A Culinary Journey Through Kyushu
This tour immerses you in Kyushu’s culinary scene, from Fukuoka’s yatai stalls to regional specialties and hands-on dining. Each meal highlights local traditions and stories, guided by a passionate foodie. The curated itinerary offers exclusive access to unforgettable meals beyond typical tourist options.
Kyushu for Food Lovers: Local Flavors, Hidden Gems, Expert Guide
Local Cuisine
Eat as the locals do and experience an authentic taste of Kyushu.
Comfort and Ease
We plan the itinerary so you can enjoys the trip. Rest easy in modern and traditional accommodations.
Foodie Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Free & Easy in Fukuoka
Arrive in Fukuoka by flight or train and make your way to the tour hotel in the city. This is a Free and Easy, unguided day to relax, explore at your own pace, and get ready for your Kyushu culinary adventure!
Day 2: Traditional Tastes & Autumn Scenery
Begin your journey with a hands-on yuzu kosho making experience, a spicy citrus condiment originating from Kyushu. Enjoy a countryside lunch, sake tasting at a local brewery, and, if timing allows, vibrant autumn colors in the castle town of Akizuki. The day ends in Kurume, birthplace of Japan’s yakitori culture, where you’ll experience the city’s rich and comforting food traditions.
Day 3: Artisan Vinegars & Local Flavours
Take a guided tour of a traditional vinegar brewery and try your hand at making fruit vinegar using time-honoured techniques. Enjoy a vinegar-inspired lunch, followed by a seasonal visit to a local tangerine orchard or farm stand. In the evening, savour a multi-course dinner that showcases Kyushu’s rich culinary traditions.
Day 4: Fermentation & Onigiri Crafting
Head to Hitoyoshi for a visit to a traditional miso and soy sauce brewery, where you’ll explore time-honoured fermentation techniques and savour rich, umami flavours. Join a hands-on session to grill your own yaki onigiri with a local cook, then enjoy a comforting dinner featuring Kagoshima’s famed black pork at a historic restaurant.
Day 5: Sushi, Tea & Onsen Luxury
Try your hand at sushi-making with guidance from expert instructors, then enjoy a tranquil green tea experience that highlights Japan’s mindful culinary traditions. In the evening, savour a seasonal dinner at your ryokan before unwinding in the hotel’s natural onsen.
Day 6: Bonito, Bullet Trains & Bento
Visit a traditional katsuobushi workshop and try your hand at shaving bonito flakes—the foundation of Japanese umami. After a hands-on lunch built around your creations, return to Kagoshima for shopping and a self-selected eki-ben before boarding the Shinkansen back to Fukuoka. Enjoy your final evening however you please, or head to a riverside yatai for a classic local bite.
Departure Day: Sayonara Kyushu
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. The tour may be over, but the memories (and flavours!) will stay with you. Thank you for joining us on this Kyushu food journey.
Need help with an airport taxi or post-tour plans? Just let us know; we’re happy to assist.
Tour Pricing
¥447,000 per person
November 30 – December 6, 2025
Limited Space – 12 Participants Max
Request your free Food Tour 2025 itinerary
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Explore Our Gallery
A sample of the local tastes you might try on this tour.
FAQs
What kind of food can I expect on the tour?
This tour doesn’t focus on expensive ‘gourmet’ restaurants or celebrity chefs. You can find those places on your own using Trip Advisor. Instead you’ll get the chance to eat like the locals eat. Each restaurant on this tour has been carefully chosen to highlight the tastiest Kyushu cuisine using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients wherever possible. You’ll explore a wide variety of local dishes. What they all have in common is a fierce pride in the manner they are prepared and served. If you have any dietary restriction please ask us about alternatives before booking your tour.
What kind of accommodation will I stay in?
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.
How will I travel around?
A comfortable private bus.
How many people can join?
We love small group intimate travel. Maximum participants will be 12 pax.
Is this trip suitable for seniors?
Toggle ContentDefinitely 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.
Who runs this tour?
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.
Here’s what guests say about Kyushu Journeys’ tours…
See what our travelers say about their unforgettable journeys with us.
Prefer something more seasonal?
Spring Tour
Autumn Tour
Prefer a private tour? See below!
Family & Friends Private Tour
Kyushu Road Trip
