LUXURIOUS ITINERARIES IN THE KUMA VALLEY

Uncover the zenith of luxury with our meticulously crafted itineraries in the captivating Kuma Valley. This curated course seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of enchanting experiences. Alternatively, relish each unique encounter individually or customize them to sculpt your ideal Kuma Valley retreat.

2 nights 3 days: Samurai Spirits and Culinary
Delights: A Kuma Valley Adventure

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Kuma Valley, where the rich tapestry of the Sagara clan’s 700-year legacy unfolds before you. Immerse yourself in the origins of Shochu, Japan’s time-honored distilled spirit. Traverse the valley on an e-bike, pausing to savor exquisite local delicacies at a tea farm and an artisanal tofu factory. Acquire culinary prowess as the charismatic Secchan shares her cherished regional recipes in the warm embrace of her farm stay kitchen. Indulge your adventurous spirit with a modern-day samurai, delving into the essence of their code through an exhilarating sword experience.

Best times to experience:
March – June, September-December

16:30 Check in to Ayunosato. This beautifully restored Japanese inn is the premier ryokan of Hitoyoshi. Rest up and relax in your private onsen before dinner. (Suite room quoted)

Tour details

DAY 1

11:00 Arrive at Kagoshima Airport, be met by your guide and transfer by private vehicle to Hitoyoshi township (60 mins)

12:00 Arrive Hitoyoshi for a welcome lunch.
Eat like a local at a unique restaurant loved by locals for the authentic combination of Japanese style bbq chicken and local liquor, shochu. The owner is a real character and the simplicity of the converted farmers shed as a venue adds to the experience.

14:00 Shochu brewery walking tour (2.5 hours – 3 km)
Shochu is the most popular distilled spirit of Japan with a history dating back over 400 years, having its origins in the Sagara domain surrounding Hitoyoshi. A 2.5 hour walking tour delves into the history of the Sagara Clan, its fascination with geomancy and visits to local shochu artisan breweries to learn more about the spirit and its deep connection with the area.

16:30 Check in to Ayunosato.
This beautifully restored Japanese inn is the premier ryokan of Hitoyoshi. Rest up and relax in your private onsen before dinner. (Suite room quoted)

18:00 Dinner at Ayunosato.
Their omotenashi and immaculate local cuisine has led to being voted the number one ryokan in Kyushu for the past 5 years by Japan’s largest OTA Jalan. A special shochu pairing dinner hosted by a shochu master and local brewery owner makes the perfect finale to your day of shochu.

20:00 Night walk to Aoi Aso Shrine (30 mins)
Aoi Aso Shrine was founded in 806 A.D. and has been regarded as the protector of the land by the people of Kuma district. We visit for a blessing on our travels through the area and can enjoy a rare conversation with the head priest about the role of the shrine in the community.

DAY 2

Next, we will explore the Sagara area by ebike. The 40km leisurely journey will take us through rural farm areas stopping at significant shrines that were key in the Sagara clan’s obsession with geomancy. We will have a break at a local tea farm and learn about the history and production of tea and sample the various local varieties.

Follow the Kawabe River, voted purest water in Japan 15 years in a row, to our lunch spot at Gankodofu, a local tofu shop, where we will learn about tofu production and eat the delicious ganmodoki burger (vegan) on a private beach on the Kawabe River.

After lunch, continue the ride to the neighboring village of Asagiri where we meet Sechan, the charismatic owner of Ryukinka, a small boutique accommodation. Not only is Sechan the leader of the local farm stays association and an awesome storyteller but her cooking skills are known throughout Kyushu. Don an apron and jump in the kitchen for Sechans cooking class as we throw together some local favorites.

DAY 3

7:00 Enjoy a short morning hike (30mins) to the lookout at Takayama Castle ruins where we will enjoy a surprise breakfast overlooking the expanse of the Kuma Valley.

8:00 Ebike to Shinguzenji (45 mins)
A beautiful 45 minutes of ebiking down the banks of the Kuma River takes us to the magnificent temple of Shinguzenji, the perfect backdrop for delving into the local samurai culture.
Taisha Ryu experience (2 hours)
Hyoho Taisha Ryu is a swordsmanship style founded by the legendary swordsman, Marume Kurando (1540 – 1629). Meet the current grand master, Yamamoto Takahiro, and learn about the mind of the samurai, and tools for mindfulness, through swordsmanship.

11:30 Lunch @ Kura Cafe
French Japanese fusion using the best of local ingredients.

12:00 Ebike to Kawakudari (15mins)
The wooden kibune boats have been used on the Kuma River for over 700 years. Visit local operator Kawakudari for a glimpse of the boating culture that still exists today.

13:30 Depart Hitoyoshi for Kagoshima Airport OR Shin Yatsushiro Bullet train station (60 mins drive)

Notes:
Vegan meals can be provided.

Other tour options
Kuma River kibune (traditional wooden boat) tour
Kuma River rafting tour
Full day customized shochu tour, exploring the distilleries of the Kuma Valley
Mt. Ichifusa Shrine hike through 1000 year old cedar trees

Bookings & Enquiries:
Ayunosato Tour Concierge
TEL) +81-966-22-2171
FAX) +81-966-22-4015
E-MAIL) discover.hitoyoshi@gmail.com
WEB）https://www.ayunosato.jp/en/

WEB）Cycling in Kuma Valley -Outdoor Japan-

LUXURIOUS ITINERARIES IN THE KUMA VALLEY

2 nights 3 days: Samurai Spirits and Culinary
Delights: A Kuma Valley Adventure