Volcanic country. Private onsen, food that comes from within a few kilometres, and towns that keep their own hours.
Day 1–2
Beppu: Japan's Onsen Capital
Fly into Fukuoka and transfer to Beppu. Private tour of the 'hells'. Your hotel: a traditional onsen inn where each room has its own outdoor bath. Evening kaiseki dinner built around local Oita ingredients.
Day 3
Yufuin: The Quiet Version of Beppu
Drive to Yufuin, a quieter onsen town in a mountain basin with views of Yufu volcano. Private dinner prepared by a chef who left Tokyo to cook with Oita's produce.
Day 4–5
Takachiho Gorge + Miyazaki Coast
Drive south to the sacred Takachiho Gorge, carved by a river through volcanic rock. Row through the gorge at sunrise. Evening at a small inn on the Miyazaki coast.
Day 6–7
Kagoshima + Sakurajima
Continue south to Kagoshima. Private ferry to Sakurajima. Evening: Kagoshima's black pork and sweet potato shochu at a restaurant no tourist has found.
Day 8–9
Yakushima: The Ancient Island
Ferry to Yakushima, an island covered in ancient cedar forest, some trees over 2,000 years old. Private guided hike through moss-covered trails. Overnight at the forest's edge.
Highlights
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Private Onsen
Your own outdoor bath in Beppu, the most thermally active town on earth.
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Sakurajima
Japan's most active volcano, approachable, dramatic, off the tourist circuit.
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Yakushima Forest
Ancient cedars in a UNESCO World Heritage island, inspiration for Princess Mononoke.
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Takachiho Gorge
One of Japan's most dramatic natural sites, best from a rowing boat at sunrise.
This is a sample itinerary. Every STAYGO trip is written from scratch.
You pay hotels, ryokan, restaurants and guides directly, at their own rates. We add no markups and take no commissions. The Signature planning fee is USD 3,500 for your group, for a journey of 7–14 days. Longer or more complex journeys are planned as Bespoke.
During the trip, you reach us through the STAYGO app and WhatsApp. We agree our response hours with you before you leave.
