9:00 AM Hakata Station or Fukuoka airport or your hotel around Fukuoka pickup

*Pick-up starts 15 minutes before departure.

*** Please specify the boarding location in advance if you are in Fukuoka prefecture. We will pick you up for free.

10:00 AM Kokura Castle: Stay time about 30 minutes

Kokura Castle (小倉城, Kokurajō) was built in 1602 at the beginning of the Edo Period. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1866, and the current castle tower is a ferro-concrete reconstruction from 1959. The castle's traditional architecture provides an interesting visual contrast to the neighboring modern shopping and entertainment center.

11:00 AM Mojiko Retro: Stay time about 30 minutes

The Port of Moji (Mojiko) is an international trade port opened in 1889 and located at the northern edge of Kyushu.

Its prosperity as a transport hub attracted many Western-style buildings housing shipping companies and trading firms around it. The Mojiko Retro district is a restored reproduction of the district around the port in olden times.

In this district, various buildings have been preserved and are open to visitors, including the iconic Mojiko Station, former Moji Mitsui Club, where Einstein stayed, and former Kyushu Railway Headquarters (currently Kyushu Railway History Museum).

You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Japan in the late 19th to early 20th centuries here.

11:50 AM Dan no Ura Battlefield Mark: Stay time about 15 minutes

This is a battlefield mark of the battle of Dan-no-ura, the last war between Heike and Genji in 1185.

Heike(Taira clan) got defeated in this battle by Genji. The family was destroyed by the death of emperor Antoku by drowning himself as an 8 years old child along with his grandmother Nii-no-ama. The buke society which will last until the Edo period was built by the Genji family after this battle.

The statue of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Genji) and Taira no Tomomori(Heike) is standing with the handprints of famous actor Takizawa Hideaki and actress Nakagoshi Noriko who played in the drama about this battle of Gempei in Mimosusogawa park located in the front of the battlefield ruins.

12:10 PM Akama Shrine: Stay time about 15 minutes

A shrine to a boy emperor near the huge fish emporium, Karato Market

The most noticeable feature of Akama Jingu is the large white base that supports one of its many red roofs. This shrine was built to commemorate the spirit of the six-year-old Emperor Antoku, who died here during the decisive Battle of Dan-no-Ura between the Minamoto and Taira clans in 1185.

12:30 PM Lunch at Karato Market: Stay time about 45 minutes

A fish market that will engage all your senses

At this lively market in Yamaguchi , local fishermen sell their freshly caught fish at very reasonable prices. Karato Market began as a street market in 1909, and now its ships fish all over Japan. Although the focus of Karato is seafood, you can also buy other local seasonal ingredients since many farmers come from Yamaguchi and the surrounding area to set up shop.

14:10 PM Fukutoku Inari Shrine (Uga, Toyoura-cho, Shimonoseki): Stay time about 15 minutes

Ever had places you weren't intending to visit on your travels which end up more memorable than what you were headed to see? That was the case for us recently with Fukutoku Inari Shrine. We were driving up the coast of Yamaguchi from Shimonoseki to visit Tsunoshima Bridge and Motonosumi Inari Shrine, but saw this gem sitting up on a clifftop. We made a detour so we could stop in, and were so glad that we did!

15:00 PM Tsunoshima Observatory: Stay time about 10 minutes

The 1,780 meter bridge is one of the longest toll-free bridges in Japan and is also well known as a location for TV commercials. Fabulous views can be enjoyed from the well-maintained observatories located on both sides of the bridge. It’s a perfect photo spot.

16:10 PM Omi Island Maritime Alps (Nagato City Senzaki Ohibi): Stay time about 45 minutes

Caves and odd rock formations on a little island in the Sea of Japan

The rocks that jut from the sea here on Omi Island near Hagi are bizarrely shaped and eroded by the natural elements. Some of these dramatic rock formations are up to 40 meters in height. There are also caves that offer lots to see from the local sightseeing boat or the sightseeing path that overlooks the sea.

17:50 PM *Hotels you book in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

* Your hotel arrangements and payments must be made by yourself.

The next day we will leave at 9am. The driver will pick you up at your hotel.