnight here before the trip begins to help with jet lag. There is also spectacular shopping, as well as 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 that has been cherished since the Edo period. This hands-on workshop will give us a deeper appreciation for the region’s artistic traditions and provide us with 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 immerse ourselves 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. After breakfast, we’ll 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 enjoy a delicious meal in the Sukiyaki area, savoring the rich flavors of the local food. 

Upon arriving in Beppu, we’ll check into the Suginoi Onsen Resort where we’ll soak in the rejuvenating hot spring waters with ocean views. 

We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner, and after that we can take a late-night dip with a view. 

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 will check into the Marriott Kumamoto Aso.

After taking some time to relax and unpack, we'll head out for a traditional Kaiseki meal at Umekura. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that focuses on seasonal fresh produce and is considered fine dining. 

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll begin a day of discovery. A naturalist guide will take us on a scenic drive around Aso, sharing insights into the area’s remarkable geology, flora, and fauna. Traveling along the volcano's caldera rim and through the countryside, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling grasslands and volcanic peaks that define the landscape.

Lunch is a prepared picnic set against Aso’s stunning backdrop. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Takachiho Gorge, a narrow ravine formed by volcanic forces, where towering cliffs frame a crystal-clear river below.

Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for a welcome rest. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure, with several suggested dining options all within a 10-15 minute walk. 

Or, perhaps you want to opt for the oh-so Japanese concept of a Konbini. Japanese convenience stores, such as 7-11 or Lawsons, are ubiquitous in Japan; however, they are a far cry from their Western counterparts. Here you can assemble a fresh, delicious meal to take home from a Konbini complete with sake, beer, or wine. You'll be quite surprised by the quality! 

Our morning takes us to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most magnificent and historically significant fortresses. Despite damage caused by the 2016 earthquake, the restoration has turned the castle into a powerful symbol of resilience. It offers us a glimpse into Japan’s unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural treasures. We’ll also stop by the serene Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a perfect example of traditional Japanese landscape design.

After a light lunch, we’ll continue our journey to 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. Upon arrival in Karatsu, we'll check into a traditional ryokan, where we’ll experience Japan’s renowned hospitality in elegant, tatami-matted rooms, with the opportunity to relax in a private onsen.

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

We’ll begin our final full day with a leisurely breakfast at the ryokan, savoring the fresh flavors of the morning before setting out to explore.

Our day begins with a visit to Karatsu Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Karatsu Bay. The castle offers a rich historical experience and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Next, we’ll explore 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 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 ware highly prized in Japan. 

As our day comes to a close, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner at Caravan Steakhouse. It’s the ideal chance to reminisce about our journey, share some laughs, and enjoy one last delicious meal together, soaking in the warmth and flavors of Kyushu before we say our farewells.

Our last day begins with breakfast, enjoying peaceful morning ambiance together one last time.

In the morning, we’ll depart Karatsu for Fukuoka Airport, enjoying one last scenic drive through the Kyushu countryside. 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. Continue on to the next slide. 

For those continuing with us on the extension to Okinawa, we’ll board a 1 pm flight to Okinawa, arriving at approximately 2:45 pm. Others will fly back to Tokyo for their onward flights home.

Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll be picked up by our guide and transported to the Shuri Castle in Naha. The Shuri Castle dates to the 14th century and symbolizes the history and culture of Okinawa. We’ll take a guided tour here as well as the old town of Naha.

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 up 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 easier, where we'll restore the body by stretching muscles and breathing, as well as relaxing our body tension and deepening our breathing through vocal exercises. After this unique experience, our guide will teach us how to cook Japanese food in a simple way using local ingredients, and we'll also take home our recipes.

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 kinds of therapies, including a hammam scrub and bio tour, as well as a Japanese facial or body drainage massage.

Now that we are fully relaxed, we might want to nap a bit and then meet by the pool for a light Japanese curry dinner al fresco.  

Today, after breakfast, we’ll depart at 9 am in a buggy to reach the pier. Here we’ll hop on a boat for a snorkeling tour. (Options available for those who don’t wish to snorkel).

We’ll enjoy lunch at a local spot today to try some authentic Okinawan specialties.

Then we’ll take off for a tour and tasting at a local brewery that makes Awamori, liquor which is the first distilled spirit ever made in Japan - similar to shochu. The product is made by fermenting rice and is only produced in Okinawa in very small batches.

This afternoon is yours to relax, read, nap, or simply stare out at the sea.

This evening we’ll have a celebratory final meal at Teppanyaki Ohana, specializing in Wagyu beef.

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