7 Days, 6 Nights Luxury Countryside Tour of Fukuoka, Japan

Traveling to Japan? 👀 I've found that travelers seeking immersive experiences, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, often prefer Japan's countryside! ⚠️ Attention everyone! While Japan's countryside may be less traveled, it's far from boring‼️ This time, we've planned a 7-day, 6-night trip to Fukuoka in Kyushu, Japan! It's only about a 2-hour direct flight from Shanghai! 🌟 This itinerary features themed trains, ocean views, A5 Saga beef, active volcanoes, ancient hot springs, a tour of Beppu's "Hells," cherry blossoms, azaleas, and more. You'll also meet the adorable Kumamon, visit the fairytale-like setting that inspired *My Neighbor Totoro*, and experience art museums and a collection of Koshino sake! Day 1: Fly direct from Shanghai to Fukuoka Airport, where a private car will transfer you to Kurume. If you happen to visit between mid-April and early May, you'll be greeted by azaleas transforming the entire town into a rural garden, rivaling the beauty of cherry blossoms! There's also a thousand-year-old shrine worth visiting, hailed by past visitors as one of the "most stunning views in Kyushu"! In the evening, you'll stay at a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan! With a 150,000-square-meter Japanese garden, it feels like the hotel itself is an attraction! The garden boasts 5,000 cherry trees and nearly 50,000 azaleas. During the cherry blossom season in March and April, there's a nightly illumination ceremony. During the azalea season (late March to Golden Week), an annual flower festival creates a vibrant atmosphere! Day 2: Next stop is Yanagawa! Remember that viral video of the boatman punting over a low bridge? That's here! Of course, we'll take a traditional "donkobune" or "kawakudari" wooden boat ride along the clear river, admiring the ancient architecture on both banks, listening to the boatman sing traditional folk songs while steering, and enjoying some delicious grilled meat! Afterward, we'll pass through Kumamoto City, and for Kumamon fans, we'll make a special trip to Kumamon Square! Finally, we'll arrive at the foot of Mount Aso and check into a hot spring resort in the Minamiaso Onsenkyo area! ⚠️ PS: For those interested in sake, we can arrange a special stay featuring fine dining and sake. Fukuchiyo Sake Brewery produces the award-winning Koshino sake, but the brewery itself isn't open to the public for tours or tastings. However, their restaurant offers over 20 varieties of "Koshino" sake, including special editions exclusive to the restaurant. The tableware used is also from the owner's private collection, adding to the sense of occasion! Day 3: Our first stop is Shiromi Shrine, the real-life location that inspired the classic anime *Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light*. For lunch, we'll have a traditional Aso irori meal, where ingredients are skewered and grilled over a charcoal fire. After lunch, we'll continue to explore the Nakadake Crater, Kusasenri, and take a helicopter tour. Finally, we'll arrive at Kurokawa Onsen and check into a Japanese inn with only 8 private onsen rooms! Days 4-7: These 3 days are dedicated to an in-depth exploration of the onsen town of Yufuin, the inspiration for the animated film *My Neighbor Totoro*. Take a cable car up Mount Tsurumi, an active volcano, and be mesmerized by the cherry blossoms or azaleas covering the mountainside! The next day, we'll visit the coastal town of Shimoda, which has an even more traditional Kyoto vibe than Kyoto itself! When you're tired of exploring, relax with a cup of Japanese tea at a century-old teahouse! Yufuin no Mori, Japan