10-Day Seven Stars in Kyushu & Classic Japan Luxury Journey
Overview
Journey through the heart of Japan in unparalleled style on this 10-day luxury adventure combining the legendary Seven Stars in Kyushu with the nation's most iconic cultural destinations. From indulgent stays in Kyoto and Fukuoka to an immersive rail journey through Kyushu's volcanic landscapes, artisan villages, and forested countryside, this exclusive experience blends refined comfort, authentic cultural encounters, and exceptional dining. The journey continues through Hiroshima and Miyajima before culminating in Kyoto with private cultural experiences, including a traditional tea ceremony and an evening with geiko and maiko, offering a rare and unforgettable perspective into Japan's timeless elegance.
Tour Highlights
- Journey aboard Seven Stars in Kyushu, one of the world’s most exclusive luxury trains, through Kyushu’s volcanic, coastal, and rural landscapes
- Stay in exceptional luxury accommodations, including The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka, a traditional ryokan in Unzen, and Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
- Experience authentic Japanese craftsmanship and culture, including textile workshops, forest temples, and expert-led encounters
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
- Explore Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks, including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple
- Enjoy exclusive cultural experiences in Kyoto, highlighted by a traditional tea ceremony and an elegant evening with geiko and maiko
What’s Included
- 3 nights in a Guest Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka
- 2 nights aboard Seven Stars in Kyushu in a private suite
- 1 night in a Guest Room at Ryotei Hanzuiryo in Unzen
- 3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
- 22 Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners
- All sightseeing tours and cultural performances
- English-Speaking Tour Director and Local Guides
- Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
- Luggage Handling, Entrance Fees and Taxes
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Gratuities, porterage, travel insurance, and visa fees
- Meals, beverages, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, drinks, local camera/video fees, and medical expenses
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local taxes (when applicable)
- Note: Departures are not guaranteed to operate. Contact us for availability.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, located southwest of Honshu. As one of the earliest centers of Japanese civilization, Kyushu offers a compelling blend of historic treasures, contemporary cities, and striking natural landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer privately to The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, a refined urban sanctuary set in the heart of Kyushu’s largest city.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka (Guest Room)
This morning, journey to Yanagawa, often referred to as the “Venice of Kyushu” for its charming network of canals. Board a traditional donkobune flatboat and glide past willow-lined waterways and historic architecture.
On shore, explore the gardens of Tachibana-tei Ohana, a former feudal villa admired for its landscaped grounds and seasonal beauty. Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant, followed by time to stroll through Yanagawa’s scenic moat district. Return to Fukuoka in the afternoon, with free time to explore the city independently. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka (Guest Room)
This morning, transfer to Hakata Station and attend Seven Stars in Kyushu’s welcome ceremony at the exclusive Kinsei Lounge. Later, board the legendary luxury train and begin your journey into Kyushu’s rugged interior.
Relax in the Blue Moon saloon car, which transforms into an intimate piano lounge in the evening, or enjoy conversation in the Jupiter salon, home to a refined tearoom atmosphere.
Near Hita, you may disembark for a visit to Ransei-an, a traditional workshop preserving hand weaving, hand tying, and natural indigo dyeing techniques. Alternatively, remain onboard to attend a talk on Den Inoue, the visionary creator of Kurume Kasuri textiles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seven Stars in Kyushu (Suite)
This morning, arrive in Aso and explore Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Learn about the region’s geothermal history and enjoy panoramic views across the vast caldera.
Back on board, the train descends westward from Kyushu’s highlands toward the coast. In Kumamoto, disembark for a ferry crossing of the Ariake Sea to Shimabara, followed by a scenic drive into the mountains to Unzen, famed for its hot springs.
Check into your traditional ryokan before an evening excursion to Nita Pass Scenic Overlook, specially arranged for a private stargazing experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ryotei Hanzuiryo (Guest Room)
Begin the day with a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Shirakumo, then rejoin Seven Stars in Kyushu. Enjoy a leisurely day on the rails through verdant Saga Prefecture, where rolling farmland and forested hills pass by. Afternoon tea and live music enhance the relaxed elegance of the journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seven Stars in Kyushu (Suite)
Travel along Kyushu’s northeastern coastal plain beside the Seto Inland Sea. You may choose to disembark at Kitsuki to visit Rokugo Manzan Sojiin and Futago-ji Temples, where a local priest offers insight into the region’s spiritual heritage. The surrounding forested grounds are among Japan’s most revered “forest bathing” sites.
Reboard the train for the final leg back to Fukuoka. Upon arrival, bid farewell to Seven Stars in Kyushu and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a specially arranged dinner at a yatai food stall, experiencing Fukuoka’s beloved open-air street dining culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka (Guest Room)
Travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima, where you visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, honoring the memory of those lost in the world’s first atomic bombing.
After lunch, continue to Miyajima Island by ferry to visit Itsukushima Shrine. Its iconic vermilion torii gate, rising from the sea, is one of Japan’s most celebrated images.
Return to Hiroshima and board the shinkansen to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and one of its most culturally rich cities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room)
Begin with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), its gold-leaf exterior shimmering above a tranquil reflective pond. Continue to Arashiyama, exploring Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by time in the enchanting Bamboo Grove.
Later in the day, participate in a traditional Japanese confectionery class, learning the artistry behind Kyoto’s elegant seasonal sweets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room)
Visit the hillside Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering sweeping views over Kyoto. Continue to a local temple for a traditional tea ceremony, where a tea master explains the ritual’s origins, symbolism, and connection to samurai-era etiquette.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration. In the evening, enjoy a refined Japanese dinner accompanied by a geiko and maiko, who perform traditional music and dance while sharing stories of life in modern Kyoto.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room)
Transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your onward flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Departure Dates | Tour Cost | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Sep 26 - 22 Sep 26 | USD $39995 | 10-Day Seven Stars in Kyushu & Classic Japan Luxury Journey | BOOK NOW |

