Meet in Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu Island.

We meet at our hotel at 5:00pm for the Tour Briefing. You will need to make your own way there. On arrival at the hotel, you will be met by your tour leader in the lobby.
After the tour briefing, we will go for a group dinner.

There, we will get to know each other and experience our first taste of Japanese culture.

A complimentary Short Hike tour in Fukuoka.

If you are planning to arrive in Fukuoka a day before the tour departure date, you will have a bit more time to recover from jet lag. To make the most of your stay in Fukuoka, your tour leader will be able to offer you a complimentary short hike tour before the tour briefing at 5:00pm on Day One.

A stunning hiking trail with a panoramic view of the Genkai Sea. (Hiking day)

We will be picked up by a private vehicle at the hotel in Fukuoka. The mountain we’ll visit is one of the most scenic spots in Itoshima, offering a panoramic view of the Genkai Sea from the peak. On the way, we pass through a beautiful canyon, making for a varied hiking experience.

After hiking, we head to our accommodation for the night, Takeo Onsen. Takeo Onsen which has a history of over 1,300 years is famous for its soft, skin-friendly waters, and is often referred to as the "hot spring for beautiful skin".

TRAIL DATA

Distance: 5.5 km

Elevation gain: + 600 m / - 300 m

Time: 5-6 hrs

Enjoying traditional pottery town and a road trip to Sea.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a road trip in a private vehicle. Our first destination is Imari, known as a pottery town. Thirty Artisan pottery houses, dating back to the Edo period, have preserved traditional methods of production and passed them down to the present day. We’ll have the chance to experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship up close.

Afterward, we drive through Nagasaki to the south and board a ferry. After about a 30-minute ride, we'll arrive in Amakusa. Let’s relax and unwind from the long drive at Amakusa Shimoda Onsen, where we can enjoy views of the East China Sea right in front of us.

Exploring the history of Hidden Christians and Hike the island’s mountains. (Hiking day)

In the morning, we will visit the remaining catholic church in Sakitsu village. From the 17th to the 19th century, this village has a history of believers known as "Hidden Christians" who quietly continued their faith despite fearing severe oppression when Christianity was banned during this period. You get to learn Hidden Christianity’s history in Japan.

In the afternoon, we’ll go hiking on a popular mountain in the Amakusa Islands. While the elevation isn’t very high, the views are stunning. We can overlook the coastline of the many islands and, in the distance, see the landscape of Nagasaki, which we visited earlier. After hiking, we head to Kumamoto.

TRAIL DATA

Distance: 5.0 km

Elevation gain: + 430 m / - 430 m

Time: 3 hrs

Experience the incredible force of Volcano in Mt.Aso area. (Hiking day)

Depart your hotel by private vehicle and we head to Mt. Aso, located in Aso-Kuju National Park. Mt. Aso is an active volcano that continues to erupt. There is a vast caldera terrain.

We will hike one of the most popular mountains in the area. Due to its volcanic nature, the mountain has few trees, with only low-growing plants scattered here and there. As we hike up, we'll encounter rocks formed by lava, creating a rugged landscape. Once we reach the viewpoint, we can see the rising smoke from the crater and the world's largest caldera, truly experiencing a "living mountain".

Tonight, we stay at a ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen, renowned for its hot springs surrounded by lush green mountains.

TRAIL DATA

Distance: 5.0 km

Elevation gain: + 700 m / - 700 m

Time: 5-6 hrs

Climb the gem mountain in Kuju Mountain Range. (Hiking day)

Today, we hike in the Kuju Mountain Range. Once you come out of the forest and get onto the ridge, the view opens up all at once, and it's a scenic hike overlooking the Kuju Mountain Range, the highest mountain range in Kyushu. The summit offers a great 360 degree view.

We will stay at the same ryokan tonight. At Kurokawa Onsen, you are able to experience the open-air baths of surrounding ryokans too if you wish. Each ryokan has a different type of hot spring experience to offer.

TRAIL DATA

Distance: 9.0 km

Elevation gain: + 500 m / - 500 m

Time: 5 - 6 hrs

Travel through the original settings of Japanese creation myth. (Short walk)

After relaxing at Kurokawa Onsen, we head to Takachiho Town. Takachiho Town is an ancient town site that is believed to be the original setting for the story of '`the descent to earth of the grandson of the sun goddess’, the beginning of Japan's founding myth.
Ninigi no Mikoto descended from the land of the gods to Takachiho Town, leading to the founding of Japan.

In addition, myths related to Japan's nation-building have been passed down in Takachiho Town, and shrines dedicated to these gods still remain in the town. We will walk and explore beautiful valleys and historic shrines.

In the evening, enjoy Kagura at the Shrine in Takachiho. Kagura is a Shinto ritual ceremonial dance that refers to songs and dances performed by shrine maidens when worshiping the gods.

A hike on a local granite mountain hike. (Hiking day)

We enjoy a hike on a granite mountain that’s beloved by the locals. On the way, we'll come across a beautiful waterfall, and if we walk down to the base, we can feel the refreshing coolness. At the summit, the cliffs offer a lovely view of the town and the Pacific Ocean stretching out in the distance.

At night, head out to Nishitachi street, Miyazaki's largest entertainment district. Nishitachi street is lined with nearly 1,000 restaurants, serving delicious local food and drinks.

Visit the most photogenic shrines located in an ocean cave. (Short Walk)

Today, we will explore the beautiful coastline landscapes of Miyazaki. The first shrine we visit is located on a peninsula, built on an island that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean.

The second Shrine is a unique shrine located inside a cave on a cape that sticks out into the sea.The cape is surrounded by a series of strangely shaped rocks and the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean, making it a beautiful scenic spot. The contrast between the deep blue ocean, the vermilion of the shrine, and the green of the trees attract many visitors.

Afterwards, we drive to our final destination, Kirishima Onsen by private vehicle.

Summit Mt.Takachiho. (Hiking day)

We will go on a hike which will be the highlight of our trip. The mountain we hike is in Kirishima Kinkowan national park and is also formed by volcanic activities and after passing through a native forest, you will climb up a rough ridge with almost no vegetation.

Along the way, you can see the former crater, and from the top of the mountain, you can see the entire Kirishima area.

On the final night, we will stay at the same Hotel. Cheers to the end of this journey with great food and drinks.

TRAIL DATA

Distance: 5.0 km

Elevation gain: + 580 m / - 580 m

Time: 4 - 5 hrs