Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Obama Onsen, Kumamoto

Experience Kyushu at peak blossom—historic towns, healing hot springs, scenic ferry rides, and soulful cuisine, guided with care from Honolulu to Fukuoka and back.

From Blossoms to Hot Springs: A Journey Through Fukuoka’s Temples, Nagasaki’s Heritage, and Aso’s Scenic Highlands

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Tour Overview:

Experience the vibrant spirit of Kyushu in spring, where cherry blossoms frame historic towns, coastal ports, and volcanic highlands. From canal cruises and artisan crafts to heartfelt peace heritage in Nagasaki and the proud walls of Kumamoto Castle, each day blends culture, scenery, and seasonal flavors. With immersive rail and ferry journeys, regional cuisine, and the comfort of soothing onsen stays—including a private hot spring room—this 12-day, 10-night tour offers a balanced and memorable way to connect with Southern Japan’s timeless charm.

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What’s Included:

• Expert English-speaking guides—including an H.I.S. escort from Honolulu—who bring Kyushu’s history, culture, and daily life to life with warmth and insight.
• Immersive cultural experiences, from a Yanagawa canal cruise during the Sagemon Festival and crafting a glass dragonfly bead in Unzen to tasting castella in Nagasaki and riding the Shimatetsu Café Train.
• Comfortable stays at hand-selected hotels, including seaside views in Karatsu, two nights in Obama Onsen with a private hot spring room, and city stays in Fukuoka and Kumamoto.
• A thoughtfully paced itinerary that blends sightseeing and reflection with moments to relax—featuring ferry rides, scenic train journeys, castle visits, artisan towns, and soothing onsen time.
• A seasonal journey highlighting spring blossoms, coastal landscapes, and Southern Japan’s timeless heritage—paired with regional cuisine, heartfelt hospitality, and Kyushu’s warm spirit.

Key Highlights:

• Fukuoka & Yanagawa: Visit the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and glide along Yanagawa’s canals during the colorful Sagemon Festival. Stroll Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in bloom and taste regional specialties, from refined kaiseki to local delicacies.
• Karatsu & Arita: Explore the bustling Yobuko Morning Market, enjoy seasonal strawberry picking, and discover the artistry of Arita porcelain in its famed ceramic village. Relax by the sea at the Karatsu Seaside Hotel.
• Nagasaki & Obama Onsen: Reflect on history at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, hear survivor testimony, and enjoy Nagasaki’s sweet castella. Stay two nights in Obama Onsen, where your Japanese-Western room features a private hot spring bath.
• Shimabara & Kumamoto: Ride the whimsical Shimatetsu Café Train and cruise from Kuchinotsu in search of dolphins. Cross the Ariake Sea by ferry to stand before the proud walls of Kumamoto Castle and discover the calm beauty of Suizenji Garden.
• Aso & Beppu: Journey through the volcanic landscapes of Mt. Aso, from the crystal waters of Shirakawa Spring to the sweeping Daikanbo lookout. In Beppu, marvel at the vivid blue “Sea Hell” hot spring and stay at the famed Suginoi Hotel.
• Mojiko & Fukuoka: Stroll the nostalgic port district of Mojiko Retro and celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in Fukuoka.
• Culinary Experiences: Enjoy 26 included meals—from market-fresh seafood and regional specialties to strawberry picking, café train dining, and onsen ryokan cuisine.
• Relaxed Travel Style: Travel smoothly with an H.I.S. escort from Honolulu and expert local guide. Enjoy well-paced days, scenic ferry and train journeys, and multi-night stays for a comfortable balance of sightseeing and rest.

Perfect for:

• Travelers seeking a balance of culture, comfort, and seasonal beauty—from strolling through blooming temple grounds to ferry rides across Kyushu’s scenic coasts.
• Onsen and wellness seekers who value time to unwind in historic hot spring towns, including two nights in Obama Onsen with a private bath in your room.
• Cultural enthusiasts eager for hands-on moments, such as crafting glass dragonfly beads, riding a café train, and exploring artisan towns like Arita.
• Curious explorers ready to discover both iconic and hidden gems, from Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Kumamoto Castle to Mojiko Retro and the Yanagawa Sagemon Festival.
• Food lovers excited to savor Kyushu’s regional specialties, with 26 included meals featuring market-fresh seafood, seasonal strawberry picking, and onsen ryokan cuisine.

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Join us for the Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour and experience the perfect balance of spring blossoms, cultural treasures, and coastal beauty. From canal rides in Yanagawa and peace heritage in Nagasaki to the proud walls of Kumamoto Castle and the volcanic landscapes of Mt. Aso, each day reveals the warmth and spirit of Southern Japan. With soothing onsen stays, scenic train and ferry rides, and 26 included meals, this 12-day, 10-night guided journey is limited to just 30 participants.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS

🌸Click here to see your Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour Experience 🌸

Day 00 – Thu, Mar 26 | Honolulu → Tokyo

• Your adventure begins as you meet your H.I.S. escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport. Board your non-stop flight to Tokyo, filled with excitement for the cherry blossoms ahead.

Day 01 – Fri, Mar 27 | Arrival in Tokyo (Haneda)

• Arrive at Haneda in the evening and walk directly to your airport hotel—no bus or guide needed today. Enjoy a restful start before your Kyushu journey begins.
  • Hotel: Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport

Day 02 – Sat, Mar 28 | Tokyo → Fukuoka

• After breakfast, transfer to Haneda Terminal 1 and board your domestic flight to Fukuoka. Upon arrival, enjoy an early hotel check-in and a relaxed afternoon in the city.
  • Hotel: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 03 – Sun, Mar 29 | Dazaifu & Yanagawa

• Pay respects at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine before savoring a refined lunch at NIPPONIA Hotel. Glide along Yanagawa’s canals during the colorful Sagemon Festival and enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner.
  • Hotel: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 – Mon, Mar 30 | Fukuoka → Karatsu

• Discover the giant reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple, then enjoy a seaside lunch overlooking Hakata Bay. Stroll through Uminonakamichi Seaside Park before arriving at your hotel on the Karatsu coast.
  • Hotel: Karatsu Seaside Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 – Tue, Mar 31 | Karatsu → Nagasaki

• Experience the lively Yobuko Morning Market and taste the sweetness of freshly picked strawberries. Visit Arita, home of fine porcelain, and enjoy free time in Nagasaki’s modern Stadium City with an optional evening light show.
  • Hotel: Stadium City Hotel Nagasaki
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 – Wed, Apr 1 | Nagasaki Peace Heritage → Obama Onsen

• Reflect on Nagasaki’s history at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, and listen to moving survivor testimony. Sample the city’s famous castella before arriving at your hot spring inn in Obama Onsen.
  • Hotel: Obama Onsen Iseya (Japanese-Western Room with Private Onsen)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 – Thu, Apr 2 | Shimabara & Dolphin Watching

• Ride the charming Shimatetsu Café Train along the coast and learn about Shimabara’s volcanic past at the debris-flow memorial. Later, set out on a dolphin-watching cruise before returning to your onsen hotel for a relaxing evening soak.
  • Hotel: Obama Onsen Iseya (Japanese-Western Room with Private Onsen)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 – Fri, Apr 3 | Unzen → Kumamoto

• Explore the Unzen Vidoro Museum and try your hand at crafting a glass dragonfly bead. After a nostalgic lunch at Unzen Kanko Hotel, cross the Ariake Sea by ferry and stand before the iconic Kumamoto Castle.
  • Hotel: Kumamoto Hotel Castle
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 – Sat, Apr 4 | Aso Highlands → Beppu

• Stroll through the scenic paths of Suizenji Garden and ride the Minamiaso Torokko sightseeing train. Taste the pure waters of Shirakawa Spring and take in sweeping views from Mt. Aso’s Daikanbo lookout before arriving in Beppu.
  • Hotel: Suginoi Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Sun, Apr 5 | Beppu → Fukuoka

• Gaze into the vivid turquoise depths of Umi Jigoku, one of Beppu’s famous “hells.” Then explore the nostalgic port town of Mojiko Retro before celebrating with a farewell dinner in Fukuoka.
  • Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Fukuoka
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Mon, Apr 6 | Fukuoka → Tokyo → Honolulu

• Enjoy a relaxed morning before your afternoon transfer to Fukuoka Airport. Fly to Tokyo Haneda and connect to your overnight flight to Honolulu, carrying home memories of Kyushu’s blossoms and warm hospitality.
  • Hotel: –
  • Meals: Breakfast

Celebrate the blossoms, heritage, and coastal beauty of Japan on our exclusive Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour 2026. Limited to just 30 participants, this 12-day, 10-night journey takes you from the tranquil shrines of Dazaifu and the canals of Yanagawa to Nagasaki’s moving peace heritage, the proud walls of Kumamoto Castle, and the volcanic drama of Mt. Aso. Along the way, savor regional specialties, relax in soothing onsen—including a private hot spring room—and discover Southern Japan’s timeless spirit—one castle, one coast, one blossom at a time.

This carefully crafted journey invites you to celebrate Kyushu’s spring blossoms, drift along Yanagawa’s festive canals, and reflect on Nagasaki’s moving heritage. With every detail arranged, you’re free to savor regional flavors, soak in soothing onsen, and experience the timeless spirit of Southern Japan at a comfortable pace.

Experience the blossoms, culture, and coastal beauty of Southern Japan in comfort and confidence on the Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour 2026, limited to just 30 guests. Travel with a Honolulu-based tour escort and expert English-speaking local guides who will be by your side every step of the way. From seamless flights and scenic ferry rides to a thoughtfully paced itinerary, we’ll take care of every detail—so you can glide along Yanagawa’s canals during the Sagemon Festival, reflect on Nagasaki’s peace heritage, soak in soothing onsen, and stand before the proud walls of Kumamoto Castle.

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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Land package only; international and domestic airfare not included. Single occupancy supplement applies. Customers must provide confirmed flight details to their travel consultant for itinerary coordination. All prices, inclusions, and itinerary details are subject to change without notice.

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From drifting along Yanagawa’s canals decorated with vibrant Sagemon festival banners, to hearing the moving testimony of Nagasaki’s history, each moment draws you deeper into Kyushu’s spirit. Feel the charm of riding the whimsical Shimatetsu Café Train, where local flavors and seaside views set the pace. Then, savor the sweetness of spring with fresh strawberry picking—a simple joy that captures the warmth of Japan’s countryside. These are the moments—scenic, cultural, and unforgettable—that define your Kyushu Splendid Sakura journey.

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Q: How active is this tour?

A: Comfortable pace; expect daily walking on uneven surfaces and a few stair climbs.

Q: Are hot spring baths mandatory?

A: No—onsen are optional; private facilities and non-bathing alternatives are available.

Q: Are special diets accommodated?

A: We’ll relay requests to hotels/restaurants; options may be limited outside major cities.

Q: What are room types?

A: Primarily Western rooms; Obama Onsen features Japanese-Western rooms with private onsen.

Q: What is the best time for sakura?

A: Late March–early April is typical; blooms are natural and not guaranteed.

Q: Is travel insurance required?

A: While not mandatory it is strongly recommended to protect your trip investment and health needs.

Q: Can I extend in Tokyo or Fukuoka?

A: Yes—ask us about pre/post-tour hotel nights and flights.

Q: Are seats assigned together?

A: We request seat assignments but they’re at the airline’s discretion.

Q: Is the dolphin cruise guaranteed?

A: It’s weather/sea-condition dependent; an alternative visit is planned if canceled.

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