Day 1
Departure from Changi Airport Arrival to Fukuoka International Airport Hakata Station Kumamoto Station Kato Shrine (Kumamoto Castle) Sakuranobaba Josaien Kamitori shopping Kumamon Square Kurobuta Ajimori Restaurant Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima
Day 2
Departure from the hotel Senganen Garden Tontoro Ramen, Kagoshima Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako Ibusuki Sand Bath Hall, Saraku Ibusuki Hakusuikan Satsuma Denshokan（Ibusuki Hakusuikan)
Day 3
Departure from the hotel Ibusuku Station Express Hayato no Kaze Express Shinpei Express Kawasemi Yamasemi Hakata station Shopping in Fukuoka BBQ Buffet (Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa) Takakura Hotel Fukuoka
Day 4
Departure from the hotel Dazaifu Tenmangu Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Itoshima Area Jewlery Making (Tabinokiseki) Sakurai Futamigaura Isogi Yoshi Tenjin store
DAY1 (Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima)
Here we begin our Autumn journey in Kyushu. This season is popular with tourists since it is drier and cooler than summer.
We’ll choose and try on a kimono to tour the castle town, meet the cute "kawaii" mascot of Kumamoto prefecture "Kumamon". Hop on the bullet train heading to Kagoshima to try the famous local speciality: black pork cuisine. We will end our exciting first day, relaxing in an Onsen that overlooks Sakurajima.
Day 1
1:20 Departure from Changi Airport
8:20 Arrival to Fukuoka International Airport
11:30 Kato Shrine (Kumamoto Castle)
A shrine where the famous military commander Kato Kiyomasa is enshrined. From the shrine, one can see the extent of the damage caused to the Kumamoto castle by the 2016 earthquake. It is currently undergoing restoration and repair work. Kato Shrine (Kumamoto Castle)
12:30 Sakuranobaba Josaien
An Edo period themed complex where you can find special products and historic goods of Kumamoto. The candy shops are specially popular among elementary school students, as were Jolene and Francesca. Sakuranobaba Castle Garden
15:00 Kamitori shopping
Do you know Kumamoto is one of the top fashion spots in Japan? There are wonderful fashion shops to wander around as well as stylish cafés to dine in when one needs a break from walking. Kamitori shopping
16:15 Kumamon Square
You can meet "Kumamon!" the local mascot who is also popular in Singapore. At Kumamon Square, you can get information about tourist attractions and restaurants in Kumamoto City. In addition, you will find original Kumamon goods here and light meals to enjoy. Kumamon Square
19:20 Kurobuta Ajimori Restaurant
"Black pork" is a regional specialty of Kagoshima. Black pork Shabu Shabu, featuring Kagoshima Black pork with its refined flavours, is simply exquisite. Kurobuta Ajimori Restaurant
21:00 Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima
It is located on a hill overlooking the heart of Kagoshima with a magnificent view above Sakurajima, its most symbolic feature. The sense of hospitality and service were both wonderful. Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima
DAY2 (Kagoshima)
Today, day two, we will take a ride on a special sightseeing train: " Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako", running on the southern tip of Kyushu and head down to the southernmost part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Day 2
10:00 Departure from the hotel
10:30 Senganen Garden
"Senganen Garden" is a garden that is a registered world cultural heritage site. Enjoy the majestic natural scenery overlooking Sakurajima and Kinkou Bay (Kagoshima Bay) and well-preserved traditional architecture. In fall, you can enjoy red and gold autumn foliage in the gardens too. Senganen Garden
12:20 Tontoro Ramen, Kagoshima
The tender “Chashu” pork is not only very tasty but also the trademark of Kagoshima Ramen. Nippon Rent-A-car
14:02 Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako
You will travel to Ibusuki by sightseeing train, the Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako, which has a distinctive black and white color. You can enjoy the scenery from the train windows, while savoring a famous dessert, "Ibutama Pudding”. Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako
15:30 Sand Bath Hall, Saraku
Ibusuki is the only place in the world where you can experience a "Sand Bath" thanks to the natural hot springs flowing out on the beach. Cover your entire body in the naturally heated sand, and listen to the sounds of the waves to refresh your body and mind. Sand Bath Hall, Saraku
17:30 Ibusuki Hakusuikan
A reputed inn whose premium rooms have a unique view overlooking the inn’s exquisite Japanese garden. Ibusuki Hakusuikan
18:30 Satsuma Denshokan
A great number of artworks including 3000 Satsuma earthenware artifacts. Gorgeous pottery items that belonged to the Chinese Imperial family and used on a daily basis are displayed as well. Jolene and Francesca were especially intrigued by the "basket" that Japanese princesses used to ride on a long time ago. Satsuma Denshokan
DAY3 (Kagoshima, Fukuoka)
From Kagoshima prefecture to Fukuoka prefecture, we will ride on three sightseeing trains, each with a different atmosphere. In Fukuoka, one can go shopping in the Daimyo district where the trendy crowds gather, and enjoy a barbecue at an open-air restaurant on top of the city in the evening.
Day 3
7:30 Departure from the hotel
9:26 Express Hayato no Kaze
You will take a sightseeing train with a modern exterior, the "Express Hayato no Kaze", from Kagoshima Central Station to Yoshimatsu Station. The "Express Hayato no Kaze” is fitted with large, floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow you to appreciate the dynamic nature of Kagoshima to the fullest. Express Hayato no Kaze
11:49 Express Shinpei
At Yoshimatsu Station, you will transfer to the Express Shinpei, and head over to Hitoyoshi Station. You can enjoy beautiful scenery on this trip, as Express Shinpei was once selected "one of Japan's 3 best sceneries from the train window". Express Shinpei
13:20 Express Kawasemi Yamasemi
From Hitoyoshi Station, you will take the Express Kawasemi Yamasemi, which joined the fleet in the spring of 2017, and travel to Kumamoto. Express Kawasemi Yamasemi has a stylish wooden interior giving it a sense of warmth, and allows you to enjoy a moment of luxury. One of the greatest delights of traveling by train is the station box lunches (Ekiben). After you try box lunches featuring regional specialities, you may start to see things differently as you travel through these towns. The most popular box lunch at Hitoyoshi Station is "Kuri meshi (chestnut rice)", which has been around for over 50 years. Express Kawasemi Yamasemi
17:40 Shopping in Fukuoka
You will have an opportunity to shop in busy commercial areas such as Hakata and Tenjin, where the classic shopping streets and the latest shopping spots co-exist. You are sure to find something that interests you. DAIMYO SOFTCREAM
GOUACHE FUKUOKA
19:00 Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa "Garden Restaurant k"
A resort hotel with an open-air restaurant. You can enjoy a barbecue while watching the night view. Jolene and Francesca enjoyed barbecuing, too. Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa
21:00 Takakura Hotel Fukuoka
A short walk from the downtown "Tenjin" area in Fukuoka. Boasting an old-fashioned hospitality sense based on the concept of Italian petit hotel. The elegant and refined hall is decorated with custom-made furniture from Italy. Takakura Hotel Fukuoka
DAY4 (Fukuoka)
One whole day to fully enjoy Fukuoka. First of all, we will visit the famous sightseeing spot, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. In the afternoon, we moved to Itoshima, a town of attention right now. In the evening, unforgettable memories await you if you can catch the sunset through a pure white torii by the seaside.
Day 4
9:00 Departure from the hotel
10:00 Dazaifu Tenmangu
Around "Dazaifu Tenmangu", a popular attraction in Fukuoka, there are other sightseeing spots such as "Komyozenji" with beautiful gardens and "Homangu Kamado Shrine", which is known for matchmaking. You can enjoy beautiful foliage viewing in the fall. Dazaifu Tenmangu
12:00 Ichiran Dazaifu Sando
Ichiran is a famous Japanese tonkotsu ramen shop. This shop is known for its individual and partitioned tables. Here at the Dazaifu store, you can enjoy a unique style of ramen that is exclusive to this premium shop. Ichiran Dazaifu Sando
15:10 Itoshima Area
You can enjoy the natural surroundings and stunning views by the ocean in “Itoshima”. Take a break, relax and perhaps catch a beautiful sunset at the café by the beach. Tabinokiseki
Hona café
17:40 Sakurai Futamigaura
Sacred straw ropes represent the affinity between two rock structures off the beach and they are known as the Wedded Rocks. Do not miss the spectacular view of the sunset from here. Sakurai Futamigaura
20:00 Isogi Yoshi Tenjin store
A seafood pub where one can enjoy fresh fish dishes awaits at the end of this Kyushu autumn trip! Enjoy fresh sashimi and steaming hot pot dishes. Jolene and Francesca are also satiated and satisfied!
