Kyushu: Land of Fire and Beauty
13 days - Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Beppu, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Osaka
Southwest of Honshu Island lies Kyushu, third largest of Japan's four main islands. The diverse natural environment here boasts numerous hot springs, scenic coastlines, a subtropical climate rich with agriculture, and huge caldera volcanos which give Kyushu the nickname "Land of Fire." The trip begins with arrival in Tokyo, Japan's modern capital city. While in Tokyo try your hand at making sushi and learn about this famous Japanese dish now popular the world over. After Tokyo continue to Hakone, famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and it's view of nearby Mt. Fuji. After an overnight stay, board a bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital containing a huge percentage of the country's national treasures. Highlights here include the Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji Temple and it's famous Zen rock garden, and a tea ceremony experience. The second week starts the Kyushu portion of your trip. Depart by bullet train for Osaka to visit Osaka Castle, then onwards by rail to Kyushu Island and Beppu City, home to Japan's most famous hot springs resorts. Visit the volcanic area of Mt. Aso, see the Volcano Museum, and ride a cable car high to still active Naka-dake Peak, arriving a short walk from the crater's edge. End the day in Kumamoto City, famous for unique local crafts and pottery. Next day depart for Unzen National Park; the panoramic peaks offer beautiful views in all seasons, from azaleas in May, brilliant foliage of the autumn maples, and frost in winter. Continue to Nagasaki, the historic port city that served as a gateway for foreign traders. A full-day tour of Nagasaki includes the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, Glover Mansion, and Oura Catholic Church. Later in the day depart by rail for Fukuoka, an important harbor city with a close proximity to the Asian mainland. The city's open air food stalls, yatai, are a great way to sample typical Japanese dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken), oden (hot pot), and delicious Hakata Ramen (noodles in soup). The tour concludes in Osaka, Japan's third largest city, known by foodies as the Japan's "food capital."
Private tour itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo. Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo. Full-day private tour of Tokyo visiting Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, and a sushi-making experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Tokyo. A free day in Tokyo to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 4: Hakone. Drive to Hakone. Visit Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Open Air Museum. Boat ride on Lake Ashi. Spend the night in Hakone. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Kyoto. Transfer to Odawara Station and board a bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival a private afternoon tour of Sanjusangendo Temple's Hall, Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Kyoto. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Kyoto. Full-day private tour of Kyoto visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Heian Shrine, and a Zen sitting meditation and tea ceremony experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 7: Kyoto. A free day in Kyoto to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 8: Beppu. Depart by bullet train for Osaka and visit Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori area. Afterwards continue to the southern island Kyushu by bullet and limited-express trains. Arrive in the hot springs area of Beppu and transfer to your hotel. (breakfast, box lunch).
Day 9: Kumamoto. Visit Beppu's Jigoku (boiling hells) and Mt. Aso's Volcano Museum and Ropeway (cable-car). Mt. Aso (Aso-san) is a volcano with the world's largest caldera. Afterwards continue to your hotel in Kumamoto. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 10: Nagasaki. Travel by ferry from Kumamoto to Shimabara in Nagasaki Prefecture. Visit Unzen National Park, consisting of volcanic mountains and the Amakusa Islands. Proceed to Nagasaki and transfer to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 11: Fukuoka. A full day of sightseeing in Nagasaki visiting Peace Memorial Museum & Park, Glover Garden, and Oura Catholic Church, the only western-style building declared a national treasure. Depart by bullet train for Hakata Station and transfer to your hotel. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 12: Osaka. Transfer to Hakata Station and board a bullet train to Osaka. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Osaka. (breakfast).
Day 13: Depart Japan. Transfer to Kansai International airport. (breakfast).

Meals: breakfast daily (12), and seven lunches.

Cost per person, double occupancy from $11,620.
Our deluxe Japan tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.