Southern Japan Tours

9 Day World Heritage Yakushima & Kyushu Adventure

Discover the pristine, primeval forests and ancient cedars of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yakushima Island. Paired with the highlights of Kyushu, this package is a great introduction to Japan's south.

*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares

Day 01 - Arrive Fukuoka

Welcome to Fukuoka! Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, clear customs with your luggage and exit to the Arrivals Lobby. Board a Subway to Hakata Station. (10 min) Visit the JR Kyushu Ticket Office within Hakata Station, and issue your Japan Rail Pass.

Your accommodation at the JR Kyushu is a two minute walk from the Hakata Exit of Hakata Station.

After check in, visit the Nakasu area where you will find yatai food stalls stretching along the Naka River. Many of the stalls here serve up ramen, oden, gyoza, tempura and stir-fry noodles, and many also offer Chinese and Western dishes.

Stay: JR Kyushu Hotel Fukuoka - 1/1

Day 02 - Fukuoka - Kagoshima

Today is the first day of your 7 Day All Kyushu Rail Pass.

From Hakata Station board a Sakura bullet train to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. (95 mins)

Your accommodation at the JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima is a one minute walk from Kagoshima-Chuo Station.

After check-in, board a Kagoshima City View bus to visit the Senganen Gardens. (50 mins) These beautiful Japanese-landscaped gardens feature ponds, streams, a bamboo grove, and the impressive Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as a backdrop.

Continue by bus to the Kagoshima Suizokukan (Kagoshima City Aquarium/Sakurajima Wharf). (15 mins) From here, walk down to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal and board a ferry to Sakurajima Port (15 min) to explore Sakurajima Island - one of the active volcanoes in Japan, and symbol of Kagoshima.

Using the local buses, visit the highlights of Sakurajima Island:

Nagisa lava trail (10 min walk): about 3 km long walking trails from nearby Sakurajima Ferry Terminal through to a lava zone.

Nagisa Foot Bath Park (5 min walk): the park has 100m long open-air foot bath available for public.

Yunohira Observation Point (get off at Yogan Tenbojo bus stop): located on the 4th station of Mt Kita Dake - the highest spot you can climb up on Sakurajima. Here you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view, overlooking the beautiful forest.

Stay: JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima - 1/2

Day 03 - Kagoshima - Ibusuki - Kagoshima

Travel to the Ibusuki area which is well-known for its unique 'Sunamushi' sand bath.

From JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station, use your rail pass to board a JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line train to Ibusuki. (70 mins)

Alternatively, purchase a ticket to board the Tamatebako, a vintage tourist train with passenger seats that face the window so that you can enjoy the ocean view. (*advanced reservations required)

Upon arrival at Ibusuki Station, take a taxi to the Ibusuki Hakusuikan. (10 min) This luxury hotel has a range of hotsprings that you can try at their large Japanese Onsen. Enjoy this therapeutic experience and feel refreshed and relaxed afterwards!
The Hakusuikan also boasts a magnificent antique collection for which it has received a Michelin Star award.

Stay: JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima - 2/2

Day 04 - Kagoshima - Yakushima

Today journey to the mystic and magical Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site for its untouched ancient cedar forests.

From Kagoshima Port, board the Jet Foil to Yakushima Island. (150 mins)

Your accommodation at the Seaside Hotel Yakushima is a five minute walk from the arrival port.

After check-in, visit the Toyota Rental shop to collect your rental vehicle. Be sure to have your International Driver's License with you.

*Your stay at the Seaside Hotel Yakushima includes dinner and breakfast daily.

Stay: Seaside Hotel Yakushima - 1/3

Day 05 - Yakushima

Start today with a visit to Shiratani Unsui Ravine, just a 20 minute drive from your accommodation.

Discover the enchanting, ancient cedar trees and moss-covered scenery throughout the ravine on one of the many well-maintained nature trails that range in length from 1-5 hours long, including one trail that dates back to Japan's Edo period (1603-1868). This primeval forest served as inspiration for the Studio Ghibli animated film, 'Princess Mononoke', and is one of the main attractions of Yakushima.

Stay: Seaside Hotel Yakushima - 2/3

Day 06 - Yakushima

Delve deeper into Yakushima's spectacular scenery today, with a visit to Yakusugi Land.

The drive from your accommodation is a little under an hour and will take you past great views of Aiko Dake and Tachu Dake.

Yakusugi Land features multiple trails of differing lengths, which all allow you to see some of the islands most impressive, old cedars - some over 1,000 years old!

Next, drive to the Yudomari Onsen (60 mins) to soak your muscles in their beachside natural hot springs, offering ocean views. For those who prefer, a foot bath is also available.

Stay: Seaside Hotel Yakushima - 3/3

Day 07 - Yakushima - Kumamoto

Spend your last morning Yakushima Island further exploring the breathtaking scenery.

In the afternoon, your rental vehicle and board the Jet Foil back to Kagoshima.

Check-out of your accommodation and from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, board a Sakura bullet train to Kumamoto. (60 mins)

Your accommodation at the New Hotel Kumamoto is a 1 minute walk from JR Kumamoto Station via the Shirakawa Exit.

Stay: The New Hotel Kumamoto - 1/2

Day 08 - Kumamoto

Today is the final day of your 7 Day Japan Rail Pass.

Spend today exploring Kumamoto's attractions including:

Kumamoto Castle - constructed over 400 years ago and known as one of the top three significant castles in Japan.

Hosokawa Mansion - this 990m2 property used to be a property of the samurai clan (Hosokawa). The mansion still conserves the original layout of the house from over 360 years ago and it is registered as a 'Tangible Cultural Property' of Kumamoto Prefecture.

Suizenji Jojuen (Suizenji Park) - The origin of this garden dates back to 1632 when Hosokawa Tadatoshi from the first generation of local lords who ruled over the Higo provinces built Suizenji Temple by the lake. The temple was later relocated and a tea room was built in its place. Subsequently, the site became a retreat and the garden for the Hosokawa family for many years (7.30am-6pm/JPY400).

A 'city circle' bus, called the Shiromegurin, operates every 20 minutes between 8:30 - 17:10. The circle bus departs from Kumamoto Station and goes around the castle area, then back to Kumamoto Station.

Stay: The New Hotel Kumamoto - 2/2

Day 09 - Depart Kumamoto

Check-out of your accommodation and purchase a ticket on the spot to board the train back to Fukuoka. (40 mins)

*Or discuss with the Japan Travel Experts at JPT who can recommend a range of exciting extension options such as further exploration in Kyushu, travel to the island of Shikoku, or travel around the the main island of Honshu.