Japan Bike, Walk & Onsen

Our adventure begins at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, where our group will gather. After a quick safety briefing, we’ll mount our bikes and set out to explore Hakata, a picturesque port town blending ancient traditions with modern attractions. Here, you’ll find Japan’s oldest Zen temple, the grandest festival, and renowned ramen.

Following a traditional lunch, we’ll board an express train bound for Kai Beppu, famed for its hot springs. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and unwind amidst stunning ocean vistas. A relaxing soak in one of the onsens awaits, preparing us for the exciting days ahead.

After breakfast, we’ll prepare for an unforgettable 25-kilometer cycling excursion through Beppu, Japan’s famed hot spring town. As you pedal, you’ll be enveloped by rising steam from the nearby hot springs, with breathtaking coastal vistas adding to the scenic experience.

Enjoy an authentic local lunch and relax in the distinctive mud onsen, one of Beppu’s rare and thrilling hot springs. As the day draws to a close, we’ll come together to indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner, followed by the soothing melodies of the Toji Jug Band.

Today, we swap our bikes for hiking boots. After breakfast, we’ll catch a bus to the Yufudake Trailhead to begin our 8-kilometer trek up Mt. Yufu.

Rising to 1,583.3 meters (5,195 feet), Mount Yufu, known locally as “Oita’s Mt. Fuji,” is a majestic volcano on the border of Yufu and Beppu towns. The three-hour round-trip hike to the summit offers stunning views of the Yufuin Basin, adorned with hot springs. We’ll pause along the way for a delightful picnic lunch.

After the hike, relax in the tranquil atmosphere of Yufuin, known for its harmonious blend of nature and rejuvenating hot springs. Our Japanese-style rooms feature Mt. Yufu as a picturesque backdrop, showcasing today’s conquest.

Today’s hike may be gentler compared to yesterday’s, but it still promises adventure! After breakfast, we’ll board a bus to the Kuju Visitor Center, where our trek to Kuju Mountain begins.

The Kuju Mountain Range, a stunning sight on Kyushu Island in southern Japan, is celebrated as one of the country’s 100 famous mountains. Its natural beauty enchants all who explore its scenic trails.

Our journey entails a 10km hike up the mountain, lasting about 5 hours. A highlight is our scenic picnic lunch, surrounded by nature’s beauty. In spring, you can admire the enchanting Miyamakirishima flowers (May to June), while fall offers a stunning display of golden foliage.

As we leisurely walk to our hotel, reflecting on the day’s adventures, we’ll conclude with a delicious and well-deserved dinner.

Today, we’re back on our bikes for a picturesque 50-kilometer loop ride, soaking in the stunning scenery of Daikanbo. As we pedal, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll among the outer rim mountains, relishing the tranquil landscapes.

After a delightful lunch break, we’ll return to our hotel, where you’ll have the afternoon free to relax and unwind at your leisure.

After breakfast, we’ll check out and begin a scenic 2-2.5-hour journey to Kumamoto, setting the stage for a picturesque ferry ride to Shimabara.

The day continues with a cycling adventure along the coastline, discovering the fascinating Mt. Unzen eruption preservation park and tackling a challenging hill climb to reach the peaks of Unzen National Park.

As the day draws to a close, indulge in relaxation at the Unzen Onsen. Here, you’ll unwind in the comforting warmth of natural hot springs, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of active volcanic activity, for an evening of pure serenity and rejuvenation.

We’ll kickstart our morning with a satisfying breakfast, check out, and hop on a 2-hour bus ride to Nagasaki, priming ourselves for a day packed with adventure.

Nagasaki, steeped in history, holds significance as one of the few Japanese ports open to foreign influence during the country’s isolation period. Notably, it bears the tragic legacy of being one of the two cities targeted by atomic bombings during World War II.

Our exploration begins with a scenic kayaking trip on the Nakashima River, followed by a dive into the treasures of Dejima Island. This historical landmark, once a Dutch trading post, now stands as an open-air museum, showcasing Nagasaki’s international connections.

After lunch, we’ll wander through China Town and visit the iconic Oura Church. Wrapping up the day, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in town.

We’ll share our final breakfast together before bidding farewell to this thrilling Japan adventure. As you wrap up your journey, you have the option to visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, both bearing witness to the profound historical significance of the region.

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum offers a solemn yet crucial exploration of the impact of atomic warfare, shedding light on the human cost and the city’s resilience.

Peace Park, a symbol of hope and resilience, offers a serene space dedicated to promoting peace and understanding. With various monuments, sculptures, and the iconic Peace Statue, it emphasizes the importance of a world free from nuclear weapons.