Private Shore Excursions in all the Ports of Kyushu, Japan

5.0 (14 reviews) 10–12 hours Private tour

out of 5

14 reviews

5.0

Thanks for a great day! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Nagasaki is my home Port. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

My philosophy is to provide customized flexible tours around Kyushu for smaller groups unlike the big tour operators. You will be traveling in either a Toyota Grand Hiace which seats 8 passengers, a Toyota Commuter Hiace that seats 10 passengers or a Toyota Microbus that seats a total of 15 passengers. They are all spacious with easy entry/ exit out of the vehicle and you will ride in comfort and safety.

Each Port location in Kyushu has a dedicated 7 to 9 hour shore excursion with 6 to 8 attractions for each tour. Itineraries has been formulate to suit many of the major cruise lines arrival and departure times.

Please feel free to contact me for a full detailed itinerary of the 5 ports that I service in Kyushu as well as the 10 ports in other regions of Japan. I can provide tours for all your port calls.

Finally, only Port calls that have been cancelled or changed as a result of inclement weather conditions, will be accessed for a partial refund. Any other reasons will not be accepted!

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration: 10–12 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Shannon Lefebvre

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Alcoholic Beverages
Included: Lunch
Included: Professional driver and native English speaking guide
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

Situated in the remote countryside on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, is one of the most remarkable places you will find in Nanzoin Temple. I have been to hundreds of ho hum Temples all over Japan but without a doubt this Temple has been absolutely the most amazing place you could hope to visit.

The Nanzoin Temple is home to the largest Reclining Buddha in Japan and possibly the world. The actual dimensions of the Statue are 41 metres long by 11 metres in height and it weighs in at 300 tons, so as you can see it ain`t small!
Stop 2

10 min

Without a doubt the best and most popular Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine located approx. 30 minutes from central Fukuoka City.

The Shrine is dedicated to the God of Learning and as such is busy all through the year with many student visitors coming here to pray for upcoming success in their educational endeavors, especially during examination time at various periods during the year.
Stop 3

10 min Admission included

The building was larger than I expected. At first they have a viewing window where you can see the manufacturing process of the noodle component of the product. Ichiran`s soup recipe and process is a very heavily guarded secret so this portion of the process is not on the agenda unfortunately. Next, you can walk at your own speed through the Museum part of the Building which shows the history of the company, various aspects about the product and quite a few instructional and interactive exhibits which is very popular with the younger customers. There isn`t a huge amount of English subtitles but the design and the displays are all very explanatory and easy to follow.
Suginoya Brewery

10 min

Suginoya Brewery is one of the most popular stops on our Itoshima Peninsular Day Tours out of Fukuoka. Why is this? Well, it all about the tradition of the Sake Brewing process, exploring the old but esthetically pleasing building as well as the tasting experience that gets everyone fully involved in the process.

The Brewery is over 140 years old and it shows but in a traditional and authentic way. No one wants to go to a brand new building that lacks character and history, it is for this reason that a huge majority of our customers have rated this attraction as their favorite one on the day.
Yusentei Park

10 min Admission included

Yusentei Park located in the middle of Fukuoka City is in a nutshell a rare find of a location that will tick all your Japanese Cultural boxes. So many things, quintessentially Japanese that you will be constantly held in amazement and culturally in a head spin. I have lived in Japan for nearly 15 years now and I am still bewildered that it took me this long to find a place like this!

Yusentei Park was first built in 1754 as a place of relaxation for a local Lord. After many years and a complete restoration it was opened to the public as the first Japanese Gardens within the Fukuoka City area. In modern times it has become a designated tourist spot with thousands of Japanese and international visitors alike, receiving calmness and peacefulness within its various activities and views to be enjoyed. by all.
Hakata Port Tower

10 min

The Hakata Port Tower stands out as a beacon of hope that the worst has come and gone and that life and travel are basically back to normal pre-pandemic levels.

Conveniently located in the Bayside district of the Hakata Port complex it is walking distance from Hakata Station and Tenjin the 2 most popular downtown areas of Fukuoka. The Hakata Port Tower is also only 2kms from the Fukuoka International Cruise Terminal and this stop has become a regular last attraction site on our Full Day Shore Excursions. It's a wonderful last photo and memory of the day before returning to your cruise to sail off to the next exotic locations.
Megane Bridge

10 min

The Spectacle Bridge in Isahaya is a double arch stone bridge spanning a pond at Isahaya Park, which is one of the main sightseeing places of the area. The bridge is twice the size of the famous Spectacles Bridge in Nagasaki City and has many temples and shrines as well as walking trails that you could easily spend 1 or 2 hours here soaking up the ambiance.
Shimabara Castle

10 min Admission included

Shimabara Castle is located between the Ariake Bay and Mount Unzen on the Shimabara Peninsular. The outer moat is 15 meters deep and between 30–50 meters wide, extends 360 meters east-west and 1260 meters north-south. The main building has five stories, a height of 33 meters and is connected to two secondary buildings, each with three stories.
Samurai Houses

10 min

The Samurai Street commemorates the old samurai section of Shimabara City on the Shimabara Peninsular. This famous street is lined with stone walls and a spring water canal running down its center. Three samurai houses have been restored and opened as exhibits to the public to restore the image and the traditions of this old Samurai town. It is an extremely picturesque setting and perfect for a great photo shoot as images of feudal Japan came racing back into your consciousness from many of those movies and books you have read from your youth.
Stop 10

10 min

The Damaged Houses were a direct result of the Unzen volcano explosion and there has been several major eruptions in its history. The volcano erupted most recently from 1990 to 1995, sending pyroclastic flows (superheated clouds of volcanic gas and ash) down toward the towns below. While most people were safely evacuated, 43 journalists, scientists and their taxi drivers were killed. The eruptions also destroyed buildings on the outskirts of Shimabara City.
Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell)

10 min

Unzen Jigoku Hells in Nagasaki is located within the Unzen Town district and is designated as a National Park. It is where you will find many wild birds and alpine plants as well as other attractive features such as frost in winter (January to February) crimson foliage in autumn (October and November) cherry blossoms in Spring (March and April) and Azaleas in summer (May and June).
Hot Foot 105

10 min

Just imagine, the location right on the waters edge. The picturesque seaside views combined with the healthy steamed vegetables, various snacks, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages as well as the chance to soak these weary feet in the 40 degree celcius foot baths equals a magical and mind boggling experience that stimulates all the senses.

The other day I had 4 cobs of corn that i could have steamed or boiled at home but i decide to have a stroll down to the Foot baths and steam them the natural and healthy way that mother nature intended us. What can I say, the finished product is not only fresh and juicy but the salty hot spring steam infuses itself into the corn and seasons the vegetables naturally.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

10 min Admission included

The Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki is located in the park above the epicenter. It's exhibits show the overwhelming destruction caused by the bombing while also telling us the importance of world peace and the removal of weapons to protect the Earth from something like this ever happening again!

It is a very sobering place and definitely not for the faint hearted as the stories, exhibits and pictures are extremely graphic. There hasn't been a time when I haven't seen someone crying out loud and or emotionally uncontrollable. This museum definitely isn't every one's cup of tea. However, it is important to remember history and not to forget about the past as this is the way we don't make the same mistakes of the past. So, in that sense the museum can be a great place to come together and never let this happen again for the benefit of mankind.
Nagasaki Peace Park

10 min

Nagasaki Peace Park was born from the infamous day forever etched into history and the minds of those associated with this disaster. The death toll was 74,000 people, with another 75,000 suffering injuries. Within a 1 kilometer radius of the hypocenter almost 90% of the people died. Burns caused by the heat rays of the atomic bomb were severe, with the surface skin being completely burned and falling off thus leaving tissue and bone exposed. People were thrown by the force of the blast and countless pieces of glass and other debris pierced their skin. The radiation penetrated deep into people's bodies causing them to suffer injuries and diseases such as cancer and leukemia to this very day.
Stop 15

10 min Admission included

The Blood Hell Ponds called Chinoike Jigoku in Japanese, in the hot spring town of Beppu, Oita Prefecture is a spring that is blood red. It has existed for over 1300 years and its color is said to be a result of some chemical reaction occurring underground. The color has remained this way ever since the beginning except for a 6 month period in the 1970's. The nearby Aso Volcano in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture, had a very unstable period which affected the coloring of the water.
Jumonjibaru Observation Deck

10 min

A great lookout!
Yufuin Onsen

10 min

I have been traveling around Oita Prefecture for nearly 20 years now. Actually Oita Prefecture was the first place that I lived in Japan and with so many interesting and amazing locations to explore, it felt like every weekend was packed with sightseeing and adventure activities.

I remember clearly the first time I came to Yufuin. It was a sleepy, tranquil and pristine location that attracted the elite and top end travelers with people coming here for a relaxing weekend or having a holiday house/ cabin in the region. It wasn't particularly set up for the younger, backpacker, type of traveler at all.
Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery

10 min Admission included

A beer lovers paradise
Mamedamachi Shopping Street

10 min

A great shopping street!
Shiroyama Observatory

10 min

A lookout of epic proportions!
Shirakane Ishigura Museum

10 min

A brewery especially for the spirits of Kagoshima.
Stop 22

10 min Admission included

Once in a lifetime experience
Chiran Peace Museum

10 min Admission included

A sad and sombre place to experience.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

I will contact you by WhatsApp beforehand for a seamless pickup at the Port terminal entrance. Drop off will be back at the Port with a 100% guarantee of a timely return!

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Fukuoka group tour

Sake Brewery/ Ramen Factory: A Sake Brewery visit and a gourmet ramen lunch will add a unique experience to your tour.

Duration: 9 hours: A fully customizable tour that you can choose the starting time and return time back to the Port Terminal.

Lunch: A variety of lunch options are available according to you specific requirements.

Toyota Hiace: A spacious and comfortable vehicle that seats 8 adults in comfort.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard

Pickup included
Beppu large group Tour

Private Hot Spring: Enjoy a public or private Onsen experience.

Duration: 9 hours: A shore excursion that can start and finish as per the clients requirements.

Lunch and Refreshments: A Japanese or Western styled lunch is provided as well as bottled water during the day.

Toyota Hiace Commuter: A spacious vehicle that seats 12 passenger, although 10 passengers comfortably.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard

Pickup included
Titanic tour of Nagasaki

Duration: 8 hours: A flexible and customizable tour. The client may choose the start and finishing times.

Lunch and Beverages: A sit down or on the go lunch is provided. Many Western and Japanese as well as beverage options are available.

Toyota Microbus: A spacious vehicle that seats up to 15 adults and 5 children.

Special Features: A professional driver and native English speaking guide are standard.

Pickup included
Sasebo large group Tour

Sake Brewery Tour: Inspect many facets of Sake Production and experience a tasting s well.

Duration: 9 hours: A shore excursion that can start and finish as per the clients requirements.

Lunch and Refreshements: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided as well as bottled water.

Toyota Hiace Commuter: A spacious vehicle that seats 12 passengers, although 10 passengers comfortably.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is provided.

Pickup included
Fukuoka large group Tour

Ramen and Sake Factory Tours: Eat Ramen for lunch and then drink Sake. A perfect combination!

Duration: 9 hours: A shore excursion that can start and finish as per the customers requirements.

Lunch and Refreshments: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided as well as bottled water during the day.

Microbus: A spacious vehicle that seats 12 passengers, although 10 passengers comfortably.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard.

Pickup included
Extreme Fukuoka tour

Optional activity: A traditional Green Tea tasting experience is a complimentary inclusion for Matcha Lovers.

Duration: 8 hours: A flexible tour that is customizable. Client may choose their start and finishing times!

Lunch and Beverages: A sit down or on the go lunch is provided. Many Western and Japanese as well as beverage options are available.

Toyota Microbus: A spacious vehicle that seats up to 15 adults and 5 children.

Special Features: A professional driver and a native English speaking guide are standard.

Pickup included
Nagasaki large group Tour

Peace Park and Atomic Museum: Many other interesting attractions will be visited on the day.

Duration: 9 hours: A shore excursion that can start and finish as per the clients requirements.

Lunch and Refreshments: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided as well as bottled water during the day.

Toyota Hiace Commuter: A spacious vehicle that seats 12 passengers, although only 10 passengers comfortably.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard.

Pickup included
Super huge tour of Kagoshima

Optional Activities: A volcanic sand bath or whisky tasting experience are optional inclusions.

Duration: 8 hours: A flexible and customizable tour that allows the client to choose the start and finishing times.

Lunch and Beverages: A sit down or on the go lunch is provided. Many Western and Japanese as well as beverage options are available.

Toyota Microbus: A spacious vehicle that seats up to 15 adults and 5 children.

Special Features: A professional driver and a native English speaking are standard.

Pickup included
Sasebo group Tour

Sake Brewery: A sake tasting experience is available on all Sasebo Shore Excursions.

Duration: 9 hours: A fully customizable tour that can be lengthened or shortened if desired.

Lunch: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided as is bottled water in the vehicle.

Toyota Hiace: A comfortable ride for a total of 8 passengers.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard

Pickup included
Nagasaki group tour

Peace Park and Atomic Museum: The highlight destination is obviously the above 2 but other amazing attractions will be visited.

Duration: 9 hours: A fully customizable tour that can be lengthened or shortened if desired.

Lunch: A Japanese or Western Lunch options will be enjoyed on the day.

Toyota Hiace: A spacious and comfortable vehicle that seats 8 comfortably.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard

Pickup included
Sasebo huge group tour

Duration: 8 hours: A flexible and customizable tour. Client many choose the start and finishing times.

Lunch and Beverages: A sit down or on the run lunch is provided. Many Western and Japanese as well as Beverage options are available.

Toyota Microbus: A spacious vehicle that seats up to 15 adults and 5 children.

Special Feature: A professional driver and native English speaking guide are standard.

Pickup included
Kagoshima large group tour

Volcanic Sand Bath: A once in a lifetime experience can be had on the day.

Duration: 9 hours: A shore excursion that can start and finish as required by the customer

Lunch and Refreshments: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided as is bottled water within the vehicle.

Toyota Hiace Commuter: A spacious vehicle that seats 12 passengers, although 10 comfortably.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is provided.

Pickup included
Very large tour of Beppu

Optional Activity: A traditional public Hot Spring experience is available, A private Onsen will incur extra charges.

Duration: 8 hours: A flexible and customizable tour that allows the client to choose the start and finshing times of the tour.

Lunch and Beverages: A sit down or on the go lunch is provided. Many Western and Japanese as well as beverage options are available.

Toyota Microbus: A spacious vehicle that seats up to 15 adults and 5 children.

Special Features: A professional driver and native English speaking guide are standard.

Pickup included
Private Shore Excursions in Kyushu, Japan

Duration: 8 hours: A fully customizable tour that can be lengthened or shortened if desired.

Lunch: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided.

Toyota Hiace.: A luxury and comfortable vehicle that seats 9 passengers.

Driver and Guide: A professional driver and native English speaking guide is standard

Pickup included