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Self-drive tour of Kyushu Island

Japon
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This trip is ideal for any adventurer who wants to discover a different Japan. This self-drive tour of Japan will amaze you with the diversity and natural beauty offered by the island of Kyushu, still too little known to foreigners. Between volcanoes, hot springs, forests, and hikes, nature lovers will get the chance to enjoy a real breath of fresh air. Lovers of culture and history will also be captivated by the historical and cultural visits that offer a perfect balance of nature and culture!

Duration
10 days
Based on your travel dates & customizable
From
1000€
per person
excluding international flights
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Résumé Jour par jour
Devis gratuit

A perfect holiday for...


expert-voyage
Fiona
Japan Travel Expert

 

This trip is perfect for adventurers who aren’t afraid to think outside of the box.This self-drive tour on the island of Kyushu offers the freedom of your own transportation and our favourite spots!

Your tailor-made trip - Japon

Nagasaki
Day 1
Nagasaki

This is the first day of your self-drive trip in Japan! Enjoy a free day in Nagasaki, a city steeped in history. Take the opportunity to stroll through the Peace Park which was built to commemorate the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945. This park expressing the hope of peace reminds us of the madness of men and the horrors of war. After your Peace Park walk, visit the Atomic Bomb Museum. This memorial museum honors the victims and survivors of the atomic bomb. The indoor exhibits cover the history of Nagasaki before, and after, the bomb.


Okawachiyama - Karatsu
Day 2
Okawachiyama - Karatsu

Make your way to Karatsu, passing through Okawachiyama, a potters' village located in the heart of the mountains and offering landscapes and an atmosphere typical of Kyushu Island. The particularity of this village lies in its constructions, in which pieces of porcelain are encrusted. Then, upon arrival in Karamatsu, visit Karatsu Castle, on top of a hill accessible on foot or by elevator. Enjoy the spectacular 360 ° and breathtaking view from the top of its observatory located on the top floor of the castle. Karatsu offers natural shows that will delight nature lovers: the black pine forest Niji no Matsubara or the Nanatsugama limestone caves which have the title of natural monument of Japan.


Saga - Fukuoka
Day 3
Saga - Fukuoka

Today, set off towards Saga, where you can visit the History Museum of Saga Castle, a testimony to the infamous rebellion of the clan of the same name in 1874. Along the way, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city, thanks to the viewpoint located not far. Upon your arrival in Fukuoka, take a waterfront stroll along the renovated Hakata Bay, with a modern and attractive design, dotted with beautiful trees. Take a stroll on nearby Momochihama Beach. You will have the opportunity to visit the Fukuoka Museum, the Canal City Hakata shopping center, a real city within the city, or even Fukuoka Castle, and its Ohori-koen park. Take advantage of this city to taste its culinary specialties, including the famous Hakata ramen.


Beppu - Mount Yufu
Day 4
Beppu - Mount Yufu

Welcome to hell, or rather to the Underworld of Beppu! Also called Jigoku, these sources of volcanic origin, extremely hot, with red, cyan blue and white colors, blend harmoniously with the architecture of the city. Tatsumaki is the hottest spring and temperatures can go up to 150 degrees! If you are heading to the edge of Mount Yufu, do not hesitate to start a hike. Fairly easy, it will take you 2-3 hours to reach the heights and the hike is suitable for beginners. On arrival you can enjoy a superb panorama over the green plains.


Yufuin - Kikuchi Valley
Day 5
Yufuin - Kikuchi Valley

Discover the charming little town of Yufuin and enjoy its quiet streets and the rooftops of the main shopping street, mimicking the towns of the late Edo period, for a retro chic vibe. Continue to Kirin Lake, which offers you superb landscapes and will allow you to appreciate the calm and the charm of the city during a pleasant walk. If you have the time and want to, you can head to Kikuchi Valley, where you can experience Shinrin Yoku: “Forest Bathing”. This mental and physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety.


Aso - Mount Aso
Day 6
Aso - Mount Aso

This day is all about volcanoes! Before reaching the Aso volcanoes, we recommend that you visit the Volcanoes Museum to educate yourself and learn a little more about the volcanoes in the region. Then, head towards Mount Nakadake, which rises to 1592m, for a trek on the highest volcanic cone of Mount Aso.


Kumamoto
Day 7
Kumamoto

On the program for your day in Kumamoto: visit the Suizen-Ji Joju-En Garden, a traditional Japanese garden built around a natural spring pond where multicolored carp swim there. Next, continue to the Izumi shrine to the north of the park. Take advantage of the Kokin-Denju-no-Ma tea room for a gourmet break. If you have time, visit the outskirts of Kumamo Castle, the courtyard of Ninomaru Palace, and the Kato Shrine to complete this day in Kumamoto.


Kagoshima
Day 8
Kagoshima

Discover the Sengan-En Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an idyllic setting and expressing typical and traditional Japanese refinement. Visit this complex including the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Oniwa Shrine, Shusendai Pavilion site and finally the house. You will have a magnificent view of the volcano on Sakurajima Island.


Sakurajima
Day 9
Sakurajima

Enjoy a free day in Sakurajima! You reach the island thanks to the ferry, and once there you can drive around the island and admire the volcano, still active at this time. day, from different points of view and enjoy the scenery.


Yakushima
Day 10
Yakushima

Une journée entière consacrée à une randonnée accompagnée de votre guide francophone. Expert, il connait l’île de Yakushima comme sa poche. Vous vous promènerez sur cette terre de légendes entre chemins couverts de mousse et ponts mystiques. Découvrez cet écosystème unique et protégé, classé au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco. Et qui sait ? Peut-être que dans cet univers mystique vous rentrerez esprits et yokai protecteurs ?


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Travel terms and conditions

Price includes

  • 24/7 Assistance from our travel experts.
  • Government taxes and service taxes.
  • Car rental (SUV or other type) upon arrival in Nagasaki for 8 days.
  • The insurance of your rental car The translation service of your driving license for one driver.
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the program in a double / twin / family / Japanese room.
  • Breakfasts marked "included".
  • Dinners marked "included".
  • Activities marked "included" as described in the program.
  • Your guided tours by an English-speaking guide on the days indicated.
  • Your excursions on the days indicated.

Price does not include

  • Visa fees and bank charges for payment by credit card or by bank transfer.
  • International flights.
  • International airport taxes.
  • The services of an English-speaking guide on days other than the days mentioned.
  • Any additional hours of the guide.
  • Tips (only for guides).
  • Your guide's meals (own expense).
  • The main meals (expect to pay between 5 to 15 € in a local restaurant, meal / person), unless mentioned as included in the program.
  • Drinks and personal expenses.
  • Entrance fees to cultural places (including those of your guide).
  • Tourism-related tax (eg 200 to 1000 Yen in Kyoto).
  • Repatriation assistance.
  • Transfers not mentioned.
  • Luggage transfers.
  • Reloading Suica / Pasmo transport cards.
  • Please consult the travel documents sent during the travel confirmation.
  • JR Pass (Japanese TGV - Shinkansen), unlimited transport (excluding Nozomi, Mizuho, ​​Tokaido Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines): valid for 7, 14 or 21 days.
  • Suica / Pasmo public transport cards credited with 1500Y + 500Y deposit (metro and bus outside Hiroshima).
  • Reloading Suica / Pasmo transport cards.
  • Pocket wifi giving you unlimited internet access for the duration of your stay. Please consult the travel documents sent during the travel confirmation.
  • Does not include any other item not mentioned in the quote.
  • Anything that is not listed in the "prices include" section.

Details

  • Starting from 1000€ per person based on 2 travellers
  • Quotation is subject to change according to availability, exchange rates and government tax rise. All the rates mentioned are based on current best available rate and can be modified at the moment of the booking.

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