*NEW* 9 DAYS SOUTH KYUSHU HIDDEN CHARMS: HIKING & GOURMET (30 Mar – 07 Apr 2026)
KAGOSHIMA, KIRISHIMA, NICHINAN, MIYAZAKI, TAKACHIHO, KUMAMOTO
South Kyushu invites you on a journey where the pleasures of the palate meet the serenity of the great outdoors. This immersive tour blends scenic hikes through ancient forests, crater lakes, and volcanic highlands with exceptional culinary experiences that reveal the soul of Miyazaki and Kagoshima.
Each day balances gentle exploration of Kyushu’s most beautiful natural landscapes with moments of indulgence – whether it’s savoring melt-in-your-mouth Miyazaki Wagyu, enjoying a private lakeside BBQ, dining at one of Japan’s top-rated sushi restaurants, or sampling the region’s specialty of bonito. Along the way, you’ll visit sacred shrines, stroll atmospheric castle towns, and unwind in elegant ryokans with soothing hot springs. From the vibrant flavors to the peaceful rhythm of nature, this tour promises a feast for the senses—both refined and rejuvenating.
Twin Sharing: S$ 14,580 per person
Single Supplement: S$ 3,080 per person
Early Bird Offer
First four bookings with deposit (limit to four rooms) will get complimentary upgrade to Club Floor Grand Room in Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower for 2 nights.
Deposit Amount
20% deposit at sign up
*Registration Closing Date
30 Dec 2025 or when tour is fully subscribed
Arrival in Kagoshima
Upon arrival, transfer to the retreat of Myoken Ishiharaso, an elegant riverside ryokan, to unwind in the open-air hot spring bath by the river, and enjoy a refined multi-course dinner featuring seasonal delicacies.
Kirishima Hiking & Private dinner by Lake Miike
Begin your day with a scenic hike along the Onami Lake to Ebino Kogen trail, where high-altitude crater lakes and volcanic ridgelines offer breathtaking views and seasonal beauty.
Enjoy a tranquil cruise across Lake Miike, Japan’s deepest volcanic lake, followed by an exceptional open-air Kaiseki cuisine with Robata BBQ dinner, prepared by our private chef from a renowned ryokan.
Explore Ebino Plateau
Hike the Ike Meguri Course in the scenic Ebino Highlands, where a gentle loop connects three serene volcanic lakes. The easy-to-moderate trail (about 5.5km & takes about 2 hours to complete) offers seasonal views and insight into the area’s volcanic heritage.
Later, check in to Nemu no Hana, a tranquil forest retreat in Kitago town. Each guest lodge is tucked into the greenery, offering privacy and a deep connection to nature. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a thoughtful dinner and onsen experience in this secluded mountain sanctuary.
Coastal Shrines & Obi Castle Town
Start the day with a visit to the seaside Udo Shrine, dramatically set in a cliffside cave overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Then, take a short forest walk to the lesser known but deeply atmospheric Namikiri Shrine.
Drive 30 minute to Obi. Explore Obi Castle Town by rickshaw, strolling past preserved Edo-period architecture. Cap off the day with a memorable kaiseki dinner at Isshinzushi Koyo, one of Japan’s top sushi restaurants, before returning to your luxury ryokan.
Inohae Valley Hike & Miyazaki Gourmet
Set out for a gentle walk in the Inohae Valley, a designated Forest Therapy Base® where the power of nature is said to restore body and spirit.
After the hike, enjoy a regional specialty for lunch – lightly seared bonito (katsuo aburi) served over fluffy rice. As this is the prime season for bonito catch along the Nichinan coast, the fish is exceptionally fresh and flavorful, offering a true taste of the region.
Explore Aoshima Island, known for its unique “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations, subtropical vegetation, and the myth-steeped Aoshima Shrine.
Tonight’s dinner features one of Japan’s most prized delicacies: Miyazaki Wagyu beef, served teppanyaki-style. Known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this award-winning beef has repeatedly claimed the top prize at Japan’s prestigious Wagyu Olympics.
Culinary Workshop & UNESCO Eco-Park Walk
In Kobayashi, take part in a delightful hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make sushi and two local Miyazaki dishes: Hiyajiru (cold miso soup with grilled fish) and Gane (vegetable tempura), under the guidance of a seasoned local chef.
Venture to Aya Teruha Forest, a designated UNESCO Eco-Park. Walk across the 250-meter-long suspension bridge and hike through its rich subtropical forest (takes about 1-1.5 hours).
Explore Mythical Takachiho
Drive 2-hour north to Takachiho, a sacred land steeped in Japanese mythology. Take a Shinto priest-guided visit to Amano-Iwato Shrine, believed to be the site where the sun goddess Amaterasu once hid in a cave, casting the world into darkness.
Then, enjoy a rare private visit to a Kagura mask carver’s studio, where you’ll observe the intricate craftsmanship behind the expressive masks used in sacred Shinto dance. These masks are handmade using techniques passed down for generations, embodying deep spiritual symbolism and regional identity.
Village Walk & Private Kagura night
Begin your day with the Zig Zag Village Walk, a unique cultural experience guided by a local expert deeply rooted in the community. This immersive walk winds through the rural heart of Takachiho, offering rare insight into local traditions, daily life, and the area’s spiritual ties to Japanese mythology. You’ll visit village homes, learn folk stories passed down through generations, and enjoy heartfelt encounters with residents who preserve the region’s cultural legacy.
This evening, experience a private performance of Takachiho Night Kagura, a sacred ritual dance recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. Performed by local villagers at Takachiho Shrine since ancient times, the Kagura breathes life into the myths of the gods-its rhythm, movement, and timeless chants weaving a powerful link between the present and the divine.
Transfer to Kumamoto airport
Transfer to Kumamoto Airport (about 1.5 hours) for your outbound flight.
Myoken Ishiharaso • Nemu no Hana • Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower • Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen
KIRISHIMA
Built in 1966, Myoken Ishiharaso combines traditional Japanese design with modern amenities, providing guests with a unique and unforgettable stay. The hotel features 19 elegantly furnished rooms, all with meticulously crafted interiors and modern amenities to ensure a tranquil and luxurious experience. (Rooms: 19)
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NICHINAN
Surrounded by the quiet forests of the Inohayagawa Valley, Nemu no Hana features ten detached guest villas offering total privacy. Located in a certified Forest Therapy Base®, this elegant sanctuary is ideal for reconnecting with nature in luxurious comfort. (Opened: 2008, Rooms: 10 villas)
MIYAZAKI
A towering coastal escape offering panoramic ocean views and world-class amenities. Highlights include club-floor access, serene Japanese onsen, and signature dining-particularly its Miyazaki Wagyu teppanyaki restaurant and upscale Italian cuisine at ARCO. (Opened: 1994, Rooms: 743)
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TAKACHIHO
A distinguished member of The Ryokan Collection. Shinsen is a discreet traditional hideaway with quaint rooms dressed in cypress wood and a private garden. The esteemed lady of the house also serves as the in-house Sommelier, ensuring the perfect match of wines with luxurious, seasonal cuisine. (Rooms: 15)
View MoreJapan Airlines
30 Mar, Singapore – Tokyo Haneda (JL38), 01:55 – 09:50
30 Mar, Tokyo Haneda – Kagoshima (JL647), 11:55 – 13:45
7 Apr, Kumamoto – Tokyo Haneda (JL638), 20:20 – 21:55
8 Apr, Tokyo Haneda – Singapore (JL35), 00:05 – 06:10
We recommend arriving on/before and departing on/after the recommended flight times to fully participate in this journey.
Registration Closing Date: 30 Dec 2025 or when tour is fully subscribed
Kindly call us at (65) 6219 1359 if you require any immediate assistance.
Personal Particulars
GET STARTED WITH YOUR PERSONALISED UNIQUE JOURNEY
Call us at +65 6219 1359 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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