Japan by Luxury Train: Seven Stars in Kyushu

Kyushu is Japan's third largest island, located southwest of the main island, Honshu. An early center of Japanese civilization, Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and abundant natural beauty. Transfer privately to your hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, a sophisticated retreat situated in the heart of Kyushu's largest city.

This morning, set out for Yanagawa, often called the “Venice of Kyushu” for its network of picturesque canals. Board a traditional donkobune flatboat and glide past willow-lined waterways and charming historic buildings. Back on shore, explore the Tachibana-tei Ohana gardens, a former feudal residence known for its landscaped grounds and seasonal beauty. Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant before a leisurely stroll around the town’s scenic moat district. Return to Fukuoka’s city center, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this dynamic city on your own. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

This morning, head to Fukuoka’s Hakata Station in time for Seven Stars in Kyushu’s welcome ceremony at Kinsei Lounge. Depart later that morning, heading into Kyushu’s rugged interior. Watch the scenery go by from the relaxing comfort of the Blue Moon saloon car, which transforms into a cozy piano lounge in the evenings. The salon car, Jupiter, offers space for conversations with your fellow guests as well as an intimate tearoom. Feel free to step off the train near Hita for an excursion to Ransei-an, a traditional workshop that preserves time-honored techniques such as hand weaving, hand tying and natural indigo dyeing. Alternatively, stay on board for a talk by an expert on Den Inoue, the creator of Kurume Kasuri textiles.

This morning, Seven Stars in Kyushu arrives in Aso, where you set out on an excursion to Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, to learn about the regions geologic history and enjoy 360-degree views of its vast beauty. Back onboard, continue your journey west, descending from the highlands at the center of Kyushu to the coast. Arrive in Kumamoto, where you disembark for the ferry ride across the Ariake Sea to Shimabara. Drive into the mountains to Unzen, a popular retreat renowned for its hot springs. Check into your ryokan, your home for the night. As night falls, head to Nita Pass scenic overlook (normally closed to the public) for a private stargazing experience.

Start the day with a walk along the peaceful shores of Lake Shirakumo before rejoining Seven Stars in Kyushu. Today is a relaxing day riding the rails through verdant Saga Prefecture, with afternoon tea and music, as the train weaves between small farms and wooded hillsides.

The train follows the coastal plain of northeastern Kyushu, along the Seto Inland Sea. You may choose to alight at Kitsuki to see Rikugo Manzan Sojiin and Futago-ji Temples, where a local priest offers insight into the region’s deep-rooted history and culture. The serene temple grounds are recognized as one of Japan’s top forest bathing spots. Back aboard the train, continue across the island’s rugged interior back to Fukuoka. Upon arrival, bid farewell to the train and continue to your nearby hotel. Have a specially arranged dinner at a lively Yatai food stall, a famous exemplar of Fukuoka’s open-air street dining culture.

Travel by high-speed shinkansen (bullet train) to the island of Honshu and the city of Hiroshima. Spend the morning visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorate the 200,000 people estimated to have died from the immediate and long-term effects of the world’s first nuclear attack. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the southwest edge of the city and board a ferry to the island of Miyajima, where you visit the Itsukushima Shrine. The red Torii Gate, one of the most photographed sites in Japan, rises from the waters about 500 feet from the shore. Returning to the city, board the shinkansen for your onward journey to Kyoto, widely regarded as the nation’s most beautiful city. A vast network of parklands and historic sites surround the modern city, inviting visitors to explore its many wonders.

Start the day with a visit to the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Covered with gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens, it casts its delicate reflection in the tranquil pond beside it. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighborhood, including Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots. Later, a confectionary class introduces you to some of Kyoto’s favorite sweet treats.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views of Kyoto. Proceed to a local temple to experience the art of the tea ceremony, a time-tested ritual of hospitality and etiquette dating to the time of the samurai. A tea master explains the practice’s cultural significance. Following an afternoon to explore on your own, savor an elegant Japanese dinner while an attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and share stories about life in modern Kyoto.

Transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your connecting flight home.