Singapore time is 1 hr behind Japan time.
The flight time of S’pore to Fukuoka is 5 hr 50mins
• We take off on SQ656 at 1.20am Singapore Time
• We will land at Fukuoka at approximately 8.15am – 8.25am
• Once landed at Fukuoka, we go for breakfast nearby Higashi-Hie Station area
• Check-in time of Japanese Hotels is mostly at 3pm, after breakfast we go to nearby places

Day 1 – Fukuoka City

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2 – Beppu

 

 

 

 

Day 3 – Beppu – Hells of Beppu

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4 – Takachiho Gorge / Miyazaki

 

 

 

 

Day 5 – Udo Jingu Temple / Kaeda Valley

 

 

Day 6 – Sengan-en Garden / Kagoshima

 

 

 

 

 

Day 7 – Ferry to Sakurajima Island / Shiroyama Park / Kagoshima

 

 

 

Day 8 – Ureshino Onsen

 

 

Day 9 – Yanagawa / River Cruise

 

Day 10 – Shopping at Fukuoka

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japan historic Periods and timelines

Kyushu relics are primarily traced back to the Yayoi period (c. 300 BC – 300 AD), as the island served as the initial gateway for rice cultivation, metallurgy, and continental influences from Korea. While inhabitation existed as early as the Jōmon period, the most significant archaeological, agricultural, and structured society remains—such as the Yoshinogari ruins—are from the Yayoi era.
Key Periods for Kyushu Relics:
Yayoi Period (c. 300 BC – 300 AD): The “cradle of civilization” era where Kyushu became the center of rice cultivation, moated settlements, and bronze/iron technology introduction.
Kofun Period (c. 300 AD – 538 AD): The era of large, keyhole-shaped burial mounds (tumuli) and rich grave goods, indicating the rise of local ruling families and the Yamato state’s influence.
Final/Late Jōmon Period (c. 900 BC – 300 BC): While Jōmon culture was widespread, the Final Jōmon phase in northern Kyushu saw the earliest, transitional, Korean-type settlements.

Significant Finds:
Yoshinogari Ruins (Saga): The largest excavated Yayoi-period moated settlement in Japan.
Okinoshima Island (Fukuoka): Votive offerings from the 4th to 9th centuries (Kofun to Nara periods).
Bronze and Iron Tools: Artifacts showing early continental contact in northern Kyushu.

 

As of early 2026, the ruling coalition in Japan is led by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), currently under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which formed a coalition with Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) (JIP) last October.
Following losses in 2025, the coalition is fighting to regain a solid majority in the 465-seat House of Representatives in the February 8, 2026, election.
Key details regarding Japan’s ruling parties:
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): The dominant party in power for most of the post-war era, advocating for “responsible yet aggressive” fiscal policies, a “strong economy,” and increased defense spending.
Nippon Ishin (JIP): A conservative party that joined the LDP in a coalition government formed in October 2025.
Coalition Goals: The LDP-Ishin coalition is aiming for a majority in the House of Representatives amid high inflation and the need to address economic stagnation, with Prime Minister Takaichi staking her position on winning a majority.
Policy Focus: The ruling coalition has focused on economic measures like a “two-year zero consumption tax” on food/beverages and initiatives to handle overtourism, including increasing international tourist taxes.
Challenges: The coalition faces pressure from a major political funding scandal and the fallout from the previous administration, which resulted in the loss of their majority in the upper house.

Map showing Kyushu on Map of Japan

Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest main island, has a population around 12.5 to 14.3 million, with recent estimates (2024) around 12.77 million, though it’s declining overall due to aging, with Fukuoka prefecture being the most populous and growing, while some areas see migration gains despite natural decline. Key prefectures include Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima, with Fukuoka being the largest city and economic hub.

 

Flowers in Kyushu during Autumn

In September in Kyushu, you’ll find late-summer blooms transitioning into autumn favorites like vibrant Cosmos (pink, white, yellow), fragrant Osmanthus (Kinmokusei), ornamental Salvia, colorful Dahlias, and the classic autumn Red Spider Lily (Higanbana), often seen alongside shimmering Susuki (Pampas Grass), especially at large parks like Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka and Kuju Flower Park in Oita.
Osmanthus
Dahlias
Salvia
Red Spider
Susuki
Lily
Pampas Grass

 

Kaki-shibu soap uses juice extracted from unripe persimmons (kaki) rich in tannins, traditionally used in Japan to neutralize body odors (including age-related nonenal compounds) and cleanse deeply.
You can easily find kaki-shibu soaps across Kyushu at local drugstores (like Sundrug, Matsumoto Kiyoshi), lifestyle shops, or large supermarkets. If you are shopping online or from Singapore, platforms like Shopee Singapore stock imported Japanese brands like Kumano Cosmetics Medicated Kaki Shibu Soap. [1]

 

FUKUOKA
Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県, Fukuoka-ken) is by far the most populous prefecture on the island of Kyushu, and home to the island’s two largest cities, Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. One of its most famous tourist attractions is Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu.

Experience a QUIET JAPAN 🇯🇵 10 things you MUST DO in FUKUOKA Itinerary 🇯🇵 |

 

2.00pm : Fukuoka – Hotel Resol Trinity Hakata
Japan, 〒810-0801 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Nakasu, 4 Chome−4−10 ホテルリソル博多 1F
Phone: +81 92-282-9269

Top-Floor Public Bath: A, quiet, relaxing, and highly rated Japanese-style public hot bath (onsen) is located on the top floor.

6.00pm : Fukuoka Nakasu Street food and 1 SEPT (TUES.) Riverbank

7.00pm : Ohori Park 1 SEPT (Tues)
To get from Hotel Resol Trinity Hakata to Ohori Park via public transport, the best way is to take the subway: walk to Nakasu-Kawabata Station, take the Kuko Line (Airport Line) towards Meinohama, get off at Ohorikoen Station, and it’s a short walk to the park. This direct subway trip takes about 10-12 minutes and costs around ¥230-¥260.
IC Card: Get a Fukuoka City Subway IC card (like Sugoca, Nimoca, Hayakaken) for easy payment on subways and buses.
Frequency: Trains run frequently, roughly every 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide:
Walk to Nakasu-Kawabata Station: Hotel Resol Trinity is very close to this station, making it convenient.
Board the Kuko Line (Airport Line): Look for trains heading towards Meinohama (the airport side).
Ride to Ohorikoen Station: The ride is direct and takes about 8-10 minutes.
Exit and Walk: Follow the signs from Ohorikoen Station to Ohori Park, which is just a few minutes away.

ACCESS : Hotel Resol Trinity Hakata nearest metro station?
The nearest metro station to Hotel Resol Trinity Hakata is Nakasu-Kawabata Station, just a 1- to 3-minute walk away, making it extremely convenient for accessing the city and Fukuoka Airport via the subway.

BEPPU
Oita Prefecture (大分県, Ōita-ken) is located on the eastern coast of Kyushu. The prefectural capital is Oita City. The prefecture is famous for its large amount of hot spring waters and popular hot spring resorts, Beppu including and Yufuin.

11.00am : Yufuin Station
Yufuin Station is a passenger railway station located in Yufu, Ōita Prefecture

12.00pm Lunch at YuFu Ya 2 SEPT (WED.)
和牛専門店 YUFUYA is a highly-rated A4-A5 Wagyu beef restaurant located near Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture, Japan.
Menu : All Beef dishes!!

11.00 am Yufugawa canyon

3.00pm : ACCESS : Beppu Grand Mercure Resort Hotel Shuttle bus service[From JR Beppu Station to Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa] ・15:30 ・17:30
・JR Beppu Station East Exit, business hotel stops in front of Yashimae.[From JR Kamegawa Station to Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa] ・16:30 (operation from May 1, 2025)
・We will stop at the JR Kamegawa Station East Exit, Rotary.[From Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa to JR Yokoku Station] ・8:30
・It is connected to a bus via Harmony Land at the JR Yokoku Station bus stop at 9:10.
From Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa to JR Beppu Station
・9：30・11:00
The hotel’s free shuttle bus will be “complete reservation system” from Beppu Station on January 5, 2026 (afternoon).
Please make a reservation by yourself from the dedicated Internet reservation site of our hotel.
Please note that we do not accept reservations by telephone.
SHUTTLE RESERVATION : https://grand-mercure-beppubay-resortandspa.jp/en/access/

4.00pm : Beppu – Grand Mercure Beppu
2 SEPT (WED.)
1825, Hiramichi Irie, Hiramichi, Hiji, Hayami Gun, Oita 879-1508, Japan
Features Hiji hot spring (open-air and indoor baths), a seasonal outdoor ocean-view pool, and a sauna.

 

6.00pm : Dinner at Grandvrio Hotel Beppuwan Wakura 2 SEPT (WED.)
Traveling from Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa to Grandvrio Hotel Beppuwan Wakura is a very short coastal journey of about 700 meters along the seaside road.
About 8 to 10 minutes walking south along the coast/main road.
From Mercure Beppu Hotel, head south along the coastal road / route running parallel to the JR Nippō Main Line railway.

6.00pm : Dinner at Grandvrio Hotel 2 SEPT (WED.)
Beppuwan Wakura
Traveling from Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa to Grandvrio Hotel Beppuwan Wakura is a very short coastal journey of about 700 meters along the seaside road.
Grandvrio Hotel Beppuwan Wakura is the seaside open-kitchen restaurant Beppu Hakkei, located on the first floor.[1, 2] Dinner: Features a Japanese and Western half-and-half buffet with seasonal dishes, freshly made tempura, teppanyaki, and local specialties. Highlights include steamed Oita Wagyu, grilled Spanish mackerel, Bungo chicken confit, and a 90-minute all-you-can-drink option with sake, fruit wines, and whiskey.

Beppu – Grand Mercure Beppu 2 SEPT (WED.)

EPIC Japanese Food Tour | BEST Food in Beppu Japan
Kagura restaurant?

9.30am Pick up car @ TOYOTA Rent a Car 3 SEPT (THUR)
To get from Grand Mercure Beppu to Beppu Station for a Toyota car rental, you can take a short taxi ride or drive (about 10 mins), but for rentals, you’ll find TOYOTA Rent a Car branches near the station (like the one a 1-minute walk from the West Exit), requiring an IDP and reservation, with options for services like roadside assistance and child seats, easily bookable online via their global site.
Train: Direct train available from Bungotoyooka station (near the hotel) to Beppu Station, taking around 11 minutes.
Finding Toyota Car Rental near Beppu Station:
Locate the Branch: TOYOTA Rent a Car Beppu Station is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from the Beppu Station West Exit, next to the Business Hotel Star.
Book Online: Use the official global website to check availability and book in advance, ensuring you get your preferred vehicle.
Requirements: Remember you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan.
Services: They offer optional baby/child/junior seats and roadside assistance plans.

 

 

10.00am Mount Tsurumidake is Beppu Ropeway

3 SEPT (THUR)
10.00am Beppu “ Ropeway Cable car”
To take the Beppu Ropeway cable car, go to Beppu Kogen Station at the base of Mount Tsurumi, buy a ticket, and board the 101-passenger gondola for a 10-minute scenic ride to the summit.
How to Get There
By Car: Drive about 10 to 15 minutes from the Beppu Interchange on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway. Free parking is available.
Travel Time: About 20 minutes.

Beppu Ropeway Station is most easily accessed by car, taking just 15 minutes from JR Beppu Station. You can also get there by bus, also from JR Beppu Station: take the number 34, 36, or 37 Kamenoi bus, and the bus trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
Once you get to the Ropeway building, purchase your cable car ticket for ¥1600 (round trip). If you are a hiking enthusiast, you could choose to hike up or down the mountain, and just purchase a one way ticket for ¥1000. The hike up takes around 3 hours.
Mount Tsurumidake is best viewed in spring, autumn, or winter when it’s snowing. In spring, the mountain is covered in pink blossoms everywhere, and in autumn the red and orange leaves burst forth. Locals say that the winter scenery is the best, with the bare trees completely covered in ice and snow creating great white patterns all along the mountain.
The peak of the mountain has a small walking trail for you to enjoy. There are seven shrines dotted along the mountain peak, and it is quite fun trying to visit all of them. Most are obvious to the eye, with a statue of the god the shrine was made for. Some of them had no statues making it interesting to see it nestled among the rocks and hidden in nature!

3 SEPT (THUR)
12.30 pm : Modori Factory outlet
You need about 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the Midori Factory Direct Sales Center (often called the Midori Factory Outlet) in Oita City.
It is a small, direct-sales dairy shop rather than a large shopping mall or sprawling factory outlet.
Visitors praise the Midori Factory Outlet (Midori Milk Factory Direct Sales Store / Midori Motherland) in Oita, Japan, for its rich, highly rated soft-serve ice cream and discounted dairy products.
• Soft-Serve Ice Cream: Reviewers frequently call the soft-serve rich, creamy, yet light and not too heavy. A popular local tip is pairing or dipping it into fried bread.
• Outlet Prices & Products: Visitors enjoy buying discounted milk, fresh cream, tofu, and short-dated dairy items from Kyushu Dairy (九州乳業) at lower direct-sales prices.
Exclusive branded merchandise is also available

 

3 SEPT (THUR)
1.30 pm : Lunch at Oita
94-2 Meggusuno, Oita
870-1163 Japan

2.00 pm Oita Perfecture museum

3.00pm : Beppu Park
Beppu Park’s interesting features include its stunning seasonal flowers (especially cherry blossoms), tranquil bamboo groves, a playground, historic pine trees, and a unique Starbucks designed like a greenhouse at the east gate, offering a peaceful urban escape with traditional Japanese garden elements and a central landmark stone. It’s a local favorite for strolls, picnics, and enjoying nature in the middle of the city, with nearby attractions like the Hells of Beppu providing geothermal wonders to explore.

4.00 pm Coffee and Snacks
The main coffee shop directly at Beppu Park is Starbucks Coffee – Beppu Park, famous for its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and scenic views of the greenery and Mount Tsurumi.

5.00pm : 3 SEPT (THUR)
Beppu Tower
An impressive entanglement of rods and poles, the Beppu Tower is a modern skyscraper rising above Beppu Bay. Near the top is a deck providing views of the picturesque strand and the rest of the city. Ride the elevator up to the observation deck and get an aerial view of your favorite attractions in Beppu.

 

2 SEPT (WED.)
6.00 pm Dinner at Ariran Yakiniku

3 SEPT (THUR)
Higashi Shiiya Falls
Higashishiya Falls, which was selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, is called “Kyushu Kegon” because of its resemblance to Nikko Kegon Falls. The sight of falling down an 85m high cliff is spectacular and full of negative ions.
In addition, this waterfall is known for its noble and beautiful features, and its special feature is the clear valley and mountain stream that flow from the basin of the waterfall. It boasts a wonderful scenery both in spring, when the fresh greenery shines in the clear water, and in autumn, when the leaves turn red.

Schedule 4 SEPT (THUR.)

 

4 SEPT (THUR.)
TAKACHIHO GORGE

4 SEPT (THUR.)
TAKACHIHO GORGE
The Takachiho Gorge is a narrow gorge formed by the rapid cooling of volcanic basalt columnar rocks after an eruption of the nearby Volcano Mt. Aso many years ago and has been further eroded by the Gokase River.
Together with the beautiful Minainotaki Falls that cascades down 17 meters over the cliffs in the middle of the chasm, it is considered the most beautiful place in Japan. These days you can rent a boat to paddle through the magical chasm yourself.

Beppu to Takachiho Gorge 4 SEPT (THUR.)

Exploring mystical Japan | shrines and Takachiho gorge | Kyushu vlog

4 SEPT (THUR.)
Beppu to Takachiho Gorge
The trip from Beppu to Taketa covers about 47-72 km, taking roughly 50 minutes to 1.25 hours, with driving being fastest (around 50 mins). Take a quick break at Taketa.
Taketa is a small city, tourist use the place as forward base to view Kuju Mountains

Beppu to Taketa

View of Mount Aso when driving from Oita towards Takachiho gorge

Taketa to Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge area map

4 SEPT (THUR.)
12.30pm: Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge (Takachiho-kyo) in Miyazaki, Japan, is a stunning volcanic chasm carved by the Gokase River, famous for its towering basalt cliffs, lush greenery, and the iconic 17-meter Manai Falls, offering boat rentals for up-close views and walking trails for panoramic vistas. A significant “power spot” rooted in Japanese mythology, it’s a popular destination for experiencing Japan’s natural beauty and spiritual history, accessible from Takachiho town.
Boat ride booking must be pre-arranged (online)

—

**Page 76:**
4 SEPT (THUR.)
1.00pm: Fun lunch at Takachiho Gorge “nagashi somen”
Another unique experience you shouldn’t pass up in the area is the “nagashi somen” dining experience, where noodles flow down bamboo flumes. The combination of natural landscape, outdoor activities, and unique-to-Kyushu experiences makes Takachiho Gorge a destination you wouldn’t want to miss.

Please take note that the rice set served after the Somen catching lunch is somen noodle. So please be ready to catch your flowing somen once the dipping sauce is served.
Somen passing through the flowing bamboo slide

 

Takachiho Gorge to Miyazaki Dormy Inn

Stopover at Cape Togenkyo 4 SEPT (FRI.)

4.00pm : Stopover at Cape Togenkyo 4 SEPT.

Cape Togenkyo to Miyazaki 4 SEPT.

4 SEPT (FRI.)
MIYAZAKI
Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県, Miyazaki-ken) is located along the southeastern coast of Kyushu, offering beautiful mountainous and coastal scenery and a mild climate. The prefectural capital is Miyazaki City. Among its most popular tourist destinations is Takachiho, a mountain town known for its gorge and place in mythology.

4 SEPT (FRI.)
5.00pm : Miyazki – Miyazaki Kanko Hotel

6.00pm : Miyazki – Dormy Inn Miyazaki 4 SEPT.
Ichibangai shopping arcade
Miyazaki Dormy Inn is located very close to the Ichibangai shopping arcade, and the best way to get there is by a short walk, as they are only about 0.3 miles (0.47 km) apart.

Where is the best Beef in Japan
Kobe Beef (Hyogo):
From Tajima cattle, famous for its sweet fat, rich umami, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, known worldwide.
Matsusaka Ushi (Mie):
Premium beef from virgin cows with exceptional marbling and a rich, sweet flavor, often linked to traditional feeding methods.
Ōmi Beef (Shiga):
From the Lake Biwa area, another historically significant and highly marbled wagyu.
Saga Waygu Beef (Saga):
A Saga beef is a premium brand of Japanese Wagyu from Saga Prefecture, renowned for its exceptional “glossy marbling”.
Miyazaki Waygu Beef (Miyazaki):
A champion beef in recent years, famous for its snowflake marbling and exceptional flavour. Miyazaki Wagyu became popular due to its repeated wins at the “Wagyu Olympics”.
Saga Beef and Kobe Beef are both premium Japanese Wagyu, but differ in origin and flavor profile: Kobe (Hyogo Prefecture) is famous for its intense, buttery marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture from Tajima cattle, while Saga (Saga Prefecture) offers a beautiful “glossy marbling” (tsuya-sashi) with a balanced, rich taste, often slightly more affordable and used in sukiyaki, both prized for tenderness but with unique regional characteristics.

Saga beef vs Kobe beef Tajima cattle
Saga Kuroge Washo cattle

Dinner at Ichibangai shopping area?

5 SEPT (SAT.)
MIYAZAKI
nd
2 day

9.00am : Going to Udo Jingu 5 SEPT (SAT.)

9.00am : Udo Jingu by the sea 5 SEPT (SAT.)
How do I get to Udo Jingu?
The easiest way to get here is by car.
By car, it’s about 40 kilometers south of the city center of Miyazaki, or roughly 45 minutes.
The shrine’s main entrance is just a few meters from incredible ocean views, and there is a cave below.
There are some small red shrine gates on the left that are great for photos.

11.00am : Sun Messe Nichinan Park 5 SEPT (SAT.)
Sun Messe Nichinan is a scenic hilltop coastal park in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, famous for housing the world’s only officially authorized replicas of Easter Island’s Moai statues.
Background : After a major earthquake damaged the original Moai statues at Ahu Akivi on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in 1960, a Japanese crane company and team of engineers helped restore them in the 1990s.
As a profound gesture of gratitude, the elders’ council of Easter Island granted special, world-first permission to replicate the exact statues in Japan. These are the only officially sanctioned Moai replicas in the world.
The Moai Statues: Features seven massive 5.5-meter-tall stone replicas restored with permission from Easter Island’s elders to honor the islanders who helped rebuild them.
Admission Fees: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for middle and high school students, and ¥500 for children aged 4 and older.
Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); generally closed on Wednesdays except during national holidays and special peak seasons.
Getting Around: The park spans 20 hectares on a steep hill, so visitors can rent small electric “Round Cars” (golf carts) at the entrance plaza to navigate the slopes.

On the top of the hill there was a restaurant with a small museum.
The Seven Explorers: The seven figures mirror the famous Ahu Akivi statues on Easter Island, which represent seven explorers from Polynesian oral tradition who set out to find land.
Individual Blessings: Each of the 5.5-meter-tall, 20-ton stone busts in the park symbolizes a different blessing for visitors, including business, health, love, romance, marriage, money, and academics.
Orientation: Unlike the originals on Easter Island which face the ocean, these statues face inland looking back across the Pacific toward their home 15,000 kilometers away.

12.00pm : Lunch @ Shan-shan Tea house 5 SEPT (SAT.)
Shan Shan Chaya (often translated as Shan-shan Tea House) has two locations in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, famous for hearty set meals and fresh local seafood.
Nichinan Branch (Original / Main Location)
Address: 99-1 Ibii, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0111, Japan
Hours: Saturday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Monday through Friday)
Highlights: Located along National Route 220 with an ocean view. Known for fresh local catches like spiny lobster miso soup (Ise-ebi) and fried horse mackerel (aji).

1.00pm : Kaeda Valley 5 SEPT (SAT.)
Just 15 kilometers south of the city of Miyazaki on the main island of Kyushu in southern Japan, the Kaeda Valley is picturesquely nestled between the mountains Kumbachi and Soishiyama. The many hiking trails past lush vegetation and clear ponds lead to the summit of Mount Boroishi and are for everyone. Well accessible season.
There are two particularly popular hiking trails, the first of which is mostly flat along the river and is therefore also suitable for beginners. It offers great views along rock formations and waterfalls and is also very popular with bird watchers.

4.00pm : Kaeda Valley return to Miyazaki Kanko Hotel 5 SEPT (SAT.)
29m (14.4 km)
Route and Scenery Highlights
Lush Greenery: The initial stretch takes you out of the forested, mountain-adjacent Kaeda Valley area via local prefectural roads.
Coastal/River Approaches: Driving north via Route 220 brings you closer to the urban and riverfront areas of Miyazaki city.
Nearing the Miyazaki Kanko Hotel, the final approach runs alongside the scenic Oyodo River where the hotel is situated.

6.00pm : Dinner at Ippei Sushi 5 SEPT (SAT.)

Maybe a simple Japanese Dinner at Ashiya ?

6 SEPT (SUN.)
KAGO-SHIMA
Kagoshima (鹿児島) is Kyushu’s southernmost major city and the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. The city is often compared with its Italian sister city Naples due to a similarly mild climate, palm tree-lined streets, relatively hot tempered inhabitants and rumbling Mount Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s Vesuvius.
The city has a rich history as the former seat of one of Japan’s most powerful feudal clans, the Shimazu, who played a central role in the Meiji Restoration. Besides offering several attractions on its own, the city can also serve as a base for a variety of attractive day trips, such as to the Kirishima Mountains and the Satsuma Peninsula, and as the stepping stone to island destinations further south, including Yakushima and Amami Oshima.

8.30am Drive from Miyazaki to Kagoshima

10.00am Onsen @ Shiroyama Hotel
Shiroyama Hotel
Onsen @
Kagoshima

10.00am : Shiroyama Park Observation

10.00am : Shiroyama Park & Observation point
Leafy mountain park with a viewing deck, offering vistas of sunrises, the city & Sakurajima volcano. It’s observation deck sits on Mount Shiroyama at an elevation of about 107 meters (351 feet) above sea level, offering panoramic views of Kagoshima City, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima volcano.

12.00pm : Lunch @ Ohkatei Restaurant
Ohkatei Restaurant is a premier dining destination nestled inside the historic Sengan-en gardens in Kagoshima, Japan. It is widely celebrated for its sweeping, unobstructed views of the active Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay. The restaurant serves as an excellent culinary stop for travelers looking to experience authentic, local Satsuma (Kagoshima) cuisine.
Admission Notice: Because the restaurant is located entirely within the private grounds of Sengan-en, diners must purchase an entry ticket to the gardens to access the restaurant.
Group Reservations: Individual walk-ins are welcome during standard hours, but official reservations are strictly restricted to groups of 20 or more people.
Kurobuta Pork: Taste Kagoshima’s famous black pork served as a rich shabu-shabu hotpot or in braised styles.
Local Seafood: Freshly caught local sea bream (sashimi or shabu-shabu) and traditional house-made satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cake).

1.00pm : Hotel to Sengan-en Garden
By car travel Time: Roughly 8 minutes.

1.00pm : Kagoshima Sengan-en Garden
Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home that has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. The garden boasts spectacular views of active volcano Sakurajima, and the house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a powerful feudal lord. Sengan-en and the surrounding area was fundamentally important in the modernization of Japan. It was here that Western industrial technology was introduced to Japan, studied and used in the creation of modern factories.
Shoko Shuseikan is a museum set in a 150-year-old stone building originally used as a machine factory. Learn about the 800-year history and culture of the Shimadzu family, and the first steps towards the industrialization of Japan. In July 2015, Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan were recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites related to Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

6 SEPT (SUN.)
2.00pm : Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Check-In)
Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (often searched as Shiriyama Hotel) is an upscale, 4-star resort-style hotel nestled atop a historic 108-meter hill in Kagoshima, Japan.
The property is highly regarded for its panoramic views of Kagoshima City and the active Sakurajima volcano.

Shioyama Hotel to Tenmonka District
Driving from Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima to the Tenmonkan District takes about 10 minutes over a distance of roughly 2.5 kilometers.

5.00pm : Go to Tenmonkan District
Tenmonkan is Kagoshima City’s largest and liveliest downtown shopping and entertainment district, known for its extensive covered shopping arcades (shotengai) filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores, offering a central hub for locals and tourists to enjoy dining, shopping, and experiencing local culture, even protecting from volcanic ash and rain.
It’s named after an old observatory, features a tram stop at its heart, and provides access to local delicacies like black pork and Shirokuma ice cream.

Kagoshima Food Culture
Kagoshima is known for its kurobuta (black pork), tender and flavorful.

6.00pm : Dinner at Ippei Sushi 5 SEPT (SAT.)

Maybe a simple Japanese Dinner at Ashiya ?

6 SEPT (SUN.)
KAGO-SHIMA
Kagoshima (鹿児島) is Kyushu’s southernmost major city and the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. The city is often compared with its Italian sister city Naples due to a similarly mild climate, palm tree-lined streets, relatively hot tempered inhabitants and rumbling Mount Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s Vesuvius.
The city has a rich history as the former seat of one of Japan’s most powerful feudal clans, the Shimazu, who played a central role in the Meiji Restoration. Besides offering several attractions on its own, the city can also serve as a base for a variety of attractive day trips, such as to the Kirishima Mountains and the Satsuma Peninsula, and as the stepping stone to island destinations further south, including Yakushima and Amami Oshima.

8.30am Drive from Miyazaki to Kagoshima

10.00am Onsen @ Shiroyama Hotel
Shiroyama Hotel
Onsen @
Kagoshima

10.00am : Shiroyama Park Observation

10.00am : Shiroyama Park & Observation point
Leafy mountain park with a viewing deck, offering vistas of sunrises, the city & Sakurajima volcano. It’s observation deck sits on Mount Shiroyama at an elevation of about 107 meters (351 feet) above sea level, offering panoramic views of Kagoshima City, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima volcano.

12.00pm : Lunch @ Ohkatei Restaurant
Ohkatei Restaurant is a premier dining destination nestled inside the historic Sengan-en gardens in Kagoshima, Japan. It is widely celebrated for its sweeping, unobstructed views of the active Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay. The restaurant serves as an excellent culinary stop for travelers looking to experience authentic, local Satsuma (Kagoshima) cuisine.
Admission Notice: Because the restaurant is located entirely within the private grounds of Sengan-en, diners must purchase an entry ticket to the gardens to access the restaurant.
Group Reservations: Individual walk-ins are welcome during standard hours, but official reservations are strictly restricted to groups of 20 or more people.
Kurobuta Pork: Taste Kagoshima’s famous black pork served as a rich shabu-shabu hotpot or in braised styles.
Local Seafood: Freshly caught local sea bream (sashimi or shabu-shabu) and traditional house-made satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cake).

1.00pm : Hotel to Sengan-en Garden
By car travel Time: Roughly 8 minutes.

1.00pm : Kagoshima Sengan-en Garden
Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home that has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. The garden boasts spectacular views of active volcano Sakurajima, and the house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a powerful feudal lord. Sengan-en and the surrounding area was fundamentally important in the modernization of Japan. It was here that Western industrial technology was introduced to Japan, studied and used in the creation of modern factories.
Shoko Shuseikan is a museum set in a 150-year-old stone building originally used as a machine factory. Learn about the 800-year history and culture of the Shimadzu family, and the first steps towards the industrialization of Japan. In July 2015, Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan were recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites related to Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

6 SEPT (SUN.)
2.00pm : Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Check-In)
Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (often searched as Shiriyama Hotel) is an upscale, 4-star resort-style hotel nestled atop a historic 108-meter hill in Kagoshima, Japan.
The property is highly regarded for its panoramic views of Kagoshima City and the active Sakurajima volcano.

Shioyama Hotel to Tenmonka District
Driving from Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima to the Tenmonkan District takes about 10 minutes over a distance of roughly 2.5 kilometers.

5.00pm : Go to Tenmonkan District
Tenmonkan is Kagoshima City’s largest and liveliest downtown shopping and entertainment district, known for its extensive covered shopping arcades (shotengai) filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores, offering a central hub for locals and tourists to enjoy dining, shopping, and experiencing local culture, even protecting from volcanic ash and rain.
It’s named after an old observatory, features a tram stop at its heart, and provides access to local delicacies like black pork and Shirokuma ice cream.

8. SEPT (TUES.)
Schedule

8. SEPT (TUES.)
URESHINO

Kagoshima to Saga 8 SEPT (TUES.)

8 SEPT (TUES.)
URESHINO

Kagoshima to Saga 8 SEPT (TUES.)

Hotel Koyokaku

8 SEPT (TUES.)
Onsen at Hotel Kasuien Hotel Koyokaku
2200 Yen per person

11.00am : Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art opened in the precincts of Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, Japan in 1976. It is one of Japan’s many museums which are supported by a prefecture. The permanent collection focuses on the art and crafts of Kumamoto Prefecture and also contains works by Renoir and Rodin.

Ureshino Siebold Bath house Museum

8. SEPT (TUES.)

1.00pm : Lunch at Haseen Tempura
Scenic view outside Ureshino Station
Haseen Tempura House

3.00pm : Ureshino Onsen Koyokaku

4.00pm : Onsen @ Ureshino Onsen Koyokaku
Ureshino Onsen Kōyōkaku offers traditional Japanese tatami rooms, modern Japanese-Western hybrid rooms, and upgraded guest rooms featuring private or semi-open-air onsen baths.

6.00pm : Dinner at Haseen Tempura

9. SEPT (WED.)
We go to Yanagawa… then to Fukuoka

Regions of Saga Prefecture 9 SEPT (WED.)

9 SEPT (WED.)
YANAGAWA
Yanagawa is a historic city in Fukuoka, Japan, famous as the “Venice of Kyushu” for its extensive network of scenic canals, which visitors explore on traditional flat-bottomed boats called donkobune, poled by boatmen who share local stories. Originally irrigation channels and castle moats, these waterways offer peaceful rides past willow trees and old townhouses, with local specialties like steamed eel (unagi) and experiences at the Ariake Sea.

8.30am : Ureshino to Yanagawa by trains
Ureshino to Yanagawa by train takes about 3 hours and 5 minutes with transfers. [1] Starting Point: Ureshino (typically via Takeo-Onsen Station nearby)
Destination: Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station
Total Time: Around 3 hours, 5 minutes
Transfers: Requires transfers, usually connecting through points like Futsukaichi or Tosu depending on your route.
Step-by-Guide:
Ureshino to Takeo-Onsen: Take a local bus or connection from Ureshino to Takeo-Onsen Station.
JR Lines / Shinkansen connection: Head toward regional hubs (such as transferring via JR Kyushu lines toward Futsukaichi or Tosu).
Nishitetsu Line: Transfer to the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line to arrive directly at Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station.

Yanagawa station to Kamenoi Hotel
9 miles (3.2 km) via National Route 208 and Prefectural Route 767/770
You can take the Horikawa Bus Setaka/Yanagawa Line from the West Exit of Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station to reach the Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa in about 15 minutes.
Bus Line: Horikawa Bus
Arrival Point: Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa bus stop.
Setaka/Yanagawa Line (bound for Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa).
Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Departure Point: Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, West Exit.

11.00am : Unagi Lunch @ Yanagawa near Kamenoi Hotel
Our hotel here

Eel (Unagi): Eating seiromushi (steamed eel with rice) is a must-do, at Yangawa!

Unagi Lunch at Yanagawa
9 SEPT (WED.)
The Yanagawa Okinohata area is a major focal point for the city’s famous donko-bune (canal punting boats), serving as a popular starting point for short, scenic rides and a common ending point for longer, 1-hour journeys that start elsewhere. The area is surrounded by famous eel restaurants (unagi) and historic sites, making it a central tourist hub.
Eel (Unagi): Eating seiromushi (steamed eel with rice) is a must-do, with many restaurants located near the Okinohata boat docks.

9 SEPT (WED.)
12.00pm : Deposit luggage at Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa
Location: Situated along the scenic canals, a short walk from the Ohana villa and local boat-ride areas.
Amenities: Features indoor hot spring baths (onsen), an open-air bath, a sauna, and free Wi-Fi.

1.00pm : TOYOTA Rent a Car – Car Return

2.00pm : Kamenoi Hotel to Suigo Kanko for River Cruise
To get from Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa to the Suigo Yanagawa Kanko river cruise area, take a local Horikawa bus from the hotel bus stop toward Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, then walk about 5 to 10 minutes to the boarding point.
Board the Horikawa Bus right at the Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa stop.
Ride the local bus for about 15 minutes toward Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station (or get off near the central town area/Shimohyakumachi depending on your cruise pier).
Approximately 240 yen per person for the local bus.
Walk 5 to 10 minutes from the station area or drop-off point to reach the cruise ticket office and docking pier.
Alternative: A taxi directly from the hotel takes about 10 to 12 minutes and offers a faster, direct ride to the docks.

9 SEPT (WED.)
2.00pm : Visit Yanagawa, Venice of Kyushu!
Yanagawa, known as the “Venice of Kyushu,” is famous for its scenic willow-lined canals and traditional river boat tours (kawakudari). Key, must-visit spots include the historic Ohana villa and gardens, a relaxing boat ride through the city center, the birthplace of poet Hakushu Kitahara, and the Mihashira Shrine.

Yanagawa, known as the “Venice of Kyushu,” is famous for its scenic willo canals and traditional river boat tours (kawakudari). Key, must-visit spots

2.00pm : Yanagawa boat ride
9 SEPT (WED.)

9 SEPT (WED.)
2.00pm : Yanagawa highlights
Mihashira Shrine
This sturdy stone sluice gate was built to serve as the water intake from the Futatsugawa River into Yanagawa Castle, for the defense of the castle, which was known as a water castle. In the event of an emergency, the sluice gate would be closed, destroying the levee of the Yabe River upstream and flooding the area around the castle town.

3.00pm : Mihashira Shrine – or check-in Hotel earlier
A shrine dedicated to the “God of Revival,” renowned for its autumn festival.
The walking distance from the standard Yanagawa River Cruise completion point in the Okinohata area to Mihashira Shrine is approximately 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles), taking about 37 minutes on foot.

9 SEPT (WED.)
4.00pm : Check-in Kamenoi Hotel Yanagawa
Location: Situated along the scenic canals, a short walk from the Ohana villa and local boat-ride areas.
Amenities: Features indoor hot spring baths (onsen), an open-air bath, a sauna, and free Wi-Fi.
There are seven types of guest rooms in total. You can choose from Western-style rooms, Japanese-style rooms, or Japanese-Western hybrid rooms. From the windows of every room type, you can enjoy panoramic views of Yunishikawa’s magnificent nature!

5.00pm : Tachibana Museum
Cultural properties housed at Tachibana Museum were passed down to the Tachibana family that controlled the Yanagawa clan throughout the Edo period.
In 1951 (Showa 26), “Historical Museum Ohana” was established to exhibit the Daimyo utensils at the residence of the lord of the Yanagawa clan, Tachibana-tei.
In 1995 (Heisei 6), “Ohana Museum” opened as a facility more suitable for displaying precious cultural properties.
The collections are mainly the art and crafts descended from the Tachibana family: they include approximately 5,000 items of furnishings, one piece of national treasure, one piece of important cultural property, and others. These are the valuable assets which have been accumulated and inherited continuously over 400 years since the founder Tachibana Muneshige.

9 SEPT (WED.)
Dinner with… SAGA BEEF

9 SEPT (WED.)

The Saga Taste — in Saga
9 SEPT (WED.)
If you want to try Saga beef, and you should at least once, then heading to Saga Prefecture will be the ultimate, most authentic way to experience it.
There are plenty of excellent restaurants offering local delicacy in countless different ways.
Kira Saga is one of the area’s most legendary beef restaurants. It offers the specialty in various styles, including shabu-shabu (hot pot), sukiyaki, and teppanyaki (cooked on a hotplate grill).
Open for lunch and dinner, the lunch offerings are more set-centric while the dinner menu is best for those who want to try the beef a la carte.
Steak House Tsujikawa is another excellent option for those looking to get their beef fill. It proudly only carries locally sourced beef, so guests can trust they’re getting a real taste of the area. Their most well-known cut is Imari beef, a fine, richly marbled cut with a robust flavor and smooth texture.
Hanamori Kiwami is Saga’s most accessible beef restaurant, as it’s open from 11:00am until 1:00am from Sunday to Thursday, and on Fridays and Saturdays it runs until 5:00am. The restaurant’s key focus is Saga beef, and it proudly only serves cuts that sit at a 4th grade or higher level.
Compared to many other finer beef establishments, Hanamori Kiwami’s offering is relatively well-priced with lunch costing less than 2,000 yen and dinner at around 4,000 yen.
Budget-friendly, open all hours, and with a variety of offerings on the menu, there’s no reason not to sample Saga beef.

10 SEPT (THUR.)
Back to FUKUOKA

10.00am : Check-out from Kamenoi Hotel

11.00am : Train from Yanagawa to Nishitsu Fukuoka Station
Trains from Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station to Nishitetsu-Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station in Fukuoka take about 51 minutes and cost ¥800 to ¥1,000.

2.00pm : ACCESS : Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu to the nearest metro station?
The nearest metro station to Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu is Nakasu-Kawabata Station, just a 1-minute walk away, accessible via Exit 1 of the subway.
You can also easily reach Kushida Shrine Station (9 mins walk) and Tenjin Station (7-11 mins walk) from the hotel, with the subway offering quick connections to JR Hakata Station.
Key Details:
Nearest Station: Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Subway Kuko Line/Hakozaki Line).
Walk Time: Approximately 1 minute from Exit 1 of Nakasu-Kawabata Station.
Connection: From Nakasu-Kawabata, you can take the subway to JR Hakata Station (3 mins) or Tenjin.

2.00pm : Fukuoka – Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu
10 SEPT (THUR.)
4 Chome-6-7 Nakasu,
Hakata Ward, Fukuoka,
810-0801, Japan
+81922620109
The hotel is noted for its proximity to Canal City Hakata, Nakasu Yatai street food stalls, and the Hakataza Kabuki Theater.

Where to Buy Persimmon Soap in Kyushu?
Don Quijote (Donki): Large discount stores across major Kyushu cities (like Fukuoka’s Tenjin or Nakasu branches) carry body care aisles stocked with popular brands like Pelican For Body Medicated Kakishibu or Kumano Yushi.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi: A ubiquitous national drugstore chain with branches across all prefectures in Kyushu, great for finding medicated soap bars and body washes.
Sundrug & Cosme Store: Local neighborhood or shopping street drugstores frequently stock budget-friendly kakishibu (persimmon tannin) soaps. [1] Tokyu Hands or Loft: Found in major urban centers (such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto), these lifestyle stores carry higher-end or specialty natural and handmade persimmon soap brands.

Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu to Takashimaya Store
Walking from Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu to Hakata Riverain Mall by Takashimaya takes about 3 minutes for a distance of 240 meters.
Start at Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu located at 4-6-7 Nakasu, Hakata Ward.
Head north via the local streets toward Meiji-dori avenue.
Continue straight toward Shimokawabatamachi to arrive at Hakata Riverain Mall by Takashimaya.
Where to Buy Persimmon Soap

3.00pm : Hotel Resol Trinity Hakata to Daimaru 10 SEPT (THUR.)

10 SEPT (THUR.)
Daimaru Shopping _East hall Unit # ELGALA 3F

Fukuoka Daimaru Tenjin Dept Store
Daimaru _East hall ELGALA 3F

Blue Label Crestbridge Store at Daimaru Fukuoka

View 19:37/40:49

Hamano leather bag – ( Symbol of a strong leader)
10 SEPT (THUR.)
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has unintentionally turned a domestic product into a global sensation.
The leather handbag she frequently carries—the Grace Delight Tote by Hamano Inc.—has gone viral, sparking a surge in orders.
According to Bloomberg.com (28 October), Hamano, a leather goods manufacturer based in Nagano with a 145-year history, is renowned for crafting handbags favoured by Japan’s imperial family.
After Takaichi was seen carrying the ¥136,000 (US$895) bag to the prime minister’s residence, social media lit up with discussion.
The bag costs ¥136,000 (S$1,157) and weighs only 700g, despite being made entirely of leather.
Products by the Japanese leather goods maker, based in Nagano in central Japan, have been favoured by members of Japan’s imperial family, Bloomberg reported.

Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu at Fukuoka 10 SEPT (THUR.)
The hotel is noted for its proximity to Canal City Hakata, Nakasu Yatai street food stalls, and the Hakataza Kabuki Theater.

11 SEPT (FRI.)
SINGAPORE

7.00am or earlier: Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu to Airport 11 SEPT (FRI.)
Train to Hakata Airport is 12 mins

7.00am : Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu 11 SEPT (FRI.)

7.30am : Fukuoka Internation Airport 11 SEPT (FRI.)

9.30am : Singapore Airlines SQ 655 11 SEPT (FRI.)

9.30am : View from departure hall with SQ 655 11 SEPT (FRI.)

Singapore Airlines SQ 655 Flight details 11 SEPT (FRI.)

Singapore Airlines SQ 655 11 SEPT (FRI.)
SQ 655 fly with the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (costs about USD 338.4 million each)