Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel with en route Sightseeing 
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to hotel with en route sightseeing. Upon check in, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Fukuoka Half Day Tour 
Explore Fukuoka as your stepping stone into Kyushu and learn about Fukuoka’s distinctive local culture.  Begin in Gion for its historical shrines and Buddhist temples, including Shofukuji, Japan’s first Zen temple.  In April, Maizuru Park would be a prime spot for Cherry Blossom viewing.  While you’re in the park, do not miss Fukuoka Castle Ruins.

Optional Craft Experience: Make Yame Tesuki Paper and Lacquer Chopsticks 
Crafting with Yame Tesuki Japanese paper is one of the oldest cultural traditions in Kyushu. Apply this ancient method to make your own, one-of-a-kind postcards. In addition, you will create your own pair of chopsticks by applying a lacquer coating technique used on Japanese Buddhist altars.

Car Transfer: Fukuoka – Dazaifu 
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Dazaifu (approx 30min).

Dazaifu Walking Tour (2hr) 
This scenic walking tour starts at Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine, dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, a 9th century politician and scholar deified and worshipped as the Shinto god of literature and learning, before heading to 7th century Kanzeon-ji Temple, a former mega-temple that played a key role in the history of Buddhism in Japan. It finishes with time to explore the Dazaifu Government Office Ruins – the political centre of Japan’s western capital.  

Car Transfer: Dazaifu – Fukuoka 
At the end of this walking tour, your driver will ensure your safe return to the hotel.  Upon return to hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure.  

Car Transfer: Hotel – Train Station 
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Hakata Station to board Seven Stars in Kyushu train.

Seven Stars in Kyushu 4 Day Unzen Course 

Day 1 Seven Stars in Kyushu: Hakata – Yufuin 
After leaving Hakata Station, Seven Stars in Kyushu heads to Yufuin while the tranquil countryside passes the train window. Feel the calmness and relaxation on the way to Yufuin and while visiting Yufuin, known for its picturesque and tranquil natural surroundings.  

Day 2 Seven Stars in Kyushu: Aso – Unzen 
The second day starts from Aso Station. On an excursion, you can experience the Hosokawa style Bonseki (miniature landscapes created on black trays using white sand, pebbles and small rocks), an expression of the Japanese culture of “Wabi Sabi” (elegant simplicity). Proceed to Kumamoto on the Seven Stars via the Tateno switchback. For lunch, a special spread at the Taisho-ji Temple, the family temple of the Hosokawa clan, the lords of the Kumamoto Domain. After that, you will cross the Ariake Sea by ferry and go to Unzen and enjoy the night in a luxury Ryokan.  

Day 3 Seven Stars in Kyushu: Unzen – Hakata 
The destination for the latter half of Seven Stars trip is west Kyushu. After leaving the luxury Ryokan, you will visit a local restaurant for lunch. Dinner onboard will be “Shippoku” cuisine – Japanese traditional cuisine with Chinese influence. This evening you will be entertained by Kenban, Geisha of Nagasaki. Enjoy the food, nature, history and unique culture of west Kyushu.  

Day 4 Seven Stars in Kyushu: Hakata Round Trip with en route Sightseeing along Nippo Main Line 
On the fourth day, the Seven Stars slowly goes down the Nippo Main Line from Kokura. In the Kunisaki Peninsula, you will experience “integrated agriculture, forestry and fisheries,” which is classified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site. In the last part of the journey, you will return to views of Mt. Yufu on the Kyudai Main Line. You will recall your memories of the four-day journey as the scenes flow past the train windows on your way to Hakata Station, which is the final destination. 

Car Transfer: Train Station – Hotel 
Meet your driver at Hakata Station for transfer to hotel. Upon check in, enjoy the evening at leisure.  

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport 
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to Fukuoka Airport. 
 
We also recommend an extension to Takefue, a luxury ryokan in Kurokawa, for a duration of your choice. Speak to one of our friendly Travel Specialists for more details.