Kyushu Spring Journey

Day 00 (Tue, 24 Mar’26)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Fukuoka 

Day 01 (Wed, 25 Mar’26)
Singapore – Fukuoka
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Miyako Hotel Hakata (Hot Spring) or similar 

Arriving in Fukuoka this morning, you will have a free and easy day to rest and prepare for the journey ahead. 

Day 02 (Thu, 26 Mar’26)
Fukuoka – Kagoshima
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Hot Spring) or similar 

Begin your Kyushu adventure in style aboard the Discover Kyushu Express “36+3”, an elegant sightseeing train celebrating Kyushu’s rich culture and natural beauty. Arriving in Kagoshima, join us in a special welcome dinner and toast to the beginning of your spring journey through Kyushu. 

Day 03 (Fri, 27 Mar’26)
Kagoshima
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Hot Spring) or similar 

Start today with a visit to the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots. Built on the former base where missions were launched, this museum is dedicated to the suicide pilots of World War II. Despite its sombre topic, the museum grounds are filled with cherry blossom trees that seemingly support the message of peace every spring.

This afternoon brings a FMJ Local Activity in Ibusuki. Head out to Daikichi Farm where you will learn how they grow delicious, high quality produce sought after both locally and internationally. From the particular attention to the nutrients in the soil, to carefully planting and harvesting produce by hand, uncover the farmers’ efforts in producing the best vegetables and get hands on with harvesting some for yourself!

Day 04 (Sat, 28 Mar’26)
Kagoshima – Kirishima
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Myoken Ishiharaso (Private Hot Spring) or similar

A traditional Japanese garden that is beautiful in all seasons, Senganen Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is over 350 years old. The garden consists of a preserved residence that was the home of the former ruling Shimazu clan, and traditional garden elements accentuated by the ‘borrowed scenery’ of Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima in the background.

Move on to Sogi Falls later, a 12m high thundering waterfall which cascades down Senjoiwa Rock. Stretching across 210m, the scale and power of this waterfall has earned it the nickname of the ‘Niagara of the East’.

Day 05 (Sun, 29 Mar’26)
Kirishima
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Myoken Ishiharaso (Private Hot Spring) or similar  

Connect with the locals and get an in depth look into a side of Japan you would not normally see in a special FMJ Local Activity today! Listen to the stories of the locals and share in their culture as you are welcomed into their slice of Japan life.

Day 06 (Mon, 30 Mar’26)
Kirishima – Miyazaki
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower or similar

Start today at the symbol of Kagoshima, Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, it stands at 1,117m and has a circumference of about 50km. Stop by the Arimura Lava Observatory where you can peek into the volcano’s craters. Walk along the lava flow on the mountainside, distinguished according to eruption date by the state of the surrounding vegetation.

Nothing says spring in Japan like cherry blossoms and Mochio Park is the perfect place to bask in the pink glow of these flowers this afternoon! With 2,600 cherry blossom trees of different varieties lining a path of 2km, it is no wonder that this is one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots.

Day 07 (Tue, 31 Mar’26)
Miyazaki
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower or similar

Take a step back in time at Obi Castle Town this morning, where well-preserved samurai houses and streets transport you to a bygone era. Known as the “little Kyoto of Kyushu”, the town’s long history can be seen and felt though visits to the Obi Castle ruins, samurai residences, merchant houses, and other sites.  

Head over to Udo Shrine next for some stunning views at this unique shrine along the Nichinan Coast. Set in a cave by the seaside, the vermillion shrine contrasts against the deep blue sea and rocky coast to create a picturesque scene. 

Day 08 (Wed, 01 Apr’26)
Miyazaki – Aso
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

One of Miyazaki prefecture’s most famous sights, Takachiho Gorge is a V-shaped gorge created by the Gokase River eroding through volcanic rock. The 17m high Minainotaki waterfall cascading into the river midway through the gorge paints a particularly impressive picture as the clear water cascades down against a background of grey cliffs and green foliage. 

Day 09 (Thu, 02 Apr’26)
Aso – Kumamoto
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky or similar

Take a stroll around Suizenji Jojuen Park this morning, a traditional Japanese landscape garden built in the 17th century. Structured after the 53 stations of the Tokaido, a famous road connecting Edo and Kyoto during the Edo period, the garden consists of perfectly placed ponds, trees and hills, including a mini version of Mt Fuji. 

Later, drop by Kumamoto Castle, regarded as one of Japan’s most impressive castles with many castle buildings and historical materials showcased here. The grounds of the castle are also home to around 800 cherry trees, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot when the flowers are in bloom. 

Day 10 (Fri, 03 Apr’26)
Kumamoto – Beppu
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa (Hot Spring) or similar 

Head up to Mt Nakadake, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. Located on Mt Aso, the steaming emerald crater lake and smell of sulphur in the air is sure to leave an impression of the volcano on your senses!  

Get ready for more spectacular scenery as you stop by Daikanbo, a popular lookout near Mt. Aso. Standing at 936m, it offers panoramic views of Mt. Aso and the Kuju mountain range. Interestingly, from this vantage point, the five peaks of Aso resemble a sleeping Buddha. 

Day 11 (Sat, 04 Apr’26)
Beppu
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa (Hot Spring) or similar

Take the Beppu Ropeway up Mt Tsurumi this morning to see panoramic views of Beppu with its steaming hot springs. What’s more, over 2,000 cherry blossom trees surround the mountain, making it a spectacular spot for admiring the flowers when they are in bloom. 

Spend the afternoon strolling about the picturesque streets of Yufuin. With many intimate cafes, boutiques and small museums, the quaint town is the perfect place to spend a day of exploration. At the end of the street, stop by at the peaceful Lake Kirinko, which both hot and cold springs feed into, and admire the view of the twin peaked Mt Yufu that overlooks the town. 

Day 12 (Sun, 05 Apr’26)
Beppu – Fukuoka
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka or similar

An old castle town often referred to as the “City of Water”, Yanagawa is crossed by numerous waterways, constructed to add defence to the castle in ancient times. Now, these waterways serve as pleasant routes for visitors to take as boats called “donko” ply the canals, steered by boatmen using a single long pole. Take a leisurely cruise down Yanagawa’s waterways and see the historical town in a different light.

Culminate your trip with a special dinner this evening. Prepared using the freshest ingredients from around the region, indulge in a sumptuous dinner to celebrate the tastes of Kyushu and a memorable journey.

Day 13 (Mon, 06 Apr’26)
Fukuoka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka or similar

Free and easy

Day 14 (Tue, 07 Apr’26)
Fukuoka – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-) 

Flight back to Singapore