Spend 2 Days Exploring Kyushu, Including a Luxurious Stay at the Historic Hirado Castle

DAY 1

After meeting your guide at Fukuoka Airport, your first destination is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine – one of the most important monuments of its kind in Japan. When you’re finished roaming the expansive courtyard, you can also stop at Kamado Shrine, located at the top of Mount Hōman. 

Following lunch of locally famous of “Imari Beef” in the city of Imari in Saga prefecture, it’s onwards to Hirado. This destination is the birthplace of Japanese–European trade, which is explored in great depth at the Hirado Dutch Trading Post. Nearby, the Matsura Historical Museum features heirlooms from the clan that ruled the region for 600 years, including samurai swords and ship diagrams.

Then, you’ll make the short trip across the sea to Hirado Castle and your once-in-a-lifetime accommodation. Overlooking the city from its hilltop position, you’ll dine on a full-course meal featuring the best local ingredients.

Then, close out the day in your modern two-story apartment, featuring a wine cellar and unmatched views of Hirado Bridge. As only one group stays in Hirado Castle per night, you and your partner will have this unforgettable experience all to yourselves.

The second day of this exclusive tour begins with a quick 30-minute drive to Kasuga no Tanada – the most famous terraced rice fields in Hirado. Set along the base of Mt. Yasumandake, a mountain many consider holy, this spectacular destination offers glimpses of the nearby sea while you’ll gain insight into Japan’s enduring agricultural villages. 

Designated as one of Japan’s “important cultural landscapes” for its serene beauty and connection to the country’s so-called Hidden Christians, you’ll discover how a myriad of Christian, Buddhist, and Shinto religious landmarks reveal the area’s storied past.

If space is available, a tea ceremony experience at the Matsura Historical Museum can also be arranged instead of the Kasuga no Tanada - terraced rice fields, if you want. Additional fee will be incurred.

After spending 45 minutes exploring the rice terraces, you’ll drive to Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort. Providing access to 99 idyllic islands stretching for 25 kilometers from Sasebo Bay to Hirado, this rewarding destination has almost endless incredible scenery to soak up. 

You’ll enjoy an included lunch at the resort’s dedicated restaurant, then wander the souvenir shops overlooking the pristine waterfront.

Before departing the mainland, on a 1-hour cruise aboard the Pearl Queen to get a closer look at the islands. In case of rain or operation cancellation, change to Kujukushima Acquarium "Umi Kirara"

Once you’re back on land, it’s time to head to Nagasaki Airport and bring this satisfying two-day adventure to a close. With an estimated arrival time of 4 PM, you’ll catch your self-arranged return flight to Tokyo Haneda Airport.