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Kyushu

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Kyushu is the third-largest island located southwest of the main island Honshu, and the most southerly of the four largest islands. The island is separated from Honshu by the Kanmon Straits. Kyushu has 10.3 percent of the population of Japan. Being the nearest island to the Asian continent, historically it was the gateway to Japan.

An early center of Japanese civilization, Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty. It is often characterized by warm climate, abundant food production and dynamic nature including active volcanoes such as Mt Aso and Sakurajima.

Well-known destinations of Kyushu are the onsen town of Beppu, the home of Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki, the historically significant shinto shrine of Dazaifu and the tropical islands of Okinawa. Kyushu’s famous foods include ramen, seafood, particularly calamari and puffer fish, many wagyu brands, fruit and green tea. Kyushu is also known for its highly skilled artisans in the areas of ceramics, textile and bamboo crafts.

Discover Japanese craftsmanship at its finest. Visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making on the southern island of Kyushu.
Next Departure 15th Apr, 2026
An exceptional 14-day Japan food tour across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in spring – eat at a Michelin restaurant and street cart, take a cooking lesson from a chef, and visit centuries-old producers of sake, green tea and soy sauce.
Next Departure 26th Mar, 2026
A gastronomic adventure through the island of Kyushu, fast-becoming Japan’s foodie destination for its fresh produce and culinary tradition and innovation.
Next Departure 14th Nov, 2025
Discover Japanese craftmanship at its finest on this fascinating tour of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu where you visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making
Next Departure 1st Dec, 2025

More about Kyushu

Best time to visit Kyushu is absolutely any time due to its mild climate. It rarely snows on flats in winter, in fact winter is the best season for walking.

Journey to the East has close affinity with Kyushu as one of the founders, Yuki is from Fukuoka, the capital of Kyushu. Two of the Japan based staff are also residents of Fukuoka. Journey to the East saw the potential of Kyushu’s untapped tourism resources from early on, and developed the Food Tour of Kyushu, Japan, which is one of the most popular food tours of Japan. A Food and Craft Tour of Kyushu and a Walking Tour of Kyushu are currently in development due to be released post COVID.

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Tour Types

Our Signature tours suit inquisitive and open-minded travellers keen to embrace Japanese culture in all its forms. People who enjoy trying new food will love the chance to taste-test their way through a diverse daily selection of Japanese food. Being able to engage directly with experts such as tea ceremony practitioners, chefs and craftspeople will appeal to those who want to understand Japan at a deeper level. Our walking tour components will suit those who love exploring the history and present-day life of local neighbourhoods. Signature tours are also perfect for those who like an active itinerary but who also want some flexibility and time to explore on their own.

Discovery tours suit those travellers who are adventurous-minded, have above average fitness levels, and enjoy being outdoors exploring a destination by foot. They are also suited to people who prefer an itinerary which includes some free time so they can pursue their own interests and make their own discoveries.

Comfort tours suit those travellers who want to experience Japan’s culture and traditions while enjoying a more relaxed pace of travel and staying at premium-level accommodation with western-style amenities. They are appropriate for those who prefer itineraries with more included activities, more organised meals, and less free time.