PKG Tour CodeJPN-OIT-SAKURA2025
【Sakura Special】 Japan's Best Season with Food and Sake in Oita 7days ~ 2025/3/29 (Sat) Departure
Oita is located on the southern island of Kyushu in Japan, which boasts both mountains and sea. Due to its rich natural environment, Oita is renowned for its sake and food. Additionally, the region features unique cultures and deep histories set within its beautiful landscapes. Enjoy all of these at the same time in Oita during the best season with cherry blossoms.
Season's Special
Feature
- Welcome to Oita in Japan's most beautiful season with cherry blossoms. You will enjoy spectacular landscapes with the visits to natural, cultural, and historical places escorted by an English speaking tour guide throughout the tour.
- Since Oita Prefecture, located in northern Kyushu, is renowned for food cultures, this tour is highly recommended for "Foodies", who are specifically interested in the Japanese culinary scene.
- Oita Prefecture is famous for variety of Onsen (Hot Springs), and the city of Beppu is #1 Onsen destination with its yield of hotspring water in the world. You can enjoy an Open-Air Bath during your stay at one of the most popular Onsen Resorts in Beppu for 3 consecutive nights.
- During the tour, you will enjoy 6 local gourmet; Jigoku Mushi (Onsen Steamed Food), Japanese Tiger Prawn, Karaage (Japanese Style Fried Chicken), Yakatabune Dinner Cruise, All-You-Can-Eat BBQ with Freshly Brewed Beer, Local Food Buffet Dinner including Luxury Sashimi of Seki-saba and Seki-aji. All of them are very popular even among Japanese tourists as well.
- The itinerary includes visits of 4 spots for tastings of various kinds of spirits.
Japanese Sake at Kayashima Shuzo Sake Brewery in Kunisaki, Wine at Ajimu Winery, World Famous "Iichiko" Shochu at Hita Distillery, and Sapporo Beer at Kyushu Hita Brewery
All are made in Oita. - In the itinerary, you will enjoy some unique experiences. In Beppu, where it's known for bamboo crafting, you can try your hand at making colorful bamboo bells. And at Monjusen-ji Temple, you will experience a unique method of prayer called "Goma Kigan". Those experiences are available only in Oita.
- Oita Overview
Check here to know what Oita has to offer. - Point of Interest 1 : Hells (Jigoku) in Beppu, Spectacular hot springs for viewing
Due to the area's active volcanic activity, Beppu is one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan, known for its abundance of thermal waters and variety of bath types. You will visit "Umi Jigoku" and "Chinoike Jigoku", two of the seven spectacular hot springs for viewing, featuring steaming ponds of various colors, bubbling mud pools, and other hydrothermal activity. - Point of Interest 2 : Drum Tao's Performance, in Great Nature of the Kuju Mountains
The Kuju mountain range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, which includes the highest peak on the island of Kyushu. Drum Tao is one of the famous Japanese music performer groups for its Japanese drums, "Taiko", which set its base in the great nature of Kuju with its own stage. You will enjoy their unique and spectacular performance at their home. - Point of Interest 3 : Monjusen-ji Temple, Great Scenic and Historical Place of the Nation
According to history, this temple was originally built in 648 at Mt. Monju and is located among the "sacred" mountain area in the center of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Feel the spiritual energy of the mountains and the temple with over 1,300 years of history, and experience "Goma Kigan", a unique method of prayer in the Tendai Sect. - Point of Interest 4 : Usa Jingu Shrine, Head of Hachiman shrines
Usa Jingu Shrine is the head of thousands of Hachiman shrines across Japan. Located at the root of the Kunisaki Peninsula, it shaped the local mountain worship religion. Built in the 8th century, its main hall is designated a "National Treasure".
Schedule
- Day1
Bullet Train - Arrival at Fukuoka Airport (FUK) or JR Hakata Station
Transfer to the hotel in Fukuoka on your own
* Your room is ready after 2:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 2:00pm, please ask the front desk to store your large luggage, and hang out until check-in time. - Arriving at the Hotel in Fukuoka
Check In the Hotel
Fukuoka : Hotel New Otani Hakata (4Star) or Similar
- Day2
Yunotsubo Street, Yufuin 
Jigoku-mushi 
Bamboo Bells 
Umi Jigoku 
Open Air Onsen at Suginoi Hotel - MorningBreakfast at the Hotel
Meet your tour guide at the Hotel Lobby
Departure from Fukuoka by a Chartered Vehicle
* The same tour guide and the vehicle with a driver will serve you throughout the itinerary from Day2 to Day6. - Yufuin
Yunotsubo Street Shopping
Located at the foot of Mt. Yufu, Yufuin Onsen is one of the most popular resort towns in Japan. You will enjoy shopping with its beautiful scenery, as well as the cultural experiences on famous Yunotsubo Street. - AfternoonBeppu
Jigoku-mushi Lunch
Jigoku-mushi is an unique and additive-free cooking method available only in Beppu.
Steam from hot springs cooks your favorite ingredients.
Its mineral-laden steam brings out the pure flavors of the ingredients, and the naturally steamed food is prepared healthy.
* Lunch Course is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.) - Bamboo Craft Making Experience
In Beppu, where it's known for bamboo crafting, you can try your hand at making colorful bamboo bells.
You can take home your finished work as a souvenir. - Hells Visits (Umi Jigoku and Chinoike Jigoku)
You will visit two spectacular hot springs for viewing, since those are too hot for bathing.
Umi Jigoku has vivid blue hot water as the ocean.
On the other hand, Chinoike Jigoku has red hot water like blood. - EveningBuffet Dinner including local gourmet menus at the hotel restaurant.
* Dinner Buffet is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.)
Enjoy Open-Air Bath in the hotel, and relax.
* You will be staying at one of the most popular Onsen Resorts in Beppu with Open-Air Bath for 3 consecutive nights.
breakfastlunchdinner
Beppu : Suginoi Orix Hotels and Resorts (4Star) or similar
- Day3
Drum Tao's Stage in Kuju 
Drum Tao 
Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge in Fall - MorningBreakfast at the Hotel
Kuju Mountains
The Kuju mountain range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, which includes the highest peak on the island of Kyushu.
Enjoy Drum Tao's spectacular performance of Japanese Drum "Taiko" in Kuju's beautiful landscapes. - Spring TourDrum Tao's Spring Festival
You will join Drum Tao's seasonal event on this day, staying at their own Open-Air theatre for about 4 hours.
Enjoy their special performance as well as visiting "Yatai", the variety of food stands located in the property.
Lunch is NOT included in the tour fee. Please enjoy lunch at your favorite Yatai on your own. - Both SeasonKokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge
After Drum Tao's show on either Fall Tour or Spring Tour, you will visit Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge on the way back.
Traversing the Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge is like walking across the sky.
Japan's longest pedestrian bridge presents beautiful panoramic scenes, especially with the Fall colors. - EveningBuffet Dinner including local gourmet menus at the hotel restaurant.
* Dinner Buffet is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.)
Enjoy Open-Air Bath in the hotel, and relax.
breakfastdinner
Beppu : Suginoi Orix Hotels and Resorts (4Star) or similar
- Day4
Kayashima Shuzo Sake Brewery 
Japanese Tiger Prawn 
Monjusen-ji Temple 
Goma Kigan at Monjusen-ji 
Kunisaki Olive Garden - MorningBreakfast at the Hotel
Kunisaki Peninsula
The Kunisaki Peninsula has a remarkable array of time-honored temples and shrines as well as thousands of statues of the Buddha in caves.
Here, you will enjoy local gourmet and craft Sake as well. - Kayashima Shuzo Sake Brewery Visit
Since 1873 when the brewery was founded, their flagship Sake brand "Nishi-no-Seki" has been renowned as one of the most famous Sake brands in Japan.
* Tasting is included in the tour fee. - AfternoonKaiseki Lunch with Japanese Tiger Prawn
Japanese Tiger Prawn is one of the remarkable local gourmet at Himeshima Island, off the Kunisaki Peninsula.
Try the flavor and the texture of the firm and meaty prawns.
* Lunch Course is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.) - Monjusen-ji Temple Visit
According to history, this temple was originally built in 648, and is located among the "sacred" mountain area in the center of Kunisaki Peninsula.
Feel the spiritual energy of the mountains and the temple with over 1,300 years of history.
* Please be aware that this site has lots of stairs to reach the main building of the temple. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. - Goma Kigan at Monjusen-ji Temple
During your visit to Monjusen-ji, you will experience "Goma Kigan", an unique method of prayer in the Tendai Sect.
Write your wish on the wooden bar, which will be burned by the priest with reciting Sutra to make your wish happen. - Kunisaki Olive Garden Visit
Kunisaki Peninsula is located within Seto Island Region, and the climate of the area is similar to that of the Mediterranean Sea.
Under this circumstance, there is a huge garden of olive trees here.
You will stop by this Olive Garden, and feel the blessing of nature. - EveningBuffet Dinner including local gourmet menus at the hotel restaurant.
* Dinner Buffet is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.)
Enjoy Open-Air Bath in the hotel, and relax.
breakfastlunchdinner
Beppu : Suginoi Orix Hotels and Resorts (4Star) or similar
- Day5
Ajimu Winery 
Chicken Karaage 
Usa Jingu Shrine 
Sarutobi Sentsubokyo 
Yakatabune - MorningBreakfast at the Hotel
Check Out the Hotel in Beppu - Ajimu
Ajimu Winery
Although top grade grapes for the table are grown widely in Kyushu, the production of wine is much rarer in the region.
However, at the Ajimu Budoshu Koubou, a boutique winery deep in the Usa countryside, the wines have been perfected since the fruit was first harvested here in the 1960's.
The climate here is ideal for growing a variety of grapes, which are the basis of the 22 different types of wines bottled by the winery including chardonnay, sauvignon and merlot.
* Tasting is included in the tour fee. - AfternoonUsa
Karaage (Japanese Style Fried Chicken) Lunch
Karaage is a cooking technique that involves marinating and deep-frying small pieces of the ingredients coated in flour, potato starch, or cornstarch.
Chicken is a typical ingredient for Karaage dishes, and is one of the most popular daily food at home and at Izakaya in Japan.
Try tasty Japanese fried chicken "Karaage" at its birthplace of the area of Nakatsu and Usa.
* Lunch Course is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.) - Usa Jingu Shrine Visit
Usa Jingu Shrine is the head of thousands of Hachiman shrines across Japan.
Located at the root of the Kunisaki Peninsula, it shaped the local mountains worship religion.
Built in the 8th century, its main hall is designated a "National Treasure". - Nakatsu
Sarutobi Sentsubokyo Visit
Sarutobi Sentsubokyo is a river gorge along Yamakuni River in Nakatsu, which has a very unique structure with the rocks and stones shaped by the river stream for thousands of years.
The area is also famous as a spot for Fall colors and cherry blossoms. - EveningCheck In the Hotel in Hita
Kaiseki Dinner on Yakatabune Cruise
In Hita, Yakatabune (the roofed boats) cruise is the most popular tourist attraction.
You will enjoy this unique dining experience with a Japanese style Dinner Course "Kaiseki" on Yakatabune.
* Dinner Course is included in the tour fee. (Drinks are not included.)
breakfastlunchdinner
Hita : Kizantei Hotel (Japanese Ryokan Style) or similar
- Day6
Iichiko Hita Distillery 
Mamedamachi Shopping Street 
Sapporo Beer Hita Brewery - MorningBreakfast at the Hotel
Check Out the Hotel in Hita - Hita
Iichiko (Shochu) Hita Distillery Visit
Iichiko is a very popular brand of Shochu spirits in Japan and even in the United States.
Its smooth taste made by wheat is good to drink on the rock, as well as fits perfectly with sodas and cold teas.
* Tasting is included in the tour fee. - Mamedamachi Shopping Street Visit
Hita had been a small rural town, but it became a government-ruled territory in 1593.
The town turned into a city with a government office, and was developed with cultures just like Kyoto and Edo (current Tokyo).
Mamedamachi is the place which leaves the prosperity and the pride of that era, and is called "Little Kyoto".
You will enjoy walking and shopping for souvenirs in this old town. - AfternoonSapporo Beer Hita Brewery
Sapporo Beer is one of the major breweries in Japan.
And there is a huge factory here in Hita.
Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Lunch with Freshly Brewed Beer.
* All-You-Can-Eat & Drink Lunch is included in the tour fee. - Sayonara (Good Bye) to Oita Prefecture
Going back to the gateway city of Fukuoka
Tosu Premium Outlets Visit
You will stop by the outlets on the way back to Fukuoka.
Enjoy shopping and dinner on your own. - EveningCheck In the Hotel in Fukuoka
breakfastlunch
Fukuoka : Hotel New Otani Hakata (4Star) or Similar
- Day7
- MorningBreakfast at the Hotel
Transfer to Fukuoka Airport (FUK), JR Hakata Station, or your next destination(s) on your own
* Please check out the hotel before 11:00AM.
* If you wish to extend your trip to other destinations in Japan, or to keep staying in Fukuoka, we are happy to assist with the additional travel arrangements.
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Mar.2025
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※Displayed price is based on adult (2 adults per room).
Remarks
- Booking Policy
Rates:The mentioned prices may fluctuate due to the changes of surcharge, fees, taxes or currency status without prior notice. The actual prices will be officially confirmed at the time of booking. Please kindly verify with your H.I.S. representative.
Reservation: The reservation must be made until 65 days prior to the start of the tour. - Pertinent Information Before Travel - Hotel :
-The hotel rooms are considerably smaller than western ones.
-The ceilings are much lower, giving a perception of the scope of the rooms.
-The normal double beds are French-sized (140cm x 200cm), with a few hotels featuring double rooms with a double bed.
-Rooms with double beds or smoking rooms must be specially reserved and, because of the scarcity, cannot be guaranteed.
-The pajamas and yukata provided by the hotel are only for use in the hotel. - Pertinent Information Before Travel - Trains (if included) :
-The spaces for suitcases on Japanese trains are very limited (this is the reason for the separate transport of the luggage in our packages).
-For the packages that mention the JR Pass, our assistant or guide will help with reserving the train (for the tours with a guide, we cannot guarantee that the whole group can sit together). It is only possible to reserve the trains after arriving in Japan and there may be no availability for the trains mentioned in the program.
-2nd Class tickets (regular) are used in the packages. Usage of 1st class tickets must be booked and requires extra fees.
-Please refrain from talking loudly on the train.
-Talking on the phone on the train is forbidden.
-Please note that it is very difficult to reserve train tickets during specific periods such as "Golden Week" consecutive national holidays, Bon Holidays and the end of the year/New Year period.
-Commuter trains and arterial roads in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are crowded during the rush hours, and in the mornings and evenings. - Pertinent Information Before Travel - Meals (if included) :
-Japanese meals rarely include desserts. Sometimes there will be a small plate with fruits that accompany the main dish.
-In some typical restaurants, it is obligatory to take off your shoes. We recommend wearing stockings or socks (this is not obligatory).
-For special food needs and requests (allergies, vegetarians, etc.), please state them during your reservation, so that we can inform the restaurants in advance. - Pertinent Information Before Travel - Visits (if included) :
-Often during temple/shrine visits, guests will have to take off their shoes. We advise wearing socks (not obligatory, but do not go barefoot).
-Cultural properties may be under renovation and covered.
-Itinerary may change due to inevitable causes such as closing, natural disasters, traffic jams, etc. - Pertinent Information Before Travel - Others (if included) :
-You are not allowed to stand and smoke on the street. Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. - Travel Arrangement Options
If you plan to extend your trip, we can also arrange any travel items as follows.
-Hotel Accommodations other than specified in the itinerary
-Japan Rail Pass and Rail Tickets
-Japan Air Pass and Domestic Flights
-Airport Transfers
-Day Tours
=Travel Insurance
etc.
We can also arrange your international flights between any cities in the U.S. and Japan at our special airfare. Please ask your agent for more details.