Yatsushiro-Kumamoto, Japan

Here, relaxing is not a joke: A whole different level than a spa, the Japanese onsen is a steaming rite that regenerates you. First, they spoil you with a traditional lunch, then you soak in the hot waters, just like the locals have been doing for centuries. But it doesn't end there: Cherry blossoms, scenic hills and the Five Bridges of Amakusa, a spectacular line-up that seems made just to fill your photo gallery.

• Typical lunch and ritual onsen bath.
• Panoramic stop on Sengansan Hill.
• Crossing of the Five Bridges of Amakusa, the famous “Pearl Line”.

We start with Amakusa, a peaceful land that, once upon a time, welcomed the first Japanese Christians. But today, a different faith has taken over: the onsen. First you sit down for a traditional lunch, then you're off, all in the nude (yes, that's how it works) in the hot spring's steaming baths. This is not a spa: It's a ritual that Japanese people take very seriously, though you can simply enjoy it and get out feeling regenerated.

The next stop is pure visual poetry: Sengansan Hill, where the cherry trees and the coast fight to dominate the scenery, just like two movie stars seeking applause. Get your cell ready: You won't be able to stop snapping.
Grand finale: The Five Bridges of Amakusa, also known as the “Pearl Line”. A series of spectacular arches connecting the islands, such beautiful views that you'll want to cross them twice.
A tour that'll have you sweating, smiling and repeating “wow” more than once.

• Cherry blossom season is between end of March and mid-May.
• Japanese onsen are separated by gender and tattoos are not allowed.
• Due to traffic the driving time may be longer.

This tour will take you to see the homes of the Samurai, view the coast by train and visit two symbols of Japanese calm: a shrine and a historic garden. First, you'll take a stroll to see the historic houses of the warriors of Izumi Fumoto, then you'll board the Hisatsu Orange Railway for a trip, with sea views along the way, to Yatsushiro. Here you'll visit the Yatsushiro Shrine and Shohinken Garden, two sights portraying the most authentic side of Japan.

• Izumi Fumoto: the Samurai houses from the Edo period
• Panoramic section of the Hisatsu Orange Railway
• Visit to the Yatsushiro Shrine
• Relaxation in the historic Shohinken Garden

The day starts at the Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences, a historic district where it seems as if it were still in the Edo period. Low, wooden, white-washed houses and a silence conjuring up the life of Samurais far better than any TV series. Here you'll have time to wander, to study the architectural details and travel back in time in your mind to the Japan of a few centuries ago.

Then the scene changes and it's time to travel on one of Kyushu's most special railways: the Hisatsu Orange Railway. The train follows the coast, affording view after view of the sea, the hills and tiny villages. It's a seamless journey: the train windows, the light, the silence… and rural Japan gradually appearing before you.

Arriving at Yatsushiro, you'll first visit the Yatsushiro Shrine, immersed in silence, with its towers, paths and traditional architectures portraying centuries of devotion. It's a simple, orderly place - perfect for slowing down your pace.

Then it's on to Shohinken Garden, showcasing all the Japanese art of balance: small lakes and bridges, trees changing colors with the seasons and an atmosphere that will always amaze you.
At the end of the day, after seeing Samurai houses, travelling on coastal trains and visiting Zen gardens, you'll understand a very simple thing:
Japan is surprising even when it's not trying to be.

• The order of the visits might vary. Delays might be possible because of the traffic.
• The traditional Japanese Bento box lunch will be served on board the train (souvenir box included).

No kidding around here: Mount Aso is not just a mountain, but the largest volcanic crater in the world. And you can see it up close, with your own eyes (no filters). If the gases get a bit too much, no problem: There's a museum where you can learn all about it without upsetting your hairdo. After some volcanic adrenaline, Kusasenri spoils you with souvenirs and breathtaking views, and to end it all, some shopping at the Yatsushiro malls. History, extreme nature and shopping bags

• Mount Aso with its huge crater (or museum, in the event of a gaseous eruption).
• Souvenirs and views in the Kusasenri area.
• Shopping at the Yatsushiro malls.

Get ready: Mount Aso is not just an ordinary mountain. Here we're talking about the largest volcanic crater in the world, a giant that seems straight out of a sci-fi movie. When conditions allow, you can see the active crater from up close: Vapors, colors, alien-like scenery. But if the volcano decides to huff and puff, no panic: We'll go to the museum, which tells its whole explosive story risk-free.
Then we go down to Kusasenri, where nature flaunts its beauty: Endless meadows, postcard-perfect views and a lot of tempting local souvenirs.
And to end it all, a quick visit to Yatsushiro, with its malls full of gift ideas: From typical products to tech gems, you'll find something to bring back home for sure (even if you swore to yourself no more shopping).
A tour that takes you from volcanic thrills to fun shopping. Aso never lets you down.

• The tour is strictly weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, it may be canceled without notice.
• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

We set off underground, inside a cave that looks like an Indiana Jones set (Kyusendo, the largest limestone cave in Kyushu). Then you make it back up into the light and a whole different experience awaits you: The hot spring waters of Hitoyoshi's onsen and a textbook kaiseki lunch. The grand finale? Some shopping in Yatsushiro – a few shopping bags never hurt anyone.

• Exploration of Kyusendo limestone cave.
• Traditional kaiseki lunch and bath at the Hitoyoshi onsen.
• Shopping in Yatsushiro.

First stop: Kyusendo, a 4.8-km long limestone cave, will plunge you into an underground world made of stalactites, tunnels and a silence full of secrets. Not like an amusement park at all: Here, nature creates its own scenery.
Then, the mood changes: Off with boots and flashlights, welcome to the realm of the Hitoyoshi onsen. The hot waters embrace you, reminding you that in Japan relaxation is not a joke (and yes, no swimwear). All topped off by a kaiseki lunch: Many dishes painstakingly put together, almost too beautiful to eat... almost.
And when you think it's all over, here's a surprise: Shopping in Yatsushiro. From local specialties to the most bizarre souvenirs, something always ends up in your shopping bag (even if you swore to ‘just have a look’).
A tour that takes you from the depths of the earth to the steam of the onsen, ending with some fun and well-deserved shopping.

• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• Japanese onsen are separated by gender and tattoos are not allowed.

We'll sail off the coast of Amakusa, one of the few places in the world where you're almost bound to see dolphins. You'll sail around the islands and see up close a pod of over 200 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, often with their young. Back at port, you'll have some free time to have lunch where you like and do a little shopping.
It's one of those experiences which always work: sea, dolphins and some time just for you.

• Sailing off the coast of Amakusa
• Sightings of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
• High likelihood of encountering the dolphins (over 90%)
• Free time for lunch and shopping

You'll depart from the coast of Amakusa, a place which is famous for one very simple thing: there really are dolphins. And not just one or two: here there's a pod of over 200 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that swim in these waters all year round.

Sailing is a fantastic experience in itself - the sea, the islands, the changing wind - but the unforgettable part is when the first dolphins start to appear. Curious, quick, often very close to the boat.
And if you're here in Spring or Summer, there's a very good chance of seeing their young, always huddling close to mum and ready to follow the pod.
The crew will guide you in the sighting and tell you how the dolphins live, move and why Amakusa is one of their favorite 'safe areas'.

At the end of the experience, it's back to port, for some free time to have lunch where you'd like, wander around the stores and see some local products: you set the pace.
The experience is simple, direct and spectacular - seeing the sea... just like the way its most curious and social creatures do.

• The tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness.
• Seeing fauna in its natural setting is not guaranteed.

We start with a bang: No coffee but a small glass of shochu, the Japanese distilled spirit that's been made here since the 16th century. You'll visit museums and distilleries, learn how this “magic potion” is concocted and obviously... have a taste. Then, a typical lunch to restore your taste buds and off toward Hitoyoshi, “Kyushu's Little Kyoto”: Temples, shrines and castle ruins that narrate 700 years of feudal history. A mix of toasts, culture and charm from ancient Japan.

• Kuma Shochu museum and distillery with tasting.
• Typical lunch in a local restaurant.
• Hitoyoshi, “Kyushu's Little Kyoto”, with temples, shrines and ruins.

Forget your usual breakfast: Here, the day starts with some Kuma Shochu, the Japanese distilled spirit that's been flowing through this region since the 16th century. First you learn the secret of its history at the museum, then you move on to the distillery, with brewing equipment and stills that seem straight out of a magic workshop. And, obviously, this isn't just a theory class: They actually fill up your glass.
After a few sips, it's time to restore things with lunch in a local restaurant.
Then, a change of scenery: Hitoyoshi, renamed “Kyushu's Little Kyoto”. Once upon a time it was a prosperous castle town, though today only the remains of its fortress, temples and shrines welcome you, rife with stories about samurais and feudal lords.
At the end of the day, as you go back to the port, history fills your mind while flavors linger in your mouth, as here you don't just learn the tradition: You taste it.

• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

A castle that's seen more battles than a Netflix series, a lunch to rival your local all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant (or make you forget all about it!) and a Zen garden that seems like it was designed with a ruler. This is Kumamoto: it'll take you on a journey between history, flavors and poetry, without asking permission.

• The imposing towers and walls of Kumamoto Castle.
• An authentic lunch in a local restaurant.
• Suizenji garden.

First stop: Kumamoto Castle. Not a fairytale castle, but a real Samurai fortress, built in 1607 by the fearsome Kato Kiyomasa. Built over seven years of sweat and stone, despite fires and battles, it still stands today, as proud as a warrior who never gives in.
As you wander among the towers, walls and through the little museum, you'll feel like you've stepped into a historical Japanese movie (all that's missing is a sword).

Then it's time for lunch: a local restaurant where the cuisine is the real deal, not the “international” version. Taste, and let yourself be surprised - you'll soon realize that Japan is not just sushi and ramen.

Finally, it's time for the Suizenji Garden: ponds full of carp, perfect little hills, herons posing as models. This is the place where Japan's nature strikes a pose, and you relax without even realizing it.
A day that combines epic history, dishes that speak for themselves and a dose of Zen that will make you feel at peace with the world. Kumamoto isn't easy to forget.

• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

• Kumamoto Castle is currently undergoing restoration due to the damage inflicted by the April 2016 earthquake.

One of the top three castles in Japan, with walls exuding stories about battles and samurais, and a shopping district that's made to have you succumb to souvenirs. Kumamoto is not just about its iconic site: It takes you hunting for gifts, gadgets and local delicacies to bring back home with you.

• Visit to the majestic Kumamoto Castle, one of three greatest castles in Japan. 
• Walk around Jyosaien, a shopping district opened in 2011.
• Free time at the malls.

First some history, then some shopping: The perfect combo.
The day begins with the Kumamoto Castle, a 17th-century giant considered one of the three most beautiful castles in Japan. Towers, walls and strongholds that'll have you fantasize about sword fights and feudal lords ready to defend their realm (Instagram will love it).

After this long spell back in the Japanese Middle Ages, we return to modern times, with a destination that might threaten your wallet: Jyosaien, a shopping district opened in 2011 right beside the castle, full of souvenirs and typical Kumamoto products. It's hard to resist, with local sweets, handicraft items and gadgets featuring the Kumamon mascot watching you with such cute eyes you can't say no.

And to end in style, we're going to the mall: Specialty gifts, wild shopping and the satisfaction of getting back on board with a few extra bags. Because Japan doesn't just fill your heart... it fills up your suitcase, too.

• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• Kumamoto Castle is under construction due to earthquake in 2016, therefore entry of the main building or castle tower are not permitted. Strolling on the street surrounding the castle area, and see those building and castle walls.
• Due to traffic the driving time may be longer.