Culture in Kyushu

On this 10-day trip to Kyushu, students will discover an area of Japan that’s less-explored but rich in history, culture, and Japanese tradition. Alongside trips to local Japanese schools, discussions with local communities, and volunteer opportunities, students will also explore agricultural landscapes, historic cities and vast geoparks. Visits to Nagasaki provide sobering insight into Japanese contemporary history, while hands-on experiences like bamboo crafting workshops enable students to, quite literally, get to grips with the rich artistic heritage of Japan.

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Fukuoka

Students will touch down in Fukuoka, ready for the start of their culture trip around Kyūshū Island! They’ll meet their Adventure Leader at the airport, and they’ll help them transfer to their accommodation.
After arriving, students will have a trip briefing with the Adventure Leader. Alongside running through the next ten days of the itinerary, they’ll also introduce students to the local culture and provide some tips for adjusting to local life, while also explaining the best ways to stay safe while they travel.
The rest of the day is theirs to acclimatize with some free time, before they head back to the hotel to get some much-needed rest!

Day 2: Fukuoka

Students will head to one of Fukuoka’s most important attractions, the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is renowned as the shrine of learning! Millions of people visit this shrine to pray for academic success, while also spending time enjoying the grounds and on-site artworks.
Students will get an incredible opportunity to participate in cultural exchange with a visit to a local Japanese school. They’ll take a tour and join lessons with local students, giving them a chance to understand the differences and similarities between Japanese schooling and their own – and the chance to make some fast friends!
This evening, students will transfer to their next destination: Nagasaki.

Day 3: Nagasaki

This morning, students will pay a visit to Dejima Island. This man-made island dates back to the 17th century, when it was constructed to separate Portuguese residents and their missionary activities from the Japanese population.
They will also get to discover Glover Garden, a historic town built at the end of the Edo period for foreign merchants. Rich in history, these gardens command a stunning view of Nagasaki Port and is home to Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style building.
Next on the agenda, students can explore the beautiful Oura Church and its museum to learn about the history of Christianity in Japan. Dedicated to the 26 martyrs of Japan, it was also the stage for a key historical event known as the ‘discovery of Christians’.
To end their day, students will embark on a hike up to the summit of beautiful Mount Inasa, where they’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas across the city and the landscapes beyond.

Day 4: Nagasaki

Today, students will uncover the history of Hashima Island, a now-abandoned island commonly known as Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island. They will explore the former industrial sites, semi-ruined workers quarters, and Shinto shrine to learn more about the island’s storied past.
Pay a sobering visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, where exhibits explore the devastation of the Second World War, the history of nuclear weapons development, and the post-war desire for peace. Whilst here, students will also visit the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall. Opened in 2002, this memorial site is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, and more widely to world peace.
This afternoon, students will get the opportunity to discuss political and social issues with local Japanese young people. Among many topics, they’ll have the chance to talk about peace-making and nuclear energy, as well as disaster prevention and regional revitalization.

Day 5: Nagasaki

Students will get the chance to explore the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark today, home to Mount Unzen – which is actually a group of composite volcanoes rather than a singular peak. At the Geopark, students will also be able to explore the Gamadasu Dome, a memorial hall dedicated to the 1991 eruption which also houses the world’s only in-museum volcanic eruption simulation.
Afterwards, they will get to visit Shimabara City, a historic castle town known as the ‘City of Water’. A key region in the history of Japanese Christianity, this old-world town is home to a castle, historical museum, and beautiful waterways.
Today, students will transfer to their next destination: Kumamoto.

Day 6: Kumamoto

This morning, students will discover Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of both the prefecture’s history and the area’s revitalization following the 2016 earthquake. Considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, it’s home to extensive grounds, over 800 cherry blossom trees, a variety of buildings and a museum.
For a hands-on introduction to Japanese artistic history, students will take part in a bamboo crafting workshop. They’ll learn about the history of bamboo use in Japan, as well as how to make and decorate bamboo lights in this fun, interactive workshop.
This evening, it’s time to see which student has true star power – it’s time for karaoke!

Day 7: Kumamoto

Today, students will get to grip with another key part of Japanese traditional culture: fishing. They’ll head out into the water where students will learn the art of seine fishing, a practice which requires some serious teamwork!
Here students will get to embrace the opportunity to give back to the local community they’re visiting with a volunteer activity. Students will join a local Japanese volunteer group dedicated to enhancing community life to assist them in their work today. (Note: we’ll work with you to confirm your specific requirements.)
Transfer from Kumamoto to their final destination: the Oita region.

Day 8: Beppu

Today, students can spend a full day discovering Beppu, an onsen (hot springs) region famed for producing more hot spring water than any other region in the country. While here, students can visit Jigoku – nicknamed the ‘Seven Hells of Beppu’ – which is home to temperamental sulfphur springs and bubbling mud pools.
Students will also get the opportunity to explore the local region’s history, including discovering the unique taste of Jigoku-Mushi – cuisine steamed by hot springs!
They’ll then pay a visit to Beppu Tower, a 100m high tower in the city that’s now primarily used for television broadcasting. From the observation deck at the top, students will get 360-degree views of the city and out across Beppu Bay.

Day 9: Oita

Students will explore a local farming village, where the traditional Japanese agricultural world is still very much alive. They will discover the area on a guided tour, before trying their hand at the farming practices still used by locals. They’ll also get the chance to enjoy lunch with the community!
Discover Usa... and no, we don’t mean America! Usa, a city in Oita, is an area with a rich agricultural heritage and a historic centre. It’s well-known for its natural landscapes, so today is the perfect opportunity to take a tour – we’ll work with you to build your route, but it might include the Takkiri Ravine, or even the ‘Machu Picchu of Japan’.
On their last evening in Japan, we’ll make time for students, faculty, and Adventure Leaders to come together for a reflection session. Through guided thought and discussion, we’ll give students the opportunity to consider what they’ve learned about the region – and themselves – on their trip to Japan.

Day 10: Farewell

Sadly, today marks the end of your Learning Adventure to Japan. We’ll transfer back to the airport, ready for you to head home.

Trip curated by Hannah Galbraith

Prices from £1,955

for 10 days

Prices from €2,360

for 10 days

Prices from $2,475

for 10 days

for 10 days

Highlights

Enjoy a Bamboo Workshop

School Exchange

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Fukuoka

Day 2: Fukuoka

Day 3: Nagasaki

Day 4: Nagasaki

Day 5: Nagasaki

Day 6: Kumamoto

Day 7: Kumamoto

Day 8: Beppu

Day 9: Oita

Day 10: Farewell

Map

Gallery

Prices from £1,955

for 10 days

Prices from €2,360

for 10 days

Prices from $2,475

for 10 days

for 10 days

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Trip curated by
Hannah Galbraith