DAY 1: ARRIVE FUKUOKA / SAGA / URESHINO

On arrival at Fukuoka Intl Airport, be met and transfer to Saga Prefecture, an historically-important trading point influenced by Chinese and Korean culture. Our first visit will be the Yoshinogari Historical Park, an ancient archaeological site dating back to the Yayoi Period (300BC - 300AD) where dozens of pit dwellings, elevated storehouses and over 2000 tombs were unearthed. Carefully reconstructed, the settlement allows insights into one of the earliest-known governments in Japanese history. Thereafter, we continue to Saga City to enjoy the famous Saga Beef and mentaikyo in a delightful restaurant. Finally, we arrive at the stunning Bansyoukaku Sikisima in Ureshino Onsen, a beautiful onsen town lined with traditional buildings. One of the local delicacies in Ureshino is tofu cooked in onsen waters. 

Overnight: Bansyoukaku Sikisima, Ureshino 

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

DAY 2: URESHINO (EXCURSION OF ARITA)

Today, we take an excursion to the town of Arita, renowned for its exquisite pottery, "Arita-yaki" which dates back more than 400 years of craftsmanship. We take a walk through the town to gather insights on this important industry and the importance of porcelain imparted by the Koreans. Visit sites such as the Tozan Shrine, the Tonbai Wall Alleys where we will visit some artisans. Later, we make a visit to the Zwinger Palace, a reconstruction of the palace of the same name in Dresden, Germany. We also visit the beautiful nature of the Ryumon Valley, surrounded by cherry and maple trees and renowned as one of the most stunning natural beauty in Japan. 

DAY 3: URESHINO / NAGASAKI / UNZEN ONSEN

Travel south today to the city of Nagasaki in Nagasaki Prefecture, most recently renowned as one of two sites in Japan to be destroyed by atomic bombs during WWII. Visit the UNESCO-listed Nagasaki Peace Park commemorating the atomic bombing on 9 August, 1945. Continue next to Dejima, a man-made island near Nagasaki Port constructed to segregate Portuguese residents from the locals. Other notable sites to visit include the Sofukuji Temple, the famous Meganebashi Bridge and Chinatown, Japan's oldest chinatown established since the 17th Century. Continue next to the Shimabara Peninsula where we arrive at the stunning Azumaen in Unzen Onsen, one of Kyushu's most prolific hot springs. 

Overnight: Azumaen, Unzen Onsen

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4: UNZEN ONSEN

DAY 5: UNZEN ONSEN / SHIMABARA / KUMAMOTO / TAKACHIHO

An extraordinary day beckons as we are transferred to Shimabara Port to embark on the high speed ferry (55mins) across the Ariake Sea to the city of Kumamoto. Arriving at Kumamoto, transfer to visit the impressive Kumamoto Castle, one of the most impressive castles and defensive fortifications in Japan. Thereafter, we visit the Baba Jousaien area near the castle which showcases a variety of shops selling local produce and restaurants demonstrating Kumamoto cuisine. We then continue our way to Miyazaki Prefecture, make a stop at the impressive Tsujunkyo Bridge, Japan's largest stone arch aqueduct bridge. Our final destination will be Takachiho Gorge, a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. The sheer cliffs lining the gorge are made of slow-forming volcanic basalt columns which resembles the scales of dragons. Along the gorge is the iconic 17m high Minai no taki waterfall cascading to the river below. This evening, we visit the Takachiho Jinja to witness a traditional Yokagura masked dance performance.