Taste of Kyushu: Autumn Sumo and Gourmet Tour 2026
Savor the flavors of Kyushu!
Dive deep into Japan’s southern island this autumn with two nights at a premium ryokan (includes a private onsen in your room!), exceptional regional cuisine every day, and the Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament!
Updated and further refined for 2026, this popular, fully-guided itinerary takes you across Japan’s southernmost island, journeying to difficult-to-access regions like the extraordinary Senganen Garden in southern Kagoshima, while maintaining a leisurely pace to ensure your vacation doesn’t become exhausting. You’ll even have the unique opportunity to ride a special “coastal café” sightseeing train in the group’s own private car!
There are a multitude of unique shopping opportunities, like a black vinegar factory (a Kirishima specialty), some of the best green tea you’ve ever had at Ureshino Ochamura tea factory, plus plenty of time to soak away your stress in a variety of soothing hot springs, including two nights with your own private onsen bath in your room!
Plus, you’ll get to experience one of Japan’s foremost cultural traditions for yourself at the Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament! The raw power displayed by these mammoth wresters has to be seen in person to be believed.
Destination Highlights for the Taste of Kyushu Tour
Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Ureshino – Sakurajima – Kagoshima – Obama Onsen – Nagasaki – Saga Prefecture – and more!
Walk through ancient temples and gardens splashed with brilliant autumn colors, try your hand at making your very own sushi, and enjoy your fill of local gourmet cuisine at every exceptional meal. Get away from the crowds and come discover why Kyushu is a true travel destination treasure.
What’s included on the Taste of Kyushu Tour:
- Comfortable, smooth flights with Japan Airlines (Full Package only)
- Expert English-speaking local guide and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic cultural activities like picking a matcha tea ceremony amidst a serene Japanese garden, making your own authentic sushi, a shochu brewery tour and tasting, hands-on traditional crafts activities, and more!
- Relaxing stays at exceptional hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 24 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including a deluxe crab kaiseki dinner!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Attend the Fukuoka Grand Sumo tournament and feel the immense physicality of Japan’s sporting pastime. Chair seats included so you don’t have to worry about sitting on the floor!
- Stay two wonderful nights at Obama Onsen Iseya, a premium ryokan (Japanese inn) offering first-class accommodations and unparalleled gourmet meals. You’ll have your own onsen bath right in your room for the ultimate in luxurious relaxation!
- Ride a “coastal cafe” sightseeing train through the countryside, including the group’s own private car!
- Experience a matcha green tea ceremony within the grounds of spectacular Senganen Japanese Garden. Dating from the 17th century, this garden was once the property of the Shimazu family, one of Japan’s most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period.
- Learn from a local chef and try making your own authentic sushi for dinner! You’ll have a new appreciation for the intricacies of sushi after this fun experience.
- Savor specialty seasonal and regional cuisine with 24 included exceptional meals, including multiple traditional kaiseki dinners that change their menu to feature the best ingredients according to the season.
- Feel the richness of the country’s culture through hands-on activities that let you meet local residents and learn from experienced artisans. Paint your own “Hakata doll”, learn how to make soba noodles from scratch, use glassware to create a “dragonfly ball” piece, and even take part in a traditional Noh theater performing arts experience.
- Relax with a full free day in Fukuoka to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy certain foods you’ve always wanted to try, all at your own pace! You can also add an optional day tour if you’d prefer. Ask us for suggestions!
Tour Itinerary
10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS IN JAPAN
Click here to see the full tour schedule!
**Hotels subject to change in case of unexpected circumstances
Day 0 – November 9 (Monday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your journey to Japan begins at Honolulu International Airport. Relax before boarding your nonstop flight to Tokyo-Haneda with Japan Airlines (JAL). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1 – November 10 (Tuesday): Arrival in Japan
- Arrive at Haneda International Airport, pass through immigration and customs, then have a bit of time to relax while waiting for your short domestic flight down to Kyushu. Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, meet with our Japan representative and take a quick bus ride to your hotel. Rest up for the tour!
- Hotel: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the international flight
Day 2 – November 11 (Wednesday): Exploring Fukuoka
- Kick off your trip with a traditional “Hakata Doll” hands-on painting experience. Stroll around the stunning Nanzoin Temple grounds, famous for its giant lying Buddha statue. Finish the day shopping at Aeon Mall Fukuoka, full of fun stores like Uniqlo and even a micropig café! You’ll have free time here to choose your own dinner this evening.
- Hotel: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3 – November 12 (Thursday): Down to Kumamoto
- Start with a visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu, Fukuoka’s most famous Shinto shrine, and definitely check out the many shops leading up to the entrance for omiyage. After a delicious course lunch, marvel at towering Kumamoto Castle, originally constructed in the 15th century, then end the day with a deluxe kaiseki dinner at your hot springs ryokan (Japanese-style inn).
- Hotel: Hotel Ryokan Ayunosato ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – November 13 (Friday): Into Kagoshima
- Wander Kirishima Jingu Shrine, where Japanese gods are said to have first descended to earth. Tour Kakuida’s Black Vinegar Village accompanied by a special “black vinegar” lunch. Enjoy Sakurajima Island, home to an impressive volcanic peak, then cross by ferry to Kagoshima, where you’ll make your own sushi for dinner!
- Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – November 14 (Saturday): Kagoshima Deep Dive
- Learn to make your own soba noodles from scratch in the morning and then savor them for lunch! After you’ve had your fill, enjoy a tour and tasting at Meijigura Shochu Distillery. Later, visit the impressive Senganen Japanese garden, previously owned by the famous Shimazu clan during the Edo period, where you’ll get to try a traditional matcha tea ceremony experience.
- Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – November 15 (Sunday): Across to Obama Onsen
- Take a special sightseeing train along the coast in our group’s very own private car! After this unique experience, ride a ferry across the Ariake Sea to Nagasaki (don’t miss trying to feed the seagulls!), then check in to your room at Obama Onsen with a superb private hot springs bath!
- Hotel: Iseya Ryokan ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 – November 16 (Monday): Discovering Unzen
- Make your own “dragonfly ball” during a glass craft activities at Unzen Vidoro Glass Museum. Visit the otherworldly Unzen “Hells”, filled with spectacular sulfurous steam vents. Check out incredible autumn views from Unzen Ropeway, then enjoy a second night with your own private onsen bath at your premium ryokan. Luxurious relaxation awaits!
- Hotel: Iseya Ryokan ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – November 17 (Tuesday): On to Nagasaki
- Move to Nagasaki City and try the famous “castella” sponge cake, a local favorite. Spend the afternoon at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park, including hearing a first-hand account of the attack and aftermath from a survivor. This group is part of the organization that won the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts at securing a world without nuclear weapons. You’ll have free time this evening to choose your own dinner around Nagasaki Station.
- Hotel: Stadium City Hotel Nagasaki ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 9 – November 18 (Wednesday): Saga and return to Fukuoka
- Jumpstart your day at Ureshino Ochamura tea factory for exceptional green tea, including a tour and tasting, plus time to shop. Return to Fukuoka for the Grand Sumo Tournament! Chair seats are included so you don’t need to worry about sitting on the floor while watching the larger-than-life wrestlers grapple with impressive strength. This evening you’ll enjoy a deluxe farewell dinner while celebrating the trip with your fellow travelers. Your hotel is directly connected to Canal City Fukuoka, the city’s best spot for shopping and dining.
- Hotel: Grand Hyatt Fukuoka
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 – November 19 (Thursday): Fukuoka Free Day
- Full free day to explore Fukuoka at your own pace. Shop, dine, or just enjoy the sights. Need suggestions or want to add an optional day tour? Just ask!
- Hotel: Grand Hyatt Fukuoka
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 – November 20 (Friday): Fukuoka and return to Hawaii
- After checking out, enjoy a Noh Theater traditional performing arts experience. Head to Fukuoka Airport to board your short flight to Haneda. Enjoy some last omiyage shopping opportunities at the airport, then fly back to Honolulu on Japan Airlines. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the international flight
This magnificent autumn journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s quiet beauty, plus cultural experiences, gourmet cuisine, and comforting onsen (hot springs) retreats.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$6,390.00*
$5,290.00 **
$1,000.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: November in this region is usually comfortable and pleasant. Average high temperatures for Fukuoka would be in the mid-60s during the day, with a low of around 50 degrees at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Fukuoka.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 24 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 6 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. You’ll even have two nights with your own private hot springs bath in your room!
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu to Japan, plus the short domestics flights to and from Fukuoka, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
Taste of Kyushu: Autumn Sumo and Gourmet Tour 2026
