Secrets of Japan: Kyushu Adventure

Itinerary - 8 Days

1. Day 1

   Location

   Fukuoka

   Hotel

   JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo

   Welcome to Japan! Land into Fukuoka International Airport.
   
   Fukuoka is known for its nightlife and local cuisine, including the numerous food stalls or 'Yatai' set along the river. Particularly famous in Fukuoka is Hakata ramen, a style of ramen noodles that have produced restaurants the world over, but nothing quite compares to the authenticity you'll find in Fukuoka.
   
   Please make your own way to the hotel in the Hakata area.

2. Day 2

   Location

   Nagasaki

   Hotel

   Dormy inn Nagasaki

   Meal

   Breakfast

   After hotel check out, pick up your car keys from Nippon rent a car office near Hakata station and jump in the driving seat!
   
   First, you will be visiting Sasebo to enjoy a view of the beautiful Kujukushima islands, 208 islands spread out across the Nagasaki coastline that are practically untouched by humans and so have fascinating and intricate natural scenery.
   
   Next you will be heading to Nagasaki, site of the Nagasaki Peace Park, the Dejima port where the Dutch traded Western goods with the Japanese for many years, and the iconic Gunkanjima or 'Battleship Island', a derelict island full of abandoned buildings that was made famous in James Bond's 'Skyfall'.

3. Day 3

   Location

   Kumamoto

   Hotel

   Dormy inn Kumamoto

   Meal

   Breakfast

   Leave your hotel around 9AM and head out for some sightseeing in Nagasaki city.
   
   Our suggestion would be the Peace Park of course, or the Oura church, the oldest Christian church in Japan and a rather striking building given its unusual architecture for this part of the world. (This writer's personal suggestion would be Dejima, the re-constructed trading post, but that's possibly just because he's a history student!)
   
   Next you will be visiting Mt. Unzen, a group of active volcanoes which are as destructive as they are beautiful. They are best seen in the Autumn when the leaves change colour in rather spectacular fashion. In Shimabara you will board a ferry that takes you down to Kumamoto. I hope you enjoy the view!

4. Day 4

   Location

   Takachiho

   Meal

   Breakfast

   Leave your hotel around 9:30AM.
   
   Today you will be visiting the birthplace of the mythical first emperor of Japan, Jimmu at the Udo Shrine. The water at Udo shrine is said to help those approaching childbirth and the terrace outside overlooks the ocean, with fantastic views.
   
   Following this you will be headed to Aoshima in Miyazaki prefecture, a small and beautiful sub-tropical island with a colourful shrine but not to fret, the whole island's circumference is only 1.5km so it is perfect for a short walk.
   
   After the sightseeing in Miyazaki, enjoy one of the best scenic coastal drives in Japan as you head to Takachiho.
   
   (Accommodation: Grateful Takachiho or similar standard class hotel)

5. Day 5

   Location

   Sujiyu onsen

   Hotel

   Kiyasuya

   Meal

   Breakfast & Dinner

   Leave your hotel around 9AM.
   
   From the birthplace of the mythical emperor, today you are headed to the hiding place of a god! Explore the Takachiho area, where there is a beautiful gorge, a true meeting place between nature and spirituality. If you're feeling particularly adventurous you can row down this river, the waters of which are very tranquil.
   
   From there you will be visiting Mt. Aso, an active volcano where you can even visit the crater and look inside the volcano!
   
   Next up you will be staying in Sujiyu Onsen, in the lovely onsen town of Kokonoe in Oita. I'm sure after a busy day you will enjoy sitting back and relaxing in the charming Japanese countryside. The view from the roads on the way here is not to be missed either!

6. Day 6

   Location

   Kunisaki

   Hotel

   Monjusenji

   Meal

   Breakfast & Dinner

   Leave your ryokan around 10AM to visit the Kunisaki peninsula.
   
   Today, you will be staying in a Shukubo or 'temple lodging' to experience a taste of the simple, traditional lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Buddhism has been a part of Japanese culture since the 6th century, and Monjusenji was believed to have been founded a century later.
   
   We recommend that you visit visit Futago-ji, a 1300 year old temple in the heart of the Kunisaki peninsula the grounds of which extend around the surrounding mountain and forest areas. This area is known for preserving a unique Buddhist culture that contains elements of Shinto, Buddhism and mountain worship. As to be expected, this area has fantastic hiking.
   
   Join in a 'Zen experience' starting at 3PM.

7. Day 7

   Location

   Kunisaki > Fukuoka

   Hotel

   JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo

   Meal

   Breakfast

   Moring program starts at 5:30AM
   Breakfast will be served at 7:30AM
   
   Something of an early start, but hopefully all the zen will have left you feeling refreshed and clear headed!
   
   Leave your Shukubo lodging around 9AM and feel free to explore anything you haven't already in the area. After you are finished, please return to Fukuoka and hand back your car and your keys to Nippon rent-a-car near Fukuoka station by 8PM.

8. Day 8

   Location

   Fukuoka

   Meal

   Breakfast

   We hope by this stage that you have enjoyed your voyage into the more spiritual and hidden world of Japan, a part that many do not get to see on a trip simply to Tokyo and Kyoto. In Japan though, there's always more to see next time!
   
   After you check out from your hotel, please make your own way to the airport and return home. Sayonara!