CNN’s Choice for Beautiful Places in Japan, Kyushu(Fukuoka/Yamaguchi/Oita)

This course will take you to a site in which the popular American news network CNN calls the “The beauty of Japan”
First we introduce you to the panoramic view of the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.
In Spring, wisitors can see cherry blossoms, including someiyoshino trees, blooming in the park, which is located at an altitude of approximately 500 meters.
We also provide touring of Oita’s sightseeing spots, such as Yunotsubo Road, Kinrin Lake, etc. We also introduce Umi-jigoku.
Next we will show you the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, which can only be seen from late April to early May. This large area is filled with blooming wisteria.
Visitors will be encaptivated by the beauty of this place. We will also take you to Motosumi Inari Shrine, which has a spectacular view of 123 red torii gates facing the Sea of Japan.
The contrast of the red torii gates against the blus see is jaw dropping! On the last day we will return to Fukuoka City where you can enjoy shopping.
There are many other amazing sightseeing spots in Kyushu. Come visit Kyushu to enjoy beautiful scenery.

Day1

Fukuoka Airport International Flight – Fukuoka City

Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, an English-speaking assistant will meet you at the arrival lobby and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
For dinner, enjoy Fukuoka’s famous food stalls and local cuisine in the vicinity of the hotel. (includes a free meal).

Photo Credit:福岡市

Overnight stay at a hotel in Fukuoka City.

Day2

Fukuoka City – Hita – Yufuin – Beppu

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.   
Depart from the hotel via private car to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Upon arrival, you will visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the god of learning, and enjoy shopping and eating on the approach to the shrine.
After that, we will head to Mameda-cho, Oita Prefecture to enjoy the retro atmosphere of the Mameda-cho shopping street, which has existed since the Edo period. (includes a free meal).  
Next, we will head to the town of Yufuin to enjoy the lovely scenery of Yunotsubo Highway and Lake Kinrin.
Then, we will head to the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway, which was selected by CNN.
The panoramic view from 1300 meters above sea level is spectacular.
In the evening, relax and unwind at Beppu Onsen and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Beppu Onsen (hot spring).

Day3

Beppu – Kitakyushu – Yamaguchi

Breakfast will be prepared at the hotel.
After breakfast, once again take a private car to visit Umi-Jigoku (Hell Steam Pudding and Manju are also delicious)
After breakfast, we will visit Usa Jingu Shrine, one of Oita’s most famous power spots, founded in 725, and a historical heritage site of Oita.
For lunch, enjoy Oita’s fresh seafood at Umiterasu Toyomae. 
We will then head to Kawachi Fujien, which was selected by CNN as one of the best wisteria gardens in Oita. Enjoy the wisteria blooming in the vast grounds. (Late April – early May)
In the evening, enjoy Kawatana’s famous kawara soba noodles and hot spring bath at the hotel.

Photo Credit:福岡県観光連盟

Overnight in Takachiho.

Day4

Yamaguchi – Fukuoka

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will take a private car to Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge. After breakfast, we will drive to Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge by private car.
After that, we will head to Motosumi Inari Shrine, which was selected by CNN as one of the best shrines in Japan.
The view of 123 red torii gates facing the Sea of Japan is breathtaking.
The tidal wave of Ryugu (Dragon Palace) is also worth seeing.
Kaiseki cuisine will be served at Otani Sanso for lunch. 
After lunch, we will visit Ruriko-ji Temple, selected by CNN, and return to Hakata by Shinkansen.
Enjoy the last night in Fukuoka at yatai stalls, mizutaki and motsunabe.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Fukuoka City.

Day5

Fukuoka – Fukuoka Airport International Flight

Photo Credit:福岡市

Breakfast will be prepared at the hotel.
Enjoy shopping and strolling in Tenjin, Canal City, and Lalaport Fukuoka, which was just recently opened in 2022, until departure time for the airport. You will be transferred by private car to Fukuoka Airport in time for your international flight. You will check-in upon arrival. We hope you enjoyed your 5-day trip to Kyushu. See you again soon!

CNN’s spectacular view

  • Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway
  • Usa Jingu Shrine
  • Kawachi Fuji Garden
  • Motosumi Inari Shrine
  • Rurikoji Temple