7 Days Kyushu Kunisaki Hiking & Nature Escape
Hike Mt Yufu and Kunisaki Peninsular
Mt Aso
Beppu hot spring
Cherry Blossoms viewing
Tao Drum performance
Strawberry picking
Day by Day Itinerary:
Tachibu no Shou rice field landscape
Day 1: 2 April, Wed Fukuoka - Beppu
Arrival in Fukuoka Upon your arrival, transfer to Fukuoka city for lunch before checking in at your hotel in Beppu.
Beppu Highlights - Boasting more than 100 public baths, the hot springs resort town of Beppu is one of Japan's most famous onsen getaways. Here, we visit the Beppu Jigoku Meguri (also known as the 7 hells of Beppu) for its bubbling hot springs, each with its own distinctive characteristics!
Day 2: 3 April, Thu Beppu - Kunisaki - Beppu
Discover Kunisaki - The Kunisaki Peninsula is located in northern Oita, facing the Seto Inland Sea. As one of Japan’s hidden treasures, it is home to a unique local sect of Buddhism called “Rokugo Manzan”, which combines Buddhism, Shinto and mountain worship. A defining characteristic of the Rokugo Manzan culture is the predominance of stone statues, spread over the numerous temples and shrines in the peninsula. Begin your Kunisaki explorations at Futagoji Temple, the principle temple of Rokugo Manzan sect of Buddhism. Next, visit Monjusenji Temple, one of the oldest temples here to experience a gomataki fire ritual. After lunch, we start hiking towards the iconic Ofudo Iwaya cave to Itsutsuji Fudo, a shrine perched high up on a rugged rock face with panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea. (Hiking difficulty: Easy, around 5km)
Day 3: 4 April, Fri Beppu - Kunisaki - Beppu
Delve deeper in Kunisaki In the morning, drive to the grand Usa Jingu Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant Shinto shrines dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war. It’s renowned for its grand architecture and historical role as the head shrine for over 40,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan. In the afternoon, embark on another hike from Kumano Magaibutsu (large Buddha images carved into a cliff) towards the picturesque Tachibu no Shou rice field landscape (Hiking difficulty: Easy, 5-6km). End the day with a visit to Fukiji Temple, a designated national treasure and Tennen-ji, a serenely atmospheric temple.
Day 4: 5 April, Sat Beppu - Yufuin - Hita
Mount Yufu Hike - Set off to climb the 1,583m Mount Yufu, popularly known as the Mount Fuji of Oita because of its appearance. As you near the summit, be rewarded with glorious views of Beppu Bay and Kunisaki. (Hiking difficulty: Intermediate, 5-hour round trip).
Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge, Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge - for panoramic scenes of the verdant countryside, waterfalls and the valley below.
Day 5: 6 April, Sun Hita - Mount Aso - Hita
Hike on the Mount Kishimadake route with good vantage points over Kusasenri Grassland, the Nakadake crater and the Komezuka volcanic cone.
DRUM TAO Experience - In the afternoon, enjoy front row views of a dynamic open-air drum performance by world-renowned DRUM TAO, set against the vast expanse of the Aso Mountains!
Day 6: 7 April, Mon Hita - Fukuoka
After a late morning checkout, enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Nakano River before lunch.
En route back to Fukuoka, we make a brief stop for seasonal strawberry picking!
Back in Fukuoka, enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner.
Overnight at Miyako Hotel Hakata
With the concept “hotel of green, water, and light,” this landmark hotel centrally located in front of Hakata Station features a natural hot spring with a waterfall flowing down from the roof.
Day 7: 8 April, Tue Fukuoka
Free and easy
This is a Signature Intriq Journey programme.
