Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour 2026
Destination Highlights for the Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour:
Kagoshima – Miyazaki – Beppu – Fukuoka
Tour Dates (Full Package):
March 26 – April 6, 2027
Full Package: $5,990/person
(includes roundtrip air tickets from HNL)
Land Package: $4,590/person
(does not include any air tickets)
Special Offer: Book by September 15, 2026 for $100 off!
Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour Overview
Experience the rich traditions of Sado Island, Niigata, and Aizu
Featured in National Geographic, Sado Island is Japan’s next up-and-coming destination. Now’s your chance to beat the crowds and experience this hidden gem for yourself! The Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour offers an immersive journey through the island’s rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant traditions with hands-on cultural experiences, historic villages, relaxing hot springs, and unforgettable local cuisine. Plus, enjoy the option to visit Niigata’s Sake no Jin, Japan’s most iconic sake festival—or choose a traditional knifemaking craft experience instead.
What’s included on the Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour
Transportation
- Round-trip flights with Japan Airlines from Honolulu (Full Package only)
- A private driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- One-way tickets on a scenic ferry ride from Sakurajima Port to Kagoshima Port
- Tickets for a Kumagawa river cruise aboard a traditional wooden pleasure boat
Meals
- 26 delicious meals, carefully curated with local flavors and regional specialties
- No hidden fees! HIS includes more meals than any other travel agency!
Accommodations
- 10 nights at premium accommodations, including five nights with first-class hot springs
- Tired of switching hotels all the time? We include consecutive stays multiple times throughout the tour. No unpacking and repacking every night!
And More!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
- $200 repeater discount on all future HIS tours
Cultural Activities
- Enjoy an authentic hanami experience, with visits to SEVEN different iconic sakura (cherry blossom) spots
- Tour a katsuobushi (dried bonito) factory and enjoy a hands-on dashi-making workshop
- Hands-on activities such as strawberry picking, sushi making, and a matcha tea ceremony experience
- Learn how to shop like a local at Trial Beppu, a market featuring regional and seasonal goods
- Visit culturally significant sites such as Kokura Castle, Usa Jungu Shrine, Beppu “Hells”, Kumamoto Castle, Senganen, and much more!
Kyushu Splendid Sakura Tour Itinerary
March 26, 2027: Honolulu Departure (Day 0)
Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport (HNL). Relax before your flight to Fukuoka via Haneda with Japan Airlines (JAL) — known for their excellent in-flight service and surprisingly good food!
March 27, 2027: Arrival in Japan (Day 1)
Welcome to Japan! After landing at Haneda International Airport, pass through immigration and customs before meeting your local Japanese guide. Check into the hotel, relax, and rest up for your big adventure!
- Hotel: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka (or similar)
- Meals: Two meals onboard your flight
March 28, 2027: Explore Kitakyushu (Day 2)
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel before meeting your English speaking guide. After lunch, head to the TOTO Museum to learn about their world famous restroom products. Stroll through the historical buildings of Mojiko Retro, and finish the day surrounded by sakura trees at Kokura Castle.
- Hotel: Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura Fukuoka (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 29, 2027: Sakura and Strawberries (Day 3)
Walk through the cherry blossom trees at Shiranoe Botanical Gardens before having a Japanese lunch and picking strawberries at a local farm. Later, head down to Oita Prefecture to see one of Kyushu’s most famous shrines, Usa Jingu, and end the day enjoying the hotel’s multi-tiered open-air onsen or “Aqua Garden”, a swimsuit-friendly geothermal waterpark.
- Hotel: Suginoi Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 30, 2027: Beppu Sightseeing (Day 4)
Start the day exploring Beppu Jigoku (AKA the “Hells” of Beppu), famous for their colorful hot springs and volcanic landscapes. Then take in the breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains from Beppu Ropeway, before finishing with a visit to the local Japanese supermarket, where you can buy local foods, snacks, and Japan exclusive items!
- Hotel: Suginoi Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 31, 2027: Miyazaki Magic (Day 5)
Experience the stunning scenic beauty of Miyazaki at Takachiho Gorge, surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs, lush greenery, and the tranquil Gokase River. Later, continue to Takachiho Shrine, a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary nestled among towering cedar trees.
- Hotel: Phoenix Seagaia Resort (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 1, 2027: Beauty of Kagoshima (Day 6)
Finish off your time in Miyazaki with Aoshima Shrine, a hidden gem nestled among the lush forest of the island. Continue south to Kagoshima’s Arimura Lava Observatory, then cross to Kagoshima by ferry boat. End the day with a fun sushi making experience, creating your own delicious dinner.
- Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 2, 2027: Food, Experiences, & Sakura (Day 7)
Katsuobushi (dried bonito) and dashi are essential ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Learn all about them with a katsuobushi factory tour and a hands-on dashi broth workshop. Enjoy the unique experience of slurping flowing somen noodles at Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi and finish the day with a visit to Senganen Garden, including a traditional matcha experience.
- Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 3, 2027: Scenic Kumamoto (Day 8)
Sail through history with a relaxing Kumagawa River Boat Ride aboard a traditional vessel that was once used to connect the two sides of the river. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing at historic Kumamoto Castle – don’t forget to check out the spectacular cherry blossom views!
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto Newsky (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 4, 2027: Serenity & Shopping (Day 9)
Experience the serenity of Rengein Tanjōji Okunoin, a peaceful mountain temple surrounded by beautiful nature and cherry blossoms. Then, head to Aeon Mall Chikushino for some shopping before arriving at your final hotel.
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 5, 2027: Free Day in Fukuoka (Day 10)
Enjoy a full free day to explore Fukuoka at your own pace. Shop, dine, or just enjoy the sights. Need suggestions? Just ask!
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
April 6, 2027: Dazaifu & Return to Honolulu (Day 11)
After check-out, visit Dazaifu Tenmangu, the historic shrine of learning. Then fly back to Hawaii via Tokyo-Haneda with JAL. Welcome home!
- Hotel: N/A
- Meals: Breakfast, plus two meals onboard your international flight
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
Book by September 15, 2026 to SAVE $100!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,990.00*
$4,590.00**
$1,100.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Mid-March is a wonderful time to explore northern Japan, with cool, comfortable temperatures and the first signs of spring. Expect daytime highs ranging from the upper 40s to low 60s °F (10–17 °C), with cooler mornings and evenings. While snow is unlikely in Tokyo, there may still be small amounts of lingering snow in Sado Island and Aizu. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella, as occasional rain is possible.
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 time for shopping at Niigata’s Pia Bandai and Sado Island’s Super Marui market. Additionally, a free morning and afternoon in Tokyo are included prior to departure on the last day.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 26 exceptional meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 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.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu and Japan 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.
