13-Day Kyushu Tour (group departure)
With optional extension to Shikoku

2010 Departure:

Oct 16 (SAT): U.S.-Fukuoka.
Depart U.S. for Fukuoka.

Oct 17 (SUN): Fukuoka.
Arrive Fukuoka, transfer to hotel after entry formalities.
Accommodation: New Otani Fukuoka.

Oct 18 (MON): Fukuoka (B/L).
A morning tour of Fukuoka, visit the vibrant Yanagibashi Market, Hakata Canal city, Kaidan-in, Kanzeon-ji Temple and Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, take a stroll to the Tenjin area and experience some Fukuoka famous Yatais (food stalls) at your own preference.

Oct 19 (TUE): Fukuoka (B).
Day free at leisure for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Oct 20 (WED): Fukuoka-Nagasaki (B/L).
After breakfast, transfer to Hakata Station for a 2-hour scenic train ride to Nagasaki. Lunch at local restaurant after arrival. Afternoon tour of the Dejima area: Chinatown, Confusius Shrine, Hollander Slope, Glover Garden and Oura Tenshudo.
Accommodation: BW Priemier Hotel.

Oct 21 (THR): Nagasaki (B).
Morning tour to Urakami, ground zero of the second atomic bomb of WWII; visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum dedicated to the city’s darkest day in history. Afternoon free at leisure.

Oct 22 (FRI): Nagasaki-Kumamoto (B/L).
Depart Nagasaki by bus along the Shimabara Peninsula; visit the Unzen spa area with its volcanic landscapes. Lunch at a local restaurant; onward to Shimabara Port for a ferry across the Ariake Sea for Kumamoto.
Accommodation: ANA Sky Hotel.

Oct 23 (SAT): Kumamoto-Beppu (B/L/D)
Morning tour of Kumamoto Castle; onward to Mt. Aso with its variety of stunning sceneries. Lunch at a local restaurant, then continue the journey to the onsen town of Beppu. Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Suginoi Hotel.

Oct 24 (SUN): Beppu (B/D)
Morning tour of Beppu City and its many ‘jigoku’ geothermal pits with difference activities. Afternoon free at leisure for you to enjoy the superb spa facilities at your hotel. Dinner at hotel.

Oct 25 (MON): Beppu-Tokyo
Transfer to Oita airport for domestic flight to Tokyo. Transfer to hotel after arrival at Haneda Airport.
Accommodation: Grand Pacific Le Daiba.

Oct 26-27 (TUE-WED): Tokyo (B).
Days free at leisure.

Oct 28 (THR): Tokyo-U.S. (B).
Transfer to airport for departure.

Optional Shikoku Extension:

Oct 16-24:
Same as Kyushu tour.

Oct 25 (MON): Beppu-Matsuyama (B)
Transfer to Beppu Port for ferry to Matsuyama; transfe to hotel after arrival.
Accommodation: ANA Hotel Matsuyama.

Oct 26 (TUE): Matsuyama (B/L).
Tour of Matsuyama city: visit Matsuyamajo Castle, Dogo Hot Spring, Dogo Park, Botchan Karakuri Clock, Shiki Memorial Museum and Gudabutsu-an.

Oct 27 (WED): Matsuyama-Kotohira (B/D).
Transfer to Matsuyama Station for express train to Kotohiora; proceed to hotel after arrival. Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Kotohira Grand Hotel.

Oct 28 (THR): Kotohira (B/L/D).
Take a leisurely paced morning climb of 785 stone steps to the Konpira Shrine where you’ll have a panoramic view of the Kotohira Plain. Visit an udon school and learn how to make udon and your creation is your lunch. Dinner at hotel.

Oct 29 (FRI): Kotohira-Tokyo (B).
Transfer to Takamatsu Airport for domestic flight to Tokyo. Transfer to hotel after arrival.
Accommodation: Grand Pacific Le Daiba

Oct 30-31 (SAT-SUN): Tokyo (B).
Days free at leisure.

Nov 01 (MON) : Tokyo-U.S. (B).
Transfer to airport for departure.