Island Hopper a relaxing journey on island time

Travel to Fukuoka by Sunday October 17th, 2021. Arrive at Fukuoka Airport (FUK) by own arrangements. Craig will meet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel in central Fukuoka. Once you have checked in to your hotel you will have free time to relax, or enjoy some local sightseeing, shopping, dinner, etc.

Travel from Fukuoka to Kumamoto by shinkansen. After we arrive in Kumamoto we will make the trip to Mt. Aso to experience the thrill of looking deep into the crater of an active volcano. Mt. Aso, located in the center of Kyushu, is the largest active volcano in Japan. Its ancient caldera ranks among the world's largest, with a diameter of 25 kilometers and a circumference of more than 100 kilometers. In the center of the caldera stand the mountain's active volcanic peaks, including Mt. Nakadake, whose spectacular crater is easily accessible by toll road or ropeway. Not far from the Nakadake crater is a grass-covered plain with grazing cows and horses. Horse riding is possible from early March to mid December. At night we will enjoy a lovely welcome dinner together at a local izakaya (Japanese-style restaurant/bar).

Travel from Kumamoto to Kagoshima by shinkansen. Once we arrive in Kagoshima we will then transfer to the Rocket hydrofoil for a leisurely two and a half hour cruise to Yakushima Island. After arriving on Yakushima Island you will have some free time to relax and enjoy the serenity of this World Heritage listed island. Yakushima Island is a small, remote sub-tropical island located off the coast of southern Kyushu. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees, the most ancient of which may be over 7000 years old. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Yakushima Island has maintained its pristine, otherworldly atmosphere. Its ancient cedar forests, with their mossy, fairy-tale-like landscapes, inspired the world famous animated film director Hayao Miyazaki, creator of beloved films like My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo. Yakushima Island's unspoiled natural beauty is still the main attraction for the lucky few travelers who make the journey.

Spend the day exploring Yakushima Island by private vehicle. Today we will travel around the entire island stopping by some of its most breathtaking places, including Yakusugi Land, Hirauchi-kaichu Hot Springs, Okawa Waterfall, Yakushima Lighthouse, Nagata-Inakahama Beach, and Shiratani Unsui Gorge. Our first stop is Yakusugi Land, a nature park populated by a number of "Yakusugi" (the name given to Yakushima cedar trees that are over 1000 years old). Here we will enjoy a leisurely 30-minute hike through an ancient forest using a well developed trail. Yakusugi Land is one of the most accessible places on Yakushima Island to see the magnificent ancient cedar trees. Our next stop is the amazing Hirauchi-kaichu Hot Springs. These natural seaside hot springs are located on a rocky coastline and are only accessible for several hours either side of low tide. If the timing is right we might even be able to enjoy a soothing soak in these beautiful seaside hot springs. Our next destination is the Okawa Waterfall, the largest waterfall on Yakushima Island. This spectacular waterfall is 88 meters high, and has been recognized as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. After taking in the spectacular views from the Yakushima Lighthouse, we will spend some time relaxing on one of Yakushima Island's most beautiful beaches - Nagata-Inakahama Beach. You will have ample free time here to enjoy the beach in your own way. The last stop on our full day tour of the island is the breathtaking Shiratani Unsui Gorge. This beautiful Gorge is one of the most popular sightseeing sites on Yakushima Island. This huge recreational forest is one of the best places to see the island's primeval forest and Yakusugi cedars. The area is carpeted with low-lying vegetation such as ferns, moss, and many types of flowering plants. The view of the crystal clear Shiratani River flowing through this primeval forest is absolutely amazing.

Travel from Yakushima Island to Kagoshima by hydrofoil, and then continue on to Fukuoka by shinkansen. Once we arrive in Fukuoka we will enjoy a leisurely stroll through Ohori Park, and then visit the beautiful Ohori Park Japanese Gardens and Gokoku Shrine. At night we will go for a walk together through the famous Nakasu "Yatai" District. Yatai (open air food stands) are scattered throughout Fukuoka, and are perhaps the city's best known symbol. Most yatai seat about eight or so people and provide an atmospheric outdoor setting to enjoy various local foods and beverages.

Enjoy some free time in Fukuoka before traveling from Fukuoka to Ishigaki Island by plane (this flight is included in the price of the tour and will be arranged by us). Once we arrive on Ishigaki Island you will have some free time to enjoy this beautiful subtropical island in your own way.

Enjoy a day trip to beautiful Taketomi Island. Taketomi Island is located just off the coast of Ishigaki Island, and is the site of a beautifully preserved, traditional Ryukyu village. We will make the short 10-minute trip out to the island by high speed ferry. Once we arrive on Taketomi Island we will enjoy a water buffalo drawn cart tour of Taketomi Village. This 30-minute tour will take us around the preserved, traditional streets of the village. A local Japanese speaking guide will talk about the island, sing traditional songs, and play Okinawan music as we take in the beauty of this amazing little island. You will notice that the guides rarely offer guidance to the water buffalo who know their routes by heart. You will then have free time to enjoy this piece of paradise in your own way. Explore the island on foot, or spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of the island's beautiful beaches. Taketomi Island has both sandy and rocky beaches where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

Enjoy a full day tour of Ishigaki Island by private vehicle. Today we will travel around the entire island stopping by some of its most breathtaking places, including Sukuji Beach, Yonehara Beach, Sunset Beach, and the Hirakubo Lighthouse. Ishigaki Island has beautiful sandy and rocky beaches which are covered in small pieces of bleached coral. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just laying in the sun. The beaches on Ishigaki Island are open all year round, but are at their best from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees Celsius. The Hirakubo Lighthouse is one of Ishigaki Island's most popular destinations. The most spectacular views on the island can be found at Ishigaki's northernmost point where the Hirakubo lighthouse is located.

Enjoy a day trip to the jungle paradise of Iriomote Island. After traveling to the island on a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride, you will have the option of spending the day trekking through the jungle in the interior of the island, kayaking in the tropical rivers, or snorkeling or scuba diving on one of the island's spectacular coral reefs. Iriomote Island is one of Japan's most natural environments, with over 90% of the island covered in thick tropical rain forest and mangrove swamps.

Travel from Ishigaki Island to Naha by plane (this flight is included in the price of the tour and will be arranged by us). Once we arrive in Naha we will then make the short trip to Onna Village by bus. Once we arrive in Onna Village you will have some free time to enjoy this beautiful seaside village in your own way. Craig knows a great spot to enjoy the magnificent sunsets!

Enjoy a day trip to Ryukyu Village and the Churaumi Aquarium. In the morning we will visit Ryukyu Village, a small theme park which introduces traditional Okinawan culture in the form of a recreated village from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom, traditional dances and music, and traditional arts and crafts. In the afternoon we will travel north to the world famous Churaumi Aquarium. This aquarium is widely considered to be the best in Japan. It is one of only a few aquariums in the world that keeps whale sharks in captivity. In addition to the magnificent whale sharks, you can also see a wide variety of other local sea life, including manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins.

Travel from Onna Village to Naha by bus, and then on to pristine Tokashiki Island by marine liner. Once we arrive on the beautiful island of Tokashiki you will have free time to relax and enjoy this tropical paradise in your own way. Tokashiki Island is the largest of the Kerama Islands and is a popular day trip from Okinawa Main Island. It has several beautiful beaches while its interior is mostly covered by forested hills. There are also a few hiking trails and observation decks with amazing views of the crystal clear ocean and surrounding islands.

Enjoy some free time in the morning to swim in the crystal clear ocean, explore the island, or just relax on one of the island's beautiful beaches. Travel from Tokashiki Island to Naha by marine liner. Once we arrive in Naha we will visit the majestic Shuri Castle (the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom between 1429 and 1879) and Naha's main entertainment and shopping district of "Kokusai-dori". At night we will enjoy a lovely farewell dinner together at a local izakaya (Japanese-style restaurant/bar).

Relax in Naha before transferring to Naha Airport (OKA) for your return flight. Depending on your flight time you may be able to enjoy some last minute local sightseeing or shopping in Naha.