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AH, KYUSHU IN THE SPRING!
Kyushu has it all - mountains, seas, volcanoes, hot springs, delicious food, and, best yet - it's not overrun by tourists (yet). We offer two 2-week tours during the spring season featuring the beautiful island of Kyushu in southern Japan. The tours are scheduled, so guests on both tours will likely take in cherry blossom season (which is not guaranteed as the timing is different yearly). Kyushu offers the opportunity to get off the overtrodden tourist circuit and take a deep dive into Japanese culture in a beautiful setting at a more relaxed pace. We believe Kyushu offers the best food, scenery, and authentic Japanese experiences.
OUR SPRING SEASON TOURS
We lean heavily into the Japanese pride in their seasons and name each tour according to traditional East Asian calendars that break the year into 24 micro-seasons called 24 Sekki (二十四節気). Our Shunbun (春分), or Spring Equinox Tour, is scheduled for March 16 -29, 2025, and falls during the 4th of 24 micro-seasons when Kyushu returns to life. The Seimei Tour (清明) is scheduled from March 30 - April 12, 2025, and falls during the 5th of 24 micro-seasons. The word seimei is used to express the air quality of spring, which is clean and exhilarating after a long winter. Join us for cherry blossom season and breathe in Kyushu's clean and crisp spring air.
CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
One of the highlights of our spring tours is the opportunity to take in the beautiful cherry blossoms that bless Kyushu in late March and early April. At night, when the cherry blossoms (sakura) are in full bloom, the clusters of petals reflect the light from the stars or paper lanterns that are sometimes hung in the trees. The resulting warm, ethereal glow is called hana akari (花明かり), or flower light. This flower light makes late-night hanami picnics (夜桜, yozakura) a highly anticipated activity for locals and an excellent opportunity for you to experience a Japanese cultural mainstay. Join us for a magical experience in Kyushu!
SPRING 2025 TOURs AT A GLANCE
Tour Highlights
Attend the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament
Attend a professional baseball game
Enjoy a picnic under cherry blossoms
13 nights/14 days
Early Bird Rate through Sept. 16 at $9795 per person based on 2 adults sharing a room, Single supplement at +$1465
Regular Rate through Nov. 16 at $11,265 per person based on 2 adults sharing a room, Single supplement at +$1685
Have Questions?
SEIMEI TOUR
(March 30 - April 12, 2025)
Tour Highlights
Attend the Nogota Tulip Festival
Attend a professional baseball game
Enjoy a picnic under cherry blossoms
13 nights/14 days
Early Bird Rate through Sept. 30 at $9795 per person based on 2 adults sharing a room, Single supplement at +$1465
Regular Rate through Nov. 30 at $11,265 per person based on 2 adults sharing a room, Single supplement at +$1685
Have Questions?
Kyushu Sights, Activities, and Food
Kyushu has 7 distinct prefectures that offer a wide variety of sights, activities, foods, and drinks to discover. While a few activities and sights are fixed on our spring tours, we develop our itineraries based largely on our conversations with our guests during the cohort recruitment stage. Below are some highlights of the delightful island of Kyushu.
Kyushu Sights
While our approach is to avoid overly touristy spots, some, like the Nagasaki Peace Park, are worth fighting the crowds to see. Kyushu offers a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures. From the steaming hot springs of Beppu to the ancient castles of Kumamoto, and the bustling city life in Fukuoka, Kyushu is a must-visit destination for travelers. Explore the majestic Mount Aso, one of the world's largest active volcanoes, stroll through the charming streets of Nagasaki with its rich history and relax on the picturesque beaches of Miyazaki. Kyushu promises a diverse and unforgettable experience for every visitor. Below are some Kyushu sights that can be visited on our Spring tours.
Kyushu Sights, Activities, and Food
Kyushu has 7 distinct prefectures that offer a wide variety of sights, activities, foods, and drinks to discover. While a few activities and sights are fixed on our spring tours, we develop our itineraries based largely on our conversations with our guests during the cohort recruitment stage. Below are some highlights of the delightful island of Kyushu.
nagasaki city
beppu onsen town
kagoshima city
kumamoto castle
komezuka - mt aso
mt aso caldera
unzen "hell"
amakusa islands
Takachiho gorge
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ariake sea
miyazaki coast
yanagawa canals
suizenji park
dazaifu shrine
as0-kuju area
Kyushu Activities
Our experiences are for active and adventurous souls who want to participate in activities to work up a healthy appetite for all the yummy foods we eat. Kyushu is blessed with incredible nature and activities to keep guests busy (but not too busy). We observe the Japanese idea of nonbiri (のんびり), which means a carefree or leisurely pace. Here are some of the activities that can be integrated into our spring tours.
eating with the locals
cherry blossom picnic
attend sumo tournament
cooking classes
homestay experience
school visits
Hot Springs (onsen)
Ibusuki Sand Baths
Takachiho Boating Bliss
Calligraphy Lessons
pottery & ceramics
traditional dying
strawberry picking
garden visits
farmers markets
Japanese Food!
All things Japanese food are at the core of our experiences. While sushi is undeniably the symbol of Japanese food, our tours expose guests to the wonderful variety of washoku. From Hakata-style ramen (tonkotsu) to the famed kuro (black) pork in Kagoshima, perfectly marbled wagyu in Saga, and delectable seafood in Nagasaki, here is a sampling of some of the foods we will eat on our spring tours.
Japanese Breakfast
Seafood Galore
Kagoshima Pork
Wagyu Beef
Tonkotsu Ramen
Fugu (puffer fish)
Motsu Nabe
Mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
Unagi (steamed eel)
Sake & Shochu
Green Tea Sweets
Chicken Pot
Basashi (raw horse meat)
Castella Cake
Dengaku
Experience the beauty of Japan with our high-end tours. Book now and embark on a journey of a lifetime!
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