Journey
This is a four-day journey following a historic highway in Kyushu, steeped in over 400 years of history. These roads are a physical record of time itself - places where people, goods, and skills have crossed paths, fostering culture and industry. We hope you’ll appreciate how the stories of the past connect to our lives today.
Along the way, we’ll also visit the workshops that have developed in unison with the highway.
In Arita, Saga Prefecture, you’ll get to experience Arita ware, and in Kagoshima, you’ll visit the Chin Jukan Kiln. These excursions will give you a tangible feel for how Kyushu’s industry and culture have been shaped by the connections forged along the way. Over the course of four days, stroll along streets steeped in history and culture, enjoy heartwarming interactions with the local people, and discover the endless charms of Kyushu.
*Please be aware that the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
Day 1 Head to Arita, a town of ceramics where Japan's porcelain culture first flourished
A day spent visiting Arita Town in Saga Prefecture, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Visit pottery studios while learning about the historic Nagasaki Kaido, the highway that transported Arita ware to the world, and discover the evolution and culture of Arita ware. We invite you to spend a memorable time immersing yourself in the timeless world of ceramics, while experiencing firsthand the time-honored techniques and the spirit of the artisans.
Arita Ware
The birthplace of Japanese porcelain, Arita has been at the forefront of Japanese ceramics culture for over 400 years since the discovery of porcelain clay at Izumiyama in the early 17th century. With its clear, pure white porcelain, deep indigo glaze, and wide array of designs honed over time, its history has been a continuous journey of preserving tradition while embracing new forms of expression.
Please enjoy this moment to experience the Arita of “today,” crafted from earth, fire, and human passion.
*The pottery studios we visit will vary depending on the departure date.
(Excursion)
Day 2 A Day of Relaxation Discovering Hizen's History and Yufuin's Famous Hot Springs
Shiotatsu is a strategic hub that flourished as a post town along the Nagasaki Kaido highway, where raw materials for Arita ware were transported back and forth. Because sugar was transported along this route, it was also known as the “Sugar Road,” and in its heyday, it bustled with people and goods. While standing among the white-walled streets, take a moment to reflect on the town’s former prosperity and the way of life of its people. We invite you to take a stroll and feel the passage of time.
After that, we’ll head to Yufuin. In this hot spring town, nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu and rich in natural beauty, you’ll have the chance to relax in its renowned waters. Wrapped in the soft steam rising from the springs, you’ll be able to slowly unwind both body and mind as you savor the lingering memories of your journey.
A Stroll Through Shiotatsu
Shiotatsu once flourished as a post town along the Nagasaki Kaido highway. White-walled storehouses and traditional townhouses still stand quietly here, vividly preserving the atmosphere of days gone by. This area prospered as a river port that took advantage of the tidal range of the Ariake Sea. At that time, the loading and unloading of rice and Amakusa pottery stone was in full swing, and it thrived as an economic hub. Take a stroll through the historic streets and see for yourself the way of life and culture that have been passed down through the generations. We invite you to join us on a peaceful walk where you can feel the passage of time.
(Excursion)
Yufuin: A Town of History and Famous Hot Springs
Nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, Yufuin is a hot spring town where nature and culture coexist in harmony. Essential to understanding its charm is its three renowned inns, which have cultivated a unique aesthetic sensibility while staying true to the local culture. These are “Kamenoi Besso,” with its serene atmosphere; “Yufuin Tamanoyu,” known for its warm hospitality; and “Sanso Murata,” renowned for its refined aesthetic. Each inn has its own unique character, yet all embody the abundant charm of Yufuin. We invite you to enjoy the famed hot springs, delicious cuisine, and a peaceful retreat that will soothe your soul.
Day 3 Spending time on the train illuminated by the light of the Hyuga Sea
Mornings in Yufuin begin with silence and the magical morning mist. After a leisurely departure from our inn in Yufuin, we head back to our Seven Stars Bus from Oita Station. As we head south on the Nippo Main Line and enter Miyazaki Prefecture, the beautiful scenery of the Hyuga Sea stretching along the coast scenery is a sight to behold. Please enjoy a leisurely pace of time found only on a train journey.
A morning stroll around Lake Kinrin
Wake up in Yufuin, and at a time when the streets are still quiet and empty, you can take a leisurely stroll through the town with a local guide.
The streets bathed in soft light, the gentle murmur of the stream, and the crisp air around Lake Kinrin…Amid this tranquil setting, the town of Yufuin reveals its true character.A peaceful stroll to provide a perfect start to the day.
(Excursion)
Hyuga Sea
The Hyuga Sea stretches along the coastline of Miyazaki. The blue waters extending to the horizon and the gentle white waves lapping the shore will leave an impression on you. Especially at dusk, as the train glides along, you can watch the shifting light, the colors of the sky, and the hues of the sea that change with the seasons. The scenery unfolding from the train window quietly conveys the richness of nature and the leisurely pace of travel, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful moment of bliss.
Day 4 Discover the history, culture, and trails of foreign exchange through Satsuma ware
On the final day, you’ll experience the long history of pottery that thrives in Kyushu through “Satsuma ware.” The techniques and ethos of the Korean potters who arrived in Japan around the same time as Arita ware lent their own unique character to the Satsuma ware of the Shimazu domain and the Arita ware of the Nabeshima domain. While taking in the cultural heritage of the area, you will enjoy breakfast at the tea house of the Chin Jukan Kiln. Through the texture and designs of the ceramics, you can sense the rich history of Satsuma and its exchanges with foreign cultures. Please take your time to fully savor the charm of Kyushu’s roadside culture as we travel aboard the Seven Stars Bus until the very end of this journey.
Chin Jukan Kiln
The Chin Jukan Kiln, founded by potters who arrived from the Korean Peninsula in the late 16th century, has carried on the tradition of Satsuma ware for over 400 years. The soft, milky-white glaze and the delicate and elegant paintings found on Shiro (White) Satsuma pottery have captivated people throughout the ages. The craftsmanship and ethos passed down through generations extend beyond the realm of pottery, serving as a living testament to the exchange of history and culture.
While savoring breakfast in the tea lounge, please take a moment to immerse yourself in a world of beauty rooted in this long tradition.
(Excursion)
Hisatsu Orange Railway
On the final day of the journey, the Seven Stars Bus will head straight for Hakata, traveling along the Hisatsu Orange Railway line that connects Kagoshima and Kumamoto. The coastal waters facing the East China Sea, peaceful countryside, and fishing villages dotted along the coast will pass by one after another as you gaze out of the window. The glimmer of the sea and the shifting hues of the sky reflected through the train window will quietly bring to mind the roadside culture encountered along the way, as well as the landscapes and moments you’ve experienced during your journey, and you’ll surely come to appreciate the diverse charm of Kyushu all over again.
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, guests 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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Nagasaki Marriott Hotel
Starting with “Harbella,” an all-day dining restaurant in the Marriott Hotel that overlooks the streets and harbor of Nagasaki, Masayuki Haeiwa, the hotel’s Executive Chef, treats the abundant ingredients of Kyushu and Nagasaki as ‘treasures’ and serves dishes on board the Seven Stars Bus that blend traditional French techniques with Japanese culture. A cuisine of innovation and tradition that captures the essence of Nagasaki’s culinary culture and presented as beautifully as a painting. Indulge in a luxurious experience that captivates all five senses during this special dinner, a perfect way to start your journey aboard the Seven Stars. (Dinner)
Day 2
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Executive Chef of Seven Stars in Kyushu
Kyushu is a land blessed with an abundance of exceptional ingredients, nurtured by its rich natural environment and passionate producers. Guided by the desire to serve as a bridge between guests and these remarkable artisans, the Executive Chef of Seven Stars in Kyushu personally travels across the region to carefully select every element of the cuisine—from fresh produce to seasonings.
For breakfast onboard, guests are invited to savor the essence of Kyushu through dishes that can only be experienced on the train. Each plate is a heartfelt expression of the land’s flavors, crafted with precision and care to awaken the senses and celebrate the spirit of the journey. (Breakfast)
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Cernia
Cernia is an Italian restaurant located in Tanushimaru-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is known for its culinary creations made with ingredients from across Kyushu, notably vegetables and fruits grown in the fertile soil of the Chikugo River basin.
Each dish, carefully crafted to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, combines boldness with subtlety, evoking the unique character of this region. Take in the scenery along the route while savoring the flavors nurtured among the nature of Tanushimaru. (Lunch)
Day 3
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USAMI
Located in Usuki City, Oita, a town surrounded by the sea and mountains, USAMI is dedicated to sourcing local seafood and vegetables. Based on a philosophy of “eating whole foods,” it serves dishes that honor the full circle of life. Be sure to enjoy a leisurely, luxurious afternoon as you savor dishes crafted from the unique natural flavors of Usuki and the chef’s passion, beautifully presented in traditional Usuki ware pottery. (Lunch)
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Senti.U
Senti.U is an Italian restaurant that celebrates the local climate and ingredients of the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture. Chef Yasuhiko Uchida crafts dishes that highlight the pure flavors of the ingredients, making use of locally caught seafood and vegetables and herbs grown by trusted farmers. Pairing the bounty of the sea and mountains nurtured by the nature of the Osumi Peninsula with simple yet flavorful Italian cuisine, each dish offers a deeply satisfying taste experience unique to this region. (Dinner)
Day 4
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Chin Jukan Tea Salon MIYAMA
Situated in the pottery village of Kagoshima Prefecture, at the Chin Jukan Kiln, is the Miyama tea house. On the final day of your journey, you are invited to step off the train and visit this teahouse where we will serve breakfast inspired by the principles of medicinal cuisine. Each dish is painstakingly prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Enjoy a one-off experience that will gently refresh your mind and body in the morning, as you savor a moment of tranquility surrounded by nature. (Breakfast)
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Chisou Maru
Chisou Maru, a Japanese restaurant based in Kumamoto, has captivated many food connoisseurs with its exquisite cuisine, which showcases seasonal ingredients and is grounded in the rich umami of dashi broth.
Each dish brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients while stripping away the unnecessary. Through these servings imbued with the dedication of the producers, we hope you’ll get a taste of Kyushu’s rich culinary culture. (Lunch)
*All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
