Japan’s most exclusive train, without the 2-year waitlist.

Arrive in Fukuoka, the vibrant gateway to Kyushu, where your private transfer will meet you and take you to The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka. Settle into your elegant surroundings and enjoy your first taste of Japanese hospitality, with the remainder of the day at leisure to relax after your journey and begin discovering this fascinating city.

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Today is yours to discover Fukuoka at your own pace. Explore the city’s temples, gardens, markets and vibrant neighbourhoods, or simply enjoy a leisurely day taking in the atmosphere. Later, return to The Ritz-Carlton for an included restorative spa treatment, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge before your Seven Stars journey begins. Enjoy a second night at the hotel.

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After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Hakata Station for check-in at the exclusive Kinsei Lounge. At 09:40, enjoy a special welcome ceremony before boarding Seven Stars Kyushu for its spectacular Unzen Course. As the train departs Fukuoka, settle into your beautifully appointed suite and watch the landscapes of Kyushu unfold. Your journey begins with exquisite cuisine, attentive service and the timeless elegance of one of Japan’s most celebrated luxury trains.

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Today, discover the dramatic landscapes of the Aso region on an Aso Outer Rim Mountain Tour. Journey through the spectacular scenery surrounding one of Japan’s most remarkable volcanic landscapes, with opportunities to experience the natural beauty and character of rural Kyushu. This evening, leave the train behind and experience the tranquillity of a traditional Japanese ryokan, where you will enjoy an authentic taste of Japanese hospitality and spend the night in serene surroundings.

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After a leisurely morning at the ryokan, depart at 11:00 and choose to enjoy a scenic walk around the tranquil Shirakumo Pond, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kyushu. Afterwards, return to Seven Stars Kyushu and settle back into the comfort of your suite. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the train’s elegant surroundings, exceptional cuisine and ever-changing views as your journey continues. Tonight, relax in your suite as you spend another memorable night aboard this magnificent train.

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On your final day aboard Seven Stars Kyushu, enjoy an excursion to Futago-ji Temple, a spiritual centre of the Rokugo-Manzan tradition, set amongst the beautiful landscapes of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Return to the train for a special farewell event before arriving at Hakata Station at 17:36. Your private transfer will then take you back to The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, where you will spend your final night in the city.

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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Fukuoka, with time to relax at the hotel or explore the city centre at your own pace.

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Cultural Course: Travel to Imari, a charming historic town renowned as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Wander through traditional streets and discover centuries-old climbing kilns before visiting an authentic pottery studio, where you can watch master artisans demonstrate techniques refined over more than 400 years. Then, try your hand at the potter’s wheel and create your own unique piece under the guidance of a local master. Overnight at Ureshino Yadoya or similar.

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Active Course: Alternatively, travel by high-speed Kyushu Shinkansen to Kagoshima Prefecture before embarking on a scenic cycling adventure through the magnificent plateau landscapes of Kirishima. Pedal through volcanic scenery and sacred trails, breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy panoramic views shaped by the region’s ancient volcanic activity. Overnight at Yakakutei or similar.

Cultural Course: Begin the day with a private tea ceremony amongst the emerald-green rows of a hillside plantation, learning the mindful art of preparing and savouring premium Japanese green tea in a tranquil setting. Continue to Yutoku Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most celebrated Inari shrines, for a formal prayer ceremony before exploring historic Sakagura-dori, once famed for its sake breweries. Finish the day with a curated tasting of regional sake at a local Sake Bar. Overnight at Ureshino Yadoya or similar.

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Active Course: Start with an invigorating two-hour hike through the spectacular Kirishima mountain range, following volcanic trails to panoramic views of ancient calderas. Enjoy a specially prepared bento lunch surrounded by the crisp mountain air before visiting an organic tea farm. Meet the local farmers, discover the traditions of Kyushu tea and enjoy a private green tea tasting, exploring the subtle flavours and aromas of the region. Overnight at Yakakutei or similar.

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Cultural Course: Discover the ancient art of Washi paper making at a traditional workshop, where skilled artisans will guide you through the delicate process of transforming natural plant fibres into beautiful Japanese paper. Create your own unique piece to take home as a lasting memory of your journey. In the afternoon, board a traditional Donko-bune for a gentle cruise through the historic canals of Yanagawa, gliding beneath low bridges and past weeping willows as your boatman navigates the town’s ancient waterways. Overnight at Yanagawa Ohana or similar.

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Active Course: Begin with a visit to the sacred Kirishima Jingu Shrine, a National Treasure and legendary site of divine descent. Witness a dynamic Taiko performance before trying the drums yourself and experiencing their powerful rhythm. Continue to a traditional distillery to discover the craft of Kagoshima’s renowned Imo-Shochu, followed by a private tasting. End the day with an authentic Izakaya dinner, pairing local flavours with your favourite shochu. Overnight at Sheraton Kagoshima or similar.

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Cultural Course: Discover the rich traditions of Yamaga, beginning at Yachiyoza, a beautifully preserved Meiji-era theatre steeped in cultural history. Try your hand at making traditional rice crackers using time-honoured techniques and local flavours, before crafting an elegant Yamaga lantern from delicate Washi paper. Complete the day with a visit to a local artisan whisky distillery, discovering the craftsmanship behind its small-batch spirits. Overnight at Yanagawa Ohana or similar.

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Active Course: Step into the world of the Satsuma samurai at Sengan-en, the historic villa of the Shimadzu clan, where beautiful gardens frame spectacular views of Sakurajima. Enjoy authentic local cuisine and regional sake served in exquisite Satsuma Kiriko glassware before taking a ferry to Sakurajima. Here, paddle across the calm waters of Kinko Bay by sea kayak to a hidden volcanic island, a protected sanctuary accessible only from the water. Overnight at Sheraton Kagoshima or similar.

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Cultural Course: Your journey through Kyushu comes to an end today. Transfer to Fukuoka Airport, just minutes from the city centre, for your onward journey. As you take to the skies, enjoy one final view of the sparkling Hakata Bay and reflect on the remarkable experiences, traditions and warm hospitality encountered throughout your time on the island.

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Active Course: Transfer to Kagoshima Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, look down upon one final spectacular view of Sakurajima and the sparkling waters of Kinko Bay. Take with you memories of volcanic landscapes, hot springs, samurai heritage and the warmth of the people who made your journey so memorable.

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