Ultimate Japan tour - Volcanoes & Spa

6 days - A fully escorted luxury tour that promises you a once in a life time holiday to discover the hidden diversity of Japan. After visiting the major highlights in central Japan (optional), you join us to the southern sub-tropical island of Kyushu, famous for its mountainous landscape, volcanoes, gardens, hot springs and ancient myths. We will stay in the best Japanese Inn (Ryokans) with traditional open air spa facilities for the ultimate in relaxation, where you can indulge yourself in Japanese culture...

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Day 1 Kagoshima
Upon arrival at Kagoshima, you are met by our guide. We have our lunch at a restaurant, then you are driven to visit Chiran Samurai Residence, an area specified as the traditional significant preservation district in Japan. It has splendid garden with beautiful views. For tea lovers, the residence produce it's own exquisite tea from their own garden, which is a must buy from people all over Japan for the visit - make sure you bring some home!

Then we drive to Ibusuki city, the popular hot spring resort. Stay at one of the best traditional Ryokan (Japanese style Inn) for the ultimate indulgence. This is the place for Japanese people to enjoy Sunamushiburo (Sand bath). For hot springs aficionados, Ibusuki's sand baths are a must! The Ryokan also has open air hot spring facilities to unwind. Japanese full course dinner is served in the evening (includes: Lunch, Dinner).

Day 2 Kagoshima to Kumamoto
Breakfast at hote. Drive to Kumamoto. Visit Suizenji-jojuen Garden, a typical Momoyama style hill garden which was laid out in 1632. Kumamoto Castle, once one of the great castles of Japan built in the beginning of 1600 by the general Kato Kiyomasa, now a modern reproduction. Then to Hosokawa-gyobu tei, residence of hosokawa okitaka, who was appointed to be the feudal-era ministry of justice in 1604. The whole construction covers over 990 square meter, constructed with the straight and curving lines characteristics “karahafa” style. This mansion is so significant to be one of the unique Cultural Property of Kumamoto prefecture today not only that it can reflect the hosokawa family’s historical position but also that it completely displayed the outstanding constructive technology. It is said the mansion is the only a few buildings with the samurai characteristics remaining in Japan today (includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner).

Day 3 Kumamoto to Beppu
Drive to MT Aso, the 'Land of Fire' still the largest active volcanic caldera in the world is the highlight of our visit today. We will also climb up the majestic volcanic mountain Mt. Aso by cable car to see the volcanic activity from its huge crater. Lunch at a restaurant.

Then drive to Beppu, the famous hot spring resort. Beppu city is well known for it's hot springs. The blast of boiling hot water and steam from geothermal heat make you realize that the earth is alive. Visit steaming and boiling 'Jigoku' hot springs. For travelers who enjoy their bath at home, it is highly advisable to purchase some condensed 'hot spring water powder' to bring home! Dinner and accommodations at an excellent Ryokan (Japanese style Inn) tonight. (includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 4 Beppu to Nagasaki
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Nagasaki. Visit some of the well-known sites of the city, including Glover Mansion, the former mansion of British merchant Thomas Glover and other 19th century buildings are preserved in this spacious hillside garden overlooking Nagasaki Harbor, Oura Cathedral and the Peace Park. Lunch at a restaurant. The souvenir of Nagasaki is Castella, a sweet sponge cake and you can find this in almost every sweet shop and souvenir store in town. Dinner and accommodations at hotel. (includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Nagasaki to Fukuoka
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Fukuoka. On arrival at Fukuoka, visit Hakata(Fukuoka), the biggest city in Kyushu. We will also visit Dazaifu Shrine. Lunch at a restaurant. Then your guide and driver will leave you to explore the city which is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Accommodations at hotel . (includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 6 Fukuoka to home
Breakfast at hotel. Flight back to home. (includes: Breakfast).

Group Departure Dates & Price 2007 & 2008

Our tours include (The prices shown above are 'per person')

• Tour - Small group private tour throughout.
• Guide - A professional English speaking guide will accompany with you throughout the tour.
• Transfer - by chartered motorcoach throughout the tour; with toll, parking fee and driver.
• Porterage - porterage at the hotels for baggage handling (Kumamoto, Fukuoka).
• Admission - entrance fee to Chiran Samurai Hause "Buke-Yashiki", Sand Bath, Suizenji Park, Kumamoto Castle, Cable car for Mt. Aso, Hosokawa Gyobu-Tei, Hot spring Hell "Jigoku" 2places, Glover Mansion and Oura Cathedral.
• Meal - (5)Breakfast, (5)Lunch and (4)Dinner.
• Hotel - 2 pax in a room occupancy basis at the hotels as specified in the itinerary or similar class hotels: Ibusuki - Ibusuki Hakusui Kan or similar (B)(D) (Japanese style) Kumamoto - Kumamoto Hotel Castle or similar (B)(D) (Western style) Beppu- Suginoi Hotel or similar (B)(D) (Western style) Nagasaki Hotel New Nagasaki or similar (B)(D) (Western style) Fukuoka- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel or similar (B) (Western style).

Price Does Not Include

• Optional tours. We can make your travel arrangement in Tokyo, Kyoto etc, please contact us for details.
• Flight or train to Kagoshima, out from Fukuoka. We can arrange please contact us for details.
• Travel Insurance.

Magical Japan operates with top quality tour guide service. We are one of the very few operators have been to Kyushu Island and enjoy the insight knowledge of the Profecture.

Suitable for all age travellers, in particular for people who love land of nature and the indulgence in hot spring spas. Minimum 6 people per tour.

MT Aso summit is occasionally unaccessable due to adverse atmospheric conditions, however on these occasional we will visit the attractive grass covered volcanic MT Komezuka instead.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of flights schedules available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. MT Fuji - Hakone - We reserve the right to change or amend our tour itinerary due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.