Join our 2026 Kyushu Autumn Tour (November 15 – November 21) with just 12 participants for a guided journey through Japan’s southern beauty. Discover vibrant autumn foliage, culture, and cuisine while visiting Aso Volcano, Takachiho Gorge, and more by private bus. Enjoy local meals and an immersive experience in nature, culture, and gastronomy.
Experience the vibrant colours of autumn as you soak in soothing hot-spring onsens, stay in charming Japanese inns, and savour some of the country’s tastiest regional cuisine. Surrounded by scenic beauty, you’ll explore bubbling volcanoes, ancient castles, and timeless traditions that capture the spirit of Japan.
Unwind in natural hot-spring onsens and stay in cozy Japanese inns, where hospitality and heritage blend into a truly relaxing experience.
Savour Kyushu’s rich culinary heritage with handpicked meals that celebrate local ingredients and the vibrant tastes of autumn.
Welcome to Fukuoka! On your first day, enjoy a relaxed, self-guided experience. After arriving, check into the hotel we’ve booked for you in the vibrant Tenjin area. This bustling district is perfect for exploring at your own pace. Wander around, visit local shops, savor Fukuoka’s renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s charming mix of traditional and contemporary vibes. It’s an ideal beginning to your adventure with Kyushu Journeys.
Your day begins with a taste of Japan’s autumn harvest at a local Fukuoka orchard, where you will enjoy picking sweet, crisp persimmons. From there, travel back in time to the historic district of Mameda Machi in Hita. Amidst preserved Edo-period buildings, you will visit a unique establishment that blends the culinary arts of soy sauce and miso making with a stunning exhibition of traditional Hina dolls, offering a rich glimpse into local heritage.
Continue your cultural immersion at an esteemed saké brewery, where you can view historic tools, learn about traditional brewing methods, and enjoy a tasting of complex local flavors. The day concludes at a distinguished riverside hotel known for its exceptional hospitality. Here, you will unwind in a serene setting and enjoy a dinner crafted with local ingredients, ensuring you are well-rested for the adventures ahead.
Day two offers a visual feast of Kyushu’s spectacular autumn scenery. You will journey through vibrant landscapes of red and gold, stopping at a tranquil Japanese garden where nature and artistry meet. The route leads to a legendary hand-carved tunnel from the 18th century—a marvel of determination hewn from solid rock by a Buddhist monk—offering a profound connection to the region’s history and dramatic terrain.
Upon arriving in Beppu, you will explore the famous “Hells of Beppu,” specifically the striking turquoise waters of “Umi Jigoku” (Sea Hell). While these thermal pools are for viewing only, you can relax with a soothing foot bath amidst the steam. The day concludes with an exquisite sushi dinner celebrating Beppu’s renowned seafood, followed by a stay at a comfortable city hotel where you can unwind in a rejuvenating natural onsen.
Your day opens with a reflective visit to a tranquil temple housing a magnificent 8-meter Buddha carved over 800 years ago. From there, history comes alive at the ruins of a 12th-century castle, where ancient stone walls tell tales of Japan’s feudal past. The journey then shifts to the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge, a natural wonder of sheer cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can admire the majestic Manai Waterfall and stunning autumn foliage from scenic walking trails.
After a dinner featuring local countryside fare, the evening promises a magical cultural experience at a historic shrine near your hotel. You will witness the enchanting Kagura dance, a tradition with over 1,200 years of history. This performance uniquely blends Shinto mythology with comedic storytelling, using rhythmic music and colorful costumes to create an entertaining and memorable finale to your day.
Early risers can start the day with the magical “sea of clouds” phenomenon, witnessing a dreamlike vista where clouds blanket the valleys below. After breakfast, immerse yourself in Japanese mythology at the serene site where the Sun Goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden. A picturesque riverside stroll leads you to this sacred cave and riverbed, often adorned with stone stacks left as prayers by visitors.
The journey continues into the Aso-Kuju National Park, stopping first at the lush grasslands of Kusasenri to view grazing cattle against a backdrop of volcanic peaks. Conditions permitting, you will then ascend to the rim of Mount Aso to peer into its active, smoking crater—a dramatic, lunar-like landscape that highlights the earth’s raw power. Your day concludes at a traditional ryokan, where you will unwind in therapeutic onsen baths and indulge in an exquisite multi-course Kaiseki dinner.
On your final day, you will explore two of Kyushu’s most iconic cultural sites, beginning with the formidable Kumamoto Castle. As a symbol of Japan’s samurai legacy and architectural prowess, the castle offers a look into the feudal past with its imposing stone walls and meticulously restored keep. Following this, you will find respite in a renowned Japanese garden (Suizenji Jojuen), famous for its miniature representation of Mount Fuji. Here, you can admire the spring-fed pond filled with carp and enjoy authentic matcha tea, relaxing in a setting once favored by feudal lords.
The tour concludes as you return to Fukuoka, checking into a hotel conveniently located near the city’s best shopping and dining districts. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure; whether you choose to explore the vibrant streets, try the famous Yatai food stalls, or enjoy a farewell dinner with new friends, you can soak in the city’s dynamic energy at your own pace before heading home.
This price is based on double / twin sharing. For a single traveler staying in a room alone the additional charge is ¥155,000. For triple sharing price, contact us for details.
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You will stay in a mix of clean and comfortable city hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan inns with onsen baths. In the city hotels you will be sleeping in western beds. In the Japanese ryokan inns you will be sleeping in a mix of western beds and traditional Japanese-style futonbeds on tatami mat flooring.
Your trip planner is a passionate foodie. She has carefully selected every eatery to highlight the quality cuisine that Kyushu is so famous for throughout Japan. If you have any dietary restrictions please ask us about alternatives available before booking your tour.
A comfortable private bus.
We love small group intimate travel. Maximum participants will be 12 people.
Definitely yes! You will be travelling by private bus and accompanied at all times by an English-speaking tour leader. There are no long hikes on this tour but of course you will need to walk around various attractions. There will be some non-paved paths and steps to climb (especially in shrines or temples). It will be no problem if you prefer to skip any activity and wait for the group on the bus or in a seated area.
This tour has been commissioned by Walking Wise Tours & Travel (UK) after extensive discussion of the itinerary with ourselves (Kyushu Journeys). It is based on our recommendations and we will operate and manage all aspects of the tour here in Japan.
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