Kyushu, the Southern Shima
- A Secret Retreats journey -
Emi shares her time between Kyoto and Hakone but she opens some of her recommendations to explore the southern island of Japan – Kyushu – and make this journey a discovery of the essence of Kyushu Shima.
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- Yakushima Island
- Sea Turtle Beach Tour
- Takachiho Gorge
- Beppu
- Mount Aso
Travel to the furthest largest main island south of Japan, a place where the air is warmer and the weather allows the lush vegetation to bloom. Hike through the woods and the beautiful natural wonders of the southern main island. Reach the top of peaks and uncover ancient volcanic craters whilst surrounded by mountains of green. Enjoy the seaside and whilst also getting the chance to dip into an onsen. Take a boat down a gorge to watch as the sun rays shine on a waterfall and walk along the beach at night to watch as turtles enter the ocean. Enjoy the tastes of southern Japan, as you travel across rice fields and sit on trains. Visit ancient shrines, temples and immerse yourself in Japanese contemporary art museums. This journey is perfect for people who love peace, quiet and nature as you will find yourself in the cutest little towns in Southern Japan surrounded by beautiful wilderness
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 4,250 USD /person for 13 Days/12 Nights
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
Day 1 : Tokyo/Osaka - Kagoshima (-/-/-)
From Tokyo or Osaka, there will be no transfer service arranged so you will have to make your way to the train station to catch your train to Kagoshima. Upon taking the train, you will arrive at Kagoshima Central. You can head to the Richmond Hotel which is located near the pier where you will be taking the high speed boat to Yakushima Island. If you are feeling energetic and lively after the long travel you may choose to explore Sakurajima, and the Tenmonkan Arcade Street.
HOTEL: Richmond Hotel Kagoshima-Kinseicho
Day 2 : Kagoshima - Yakushima (B/-/D)
Wake up to have some breakfast in the morning before checking out to catch the ferry to Yakushima that we will have already booked for you. You will arrive on the island of Yakushima around late midday, and then head to your hotel Yakushima-Sanso, where you will be staying for four nights. Breakfast and dinner will be prepared for your stay as there aren’t many options to eat on the island as the night comes. The hotel is conveniently located next to many trekking spots that you use to explore the natural wonders of the island and the pier is also located nearby. You can ask the staff about places you can enjoy a nice lunch during your days on the island. There is also a car rental on the island next to the island’s airport.
HOTEL: Yakushima-Sanso
Day 3 : Yakushima (B/-/D)
Today you will have a full day tour of Jomon Sugi National park where you will be picked up by your guide at four in the morning and you will be dropped off back at the hotel around the late afternoon. You will get to explore the wilderness for the whole day and have a splendid time uncovering what the lush vegetation of the islands hide. After a full day or venturing, relax for the night at the hotel.
HOTEL: Yakushima-Sanso
Day 4 : Yakushima (B/-/D)
Enjoy an early breakfast, and a guide will pick you up at seven in the morning to explore another park on the east of the island called Shiratani. Your guide and tour will end around midday. Whilst on your day out with the guide or after you can go and visit the Yakusugi Museum, the Monolith of Takinokawa, Yokomine Jomon Ruins, Ushidoki Pilgrimage Place, Nita Hayasaki Mine Ruins, Yakushima Macaques, Crabs, Tago Frogs, ChiChiro Falls, Toroki Falls Observatory, The Heaven Pillar stone, The Yakushima Fruit Garden or the Banyan Tree in Sarukawa.
HOTEL: Yakushima-Sanso
Day 5 : Yakushima (B/-/D)
On this day, you will can relax and have some breakfast. You will have the day to yourself, to do as your please. After having your dinner, you will need to drive to Inakahama for the Sea Turtle Watching Tour. Please promptly be there around eight in the evening. There will be no buses or taxi services after that hour so you will need to take your car. Please keep in mind that this tour is provided by the local government and the tour is given in Japanese. The tour will end around ten and then you are free to go back to your hotel.
HOTEL: Yakushima-Sanso
Day 6 : Yakushima – Kagoshima - Takachiho (B/-/-)
Enjoy your last breakfast on the island before checking out and heading to the port to catch your boat back to the main port. Once you have docked at the port in Kagoshima, take a taxi to Kagoshima train station where you will catch trains through various stations to arrive at Nobeoka Station. After arriving, head to the bus station and take the bus to Takachiho. Once dropped off at the bus station, walk over to your hotel, Solest Takachiho. Relax for the rest of the evening after a long day of travel.
HOTEL: Solest Takachiho Hotel
Day 7 : Takachiho (B/-/-)
Have some breakfast in the morning and you will notice that your hotel is next to the beautiful Takachiho Gorge. There will be no guide today, but don’t let that stop you from exploring the magnificent area. You can choose to rent a boat and watch the waterfalls as the sun beams shine down the gorge. Walk onto the Sound Valley Suspension Bridge and take in the breathtaking views. You also visit the Takachiho Amateras Railway to take the open-air train ride across the Takschio Iron Bridge. Head outside of town a little bit and visit the Odo Kuchi Rice Terraces to walk amongst all the rice paddies. Once you have explored and hit all the hot spots, head back and relax at the hotel.
HOTEL: Solest Takachiho Hotel
Day 8 : Takachiho – Beppu (B/-/D)
Enjoy your breakfast before checking out to catch the bus to the Nobeoka Station to catch the train to Beppu. Once arrived in Beppu you will get to your hotel called Beppu Nagomizuki where dinner and breakfast is served daily since there are not many options in this rural area. After arriving you have the day to yourself, to do as you please in this beautiful peaceful seaside town.
HOTEL: Nagomizuki
Day 9 : Beppu (B/-/D)
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your own pace. Today and tomorrow you will have the freedom to explore without a guide. In the Beppu area today, you can choose to check out the Yunohana Collection Hut where there are huts designed and constructed unique to Yunohana. You can boil some eggs and enjoy some hot springs. You climb onto the Yukemuri Observation Deck and enjoy the view of the city as steam from the city filled with hot springs has steam rising out across its cityscape. Visit the tours of the Hells of Beppu Tour of the Seven Hells where you can see different hot springs pools with different themes to collect stamps. You can even get to the peak of Mount Tsurumi via the Beppu Ropeway Cable Car where you will be able to see the view of all Northern-Eastern Kyushu Island. On the way back you can visit the local Beppu Station Market to check out all the local goods it has to offer. After a long day you can head back to the hotel and relax.
HOTEL: Nagomizuki
Day 10 : Beppu (B/-/D)
The next day you can grab some breakfast and then hop on a bus to the next town over the mountain called Yufuinchio Kawakami to visit Kinrinko Lake, where you can also visit a the Tenso Shrine on the lake. There is also a contemporary art museum called Comico Art Museum Yufuin. Trick 3D Art Yuifin and Yufuin Showa Museum are filled with interactive exhibits in town. Head out and explore the cute Yufuin Floral Village filled with stone cottages and flowers. Whilst there you can also check out the Retro Motor Museum, if you like to check out old cars and vehicles. After uncovering all the things Yuirin has to offer, hop back on the bus back to Beppu to rest and eat dinner back at your hotel.
HOTEL: Nagomizuki
Day 11 : Beppu - Aso (B/-/D)
This morning you will have some breakfast before checking out to catch the train to Aso. In Aso, you will stay at the Sozankyo Ryokan where you will have the luxury of bathing in your very own onsen. This place is a very traditional historical Ryokan where many famous Japanese Poets have come to stay. The dinner served here is highly sought after, in the evening you will have dinner at the Ryokan to enjoy the delicious cuisine. During the day you are free to do as you like and explore as you please.
HOTEL: Sozankyou
Day 12 : Aso (B/-/-)
On your second day in Aso, enjoy your morning breakfast at your own speed. Today you will explore Aso at your own pace since there will be no guide provided. We recommend you to go visit the Aso Shrine, where the city has celebrated its rituals and festivals for over two thousand years. Take a chance to go around Mount Aso and visit the Aso Nakadake Crater where you can witness an active geological crater. Just around the area, you can go up and to the Kusasenri Observatory where you can witness the mountain range and the whole lush green valley. After that, you can go visit the Volcano Museum and learn about the geological significance of the area. You can wish to explore further around the area as you like. After a long day head back and relax at the hotel.
HOTEL: Sozankyou
Day 13 : Aso – Tokyo/Osaka (B/-/-)
After your final night stay in Aso, wake up and have some breakfast before checking out to catch the trains to head back to Tokyo or Osaka from the local Aso Train station so that you can get to the airport to get to your flight back home.
**** End of our services ****
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Richmond Hotel Kagoshima
Yakushima-Sanso
Solest Takachiho Hotel
Sozankyou
Kyushu, the Southern Shima
13 Days/12 Nights
from 4,250 USD /person
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
The total price includes:
All Accommodation for 12 nights
Meals as indicated (B= breakfast / L = Lunch / D= Dinner)
4 days car rental fee in Yakushima + basic insurance
Guided tours for Jyomonsugi (full day tour) and Shiratni (half day tour)
Evening Sea Turtle tour fee
Transportation fee +Bullet train fee into the IC card
Trekking Tour Insurance in Yakushima
Government taxes as currently in force.
The total price does not include:
International flights to and from /to Tokyo or Osaka
The meals not mentioned in the program
The activities outside the guided tours
Accommodation City tax (to be paid at the hotel directly 150 to 300 JPY/day/person)
Travel insurance of any kind (recommended)
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Travel for New Zipang (License N°Tokyo 3-8041)
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