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Upon arrival, you will be transferred to The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka where you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing in this beautiful hotel.

A day of leisure either relaxing in the hotel or taking in the sites of Fukuoka. Dinner in either the sushi or teppanyaki restaurants at the hotel.

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the railway station to board the Seven Stars. After leaving Hakata Station, the Seven Stars in Kyushu heads to Yufuin, offering tranquil countryside views from the train window. You will feel calm and relaxed both during the journey to Yufuin and while visiting the town, known for its picturesque and serene natural surroundings.

The second day on the train begins at Aso Station. During an excursion, you can experience the Hosokawa-style Bonseki, which expresses the Japanese culture of Wabi Sabi — elegant simplicity. Guests who choose to stay onboard the train will travel to Kumamoto on the Seven Stars via the Tateno switchback. For lunch, enjoy a special meal at Taisho-ji Temple, the family temple of the Hosokawa clan, lords of the Kumamoto Domain. Afterwards, you will cross the Ariake Sea by ferry and proceed to Unzen and Shimabara.

The destination for the latter half of the Seven Stars trip is West Kyushu. After departing the ryokan (Japanese inn), you will visit a local restaurant for lunch, where the cuisine reflects the local nature and culture. Dinner onboard will feature Shippoku cuisine — a traditional Japanese style influenced by Chinese cuisine and representing Wakaran, a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch cultures. You will also be entertained by the Kenban, the Geisha of Nagasaki. Enjoy the food, nature, history, and unique culture of West Kyushu.

The Seven Stars slowly travels down the Nippo Main Line from Kokura. On the Kunisaki Peninsula, you will have the opportunity to experience the operation of the "circulation type agriculture, forestry, and fisheries," which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towards the end of the journey, you will see views of Mt. Yufu on the Kyudai Main Line. As the scenery flows past your train window on the way back to Hakata Station. Returning to Fukuoka you will journey back to the delightful Ritz Carlton. Enjoy dinner at either the Sushi or Teppanyaki restaurants at the hotel.

A private car will collect you from the Ritz Carlton for a day of cultural experiences including Indigo dyeing and the opportunity to visit a Japanese winery and taste wines made from the Kyoho grape. Tonight you will stay and dine at the Ryokan Yanagawa Ohana (or similar).

Your cultural journey continues with a master class in Japanese sword forging. Wander through a charming historic town, sip locally grown green tea, and enjoy a peaceful private cruise along the river. Enjoy another culinary experience at the Ryokan.

Step into a beautifully preserved Meiji-era theater rich in cultural history. Create your own rice crackers using time-honored techniques and local flavors. Yamaga Lantern Crafting with Washi Paper Experience the elegance of crafting traditional paper lanterns by hand. Artisan Whisky Distillery Tour Explore the depth of craftsmanship in locally produced small-batch whisky. Tonight you'll be staying and dining at the Gekkouju Ryokan (or similar)

Visit Kurokawa hot springs, with time to stroll around this small and quiet town. You might even have the chance to try some local specialities. After that, you’ll change into traditional Japanese attire and immerse yourself in samurai culture, all within a spacious estate featuring a Japanese garden and classic tatami rooms. Following lunch, take a walk through the vast grasslands of Kusasenri — perhaps the most iconic spot in Aso. Formed by volcanic activity and carefully preserved by local communities, this sweeping landscape offers a powerful connection to Aso’s natural beauty. Tonight you'll be staying and dining at the Gekkouju Ryokan (or similar).

Departure from Fukuoka