SYDNEY November 12, 2015 – Last month, eight product managers from Australia were invited on a 7-day familiarisation trip of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. The trip was fully-hosted and escorted by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office.
The group visited Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Fukuoka prefectures in Kyushu. During their stay, they saw two active volcanoes, experienced outdoor baths, footbaths and even sand baths, visited two landscape gardens, walked across Japan’s highest pedestrian suspension bridge, climbed up the keep of ancient Kumamoto Castle and ate a meal similar to what the samurai-class royalty would have eaten.
“As Japan’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to soar, repeat travellers from Australia are looking for authentic travel experiences off-the-beaten-path. In addition to great food, hot-springs and warm Japanese hospitality, regional destinations like those found in Kyushu can certainly provide this,” said Stephanie Sng, Business Development and Marketing Manager of JNTO Sydney Office.
Fukuoka, the largest and most developed city on Kyushu is directly connected to Japan’s main island of Honshu by bullet-train. It takes just over an hour to travel by bullet-train to Fukuoka from Hiroshima, a city already well-visited by Australian travellers and the Japan Rail (JR) Pass can be used on this route. Alternatively, visitors can fly from Tokyo to Fukuoka in 1.5 hours. JNTO recommends a combination of rail, bus and rental car to get the most out of your trip to Kyushu.
Top (L-R): Angela Ferres (Insider Journeys), Alan Gibson (Trans Orbit), Haydn Thompson (Japan Package Tours); Bottom (L-R): Stephanie Sng (JNTO Sydney Office), Kate Harper (World Expeditions), Lisa Mather (Saizen Tours), Amy Rae (China Travel Service), Noriko Yoshioka (guide)
Photo courtesy of Lisa Mather