Journey Through Japan: A Land of Contrasts

We will meet up at Tokyo Station, and make our ways to our accommodation, where we will leave our bags and our Adventure will start. - Tokyo Imperial Palace 🏯 We can start our day by visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace. We’ll stroll through the beautiful East Gardens 🌳 and enjoy the serene atmosphere. - Senso-ji Temple 🕉️ Next, we will head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. We can explore the vibrant Nakamise Street 🍡 leading up to the temple, where we’ll find traditional snacks and souvenirs. Lunch in Asakusa 🍜 For lunch, we can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Asakusa. Let’s consider trying tempura 🍤 or soba 🍲 for an authentic Japanese experience. - Shibuya Crossing 🚦 After lunch, we will make our way to Shibuya. We can experience the famous Shibuya Crossing 🌈 and take some fun group photos 📸. - Shopping in Harajuku 🛍️ We’ll then walk to Harajuku and explore Takeshita Street, known for its quirky shops 🧁 and trendy fashion 👗. This area is perfect for some light shopping and enjoying the unique culture. - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 🌸 To end our afternoon, we can take a relaxing stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The park is beautiful, especially in winter ❄️, and offers a peaceful escape from the city hustle. - Evening Activities: Opening Dinner in Shinjuku 🍣 For dinner, we can head to Shinjuku. We’ll have a variety of restaurants to choose from, including izakayas (Japanese pubs) 🍻 or kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) 🍣. - Explore Omoide Yokocho 🌆 After dinner, we can take a walk through Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with small eateries 🍜 and bars 🍶. It’s a great place to experience the local nightlife 🌙. -Karaoke Experience 🎤 For some fun, we can consider visiting a karaoke bar in Shinjuku. It’s a popular activity in Japan and a great way to bond with our group 🎶. - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 🏢 If time permits, we can visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free observation deck view of the city skyline at night 🌃. Wrap Up the Night 🍹 We’ll conclude our day with a nightcap at a nearby bar or café ☕, reflecting on our day’s adventures 🌟.

Arrival and Exploring Fukuoka Breakfast 🍽️ We will start our morning with a delicious breakfast at our accommodation or a nearby café ☕. -Shinkansen to Fukuoka 🚅 After breakfast, we’ll board the Shinkansen (bullet train) for a swift journey to Fukuoka. The ride will be comfortable and scenic! - Drop Off Luggage 🧳 Once we arrive in Fukuoka, we will drop off our luggage at our apartment 🏢 to make our day easier. Lunch at Toka Ebisu Matsuri 🍜 We’ll head to the Toka Ebisu Matsuri (festival) for lunch 🎉. This vibrant festival is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy traditional foods and festivities 🎊. Enjoy the Festival 🎆 Let’s immerse ourselves in the spirit of the festival, enjoying the various activities, performances, and local delicacies available at the event 🎶. -Explore Food Stalls 🍢 As night falls, we’ll explore Asia's number 2 best food stalls located in Fukuoka 🍽️. This is a must-visit for food lovers, with a variety of delicious street food options! * January 10: Sightseeing in Fukuoka Breakfast 🍳 We’ll start the day with another hearty breakfast to fuel our adventures ahead. -Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine ⛩️ Our first stop will be Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a beautiful and historic shrine dedicated to the deity of learning. We can take in the serene surroundings and capture some photos 📸. - Fukuoka Castle Ruins 🏰 Next, we’ll visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins. We’ll walk through the remnants of the castle while appreciating the views of the city and the surrounding areas. - Ohori Park 🏞️ After the castle, we’ll take a relaxing stroll in Ohori Park. It’s a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy nature 🌳. Lunch at Tenjin Underground Mall 🥢 For lunch, we can head to the Tenjin Underground Mall. This shopping complex offers a variety of dining options where we can enjoy a meal 🍣. - Evening Stroll Around Canal City Hakata 🌆 In the evening, we’ll explore Canal City Hakata, a vibrant shopping and entertainment complex. We can enjoy the lights, shops, and maybe catch a performance 🎭. - Fukuoka Tower 🌉 To wrap up our day, we’ll visit Fukuoka Tower for a breathtaking view of the city from above 🌃. It’s a perfect way to end our Fukuoka adventure!

January 11: Exploring Nagasaki Check Out of Apartment 🏢 We will start our morning by checking out of our apartment and ensuring we have everything packed for the day. Breakfast 🍵 After checking out, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at a nearby café or our accommodation to fuel our journey ahead. - Bullet Train to Nagasaki 🚅 We’ll take a bullet train to Nagasaki, enjoying the scenic views along the way! - Drop Off Luggage at Coin Locker 🧳 Upon arrival in Nagasaki, we will drop off our luggage at a coin locker at the station for convenience. -Peace Park Nagasaki ☮️ Our first stop will be the Peace Park, a serene area dedicated to promoting peace. We can reflect on its significance and admire the beautiful sculptures 🕊️. -Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum 🏛️ Next, we’ll visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the city’s history and the impact of the atomic bomb. It’s a powerful and educational experience. - Confucian Shrine ⛩️ We’ll then head to the Confucian Shrine, an important cultural site that highlights the influence of Confucianism in Japan. The architecture is stunning and worth exploring. - Oura Church ⛪ Our next destination is Oura Church, the oldest Christian church in Japan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a beautiful place to appreciate the blend of culture and history. Early Dinner at Gunraiken 🍜 For our early dinner, we’ll visit Gunraiken, renowned for its traditional Nagasaki champon 🍲. This hearty noodle dish is a local staple that we can't miss!

Travel from Nagasaki to Kumamoto 🚅 After our time in Nagasaki, we’ll take the Shinkansen to Kumamoto, enjoying the comfortable ride and beautiful scenery along the way! - Drop Off Luggage at Hostel 🏨 Upon arrival in Kumamoto, we’ll drop off our luggage at our hostel for a hassle-free exploration of the city. - Traditional Kumamoto Foods 🍽️ We’ll head out to enjoy some traditional Kumamoto foods. Let’s try local specialties like Kumamoto ramen or basashi (raw horse meat), which are must-tries in the region! Day 2: Exploring Kumamoto - Kumamoto Castle 🏯 We’ll start our day by visiting the iconic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive castles. We can explore the grounds and learn about its rich history. - Suizenji Jojuen 🌸 Next, we’ll visit Suizenji Jojuen, a beautiful Japanese garden that offers a peaceful atmosphere. We can stroll through the landscaped paths and enjoy the stunning scenery. - Sakae Dori Shopping Street 🛍️ After the garden, we’ll head to Sakae Dori, a vibrant shopping street filled with shops, cafes, and local snacks. It’s a great place for some light shopping and to experience local culture. Day Trip to Mount Aso 🌄 For a memorable adventure, we’ll take a day trip to Mount Aso, one of Japan’s largest active volcanoes. We can hike the trails, enjoy breathtaking views, and explore the surrounding nature. Return to Kumamoto 🏙️ After our day trip, we’ll return to Kumamoto and relax at our hostel, reflecting on the amazing experiences of the day.

January 13: Arrival in Beppu - Travel to Beppu 🚆 We will travel to the beautiful onsen town of Beppu, known for its hot springs and stunning scenery. -Check-In to Ryokan 🛏️ Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn where we can experience authentic hospitality. - The "Hells" of Beppu (地獄, Jigoku) 🌋 We’ll enjoy our 2-day pass for the famous Jigoku (Hells) of Beppu. These unique hot spring sites showcase various geothermal activities. NB: *Tattoo Covers: Please be aware that tattoo covers will be provided, but if you have significant amounts of tattoos, accessing some onsens may be a bit challenging.* - Relaxation at Onsens 💆‍♀️💆‍♂️ While we’ll explore the Jigoku, we’ll also have time to relax at different onsens. If you’re looking for a more private experience, I will do my best to find a suitable option for you. - Visit Oita Fragrance Museum 🌺 For those who appreciate fine fragrances, we’ll visit the Oita Fragrance Museum, where we can explore high-end perfumes and colognes. It’s a delightful experience for the senses! January 14: Enjoying Beppu and Farewell Ceremony - Continuation of Jigoku Exploration 🌋 We’ll continue to explore more of the Jigoku sites, taking in the unique sights and experiences each has to offer. More Onsen Relaxation 🛁 Enjoy another day of relaxation at various onsens, soaking in the healing properties of the hot springs. - Ending Ceremony 🎉 In the evening, we’ll gather for our ending ceremony, where you will be presented with a small gift to commemorate our journey together. - Lovely Dinner 🍽️ To conclude our time in Beppu, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at the ryokan or a local restaurant, reflecting on our experiences and the beautiful moments shared.