Saga Exploration Drive

Day 00 (Mon, 26 Oct’26) 

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Fukuoka 

Day 01 (Tue, 27 Oct’26) 
Singapore – Fukuoka – Aso
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Aso Uchinomaki Onsen Sozankyo  (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

(Car pick-up at Fukuoka Airport)

Make your first stop one of Fukuoka’s must-visit sites, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. One of the most important Tenmangu shrines, it is dedicated to scholar Sugaware Michizane, associated with the Shinto deity of education, making it particularly popular among students praying for academic success. Enjoy the beautifully curated shrine grounds along with the bustling shopping street leading up to it.

Take a stroll around Suizenji Jojuen Garden, 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. 

Day 02 (Wed, 28 Oct’26)
Aso
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Aso Uchinomaki Onsen Sozankyo  (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

Go on a guided walk through the Aso Grasslands this morning. Normally closed to the public, the extensive grasslands known as ‘bokuya’ are over 13,000 years old and are an invaluable part of the local ecosystem and scenery. 

(3-4km walk, mild elevation)

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.

Drive 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!

Day 03 (Thu, 29 Oct’26)
Aso – Unzen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan  (Hot Spring) or similar 

This morning, drop by Kumamoto Castle, regarded as one of Japan’s most impressive castles with many castle buildings and historical materials showcased here. Explore the extensive castle grounds and informative exhibits for a feel of history here. 

Taking the ferry over to Unzen, head up the Unzen Ropeway to take in some stunning views of the mountainside along Nita Pass. Climbing up to an elevation of 1,333m, you will be greeted by dynamic sceneries of the surrounding mountains cloaked in autumn foliage and views up to Mt Aso and Kirishima on clear days.

Day 04 (Fri, 30 Oct’26)
Unzen – Ureshino
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Ureshino Yadoya  (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

Driving up to the Shirakimine Plateau today, take in the panoramic views of the Ariake Sea and Mt Unzen from this vantage point halfway up Mt Gokaharadake. In autumn, the scenery is accompanied by approximately 200,000 cosmos flowers spread across its large fields.

Have the speciality of Tara Town, Takezaki crab, for lunch today. Nurtured in the nutrient-rich Ariake Sea, this regional delight is known for its sweet and rich taste and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. 

Take in the mythical sight of Ouo Shrine’s floating torii gates this afternoon. Dedicated to seafaring and fishery, the shrine is most famous for its three vermillion torii gates which look like they are floating in the sea at high tide.

One of Japan’s top three Inari shrines, the striking Yutoku Inari Shrine is just as popular as a place of worship as for photography. Its vermillion main hall sits 18m up a cliff face, while rows of red torii gates line the paths to its inner shrine, creating an ambiance which is both mythical and beautiful.

Day 05 (Sat, 31 Oct’26)
Ureshino
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Ureshino Yadoya  (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

Shichimenso are saltwater plants which thrive in the ebbing tides of the Ariake Sea. Growing abundantly at the Higashiyoka Coast Shichimenso Field, the plants turn bright red and purple in autumn, giving them the nickname of ‘autumn leaves of the sea’. Catch the striking sight of a carpet of red along the coast as you stop by here this morning.

Catch the amazing spectacle that is the Saga International Balloon Fiesta this afternoon! The largest hot air balloon event in Asia, this annual competition sees pilots from all over the world take to the skies over the open plains along the Kase River. Witness the surreal sight of dozens of colourful hot air balloons floating in the sky and discover one of Japan’s most unique autumn festivals.

Spend the evening savouring the serenity of Ureshino Yadoya, a tea themed ryokan in the famed beauty hot spring town of Ureshino. Relax in your in-room private hot spring bath, enjoy drinks and snacks with an all-inclusive plan, and dine on thoughtful meals prepared with local ingredients sourced from within 88km of the hotel.

Day 06 (Sun, 01 Nov’26)
Ureshino
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Ureshino Yadoya  (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

Get up close to the islands dotting the Kujukushima Bay today on the Kujukushima Cruise. Although its name means “99 islands”, there are in fact 208 islands in the bay. The various formations and rock patterns of the islands provide scenic views as you meander round them on a stylish cruise boat.

Make a stop at Arita Sera, a shopping complex for Saga’s famous Arita ware. Featuring 22 shops selling all manner of Arita porcelain from various masters, admire these prized ceramics and pick up some excellent Arita ware as a functional souvenir of your holiday.

Day 07 (Mon, 02 Nov’26)
Ureshino – Fukuoka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar 

(Car return in Fukuoka)

Dive into nature this morning at Kankyo Geijutsu no Mori, a private forest in the mountains designed for environmental conservation and the enjoyment of nature. Rejuvenate yourself in the tranquil setting as you stroll through the forest. 

Travelling over to Itoshima, step into a fantastical world at Totoro Forest. A forested path of trees which form a tunnel, the place was named for its resemblance to a scene from the classic animated movie My Neighbour Totoro. 

Move on to Sakurai Futamigaura to catch the surreal sight of its wedded rocks sitting offshore. The husband and wife rocks, known as Meoto Iwa, are joined by a sacred rope and framed by a spectacular white torii gate which appears to float in the water at high tide.

Day 08 (Tue, 03 Nov’26)
Fukuoka
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Okura Fukuoka or similar 

Spend the day free and easy in Fukuoka City and explore its many wonderful sights! Head up Fukuoka Tower for a panoramic view over the city and bay, stroll through Maizuru and Ohori Parks, go on a shopping spree with a twist at Canal City and explore the heart of the city at Tenjin. In the evening, have a meal at one of the iconic yatai, or the many popular ramen shops which dot the city.

Day 09 (Wed, 04 Nov’26)
Fukuoka – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-) 

Flight back to Singapore