Kyushu is one of the most fascinating and important regions of Japan in matters of cuisine, foreign influence, history and geology.
Hiroko is an expert on Japan. Her well-researched knowledge and relationships in the region offer you the richest experiences in all aspects of Kyushu — activities, dining, accommodations and human contact with the locals.
This small group tour (of 10 people or less) explores areas of Kyushu that are only made possible by Hiroko's connections. It's the personal touch that makes this tour a truly unique & memorable experience.
Immersion Kyushu 2025
November 12-23
Kyushu, the southernmost large island of Japan, is full of incredible interests of so many kinds.
Hiroko has deeply studied the history, culture, natural environment, onsen hot springs, geology, food, art and people of Kyushu. She's carefully picked the places, each of which highlights the unique characteristics of Kyushu, and made a research trip to Kyushu in 2017. A Tokyo-native, Hiroko was impressed with the quality offerings of Kyushu, and loves to share these immersive experiences with her small tour groups.
Culinary Influence
Culinary Influence
Some of you may have heard these Japanese culinary words: kabocha (squash), kara-age (a deep-frying method without batter), tempura (deep-frying method with batter), chawan’mushi (savory egg custard), tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) and kasutera (pound cake) just to name a few. These words describe foods and cooking techniques brought from abroad to Kyushu, reflecting the rich history of foreign influence in just the one area of culinary arts that extends back nearly 1500 years.
International Proximity
International Proximity
Kyushu sits close to China and Southeast Asia. It was the window for the introduction to Japan of Asian culture, philosophy and religion in the earliest years of the first millennium. Rice cultivation was brought from China to Kyushu 3,000 years ago. Kyushu’s closest sea access to Europe also made it the window to European civilization beginning in the early 16th century. The strong influences of these early international contacts remain present everywhere in the island and its culture to this day. We will see and experience them on this tour.
Geology
Geology
Kyushu is well known as a hot spring heaven in Japan due to its unique geology at the intersection of two tectonic plates. Active volcanoes, Mt. Aso and Mt. Sakurajima, tells the history of the changing natural and geographic environment of Kyushu. Both beneficial and the causes of disaster, these volcanoes determine much of Kyushu’s human and natural history. We will experience the active nature of the island.
Religious History
Religious History
Kyushu’s Christian history is a story of introduction, prosperity, suppression, persecution and rebirth. We will see this miracle first-hand and explore this complex story at many locations and from many perspectives. What happened in Kyushu is unique in world history.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki
At this particular time when we live with growing international tensions, visiting the Nagasaki Atomic Peace Park and Museum will remind us of the horror of atomic weapons and the need for maintaining world peace to preclude their use.
You may know that for 250 years beginning in the 17th century Japan was closed to the outside world with only the Dutch occupying a tiny island, Dejima (“separated island”), just off Nagasaki. That island compound has been faithfully recreated. It is not Disneyland, but is a living, fascinating and accessible historical site replete with Japanese and Dutch history.
“Hiroko’s Kyushu tour was a trip of a lifetime. It exceeded all of our expectations.”
“We most enjoyed going to the mountainous and rural areas of Kyushu. It was a bonus to hike and to be close to nature.”
A Rich Culinary History
Our tour of Kyushu will include visits to three fascinating Japanese food production sites:
Katsuobushi
Also known as a smoke-dried skipjack tuna, katsuobushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine. Visiting a factory that produces this indispensable material will reveal the fascinating traditional, artisanal production behind it. Without seeing this, you truly cannot say that you know Japanese cuisine.
Shochu Brewery
Shochu is a Japanese spirit, made variously from rice, barley, sweet potato and brown sugar. During the tour, we will learn why shochu production was established in this southern island (but not other parts of Japan), observe the production process, and taste different varieties.
Salt Production
Salt production transitioned from regional, high quality, artisanal production to government monopolized, artificial, cheap production between 1905 and 1997. After the end of the monopoly, farmers returned to the beach to produce safe, mineral rich sea salt. We will visit such a small family producer.
“Hiroko introduced us not only to great Japanese cuisine in so many forms, but also to the Japanese people and their culture.”
“We were happy to be where most tourists don’t go.”
Tour Itinerary
Scroll through to see a sample of our plans for all 13 days of the Kyushu experience.
Hotel check-in, after-dinner orientation
Check-in at Haneda Excel Hotel, Tokyo, at your convenient time. The room is booked for you.
Join Hiroko at 7:00PM for an after-dinner coffee/tea orientation at Hoshi room at Flyer's Table restaurant in the hotel.
Early next morning we will fly to Oita Airport. Please have a good sleep.
Ancient temple visit, walking, attending ritual service, onsen hot spring, great lunch & dinner
After arriving at Oita airport, we head to Kunisaki Peninsula, located in the northeast area of Kyushu, which is known for ancient, unique early Buddhism culture. Many of the temples were built on this Peninsula before Nara and Kyoto have become crowded with temples and shrines.
We participate in a Buddhist fire-ritual service, which came from India 1300 years ago by way of China at Monju-Senji Temple, founded in 648 AD. The priest, while feeding a large ritual fire with oil, grains of rice, dry leaves and water, prays for our health, family happiness and good weather & safe journey throughout our tour.
We walk to Fuki Temple, then hike up and admire Magaibutsu, Buddha sculptures carved by professional and avocational carver into the rock cliff. Portions of this walk are moderately strenuous.
Our coach drives us to Beppu, one of the most famous hot spring, onsen, towns in Japan for a one-night stay. Soak in a private hot spring bath, admiring the beautiful setting sun in the ocean, before our first local dinner.
Walking over the highest suspension bridge in Japan, onsen-hopping & kappo-hopping, delightful local and seasonal lunch & dinner
The coach drives us to a 290-years old Kurokawa Onsen hot spring town that has 30 traditional Japanese inns, equipped with rotenburo (outdoor hot spring), and scattered deeply in natural beauty alongside the pure and clean Tanohata River.
We stop at Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi, the highest suspension bridge only for walkway built in 2006. The beautiful nature is a 360-degree view.
We check-in to one of the most charming inns in the area for two-night stay, then change ourselves into yukata kimono and head for two activities: outdoor onsen hopping and sake/shochu + snack hopping.
Delicious local and seasonal meals are served at the restaurant in the inn. Let’s relax and enjoy every moment.
Walking, hiking in nature, view of whole Aso caldera, onsen hopping, memorable local and seasonal lunch & dinner
Today, we fully admire the beauty of nature in autumn in this region. Morning starts with the visit and walks through the deep Kikuchi Gorge to enjoy the best autumn color and the freshest air.
After lunch, we visit the prime viewpoint of Aso, Daikanpo, where it offers dramatic 360-degree views and reveals the panoramic expanse of the whole caldera and rolling grasslands behind.
We stop at Takeno Kuma Café. An architect, Toru Shimokawa, made the building. He utilizes local Oguni cider and ancient wood-building techniques and creates a space in which nature is incorporated into the building.
After returning to our inn, enjoy the outdoor onsen equipped in your room or revisit the outdoor onsen hopping. Delicious local and seasonal meals are served at the restaurant in the inn.
Hiking, walking, learning the geology of the region and onsen hot spring, memorable lunch & dinner
We are moving to another region, where we will visit exciting Aso caldera. It is a cluster of volcanoes situated within a huge caldera that is 25 km (15 miles) north-to-south and 18 km (11 miles) east-to-west.
Aso’s history extends back nearly 300,000 years, consisting of complex volcanic activities and mountain growth. The area is part of the Aso National Park, and is known for its unparalleled beauty and grandeur.
We visit the Aso Museum and watch a video to learn how the Aso caldera was created. This is followed by a short but steep climb up of Kijima-dake (moderately strenuous), which provides us awesome views across the entire Aso caldera, including the crater of Nakatake, which has been active.
After lunch, our coach takes us south to historical town of Hitoyoshi, where we stay one night.
Boat riding, walking and onsen hot spring, delightful local and seasonal lunch & dinner
This morning at the historic town of Hitoyoshi, we take a man-poled boat ride down the Kuma River, which boasts of having the 2nd most rapid current in Japan.
This is the same ride—in the same kind of craft—that the local Daimyo, Aira, took in feudal days to go down-river in order to begin his bi-annual trip to Edo (present Tokyo) to pay his respects and tribute to the Shogun.
After a delicious unadon lunch (grilled and flavored eel on rice), our coach takes us to Onami-Ike, a beautiful crater lake which stands at 1,411 meters (4,500 feet) above sea level.
Onami-Ike Crater Lake was the product of a volcano eruption about 40,000 years ago. After walking up on a trail through the woods to the top of the Onami-Ike, we find ourselves in front of a cobalt blue lake.
The coach drives us to a modern accommodation for a one-night stay. We will enjoy a local and seasonal dinner.
Katsuobushi factory visit, shochu factory visit, historical park visit, delicious local and seasonal lunch & dinner
Today, we head down to the prefecture, where the most indispensable Japanese food product is produced. It is katsuobushi (stone-hard, dried, smoked skipjack tuna). The infusion of katsuobushi and kombu (kelp) makes dashi stock, the foundation of Japanese cuisine.
We visit the Matoba katsuobushi plant and learn and see the fascinating traditional, artisanal production of katsuobushi.
We will visit Senganen, the Japanese-style landscape garden and house of the Shimazu Clan, one of the most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period (1603-1868).
The Shimazu ruled the Satsuma domain, present-day Kagoshima, for almost 700 years until the end of the feudal age in 1868. The Shimazu Clan was the early adopter and creator of the Japanese Industrial Revolution.
Ferry riding, church & museum visit, walking, relaxing in a charming hotel, delightful local and seasonal lunch & dinner
Today, we make an exciting transition from the mainland Kyushu to Amakusa island. Amakusa, which is located at southwestern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, is an island group consisting of two major islands and 100 other islands varying in size.
Amakusa is remote. This isolation allowed missionaries in the 16th century to convert a considerable percentage of inhabitants and even the local lord to Christianity before the religion was forbidden in the early Edo period during the 17th century.
Today, there are museums and churches spread across the islands which reflect this religious heritage. We check-in to a charming and exotic hotel for a two-night stay.
Sea salt maker visit, walking, picnic on top of the hill, pottery painting, relaxing in a hot spring, memorable local and seasonal lunch & dinner
Today we visit a mom-pop run, charming salt farm. We then have a pleasurable, short & easy walk up to the top of Tenjiku Mountain, where we will enjoy a picnic.
We then head to Porcelain Company, where each of us will make our own glazing design on a bare, previously baked mug. The mug will be fired and become a souvenir of your Kyushu adventure.
Amakusa jiki, the raw material for Takahama porcelain, was discovered in this area in the 17th century. It is known for its pure whiteness and solid nature. The quality of the clay has been highly praised as the best porcelain clay in the world. It has been used for years to make the highest quality Japanese porcelain goods such as Arita-yaki (Arita ware) and Seto-yaki (Seto ware).
Ferry riding, Kofukuji temple visit, Dejima Museum, free-time, walking the city, memorable seasonal and local lunch & dinner
Today, we say goodbye to Amakusa and head to Nagasaki by boat. We visit Kofukuji Temple, Obaku Zen temple.
Kofukuji Temple dates to around 1620 when the merchants from China’s Ming Dynasty began to arrive in Nagasaki. A Chinese priest founded the temple to pray for safety in the perilous sea journey from China to Japan.
We then head to Dejima Museum on foot. This tiny, man-made island, just off the shore and connected by a foot bridge to Nagasaki, was used to house Dutch traders for 250 years during the Edo period when Japan was closed to the outside world. It is a living, fascinating and accessible historical site replete with Japanese and Dutch history.
We check-in at world famous Kenzo Kuma’s (architect) stunning, beautiful hotel for 2 nights. Enjoy the golden view of Nagasaki Bay at night.
Visit to Nagasaki atomic bomb museum, Peace Park, Uragami Church and free time in the afternoon in the city before a special vegetarian dinner at Zen Temple
Today, our guide, a native of Nagasaki, takes the group to the must-see places in this historic city. These include Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park at “ground zero” and Uragami Church.
She takes us to a soba lunch. After lunch, the coach drives us to the Nagasaki station. You have free afternoon to discover the city on your own.
Train, subway, walking, Ohori Park visit, special Hakata meals — Fukuoka Hakata ramen for lunch & chicken hot pot for dinner
Today, we leave for our final destination, Fukuoka, on the northwestern coast of Kyushu by train. Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest and Japan’s 5th most populated city.
Because of its closeness to the Asian mainland, Fukuoka has been an important harbor city for many beautifully landscaped Japanese tea gardens. Visiting Fukuoka Art Museum in Ohori Park is a must.
Fukuoka is a gourmet paradise, providing you are not a strict vegetarian. Motsu nabe (intestine and tripe hot pot), tori-suki (chicken hot pot) and very fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea are abundant.
Fukuoka-style tonkotsu (pork bone-based broth) ramen is also unique & famous, and now popular in US ramen restaurants. There are yatai (outdoor food stalls) offering delicious, home-style comfort foods that are unusual elsewhere in Japan.
Breakfast & departure
Our tour concludes after breakfast. Those who continue to post-tour locations, or those who depart for home, have a safe and pleasant trip.
Whatever your destination, the mug you created in Amakusa will meet you at the arranged place. Please cherish your Kyushu memories for the rest of your life!
“Hiroko has a special way of being organized and keeping the schedule, while allowing everyone to enjoy the experiences.”
Financial Details
Please review the financial details below prior to submitting your application.
Costs & Tariff
Costs & Tariff
2025 Immersion Kyushu Tour Tariff
- $7,680 per person for double occupancy
- $8,460 per person for single occupancy
The tariff is based on current and projected USD exchange rates to yield the lowest price. Should events cause an unexpected significant and un-forecasted depreciation of the US dollar, a modest supplement may be requested.
Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule
Deposit
- A deposit of $3,000 per person is required to confirm your space, no later than May 31, 2025. Receipt of the deposit assures your space on the tour.
- Participation is limited to 9 attendees maximum, and the tour is booked strictly on first come first served basis.
- Payment in US dollars should be made via bank transfer, by check drawn on a US bank.
- Attendee is responsible for any outgoing bank wire and handling fees.
Final Payment
- The remaining balance is due no later than August 15, 2025 in US dollars.
What's Included
What's Included
The 2025 Immersion Kyushu Tour fee includes:
- 12 breakfasts
- 12 accommodations (unique and varied)
- 11 lunches
- 11 dinners
- All domestic transportations in Japan (Domestic flight from Tokyo to Oita, domestic coach transportation, two ferries, one train, and taxi)
- All event-related activities
- Limited alcoholic beverages for 11 dinners
What's Not Included
What's Not Included
The 2025 Immersion Kyushu Tour fee DOES NOT include:
- Travel & cancellation insurance (at your discretion)
- International air transportation
- Japanese domestic transportation to the Haneda Airport
- Passport and visa (no visa is required for US citizens and many other countries, check with the nearest Japanese consulate)
- Travel insurance (cancellation and medical)
- Internet connection charges if they occur
- Laundry, optional activities, and other personal incidentals
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the refund and tariff forfeiture schedule below:
- July 11: All payments refunded
- July 12 to August 11: All payments less $800 per reserved place refunded
- August 12 to September 11: 40 % of the tour cost refunded
- September 12 to October 11: 30 % of the tour cost refunded
- October 12 or after: No refund
Additional Information
Additional Information
Travel Arrangements
If you would like assistance with your flights, please don't hesitate to contact Hiroko. She can introduce you to a New York City-based Japanese travel agent, Kintetsu International Travel Agency. If you wish to be in Japan either before or after the tour, Hiroko can provide you with information and guidance.
Start & End Times
The group meets for an orientation at 7:30pm on November 12, 2024, at Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyo (Haneda Airport Terminal 2). The tour begins at 7:00AM on the following day, November 13. The tour ends after breakfast in Fukuoka on November 23, 2025.
Contacting Hiroko
After your application has been approved, Hiroko will contact you with additional information. She will be readily available to personally answer any questions between now and departure.