An In-depth Tour of Fukuoka, Japan: Encounter Hot Springs and Anime Holy Lands.

Dreaming of a surprising and romantic trip to Japan? Kyushu offers stunning scenery, unique hot springs, a rich anime atmosphere, and mouthwatering cuisine. Follow this itinerary for an unforgettable 7-day journey! Day 1: Shanghai → Fukuoka → Kurume Fly direct from Shanghai to Fukuoka Airport, where a private car will transfer you to Kurume. If you visit between mid-April and early May, the entire town transforms into a dreamy rural garden, adorned with azaleas as vibrant as cherry blossoms. Kurume also boasts a thousand-year-old shrine, hailed by visitors as one of Kyushu's most stunning sights. It's definitely worth exploring. Spend the night at a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan nestled within a 150,000-tsubo Japanese garden, making the hotel itself an attraction. With 5,000 cherry trees and nearly 50,000 azaleas, the garden hosts a nighttime illumination during the cherry blossom season in March and April. During the azalea season (late March to Golden Week), a flower festival creates a magical atmosphere. Day 2: Kurume → Yanagawa → Kumamoto City → Mount Aso Head to Yanagawa, famous for the viral video of a boatman punting and jumping over a bridge. Take a traditional "donkobune" or "kawakudari" wooden boat ride along the clear river, admiring the ancient architecture on both banks. Enjoy the boatman's melodious folk songs as you savor delicious grilled meat. Pass through Kumamoto City, where Kumamon fans can visit Kumamon Square. Finally, arrive at the southern Aso hot spring village at the foot of Mount Aso and enjoy a relaxing onsen experience. Sake enthusiasts can stay at a hotel owned by Fukuchiyo Sake Brewery, indulging in fine sake and cuisine. While the brewery doesn't offer tours or tastings, its restaurant serves over 20 varieties of "Nabeshima" sake, including exclusive versions only available at the Kusaan restaurant, served in the owner's private collection of exquisite tableware. Day 3: Mount Aso → Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine → Kurokawa Onsen Visit Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, a filming location for the classic anime "Hotarubi no Mori e" (Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light), a must-see for anime fans. Enjoy a traditional Aso "irori" lunch, where ingredients are skewered and grilled over charcoal. Afterward, explore the Nakadake crater and Kusasenri, with an optional helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views. Finally, arrive at Kurokawa Onsen and check into a Japanese inn with only eight private onsen rooms for an exclusive hot spring experience. Days 4-7: Kurokawa Onsen → Yufuin → Seaside Castle Town Spend three days exploring the hot spring town of Yufuin, which inspired the animated film "My Neighbor Totoro." Take a cable car up Mount Tsurumi, an active volcano. If you visit during cherry blossom or azalea season, the mountainside is a breathtaking spectacle of color. The next day, visit the seaside castle town, which exudes an even stronger Kyoto vibe than Kyoto itself. After a day of exploring, relax at a century-old teahouse and savor the tranquility with a cup of Japanese tea. Tips: 1. Obtain your visa and exchange currency in advance for a smooth trip. 2. Japanese hotels generally don't provide toiletries, so remember to bring your own. 3. Respect local customs and traditions, and travel responsibly. Embark on your dream trip to Kyushu, where every sight will leave you captivated!