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: Flavours, Crafts & Local Life in Kurume
Begin your journey in Kurume for a meaningful visit to pray for success, followed by a sweet start enjoying freshly made mochi rice cakes. Savor an iconic ramen lunch in the very birthplace of Japan’s beloved noodle dish, then head to a local farm to pick the region’s prized Hakata Amaou strawberries. In the afternoon, explore the rich artistry of a traditional lacquerware workshop, gaining insight into this centuries-old craft. As evening falls, settle into Kurume—often called the “common man’s food capital of Japan”—and experience its authentic culinary scene with a casual yakitori dinner alongside the locals.
Day 2: A Taste of Tradition in the Heart of Kyushu
Day two is a rich immersion into the flavors and traditions of rural Kyushu. Begin with a private tour and tasting at a 200-year-old saké brewery, learning about time-honored brewing methods passed down through generations. Continue to a scenic green tea plantation, where you’ll take part in a hands-on brewing and tasting workshop guided by a certified Green Tea Master. Enjoy a warm, rustic lunch prepared by a local grandma and paired with fresh, organic tea. In the evening, unwind at a traditional Japanese inn in the peaceful hot-spring town of Tsuetate Onsen. Soak in healing natural baths before sitting down to an exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinner, lovingly crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients.
Day 3: Nature, Nourishment & Hot Spring Bliss in Beppu
Experience the natural charm and culinary delights of Kyushu on a day that blends relaxation with discovery. Start with a fun local tradition—steaming your own egg in geothermal onsen heat—then take a peaceful stroll through an enchanting forest before quenching your thirst at a pristine natural mountain spring. Enjoy a wholesome lunch of freshly handmade tofu, followed by a taste of Japan’s fizziest natural mineral spring water, long valued for its health benefits. Arrive in Beppu, Kyushu’s beloved hot-spring town, and settle into your accommodation before an unforgettable evening of exceptional sushi, complete with stories and insights from a master sushi chef. For those who wish, the night can end with a soothing soak in one of Beppu’s many atmospheric onsen baths.
Day 4: Coastal Culture & Sacred Mountain Flavours on the Kunisaki Peninsula
Begin the day with a scenic boat ride to a traditional fishing port, where you’ll witness the lively action of a local fish market auction and enjoy an ultra-fresh seafood breakfast straight from the morning’s catch. Head into the forest to pick your own shiitake mushrooms at a natural farm, followed by a stop at a local “Michi no Eki” roadside station to browse and shop for seasonal produce and regional specialties. In the afternoon, check in to an exceptional ryokan inn nestled in the Kunisaki countryside, where natural hot-spring baths await. The cultural highlight of the day is a private tour of a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple, personally guided by the head monk. In the evening, sit down to a memorable kaiseki dinner showcasing handmade mountain soba noodles and premium local Wagyu beef.
Day 5: Mindfulness, Flavours & City Lights in Fukuoka
Begin the day with an optional Zen meditation and chanting session at a local temple, offering a peaceful start steeped in tradition. Then journey to a charming old-style town for a private walking tour, with the opportunity to shop for miso and soy sauce crafted using time-honored methods. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the region’s signature dish—BBQ grilled eel—before returning to Fukuoka city. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace: explore the city’s vibrant dining scene, browse its stylish shops, take a relaxing riverside stroll, or dive into the local nightlife.
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.
Prefer something more seasonal?
Spring Tour
Autumn Tour
Prefer a private tour? See below!
Family & Friends Private Tour
Kyushu Road Trip
