Kyushu Holiday Shopping & Onsen Escape – Fukuoka, Beppu, Kumamoto
Kyushu Holiday Shopping & Onsen Escape: Culture, Comfort & Festive Winter Retreats
Unwind in Beppu, Shop in Fukuoka, and Soak in the Spirit of the Season
Scenes from Kyushu: Where Festive Cheer, Mountain Air, and Healing Waters Meet
Tour Overview:
Experience the warmth of Kyushu this winter, where festive markets, mountain landscapes, and rejuvenating onsen await. From the serene hot springs of Beppu to the charming streets of Yufuin, this journey blends cultural encounters with moments of deep relaxation. Explore iconic sites like Kumamoto Castle, visit spiritual sanctuaries such as Dazaifu Shrine, and enjoy free time to shop in Fukuoka’s lively holiday arcades. With flavorful local cuisine, hands-on traditions, and plenty of space to unwind, this is a soulful seasonal escape designed to nourish both body and spirit.
What’s Included:
- Expert English-speaking guides—including a tour leader from Honolulu—who are passionate about sharing the beauty, culture, and flavors of Kyushu.
- Cultural experiences such as a hands-on bamboo craft workshop, visits to sacred sites like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and time to explore historic Kumamoto Castle.
- Relaxing stays at top-rated hotels, including two rejuvenating nights at Beppu’s renowned Suginoi Hotel with access to panoramic onsen baths and wellness facilities.
- A thoughtfully paced itinerary that balances must-see highlights with free time—featuring Yufuin’s charming village, the vibrant Tenjin shopping arcade, and Beppu’s mystical “hells.”
- A festive blend of exploration and holiday cheer, with seasonal shopping, flavorful Kyushu cuisine, and space to relax, recharge, and enjoy the spirit of the season.
Key Highlights:
- Yufuin & Beppu: Stroll through the charming Yufuin Floral Village before unwinding at the luxurious Suginoi Hotel. Experience Beppu’s famous hot spring “hells,” meet the macaques of Takasakiyama Monkey Park, and enjoy a traditional bamboo craft workshop.
- Aso & Kumamoto: Take in sweeping views of Mt. Aso from Kusasenri Plateau and explore the majestic grounds of Kumamoto Castle. Savor a regional lunch featuring local cuisine before returning to Fukuoka.
- Fukuoka: Enjoy multiple free days in this vibrant city—perfect for holiday shopping, exploring Christmas markets, and sampling local street food. Visit the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and browse the lively Tenjin Shopping Arcade.
- Culinary Experiences: Indulge in a delicious onsen-steamed lunch in Beppu, a local set meal in Kumamoto, and a group farewell yakiniku dinner. Daily breakfasts are included to start each day with ease.
- Relaxed Travel Style: Fly direct from Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines, enjoy a late check-out on your final day, and travel comfortably with a bilingual tour leader from Honolulu and local guide throughout your journey.
Perfect for:
- Travelers seeking a gentle mix of culture, relaxation, and festive fun, with time to explore at their own pace.
- Wellness lovers dreaming of Japan’s rejuvenating onsen culture, including two nights at the scenic Suginoi Hotel in Beppu.
- Cultural explorers interested in hands-on traditions and historic sites, from bamboo craft workshops to iconic Kumamoto Castle and Dazaifu Shrine.
- Holiday shoppers looking to browse vibrant Christmas markets and local boutiques in the heart of Fukuoka.
- Foodies eager to taste Kyushu’s regional specialties, including onsen-steamed cuisine, local lunch sets, and a yakiniku-style farewell dinner.
Join us for the Kyushu Holiday Shopping & Onsen Escape in 2025 and discover the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and festive charm. From rejuvenating hot springs and historic castles to vibrant holiday markets and hands-on experiences, this is your chance to explore the rich traditions and seasonal beauty of Japan’s southern island—all at a relaxed pace designed to warm your winter spirit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS IN JAPAN
🎄 Click here to see your Kyushu Holiday & Onsen Escape Experience 🎄
Day 0 – December 02 (Tuesday): Departure & Group Meeting
- Your journey begins at the Honolulu Airport, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers at the Hawaiian Airlines check-in counter. After checking in, relax and settle into vacation mode with exclusive access to the Lealea Lounge—an HIS Hawaii perk. Enjoy light refreshments and a calm space before boarding your direct flight to Fukuoka, Japan. The holiday escape officially begins.
Day 1 – December 03 (Wednesday): Arrival in Fukuoka
- Touch down in Fukuoka and breeze through immigration and customs. Your guide will greet you at the airport, and you’ll head straight to your conveniently located hotel near Hakata Station. Take time to settle in, rest, or explore the neighborhood at your own pace. The rest of the day is yours to unwind after the flight and prepare for the days ahead.
- Hotel: Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station | Meals: None
Day 2 – December 04 (Thursday): Yufuin Charm & Beppu Onsen Stay
- After breakfast, the group sets off for the mountains of Yufuin, a picturesque village known for its fairy tale-like streets, boutique shops, and countryside charm. Enjoy free time to wander, snap photos, or shop for local crafts. In the afternoon, head to Beppu for a hands-on traditional bamboo craft experience. By evening, you’ll check in to the famous Suginoi Hotel, where you can soak in the open-air onsen with views over the city and coastline. Dinner is served at the hotel—a perfect ending to a full and peaceful day.
- Hotel: Suginoi Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – December 05 (Friday): Monkeys, Steam Cuisine & the “Hells” of Beppu
- Today is packed with unique local sights and flavors. First, meet the wild macaques at Takasakiyama Monkey Park, where they roam freely against a backdrop of autumn colors. For lunch, enjoy a meal steamed using natural onsen heat—a Beppu specialty. Then, explore the dramatic hot spring landscapes of Umi Jigoku and Kamado Jigoku, known for their vivid colors and bubbling geothermal features. After a full day of sightseeing, return to Suginoi Hotel to unwind and enjoy another delicious dinner.
- Hotel: Suginoi Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – December 06 (Saturday): Mt. Aso Views & Kumamoto Castle
- Leave Beppu behind and journey through Kyushu’s rural heartlands. Your first stop is Kusasenri Plateau, where you can admire sweeping views of Mt. Aso and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Continue on to enjoy a locally prepared lunch, followed by a visit to the grand Kumamoto Castle—one of Japan’s most famous and resilient landmarks. In the evening, return to Fukuoka and check in to your hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own, with plenty of dining options nearby.
- Hotel: Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – December 07 (Sunday): Free Day in Fukuoka
- Enjoy a full day to explore Fukuoka at your own pace. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping at Canal City, strolling through Christmas markets, or tasting street food at Yatai stalls, Fukuoka is bursting with festive energy and local flavor. It’s a perfect day for personal discoveries and a bit of holiday gift hunting.
- Hotel: Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station | Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – December 08 (Monday): Dazaifu Shrine & Tenjin Shopping
- Start the day with a visit to the spiritual Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, surrounded by peaceful gardens and charming walkways lined with shops selling seasonal sweets and souvenirs. Then, head into the heart of the city for shopping at Tenjin—Fukuoka’s vibrant downtown district packed with department stores, boutiques, and underground malls. The afternoon is yours to explore, dine, and indulge at your leisure.
- Hotel: Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station | Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – December 09 (Tuesday): Free Day & Sayonara Dinner
- Spend your final full day in Japan however you like—whether it’s revisiting a favorite spot, finishing up your holiday shopping, or simply relaxing at a café. In the evening, the group will gather for a special farewell dinner featuring a sizzling yakiniku course. It’s a warm and delicious way to celebrate the friendships and memories made on this journey.
- Hotel: Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – December 10 (Wednesday): Return to Honolulu
- Enjoy a slow-paced morning with a late check-out and time to relax or pick up last-minute souvenirs. In the evening, head to the airport for your direct flight back to Honolulu. Carry home your shopping treasures, new friendships, and the peaceful spirit of Kyushu.
- Meals: Breakfast
Celebrate the warmth, charm, and seasonal spirit of Japan’s southern island on our exclusive Kyushu Holiday Shopping & Onsen Escape! From the scenic tranquility of Beppu’s hot springs to the storybook streets of Yufuin and the festive energy of Fukuoka’s holiday markets, this journey blends relaxation, cultural discovery, and joyful shopping. Let us take care of the details while you soak, savor, and explore the best of Kyushu at your own pace.
This thoughtfully designed tour takes care of every detail, so you can relax, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy the festive charm, culture, and scenic beauty of Kyushu at your own pace.
Experience the warmth and charm of southern Japan with complete peace of mind on the Kyushu Holiday Shopping & Onsen Escape, limited to just 30 guests. Travel with a Honolulu-based tour leader and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide who will be with you every step of the way. From seamless travel logistics to a relaxed, well-paced itinerary, we’ll take care of the details—so you can unwind in Beppu’s healing hot springs, explore Fukuoka’s festive markets, and savor the rich traditions and flavors of Kyushu.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
$3,990.00
$2,990.00 **
$800.00
**international airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early Bird Special: Save $100 when you’re one of the first 10 to sign up!
The Sights and Activities
From watching the sun set over Beppu while soaking in an open-air bath at Suginoi Hotel, to crafting delicate bamboo pieces by hand in a traditional takezaiku workshop, each moment offers a glimpse into Kyushu’s soulful charm. Savor local flavors like fresh vegetables and steamed delicacies cooked using natural onsen heat, and lose yourself in the joy of discovering seasonal finds while shopping in Fukuoka. These are the warm, wonder-filled moments that make your Kyushu holiday escape unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the group size for this tour?
A: This tour is limited to 30 participants to ensure a more personal and relaxed travel experience.
Q: Is this a guided tour?
A: Yes. The tour is fully escorted by a tour leader from Honolulu and includes a professional, English-speaking local guide in Japan for the duration of the tour.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: You’ll stay at quality, centrally located hotels including:
- Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station (5 nights)
- Suginoi Hotel in Beppu (2 nights), known for its luxurious onsen and stunning views
Q: Are meals included?
A: The tour includes 12 meals:
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners, including a group farewell yakiniku dinner
Q: How much walking is involved?
A: Moderate walking is required, including on uneven surfaces and at some historical sites. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and being prepared for varied terrain.
Q: Will there be free time during the tour?
A: Yes. Plenty! This tour is designed with a relaxed pace, including two full free days in Fukuoka, ideal for shopping, exploring holiday markets, or enjoying local cuisine.
Q: Is airfare included?
A: Yes. The tour includes roundtrip airfare from Honolulu to Fukuoka and return from Kansai International Airport, via Hawaiian Airlines nonstop flights.
Q: Are gratuities included?
A: Gratuities for the local guide and drivers are not included. We will provide suggested tipping guidelines in your final documents.
Q: Can I join the tour from Japan or another location?
A: Yes, land-only pricing is available for travelers who do not need airfare from Honolulu. Please connect with a travel consultant for more details.
Q: Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
A: We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but due to the rural locations and traditional meal styles, some flexibility may be required. Please let us know in advance.
