Highlights of Japan vacation, Kyushu Island

Planet

CARBONR REDUCTION

This itinerary has been designed to eliminate the need for any internal flights. Apart from two days (when travel by private bus is necessary to access remote areas such as Aso and Kurokawa Onsen), the rest of the journey is completed entirely via public transport. This includes local trains, metro systems, buses, and the Shinkansen (bullet train), one of the most efficient and low-emission high-speed rail networks in the world.
Shared local transportation is used on multiple days. Guests travel by public bus and metro in Fukuoka (Day 2), take the Shinkansen and local transport in Nagasaki (Day 3), and board the ferry from Shimabara to Kumamoto (Day 4). On Day 8, they return to Fukuoka by express train. This use of shared, efficient public infrastructure significantly reduces per-person emissions.

The tour places strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced food. Meals at the Aso Milk Factory (Day 5) use fresh dairy and regional produce, and the dinner at the ryokan features locally harvested vegetables and traditional Japanese ingredients. A highlight is Day 7’s lunch in Beppu, which consists of seasonal vegetables steamed using natural geothermal heat – an entirely plant-based, low-impact meal.

As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Our Tour Leaders give practical advice such as staying on marked trails in natural areas, avoiding disturbance to geothermal vents in Beppu, and following correct onsen etiquette to protect water sources. We also highlight how local communities sustainably manage their natural resources, helping guests understand the importance of their own low-impact behavior during visits.

While many natural sites on the itinerary are free to access, the tour includes several visits to heritage sites and protected cultural landmarks where entry fees are required and included within the trip cost. These fees contribute to conservation, cultural preservation, and the maintenance of public facilities, helping to ensure long-term protection of these sites.

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum (Day 2): This local museum in Fukuoka showcases traditional crafts, weaving techniques, and the region’s merchant history. Entry fees fund ongoing cultural programming and the preservation of historical artifacts.

Dejima Island (Day 3): A meticulously restored Dutch trading post in Nagasaki, now a museum complex. Entry supports the ongoing maintenance of historic buildings and educational exhibits that highlight Japan’s early international connections.

Oura Cathedral (Day 3): The oldest surviving Christian church in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission supports the preservation of this nationally protected cultural property and its on-site museum.

Kumamoto Castle (Day 4): A historic site undergoing extensive restoration following the 2016 earthquake. Entrance supports reconstruction efforts and the preservation of this iconic structure, one of Japan’s most important castles.

We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All accommodations used on this tour are locally owned and operated. These include business hotels in cities like Fukuoka and a traditional ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen. The ryokan stay in particular is a highlight: a family-run property that supports the local economy and offers an authentic cultural experience.

Local guides are used throughout the trip. In Beppu and Kitsuki, for example, regional guides lead walking tours and share in-depth local knowledge.
Visits to areas like Sakura-no-baba Josaien in Kumamoto also support regional artisans and food producers by directing guests toward local shops, restaurants, and crafts.

This not only helps preserve traditional skills and regional identity, but also contributes to the ongoing economic recovery of communities affected by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, as tourism revenue plays a key role in revitalizing local livelihoods.

Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travelers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

All staff working on this trip are paid at or above the Japanese national minimum wage, and we confirm this with our local partners on a regular basis.
We believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.