Journey
Explore Kyushu’s rich natural heritage and the lives shaped by its abundant waters. From the timeless art of Kurume Kasuri in Fukuoka, to the ancient grasslands of Aso, and the elegant retreat of Unzen—Japan’s first national park. In Kunisaki, visit Futago-ji Temple, a sacred site with over 1,300 years of history.
Throughout this four-day journey, you’ll feel the blessings of Kyushu’s water-rich environment and discover the timeless harmony between nature and human life. It is a soulful and enriching experience that celebrates tradition, sustainability, and the quiet power of the land.
*Please be aware that the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
Day 1 Discover the Industries Nurtured by Kyushu’s Life-Giving Waters
Our journey begins in the Chikugo region of Fukuoka, along the scenic Kyudai Main Line, where the northern foothills of the Minou Mountains unfold in quiet elegance. Here, you’ll visit Ranseian, a Kurume Kasuri workshop surrounded by lush nature, where traditional indigo dyeing and weaving techniques are preserved with care.
Onboard, enjoy a special talk by designer Madoka Koga, who shares the sustainable beauty and cultural depth of Kurume Kasuri—a textile born from Kyushu’s rich natural environment.
This is a moment to discover the artistry, spirit, and timeless charm of one of Japan’s most treasured crafts.
Visiting Ranseian: Where Indigo Becomes Art
With over 220 years of history, Kurume Kasuri is a traditional textile from the Chikugo region of Fukuoka Prefecture, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Founded in 1870, Ranseian is a distinguished atelier located in Tanushimaru, Kurume City. For seven generations, the Matsueda family has preserved and refined the artistry of Kurume Kasuri, overseeing all 30 intricate steps—from design to weaving—with exceptional craftsmanship.
Nestled at the foot of the Mino Mountains, Ranseian draws inspiration from the surrounding nature, creating designs that are both poetic and deeply expressive. Using pure local water and traditional fermentation-based dyeing methods, without relying on chemical dyes, the atelier reveals the profound beauty of natural indigo.
We invite you to discover the soul of Japanese textile artistry—where heritage, innovation, and a deep reverence for nature come together in every thread.
(Excursion)
Kurume Kasuri Talk by Madoka Koga
– A Journey into Indigo Heritage
We welcome designer Madoka Koga, whose passion for Kurume Kasuri shines through her work—including the creation of exclusive loungewear for the Seven Stars in Kyushu. In this special session, she will share the rich history and profound beauty of Kurume Kasuri, a textile tradition nurtured in this region for generations.
Celebrated today for its sustainable design values, Kurume Kasuri is a craft that bridges heritage and innovation. Through this experience, you’ll gain insight into the spirit and skill of the artisans, and feel the essence of Japanese culture woven into every thread.
(Onboard workshop)
Day 2 Immersed in Kyushu’s Majestic Landscapes
On the second day, journey along the Hohi Main Line, passing through the breathtaking Aso Caldera, one of the world’s largest volcanic formations. After a refined breakfast at the restaurant Kasei, ascend to the outer rim of the caldera, where you’ll encounter the thousand-year legacy of grassland preservation—recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
Surrounded by sweeping plains and nourished by Aso’s abundant spring water, this experience offers a profound connection to nature and sustainability.
Later, cross the Shimabara Bay by ferry, arriving at Unzen, another iconic volcanic region of Kyushu. At Ryotei Hanzuiryo, a serene retreat with elegant gardens and private villas, unwind in the soothing waters of Unzen Onsen, embraced by timeless tranquility.
Aso’s Outer Rim
At the outer rim of the Aso Caldera — formed by ancient volcanic activity — you will encounter one of the largest caldera landscapes in the world, stretching approximately 25 kilometers north to south and 18 kilometers east to west.
The highlight of this region is the expansive grasslands that spread out from the surrounding mountains. Though they may appear untouched, these grasslands have been carefully maintained by local communities for over a thousand years, a tradition that has earned recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
Take time to reflect on this timeless connection, surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of open plains—a place where silence speaks of history, and the land breathes with life.
(Excursion)
Ryotei Hanzuiryo
After a day immersed in the powerful landscapes of Aso and the volcanic beauty of the Shimabara Peninsula, your journey leads you to Ryotei Hanzuiryo distinguished traditional inn nestled in the heart of Unzen.
Surrounded by lush, seasonal gardens offering peace and privacy, this secluded retreat offers a deeply restorative experience. Enjoy the serenity of a meticulously landscaped Japanese garden, the elegance of private tatami rooms, and the soothing embrace of open-air baths. Each element is designed to bring you into harmony with nature and offer a moment of true peace.
As the evening unfolds, the quiet of Unzen deepens, inviting you to reflect on the day’s journey—one shaped by the energy of the Earth and the timeless grace of Japanese hospitality.
https://hanzuiryo.jp
Nita Pass
At an altitude of 1,100 meters, Nita Pass offers a refreshing mountain breeze and panoramic views of two volcanic wonders: Heisei Shinzan, one of the youngest mountains on Earth, and the majestic Mt. Fugen, the symbol of Unzen.
This exclusive excursion grants special access to Nita Pass after dark—a privilege rarely extended to visitors. As night falls, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a summer evening: a sky ablaze with stars, the shimmering waters of Shimabara Bay below, and the twinkling lights of Kumamoto across the horizon.
Indulge in a moment of hoshisuzushi—Unzen’s poetic coolness beneath the stars, where nature, stillness, and elegance converge. A tranquil, unforgettable experience awaits.
(Optional activity)
*Kindly note that the experience is subject to change or cancellation depending on weather and other factors.
Day 3 A Serene Morning in Unzen: A Moment of Quiet Luxury and Inner Peace
On the third day, awaken to the peaceful morning air of Unzen, once a beloved summer retreat for foreign visitors. Surrounded by lush nature and timeless tranquility, this region offers a sense of elegance and inner richness that gently unfolds with the rising sun.
You may choose from a selection of curated morning activities, including a leisurely lakeside experience—each designed to harmonize with the serene beauty of the landscape.
After reboarding the Seven Stars in Kyushu, the journey continues along the coast of the Ariake Sea, culminating at Mojiko Station, where the nostalgic charm of the historic station building awaits under the evening sky.
Shirakumo-no-Ike (Sirakumo Pond)
Just a short distance from the hot spring town, Shirakumo Pond rests quietly at 700 meters above sea level. Once a beloved summer retreat for foreign visitors during Japan’s early modernization—from the late 1800s into the early 1900s—this tranquil lake is embraced by lush forests, with the majestic reflections of Mt. Fugen and Heisei Shinzan shimmering on its surface.
Here, in the heart of Unzen’s storied nature, you are invited to slow down and savor the essence of Unzen Time. Whether you choose to relax in a hammock, glide across the water in a rubber boat, paint lakeside landscapes, or enjoy a refined tea gathering beneath a canopy, each moment is yours to shape.
(Optional activity)
*Kindly note that the experience is subject to change or cancellation depending on weather and other factors.
Mojiko Station
Built in 1914 and faithfully restored to its original Neo-Renaissance style, Mojiko Station stands as a rare gem—Japan’s first active train station designated as an Important Cultural Property. Its elegant architecture and nostalgic charm offer a glimpse into the Taisho era (1912–26).
As night falls, the station and its surroundings take on a dreamlike atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll and feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
（Free time to explore the area）
Day 4 A Quiet Finale — Embraced by Nature and Spiritual Heritage
On the final morning, savor a simple yet exquisite breakfast: rice balls (Onigiri) made from premium local rice, cultivated by the pure waters and fertile nature of the region. Steaming and fragrant, each bite reflects the harmony of craftsmanship and natural abundance.
Afterward, visit Futago-ji Temple, a sacred site nestled in the forests of Kunisaki. This temple is part of the Rokugo-Manzan tradition, where Shinto and Buddhist beliefs have been harmoniously blended for centuries—a unique spiritual practice known in Japan as Shinbutsu-shugo. Here, you may encounter powerful guardian deities, sometimes referred to as “oni” and feel the presence of ancient prayers and enduring traditions.
Surrounded by quiet forests and timeless stone paths, take a moment to reflect, breathe, and gently conclude your journey.
Futago-ji Temple
Located in the center of the Kunisaki Peninsula, Futago-ji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple founded over 1,300 years ago by the monk Ninmon Bosatsu. As the spiritual heart of the Rokugo-Manzan culture, it embodies the unique fusion of Shinto and Buddhist traditions known as Shinbutsu-shugo.
At the temple’s entrance stand the largest stone guardian statues on the peninsula, welcoming visitors into a forested sanctuary filled with mystical energy. Even in summer, the temple grounds remain refreshingly cool, and have been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Spots.
As you walk among ancient trees and sacred paths, take a moment to reflect on your four-day journey—immersed in the nature, culture, and quiet spirituality of Kunisaki.
（Excursion）
Create Your Own Forest-Inspired Aroma Spray
This activity is offered in collaboration with Rokugatsu Yoka, a brand developed by Hisatsune Forestry Co., Ltd., which has been cultivating forests in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture. Their 100% natural fragrances are crafted using organic, pesticide-free ingredients sourced from the gently cultivated woodlands and traditional rural landscapes of Oita Prefecture. Each scent carries the heartfelt intentions of those who protect and nurture the forest.
Guided by the vitality of the woods, you will blend your own original aroma spray and take home a calming eye pillow—allowing you to carry the tranquility of the forest with you beyond the journey.
(Onboard workshop)
Itinerary
Timetable / route
Operating Schedule
Cuisine
A Four-Day Culinary Journey Through Kyushu’s Seasonal Palette
Over the course of four days, indulge in a refined dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Kyushu’s changing seasons.
Each ingredient is lovingly cultivated by dedicated local farmers, then transformed by the skilled hands of renowned chefs from across the region.
From elegant Japanese kaiseki to inventive French cuisine and soulful regional specialties,
every meal is a tribute to craftsmanship, nature, and the rich culinary heritage of Kyushu.
Day 1
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Yamanaka
Founded in 1972, Yamanaka has earned its reputation as one of Hakata’s most esteemed sushi establishments, beloved by gourmets across Japan. Known for its dedication to the “Hakata-mae” sushi tradition, Yamanaka brings refined craftsmanship and seasonal ingredients to every plate.
Onboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu, you are treated to freshly prepared sushi featuring seafood from the Genkai Sea and nearby waters, crafted with precision by master chefs.
Enjoy a luxurious lunch in motion, where tradition, technique, and the spirit of Kyushu come together in perfect harmony. (Lunch)
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M.Miura
Set along the quiet seaside of Kitsuki City in Oita Prefecture, M.MIURA is a refined French restaurant celebrating its 25th anniversary. Inspired by the charm of southern France, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu that showcases the bounty of the Kunisaki Peninsula—fresh seafood from nearby fishing ports and rare local vegetables are transformed into inventive French dishes that reflect both tradition and global inspiration.
Drawing from classical French techniques and culinary discoveries made during the chef’s travels, each plate evokes the feeling of a journey across cultures and landscapes. Constantly evolving, the cuisine at M.MIURA invites you to experience the artistry of French gastronomy through the lens of Kyushu’s coastal beauty. (Dinner)
Day 2
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olmo coppia
Just a short stroll from Aso Station, Olmo Coppia welcomes you into a serene retreat of organic gastronomy, set within a lovingly restored 160-year-old traditional storehouse. Known for its heartfelt hospitality and cuisine that gently nurtures both body and soul, the restaurant offers you a refined yet deeply rooted culinary experience inspired by the natural rhythms of the region.
On the second morning of the Unzen Journey, you will enjoy breakfast at Kasei, the restaurant located at Aso Station. The thoughtfully curated menu features organic ingredients, including vegetables grown in the restaurant’s own garden and pesticide-free, open-field produce from the fertile lands of Minami Aso. Each dish is handmade with care, offering you a harmonious blend of purity, seasonal flavor, and the quiet elegance of Kyushu’s countryside. (Breakfast)
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Restaurant MIMAKI
Located in the central Kumamoto City, Restaurant MIMAKI is a distinguished Western-style dining establishment founded by a chef who trained at the Michelin-starred “Yoshoku no Mise Hashimoto,” a legendary name in Kumamoto’s culinary scene. Honoring the traditions of his mentor while crafting a style uniquely his own, the chef presents a refined yet heartfelt interpretation of Western cuisine.
The menu celebrates the rich bounty of Kumamoto’s natural environment, with seasonal ingredients thoughtfully transformed into dishes that tell the story of the region—and of the chef himself. Among the highlights is the signature European-style curry, a nostalgic and soul-warming dish beloved by many for its comforting flavors and timeless appeal. You are invited to relax and savor a moment of tranquility through cuisine that is both elegant and deeply personal. (Lunch)
Day 3
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Executive Chef of Seven Stars in Kyushu
Kyushu is a treasure trove of exceptional ingredients, each nurtured by the region’s rich natural environment and passionate producers. Guided by the desire to serve as a bridge between our guests and these remarkable artisans, the Executive Chef of Seven Stars in Kyushu personally travels across the island to carefully select every element of the cuisine—from fresh produce to seasonings.
Onboard, you are invited to indulge in a culinary experience found nowhere else: a refined expression of Kyushu’s essence, crafted exclusively for the train. Each dish is a celebration of the land, the people, and the spirit of hospitality that defines this extraordinary journey. (Lunch)
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MAISON LAFITE
Tucked away in the tranquil satoyama landscapes of Nakagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, MAISON LAFITE is a hidden gem of French cuisine. The chef, raised amidst the rich natural surroundings of the countryside, brings a deep reverence for nature to every dish, passionately crafting French fare that celebrates the blessings of the land.
Inspired by the depth and character of local ingredients—such as mountain vegetables and river fish—the chef weaves the memory of the region and the essence of the satoyama into each creation. For the final dinner of the Seven Stars in Kyushu journey, every dish is prepared with heartfelt care, allowing guests to fully savor the delicate flavors and seasonal beauty of Kyushu’s countryside. (Dinner)
Day 4
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Yoshie Kamiya
Rice is one of nature’s most profound gifts—born of water, earth, and the rhythms of the land. To honor its essence, Yoshie Kamiya prepares onigiri (rice ball), the simplest yet most expressive form of rice cuisine. Based in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, at her kitchen-only atelier Seikatsu Kobo Togarashi, she works as a food producer and advocates for “rice tourism” both in Japan and abroad, sharing the cultural and emotional richness of rice through the art of hand-shaped onigiri.
Her warm, freshly made onigiri—often described as “steam as a delicacy”—embody a sense of comfort and joy. With each gentle press of the hands, she creates a dish that resonates deeply with both body and soul. For breakfast aboard Seven Stars in Kyushu, you are invited to experience the purity and beauty of rice through her heartfelt creations. (Breakfast)
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Mikangura
Located in the countryside of Usuki, Oita Prefecture, mikangura is a French restaurant where nature and culinary artistry meet. Originally from Uji, Kyoto, the chef relocated to Usuki’s satoyama landscape—a rural area where traditional Japanese farming and forest stewardship have coexisted for centuries.
In this peaceful setting, vegetables are grown without chemical fertilizers, seafood is sourced from nearby ports, and each dish reflects the rhythm of the seasons.
From beautifully arranged vegetable platters to subtle touches of regional flavor woven into every course, chef offers a dining experience filled with surprise, elegance, and a heartfelt connection to the land and its traditions.
Enjoy a lunch that celebrates the richness of Kyushu’s land and the creativity of its people. (Lunch)
*All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
