You fly to Ōita where you meet your driver and guide. Then you drive to the impressive Futago-ji Temple on a deeply forested mountain. The next stop is Bungo Takada where you stroll around the nostalgic Shōwa period town and have lunch of the local favourite, soba noodles. Your last stop is the Kumano Magaibutsu, a huge Buddhist rock carving. Your accommodation is the seaside Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa where dinner (included) is served.

Included: Dinner

After breakfast (included), you check out and visit some of the Beppu Hells, dramatic natural hot spring pools in vivid colours that bubble and steam. Exotic plants are grown in greenhouses fed by the springs. You take the cable car up to Tsurumidake, a tall volcano towering above Beppu and enjoy the spectacular view. Then you drive to Yufuin for lunch, a tasty pork soup. If you can walk around the lake or mingle with the crowds in the shopping arcade. Then it’s time to head to your accommodation at lovely quiet Kurokawa Onsen Okunoyu spa ryokan where dinner (included) is served.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast (included), you check out and visit Nabetaki Falls, and experience walking behind the falling water. Then you drive up to the caldera of Mt. Aso, a huge, active volcano, and visit sights including Komezuka, Daikanbō Lookout, and Nakadake Crater 1. After visiting the fascinating museum, lunch is at the cafeteria overlooking the Kusasenri grassland. Time permitting, you visit Aso Shrine, one of the oldest Shintō shrines in Japan, before driving to your accommodation. Mori no Eki Donguri is an old private home with wonderful stone baths fed with hot spring water. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast (included) you drive to Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture. You stroll through beautiful Amanoiwato Shrine and along the river to Yasukawara Cave, site of Japan’s founding myth featuring the Goddess Amaterasu and her unruly brother. Then you take a ride on the scenic Amaterasu Railway to admire the gorge from above. Miyazaki is famed for its wagyu beef and lunch (not included) is at a restaurant serving delicious steak. After lunch you stroll along Takachiho Gorge with its extraordinary rock formations and waterfalls. Then you return to Mori no Eki Donguri where dinner (included) is served.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Kumamoto city where you visit the beautiful Suizenji Jōju-en Garden with its recreation of Mt. Fuji and nearby Kumamoto Castle. You stop for lunch of ramen (not included) on the way to the Ariaki Ferry and cross the Ariaki Sea with your vehicle. Your accommodation is the comfortable modern Iseya Ryokan in Obama Onsen with its several hot spring baths. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Mt. Unzen where you take the cable car up the volcano and walk around the summit. Then you drive to the city of Nagasaki. After lunch (not included) at Chinatown, you stroll around Glover Garden with its beautiful villas, Ōura Cathedral, and historic Dejima where European merchants lived on a tiny enclosed island. Your accommodation is a beach resort just outside Nagasaki. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast (included), you can opt to enjoy a day at the beach, or drive into Nagasaki city to explore more, such as the museum and sites relating to the atomic bombing and Christian martyrs. Your accommodation is the same as Day 8. Dinner (included) is served at the accommodation.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Yanagawa, known for its many willow-lined canals and its historical heritage. You take a ride in a punt and visit a historic house and garden. Lunch (not included) is the region’s popular eel on rice at a restaurant overlooking the canal. Your next stop is Dazaifu where you explore the long approach and extensive grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, popular with students and scholars. Your accommodation is in the centre of Fukuoka city. Dinner (not included) is at a restaurant or street stall.

Included: Breakfast

After breakfast (included), you check out and drive to Kyūshū National Museum with its fascinating exhibitions of the culture and history of Kyūshū. Then you head to Fukuoka Airport where you say goodbye to your driver and guide.

Included: Breakfast