KYUSHU
FAITH, FIRE, AND FLAVOR
Oita, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki
November 2026 | 9 Days, 8 Nights | From $13,900 USD
Kyushu is raw and beautiful, a land where the earth itself has given rise to an extraordinary culture. On this journey, we trace a path from the spiritual roots of the east to the refined-yet-rustic artistry of the west. Beginning in Oita, we will explore a landscape characteristic of the island as a whole: one of steam, stone Buddhas, volcanism, and extraordinary gastronomy. Following Oita we shift to the urban energy of Fukuoka, Japan’s oldest gateway to Asia. After experiencing the life force of Kyushu’s largest city, we’ll settle into the quiet hills of Saga to discover, among much else, what it means to nourish ourselves holistically. Our journey will end with a meditation on the incredible resilience of the peoples of Nagasaki, from the survivors of the atomic bomb to the Christians who worshiped in secret. Together, we’ll travel widely and explore deeply, encountering a local universe of deep faith, master craftsmanship, nature’s imposing power, and the flavors that express it all.
Why Kyushu?
In a way, Kyushu feels young. The earth is still smoking, and it presents a strong juxtaposition to the mainland’s famous and famously manicured scenes. We have come for the power and mysteries of Kyushu’s nature and culture: the steam rising from Beppu vents, the “Hidden Christians” worshipping in the folds of the coast, and a gastronomy that connects the soil to soul in its own way. Kyushu reveals a Japan unvarnished and unplugged, and we have chosen this route because of the ancient stones, bustling night markets, secret kilns, and unique food culture as exemplified in Saga mariage: the belief that a meal is incomplete until local ingredients meet local clay.
Trip Overview
Our route traces an arc across the island’s northern half. We begin in Oita, navigating a landscape of hot springs and a UNESCO-recognized food culture. We then shift gears in Fukuoka, engaging with the energy of Japan’s gateway city and the green tea fields of Yame. The journey culminates in the west, amidst the pine coasts of Saga and the complex history of Nagasaki. Anchored by stays in modern architectural landmarks and imperial-grade ryokan, this itinerary is a study in the balance between the raw and the refined.
Highlights
- Earth & Fire: Kyushu is alive with geothermal energy. We walk the clay-crushing village of Onta, visit the hidden “Secret Kilns” of the Nabeshima clan, and explore the earthy aesthetic of Karatsu ware, all born from the same volcanic soil.
- Deep Faith: We trace a complex spiritual lineage, from the ancient stone Buddhas carved into Usuki’s cliffs to the syncretic temples of Kunisaki. The narrative culminates in Sotome, where “Hidden Christians” kept their faith alive for centuries.
- Soil to Soul: We discover a gastronomy that honors its roots. We taste the organic cuisine of Usuki, walk Yame’s Gyokuro tea fields, and experience Saga’s mariage, where local ingredients meet local earthenware in delightful harmony.
Your Trip, Day by Day
9 Days, 8 Nights
Day 1 : Oita
We meet at Oita Station, the gateway to the eastern coast. Our journey begins with a grounding in the region’s heritage of gastronomy and Buddhism. We visit the Usuki area, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, to learn of its "Soil to Soul" philosophy, before visiting its famous stone Buddhas (magaibutsu) carved into the volcanic cliffs centuries ago. These weathered faces set the tone for the deep history we will uncover. We then ascend to Yufuin, checking into Sanso Warabino, a quiet retreat with excellent views of Mount Yufu, to relax and freshen up before our welcome dinner.
Local Spotlight: Usuki’s "Soil to Soul"
Modern food can often feel disconnected from its origins, but in Usuki, the cycle of food is everything. Recognizing that great flavor begins in the ground, the city preserves a tradition of organic farming and soil nurturing that flows directly to the table. We taste dishes shaped by local sake, seasonal vegetables, fermentation and their focus on sustainability, understanding why this small city is a global capital of gastronomy.
Stay: Sanso Warabino
Meals: Lunch and Welcome Dinner
Day 2 : Oita
Today we delve into the Kunisaki Peninsula, a relatively remote circular landmass where Shinto and Buddhism merged into a unique mountain faith called Rokugo Manzan. Here we find Usa Jingu, a massive shrine complex that is the head of all 40,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan. We then move deeper into the mountain forests of Fukiji and visit the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu. We’ll explore this ancient pilgrimage route and climb the primeval stone steps to the Kumano Magaibutsu carvings before returning to the comfort of Yufuin.
Local Spotlight: Rokugo Manzan
The Kunisaki Peninsula is the birthplace of a unique religious syncretism called Rokugo Manzan. Here, the indigenous Shinto mountain gods merged with Buddhist deities brought over from the mainland. This isn't just history; it continues to be a living practice. You will see torii gates standing before Buddhist temples and monks performing rites that honor mountain spirits—a complex layering of faith that exists only in this isolated terrain.
Stay: Sanso Warabino
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Oita
We shift our focus from the spiritual to the artisanal, traveling to the isolated mountain village of Onta, the cradle of Onta-yaki pottery. Here, water-powered wooden hammers crush clay, and the pottery crafted here was given the highest praise by masters of the form, including Soetsu Yanagi and Bernard Leach. We then descend into the thermals of Beppu for the “Hells” (steam vents) that power the region’s economy. We return to Yufuin in the afternoon to enjoy the galleries and the quiet luxury of our ryokan.
Artisan Spotlight: The Sound of Onta
Onta is as much a soundscape as it is a bucolic townscape. Walking the village, you'll hear the thud-splash-thud of the kara-usu, the wooden clay crushers powered by the river. This method has not changed for 300 years. The pottery produced here (Onta-yaki) is "mingei" (folk art) in its purest and highest form of expression: created by families, unsigned, and designed for daily use. The distinctive "chattering" marks on the surface are not painted, but gouged by a metal tool while the wheel spins, creating a texture that feels as organic as the river that flows through the village.
Stay: Sanso Warabino
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Fukuoka
This morning, we transfer to Fukuoka, the de facto captial of Kyushu. The contrast is sharp, as Fukuoka is the country's oldest gateway to Asia, and pulses with the energy of a great midsize city. First, we'll visit the sprawling Dazaifu Shrine, paying homage to the guardian of the city, before entering Hakata. We check into ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL, a new landmark property that tastefully captures the city's forward-looking spirit. Dinner is on your own tonight, though we strongly encourage diving into the city's famous yatai (street food) scene.
Local Spotlight: Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu is a grand shrine complex just outside the bustling city. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and poet whose influence on Japanese culture is still felt. We'll walk across three bridges representing the past, present, and future, moving through grounds planted with thousands of plum trees. There is a bittersweet tale about one of them, the Tobiume, that is said to have flown from Kyoto to be with its exiled master.
Stay: ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 : Fukuoka
We head south to Yame, a name respected by tea aficionado's the world over. This region produces Japan’s finest Gyokuro (shade-grown tea). Here, we’ll walk through fields stretching over the hills and meet a master farmer to learn about the "deep-steaming" technique that gives this tea its rich, savory umami. Yame is also an old merchant town that prospered thanks to its residents’ perseverance and artisanal prowess, which we will come to know. Many of its old, white-walled buildings remain today. By evening, we'll be back in Fukuoka for our last night in the city.
Artisan Spotlight: Yame Gyokuro
Yame is to green tea what Burgundy is to wine. The region specializes in Gyokuro (Jade Dew), the highest grade of Japanese tea. The secret lies in shading. Weeks before harvest, farmers cover the bushes with straw or black screens to block the sun, forcing the plant to produce more chlorophyll and amino acids, which suppresses bitterness and boosts umami. The result is a tea so savory it feels almost like a broth, challenging everything you thought you knew about the flavor of green tea.
Stay: ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 : Saga
We travel west to Saga Prefecture, beginning in the coastal castle town of Karatsu. Known for its rugged "Karatsu-yaki" pottery, prized by tea masters for its earthy texture, we explore the kilns and the sweeping Niji-no-Matsubara, a 360-year-old pine grove planted along the sea. It is truly a landscape of wind, sand, and clay. We continue inland to Takeo Onsen to check into Onyado Chikurintei, a property that feels less like a hotel and more like an imperial villa hiding in the forest. During our stay in this part of Kyushu, we will dine on local ingredients presented on locally-made earthenware, and think about the ways in which living well means living holistically.
Artisan Spotlight: Karatsu-yaki
As the saying goes, "First Raku, Second Hagi, Third Karatsu." In the world of tea ceremony, Karatsu ware is legendary. Unlike the refined porcelain of Arita, Karatsu is earthy, robust, and unpretentious. It is fired for long periods, resulting in warm, organic tones and simple iron paintings. It embodies the aesthetic of wabi-sabi.
Stay: Onyado Chikurintei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 : Nagasaki
We take a day trip to Nagasaki, a city of hills and history. We explore Nagasaki Peace Park for a poignant reflection on past and present, before discovering Dejima, the artificial island that served as Japan’s only window to the West during more than 200 years of isolation. We then travel up the coast to Sotome, the remote village where the "Hidden Christians" worshipped in secret. This is a day that bridges the local and the global.
Local Spotlight: The Hidden Christians
In the village of Sotome, the silence tells the story. For over 200 years during the Edo period ban on Christianity, "Kakure Kirishitan" (Hidden Christians) maintained their faith here in secret, disguising the Virgin Mary as the Buddhist deity Kannon and reciting prayers in a mix of Latin and Portuguese.
Stay: Onyado Chikurintei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 : Saga
Our final full day is a pilgrimage to the heart of Japanese porcelain. We visit Arita and Imari, names synonymous with fine ceramics, before entering the secluded village of Okawachiyama. Once the private kiln of the Nabeshima clan, this "Village of Secret Kilns" was guarded by checkpoints to prevent its techniques from escaping. We walk the narrow, brick-lined streets nestled between jagged peaks. We end the day with the vista of Kujukushima ("99 Islands"), watching the sun set over the archipelago before our farewell dinner.
Local Spotlight: The Secret Kilns of Nabeshima
Entering Okawachiyama feels like stepping into a suibokuga, or traditional ink wash painting. The village is hemmed in by jagged granite peaks that rise vertically from the valley floor. On a cloudy day, the scene resembles a monochromatic visual of mist, rock, and brick chimneys. This dramatic topography, though, served a purpose beyond beauty. It created a natural fortress. The Nabeshima clan hid their kilns here to protect their porcelain secrets, relying on these very mountains to keep their techniques from leaking to the outside world.
Stay: Onyado Chikurintei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 9 : Departure
We gather for a final breakfast before a private transfer escorts you to either Hakata Station or Fukuoka Airport (FUK). For those not quite ready to plug back into the "real world," the adventure can continue. Unplugged Japan offers bespoke planning services for pre- and post-trip extensions. Simply let us know, and we will craft a seamless custom itinerary to complement your group experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Where We Stay
Our accommodations reflect a preference for the small and specialized—places that do not impose on the land, but are part of it, complementing the surrounds and reflecting local specialties.
Sanso Warabino
A sanctuary of contemporary minimalism set in the shadow of Mount Yufu. The architecture at Sanaso Warabino uses vast panes of glass and local timber to erase the boundary between the interior and the surrounding forest. With private hot springs in every suite, it offers a meditative, secluded immersion into the quiet side of Yufuin.
ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL
Our sophisticated urban stay located in the heart of Tenjin, this new landmark captures the open, cosmopolitan spirit of Fukuoka. Blending sharp, modern design with the warmth of Hakata hospitality, it serves as the perfect launchpad to explore the city’s legendary food scene.
Onyado Chikurintei
Imperial-grade hospitality deep within the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden. Once a retreat for the Nabeshima lords, the property does not just sit in the landscape, it is essentially woven into it. The architecture becomes the sacred forest, offering a rare, tactile connection to the history and spirituality of the mountain looming above.
Departure Details
FAITH, FIRE, AND FLAVOR
KYUSHU
Oita | Fukuoka | Saga | Nagasaki
November 16 – November 24, 2026
8 Nights 9 Days
Price: $13,800 USD
Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Price: $13,800 USD
Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Minimum Age
This trip includes alcohol contents. All guests should be 20 and above.
Activity level
This trip includes alcohol contents. All guests should be 20 and above.
Start / End time
This trip includes alcohol contents. All guests should be 20 and above.
Guaranteed Departure
This trip includes alcohol contents. All guests should be 20 and above.
Reserve Your Spot
*Your request does not guarantee your booking
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the questions we hear most often. For anything specific to your needs, please reach us directly at travel@unpluggedjapan.com.
Our cancellation policy is based on the departure date:
-120+ days prior: You will receive a full refund, less a $1,500 per-person service fee. $500 of this fee can be applied as a credit toward a future trip within one year.
-119-60 days prior: 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
-59 days or fewer prior: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
Please see our complete Terms & Conditions for full details.
While not required, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance. This protects your investment in case of unforeseen cancellations and can provide essential coverage for medical emergencies, transport, or loss of personal items. For the most complete coverage, including “Cancel For Any Reason” benefits, you should insure the full cost of your trip within two weeks of paying your initial deposit.
Your group will consist of a maximum of 12 like-minded travelers. Our guests are typically a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and life experiences—from solo adventurers and couples to friends traveling together. Our journeys are designed to be inclusive and are open to all travelers aged 18 and over. However, given that this trip in particular involves some consumption of alcohol (and the drinking age in Japan is 20 and over), it is open to travelers aged 20 and over.
An Unplugged Japan Trip Leader will be with you from start to finish. They are a seasoned travel professional responsible for ensuring a seamless experience and are your primary point of contact for any needs that arise. Throughout the journey, you’ll also be joined by a team of passionate local experts—from area guides to artisan masters—who will provide deep insight into their culture and craft.
Absolutely. As a bespoke travel company, we specialize in custom itineraries. If you wish to arrive early to acclimate or stay later to explore more of Japan, we can seamlessly integrate those arrangements into your journey.
Our small groups are curated for the curious. You will be traveling with a handful of like-minded individuals who value depth over breadth—people who are eager to engage with the culture, the food, and the history of Japan with an open mind.
-Accommodations & Transport: 8 nights in distinctive 4- and 5-star hotels and ryokans. All ground transportation during the trip, including private vehicles for excursions and your airport transfer upon departure.
-Dining & Experiences: Daily breakfasts, all lunches, and most dinners at a curated selection of restaurants. Local beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages are included with group meals.
-Accommodations & Transport: 8 nights in distinctive 4- and 5-star hotels and ryokans. All ground transportation during the trip, including private vehicles for excursions.
-Dining & Experiences: Daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners at a curated selection of restaurants. Local beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages are included with group meals.
-Guidance & Access: All entrance fees for sites on the itinerary. The expertise of your full-time Unplugged Japan Trip Leader, plus specialized local guides and cultural experts for private tours, hands-on workshops, and exclusive tastings.
-Gratuities for your Trip Leader and local guides.
-International airfare to and from Japan.
-Transportation to the trip’s designated starting point in Toyama, and your airport transfer upon departure (however, this can be arranged in advance).
-Travel insurance (which we strongly recommend).
-Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, room service, or hotel bar tabs.
-Activities, meals, or drinks pursued independently of the group itinerary.
Yes, we offer a “solo supplement” which guarantees a private room for the entire journey. This is a one-time fee due at booking. As we can only accommodate a limited number of solo travelers on each trip, these spots are secured on a first-come, first-served basis.
A passport valid for the entire duration of your stay is required. Currently, citizens of the US, Canada, EU, and Australia do not need a visa for tourist stays in Japan. As requirements can change, we will provide all confirmed guests with the most up-to-date travel information.
The adventure begins in Toyama. Please plan to arrive at our starting point, Toyama Station, on the first day of the itinerary. The two most convenient international airports are Tokyo-Narita (NRT) and Tokyo-Haneda (HND), with an easy bullet train connection to Toyama.
The trip concludes in the city of Fukui. If your departure airport is Kansai International (KIX) near Osaka. We advise booking a flight that departs after 6:00 PM on the final day to allow for a seamless transfer.
Because our Small Group Journeys are intimate by design, we require a minimum number of guests to operate. We will confirm your departure no later than 125 days prior to the start date.
If we do not reach this minimum, we will work with you to find the best solution—whether that is a full refund, moving your booking to a future date, or converting the itinerary into a private journey for your party.
Travel Tip: We recommend waiting to book international flights until you have received our official trip confirmation, or ensuring that any airfare purchased is fully refundable.
Important: We strongly advise booking refundable flights and pre-trip accommodations, or waiting until you receive your trip confirmation.
Prefer to travel on your own terms?
We understand that set dates or group dynamics don’t fit every traveler. If you prefer the privacy of your own circle, we can adapt this itinerary into a fully bespoke private journey, customized to your preferred dates and pace.