Across Kyushu by Train: Volcanoes & Hot Spring Towns

Day 1: Fukuoka → Kumamoto – Castle Heritage

Your guide meets you at Hakata Station for the Kyushu Shinkansen to Kumamoto (approx. 40 minutes). Spend the afternoon exploring the grounds of Kumamoto Castle and the adjoining Sakuranobaba Josaien district of shops and local food, before a quiet close to the day at Suizenji Jojuen, a classic landscape garden recreating scenes of the old Tokaido road. Private transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Kumamoto city hotel, breakfast included.

Day 2: Kumamoto → Aso – Calderas & Grasslands

Your main luggage is forwarded ahead to Yufuin this morning, so you board the Hohi Line limited express with just an overnight bag, climbing gradually into one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. A private vehicle meets you at Aso Station for the day's touring: the wide Kusasenri grasslands, Nakadake Crater (visits subject to volcanic activity and weather; the Daikanbo viewpoint on the caldera rim serves as the alternative), and the historic Aso Shrine. Overnight: hot spring inn within the caldera, kaiseki dinner and breakfast included.

Day 3: Aso → Yufuin – Across the Rim

Cross the caldera rim aboard the Kyushu Odan limited express, one of Kyushu's scenic rail crossings, connecting onwards to the hot spring resort of Yufuin. After check-in, an evening stroll to Kinrin Lake, where warm spring water keeps mist rising off the surface in the cooler months. Overnight: ryokan with open-air baths, kaiseki dinner and breakfast included.

Day 4: Yufuin – At Leisure

A free day in Yufuin at your own pace: morning walks with views of Mount Yufu, the galleries, cafés and craft shops of Yunotsubo Street, and unhurried time in the baths. An optional half-day excursion by private vehicle to Beppu, Japan's most famous hot spring town, can be arranged, visiting the colourful volcanic "hells" of the Kannawa and Kamegawa districts. Second night at the ryokan, kaiseki dinner and breakfast included.

Day 5: Yufuin → Fukuoka – Art of Rail

Return to Hakata aboard the Yufuin no Mori sightseeing train (subject to availability; the Limited Express Yufu operates the same route as the alternative). Arrival at Hakata for onward departure from Fukuoka, or extend your stay.

Throughout: an English-speaking guide accompanies all five days, all rail seats are reserved in advance, and private transfers connect stations and hotels.

Included services:

English-speaking guide throughout (Days 1–5)
Reserved-seat rail tickets for all intercity legs (Kyushu Shinkansen & limited express services)
Private vehicle for touring within the Aso caldera (Day 2)
Private transfers between stations and hotels throughout
4 nights' accommodation (The Blossom Kumamoto×1, Sozankyo (Uchinomaki Onsen) ×1, KAI Yufuin (Hoshino Resorts) ×2)
Daily breakfast; kaiseki dinner at the hot spring accommodations (Days 2–4) — to be confirmed against supplier meal plans
Luggage forwarding Kumamoto to Yufuin (1 large suitcase per person)

Recommended travel period:

Mid-October to early December — autumn colours across the Aso caldera and Yufuin valley, and hot springs at their most inviting in the crisp air.

Excluded services:

Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex
Image Source: LCC Ayabex