Top Highlights
- Kawachi Wisteria Garden, Uminonakamichi nemophila and Miyazaki’s Rose Garden
3 hot-spring hotel nights and Ibusuki’s naturally heated volcanic sand bath
Takachiho Gorge, the Aso volcanic landscape and Kokonoe Suspension Bridge
Chiran’s samurai heritage, Peace Museum and historic Kirishima Shrine
Yame tea country, sake tasting, strawberry picking, black-vinegar production and Onta pottery
Package Inclusions
- Round-trip Japan Airlines airfare from Honolulu to Fukuoka via Haneda
Deluxe hotel accommodations, including three nights at natural hot-spring hotels
16 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
Scheduled sightseeing, transfers and attraction admissions as outlined
Gratuities for local tour guides and drivers
Day By Day Itinerary
Itinerary
DAY 1 & DAY 2 (APR 19–20): HONOLULU – HANEDA – FUKUOKA | ARRIVAL IN KYUSHU (MEALS ON BOARD)
Board your Japan Airlines flight from Honolulu to Fukuoka via Haneda Airport. Upon arrival at Fukuoka International Airport on Day 2, meet your Air & Sea Travel representative and transfer to your hotel in Fukuoka.
DAY 3 (APR 21): FUKUOKA – KURUME – KAGOSHIMA | TEA, SAKE & SHINKANSEN (B, L)
Explore the scenic Yame Tea Plantation and enjoy panoramic countryside views before visiting Ikegame Sake Brewery for a guided tour and tasting. After lunch, board a high-speed bullet train from Kurume Station to Kagoshima, home to the iconic Sakurajima volcano.
DAY 4 (APR 22): KAGOSHIMA – IBUSUKI | HISTORIC CHIRAN & SAND BATH ONSEN (B, L, D)
Visit the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots and walk through the historic Chiran Bukeyashiki Samurai District. Enjoy a fun nagashi somen (flowing noodles) lunch. Transfer to Ibusuki to relax in a unique geothermal Suna Mushi (sand bath) and hotel hot springs.
DAY 5 (APR 23): IBUSUKI – KIRISHIMA – MIYAZAKI | KUROZU VINEGAR & STRAWBERRY PICKING (B, L, D)
Tour the Sakamoto Kurozu Factory to learn about traditional black vinegar production, then visit the historic Kirishima Shrine. Enjoy seasonal fresh strawberry picking followed by a delicious Yakiniku BBQ dinner before hotel check-in.
DAY 6 (APR 24): MIYAZAKI – TSUETATE | PREFECTURAL ROSE GARDEN & TAKACHIHO GORGE (B, L, D)
Admire blooming varieties at the Hinata Miyazaki Sports Park Rose Garden, then take in the dramatic basalt cliffs of Takachiho Gorge. Transfer to the historical 1800s hot spring village of Tsuetate Onsen for dinner and a soothing soak.
DAY 7 (APR 25): TSUETATE – YUFUIN – MT. ASO – TSUETATE | GRAND BRIDGE & VOLCANIC WONDERS (B, D)
Walk across the impressive Kokonoe “Yume” Grand Suspension Bridge and explore the boutique shop-lined streets of Yufuin. Visit the Mt. Aso Volcano Museum to discover Japan’s largest active volcano before returning to your hot spring resort. (Lunch at leisure)
DAY 8 (APR 26): TSUETATE – KITAKYUSHU – FUKUOKA | WISTERIA TUNNELS & CABLE CAR (B, D)
Visit Ontayaki no Sato Pottery Village and sample regional delights at Kitakyushu’s Tanga Market. Marvel at the vibrant 100-meter floral tunnels of Kawachi Wisteria Garden and take the Sarakurayama Cable Car for scenic views up Mt. Sarakura. Transfer to Fukuoka. (Lunch at leisure)
DAY 9 (APR 27): FUKUOKA – HANEDA – HONOLULU | SEASIDE FLOWER FIELDS & SHOPPING (B, Meals On Board)
Stroll through Uminonakamichi Seaside Park to see vast fields of nemophila in full bloom. Enjoy shopping at Canal City Hakata and Costco before transferring to Fukuoka Airport for your return flight via Haneda.
Flowering periods are seasonal and may vary according to weather and growing conditions. Specific blooms cannot be guaranteed.
PHYSICAL RATING: 2 OF 4 - MODERATE
This tour involves daily sightseeing with extended standing and walking through parks, gardens, markets and historic districts. Some locations may include stairs, slopes or uneven pathways, particularly Takachiho Gorge, the samurai district, Onta Pottery Village and Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Travelers must also be comfortable boarding buses and trains and crossing the 390-meter Kokonoe Suspension Bridge.