Arrive at Haneda Int’l Airport

Accommodation :
Villa Fontaine, Haneda Airport

Depart Tokyo (Narita or Haneda Airports) .

Arrive at the Aso Kumamoto Airport, where you’ll be met by Ken Takenaga, your engaging guide throughout this tour.You are in for a full day of nature, culture, historical attractions and enjoyable shopping.

Accommodation: Kumamoto Castle Hotel (2 nights)

Today you will have premium experience of learning how Japanese swords are made and experience trial sword cutting.

Mr. Genrokuro Matsunaga, Japanese swordsmith, who has made over 1,000 Japanese swords in half a century in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, will show you how Japanese swords are made using the ancient Japanese manufacturing method.

Highlights

• Mr. Matsunaga will show tour participants the art of making Japanese swords that “do not break, do not bend, and cut well” using the ancient Japanese manufacturing technique “tatara iron”
• Learn samurai etiquette from Mr. Matsunaga and experience a serious trial sword cutting from the martial arts Kodai-Ryu Ganshi Do Gensei Kai.
• Receive a one-of-a-kind meikiri – a steel plate engraved with your name and favorite words- using a chisel made peronsally made by Mr. Matsunaga
• Take a look at treasures such as precious Japanese swords and armor owned by Mr. Matsunaga, that can only be seen here! Discover the secret story behind each piece.

Today you will see first-hand why Kumamoto is referred to as The Land of Fire and Water. Stunning views and refreshing spring waters will quench your spirits.

• Daikanbou Observation Point – From this unique observation point, you will not only enjoy a spectacular, 360-degree view of the Aso Valley and the Five Mountains of Aso (which resemble a sleeping Buddha), but also the world’s largest caldera at Mt. Aso, which measures 120km around.
• Nakadake Active Volcano – Weather and nature permitting, we’ll check out Mt. Naka, an active crater, which has been actively rumbling and spewing smoke for the past 70 years.
• Local hotplate lunch – We’re in for a treat unique to the Aso region: Higo steak, which is tender, low-fat beef grilled over charcoal.
• Shirakawa Water Fountain – Quench your thirst with a glass of pristine water right from natural springs set in a beautiful forest of stately cedar and plum trees in Minamiaso. Then, try your creative hand at making traditional rice paper – perhaps you’ll turn out a batch of edible paper!
  We will stay at the traditional Japanese inn tonight. Indulge yourself in Onsen spa.

Accommodation: Kurokawa Onsen Fumoto Ryokan

After breakfast, we check out, then head for a “power spot” steeped in Japanese mythology.

• Takachiho – Of profound religious importance and natural beauty, Takachiho gave birth to the legend of Prince Ninigi, who was sent from the heavens in 660 B.C. by the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu, thereby establishing Japan’s ruling lineage. Mystic, ancient shrines and deep gorges surround the area.
• Takachiho Gorge – Resembling the scales of a dragon, the steep walls of this dramatic, narrow gorge cut through solid rock of the Gokase River. Scenic trails and waterfalls enchant the senses.
• Tsujunkyo Stone Bridge – This cultural landmark built in 1854 is not only architecturally striking, but is still used to supply irrigation and drinking water for the people of Yabe town.
• After inspecting the Tsujyunkyo Stone Bridge, we travel into the past to Gokanosho, the very cauldron of conflict between warring samurai clans

Accommodation: Heiko-So Minshuku, Gokanosho

After breakfast at the hotel, we will commence tour of Gokanosho.

• Gokanosho – Dubbed “Land of the Last Samurai”, Gokanosho is hidden in the secluded forests of Kumamoto Prefecture. Villages here are home to the Heike clan’s fugitive legend. Redolent with roaring waterfalls, dramatic suspension bridges and mysterious forests, the beauty of Gokanosho is an experience that will pierce your soul and fill your senses with indelible memories! Far off the beaten path of typical tours, Gokanosho is a rare treat for tourists, with breathtaking views enjoyed by a privileged few.
• Sendan Totodo Waterfall and Suspension Bridges – We take a walk in the lush forest to the Sendan Totodo Waterfall, which cascades down steep ravines and gushes into rocky coves below. We then cross a few suspension bridges that link remote pockets of forest villages, each one offering a stunning view into deep ravines and streambeds far below.
• Heike-so Minshuku – Your life may be forever changed spending just a single night at this traditional, remote inn. The Heike-so transports you back to an era in which travelers trekked from outpost to outpost, luxuriating at rustic inns that provided elaborate meals and a relaxing bath at the end of the day. Your room here will be in the traditional Japanese style, but the hospitality and culinary experience is unforgettably world-class.
• Kaiseki Dinner – Expect a sumptuous feast around open fire pits; the local “moonshine” is not to be missed!

Accommodation: Heiko-So Minshuku

Say goodbye to Gokanosho after a sumptuous Japanese breakfast and leave for Amakusa, travelling by a private vehicle over the 5 scenic famous bridges.

First we will move to the Christian Museum and learn about the history of the Hidden Christians in Amakusa.

Amakusa is well known for the “Hidden Christians” who secretly kept their faith for about 400 years. We will be visiting the beautiful West Coast overlooking the East China Sea and travel through rice farms before stopping at a local ceramic pottery factory.

Next we arrive at Sakitsu Cathedral. This church built in the fishing village of Sakitsu and commands a gentle view of the Bay of Yokaku. It has been rebuilt three times since the Meiji period, and Father Harubu rebuilt the current building in a profound Gothic style in 1934. The area around this church has been designated one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Beaches and 100 Best Sceneries.

This is followed by a visit to Oe Cathedral. Father Garnier built this Romanesque –style church from his private funds in 1933. In the chapel, you can see sacred paintings, which are few in number in Japan. The white church standing on a low hill is also a symbol of the religion passed down unbroken in the Oe area.
Tonight we will eat an amazing seafood dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation Amakusa Santa Coming Hotel

After Breakfast, we will depart Amakusa on a vehicular ferry to Shimabara.
First visit the ruin of Hara Castle, the battleground of the Christian rebellion in the year.

Visiting this site will provide an insight into how the rebellion forces were defeated in this famous last battle. From here the tour travels to inspect Mt. Fugen, which last erupted in 1995 and view the associated volcanic museum Then onto the Shimabara Castle where we will try traditional armour, and view the castle and sights from the top.

We will then transfer from Shimabara to Takeo City, Saga Prefecture. Upon arrival, we will visit:

• Takeo Shrine and Camphor Tree – This ancient Shinto Shrine, reputed to be 1,200 years old, is also the location of a unique treasure: a magnificent, 3,000-year-old camphor tree and shrine, located in a serene bamboo forest.
• After lunch, we will visit Romon, which is a symbol of Takeo Onsen designed by Kingo Tatsuno, a famous architect, is the entrance gate of Takeo public bath and an important cultural property of Japan
• We will then visit Keishu-En Japanese garden, which is free flowering-style designed around a big pond, designed by Kinsaku Nakane in 1979. It uses the natural scenery of symbolic and beautiful Rock Mountain of MT. Mifune.

Accommodation: OND Hotel , Takeo City

Depart Takeo City after a traditional Japanese breakfast for your next destination.