Experience Kyushu's Autumn in all its Glory

Autumn Tour 2026 is here! Get in touch for more information!

Join our Kyushu Autumn Tour 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.

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Orange and red autumn leaves along a mountain scenic trail

Vibrant Foliage, Hot Springs, Traditional Inns, and Unforgettable Cuisine

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.

Soak in Tradition

Unwind in natural hot-spring onsens and stay in cozy Japanese inns, where hospitality and heritage blend into a truly relaxing experience.

Flavours of the Season

Savour Kyushu’s rich culinary heritage with handpicked meals that celebrate local ingredients and the vibrant tastes of autumn.

Enjoying the autumn leaves at Yabeki Gorge in Oita
Photo by Kyushu Journeys

Autumn Tour Itinerary

Your tour begins with your arrival at Fukuoka Airport. After clearing customs, you have the option to make your own way to your centrally booked hotel in Fukuoka, or you can request our assistance with a private transfer.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering a free and easy opportunity to settle in or explore. For your evening, we recommend diving straight into Fukuoka’s famous culinary scene:
 
  • Visit Nakasu Island: Experience the city’s iconic open-air food stalls, called Yatai, for unique, affordable street food like Hakata ramen or skewers.
  • Explore Canal City Hakata: This massive shopping and entertainment complex is perfect for browsing local goods and enjoying a meal.
  • Starting Point: Fukuoka Airport (Arrival)
  • Stops: None
  • Ending Point: Hotel in Fukuoka
Checking out of your Fukuoka hotel, your journey into the Kyushu countryside begins. The morning includes a stop in the Kurume/Ukiha area for lunch and a break. Depending on the season’s schedule, this stop may feature a visit for persimmon picking, or a suitable alternative local activity. The afternoon is dedicated to art, as you visit the Koishiwara-yaki Pottery Village. Here, you will visit a local kiln to see the traditional kilns and enjoy a Japanese tea service. The day concludes with check-in at a mountain accommodation in the Hikosan area.
  • Starting Point: Hotel in Fukuoka (Check-out)
  • Stops: Kurume/Ukiha Area (Lunch/Activity), Koishiwara-yaki Pottery Village
  • Ending Point: Accommodation in the Hikosan area
Start the day by immersing yourself in the beautiful fall foliage (kōyō) surrounding the Hikosan area. The route continues east to the Chikujō Town area where you will participate in a hands-on soba-making experience, creating your own noodles which you will then enjoy for lunch. You will then check in to your hotel near the coast of Oita Prefecture.
  • Starting Point: Accommodation in the Hikosan area (Check-out)
  • Stops: Hikosan Area (Autumn Leaves), Chikujō Town Area (Soba-making and Lunch)
  • Ending Point: Hotel in the Oita area
After checking out of your hotel, the morning is spent exploring the historical charm of Kitsuki Old Town, a beautifully preserved area known for its traditional samurai residences. Next, you will visit Kumanomagaibutsu on the Kunisaki Peninsula, a profound spiritual stop where massive, awe-inspiring Buddhist figures are carved directly into the sheer cliff face, standing as powerful ancient monuments. Your destination for the evening is the city of Hita, often called ‘Little Kyoto,’ where you will check in to a local hotel.
  • Starting Point: Hotel in the Oita area (Check-out)
  • Stops: Kitsuki Old Town, Kumanomagaibutsu
  • Ending Point: Hotel in Hita
Leaving Hita behind, the day involves a scenic journey to your premier hot spring destination. Approximately halfway through the drive, you will make a stop at the Daikōzenji Temple area, a renowned spot for stunning autumn leaves viewing. This serves as a perfect break and photo opportunity before continuing your route. The tour culminates in the famous Ureshino Onsen, where you will check in to a high-quality traditional inn (Ryokan) for your final evening.The evening is dedicated to relaxation. For those who enjoy it, a soothing soak in the inn’s hot spring baths is the perfect way to unwind. Afterward, experience an exquisite Kaiseki dinner. This traditional, multi-course meal is a feast for the senses, showcasing the season’s finest ingredients through artful presentation and subtle, sophisticated flavors. It is the perfect culinary conclusion to your Kyushu adventure.
  • Starting Point: Hotel in Hita (Check-out)
  • Stops: Daikōzenji Temple Area (Fall Foliage/Break)
  • Ending Point: Traditional inn (Ryokan) in Ureshino Onsen
Your journey continues with a final taste of Kyushu’s artistry and culture. After checking out of your Ureshino Onsen inn, the day begins with a visit to the Higashi Sonogi area. This region is renowned for its traditional crafts, picturesque rice terraces, and thriving green tea plantations.You will experience one of these local specialties firsthand: either a hands-on experience creating your own piece of local pottery or a calming ceremony where you learn to brew and savor local green tea. Following the activity and a delicious lunch, you will be transferred back to Fukuoka for check-in to your final hotel, where you will spend the night.
  • Starting Point: Traditional inn (Ryokan) in Ureshino Onsen (Check-out)
  • Stops: Higashi Sonogi Area (Pottery Making or Tea Experience/Lunch)
  • Ending Point: Hotel in Fukuoka (Check-in)

Autumn Wonders:
A 7-Day Kyushu Journey

Kyushu starts and ends in the convenient transportation hub of Fukuoka City. Travelers should plan their arrival and departure through Fukuoka Airport (FUK) or the main railway station, Hakata Station, both of which offer excellent access to the city center. The tour is perfectly timed to capture the vibrant fall foliage, experience unique local crafts, and unwind in luxurious hot springs.

  • November 20 - November 26, 2026
  • 12 Pax Max!
  • Price TBD
Group tour enjoying a lovely dinner
Authentic Culinary Experiences
Savor the flavors of Kyushu with included meals featuring local specialties and fresh ingredients. Experience the region's rich culinary heritage.
Comfortable Japanese style accommodation in Kumamoto
Comfortable Accommodations
Relax in carefully selected accommodations that reflect the local culture and provide a comfortable base for your Kyushu adventure. Enjoy a traditional Ryokan and modern hotels.
Tour bus preparing to depart on a rainy day
Hassle-Free Transportation
Travel in comfort and style with our included transportation, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey throughout Kyushu. Relax and enjoy the scenery.

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FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about our Autumn Group tour. If you don't see your question here, feel free to ask us!
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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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Kyushu Journeys aims to encourage travellers to visit our beloved island of Kyushu. We want to help you escape the tourist trail and find the real Japan. We’re Kyushu’s biggest fans and we love to share what we know.
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