Food & Onsen in Kyushu

📍 Time: Start: TBD Duration: 5h

Arrive in Beppu, the city of onsen (hot springs), via train and prepare to discover this unique region of Southern Japan. Meet the guide at Beppu Station and embark on a journey through the enchanting landscape of the city’s bubbling ponds, amusingly called the Seven Hells of Beppu. Travel by bus to the Umi Jigoku, known as the Sea Hell. Witness the mesmerizing cobalt-coloured hot spring, whose scorching 98°C waters lend it an otherworldly aura. In the same area there is also the Oonishi Bozu Hell, an actively bubbling mud pool.

Move then to Kamado Jigoku, known as the Cooking Pot Hell. This name originates from an ancient myth in which rice was cooked with the 90-degree celsius hot spring steam as an offering to the gods. There are six different types of hot springs here, offering a unique opportunity to witness multiple hells in one spot.

Lunch is in the Kannawa area, one of the oldest onsen districts in Beppu. Here is a chance to try the unique culinary experience of jigokumushi, in which local ingredients are cooked using geothermal steaming pots. After the healthy meal, follow the guide for a walk through the steamy atmosphere of Kannawa passing traditional ryokans, quaint shops, and thick vapour rising from the street.

Before ending the tour, step into the world of Jigoku-hotspring secrets at the Jigoku Onsen Museum. Through engaging digital content, unravel the mysteries of Beppu's onsens and their cultural significance in an exhibit that showcases the history, legends, and healing properties associated with these mystical hot springs.

Travel back to Beppu Station by public transportation and say farewell to the guide.

The rest of the day is at a leisure.

Overnight in Beppu
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Beppu Station to Yufuin: 1h Yufuin to Kurokawa Onsen: 1.30h

Today is a self-guided day.

This morning, leave Beppu by bus to reach another famous hot spring destination of Kurokawa Onsen, a charming riverside town in the mountains.

The bus will first stop in Yufuin, an onsen village filled with traditional Japanese hotels and hot spring baths at the foot of Mt. Yufu. Take a stroll along the main street filled with crafts and souvenir shops to Lake Kinrinko, one of the most picturesque spots in the town. It is regarded as a mysterious lake because both hot and cold water spring from the bottom. 

Another bus (or taxi) ride connects Yufuin to Kurokawa Onsen, one of the most popular hot spring resorts in the country because of its authentic and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of hot spring baths and experience strolling around in a traditional yukata.

Overnight in Kurokawa Onsen
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 15:30 Duration: 3h Distance and journey time (approximation): Kurokawa Onsen to Yufuin: 1.30h Yufuin to JR Hakata Station (Fukuoka): 2.20 h

After a final soak in the hot spring, leave Kurokawa Onsen behind and ride the bus back to Yufuin to board the Yufuin-no-Mori train for a scenic ride to Fukuoka, a major city of Kyushu famous for its food culture.

Today’s Fukuoka food tour starts at 15:30. Meet a foodie guide for a journey through the streets of Fukuoka to learn about the food culture in one of the best Japanese cities for cuisine. The first stop will be the fish market to see how local people choose the freshest ingredients to put on the table. Here, sample a variety of dried and deep fried food.

Move on to the basement floor of a department store, known as “depachika”, where delicatessens, confectioners, and other food counters are located, before experiencing a stand-up eating shop. Learn about this interesting way of enjoying food, popular especially among busy salarymen with no time to sit down for a meal.

The final stop will be at the famous yatai street food stalls, part of the culture of Fukuoka, where it’s easy to strike up conversations with other customers. There are nearly 100 yatai in Fukuoka and they open in the early evening, offering both traditional Japanese dishes such as tempura and oden, as well as local Fukuoka cuisine.

Part ways with the guide and continue exploring the Fukuoka nightlife independently.

Overnight in Fukuoka
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested itinerary 

This morning explore Dazaifu, a city established in the 7th century which became the location of the Kyushu government for more than 500 years. Additionally, Dazaifu held an important role for Japan’s diplomatic relations and its defense.

The first stop will be the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which was built on the site of Sugawara Michizane’s grave. All Tenmangu shrines in Japan are dedicated to Michizane’s spirit, which makes this the most important Tenmangu shrine in Japan, together with Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. 

Continue to Komyozenji Temple, which was established in the middle of the Kamakura period by a member of the Rinzai sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is especially famous for its two Japanese gardens, the front garden and the rear garden. While the front garden is composed of fifteen rocks, the rear garden includes a lot of plants and moss as well as rocks and pebbles, resembling land and water.

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Fukuoka to Dazaifu: 30 h by train

Note: Roundtrip train tickets to Dazaifu can be arranged at an additional cost.

Suggested Optional Tour: Explore Fukuoka by Bike

This morning, get on a speed cross bike and prepare for a pleasant, flat ride to explore the city of Fukuoka with a local guide. 

The first destination is the Hakata old town, the home of Fukuoka’s two biggest festivals, Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku, which the guide can tell stories about. Several temples and shrines are located here, and the guide will offer explanations about the difference of Shinto and Buddhism from a local’s perspective. Continue cycling down backstreets to get a glimpse of local life before arriving in the park housing the ruins of Fukuoka Castle.

Learn about the history of the town at the Korokan Historical Museum and enjoy the passing of the season at the pleasant Ohori Park before reaching the seaside. Take a spin along the coast, refreshed by the sea breeze.

After the cycling, recover energy with a delicious ramen lunch in a local restaurant. Hakata ramen is of the tonkotsu variety (pork bone broth ramen), which originated in the city and is now considered by many to be the best ramen in Japan!

Return the bikes and part ways with the guide. Continue exploring Fukuoka on foot or return to the hotel.

Time:
Start (guided tour): 09:00
Duration: 4.5h

Overnight in Fukuoka

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today is a self-guided day.

Spend the rest of the time at leisure in Fukuoka before leaving for the next destination.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast