Day 1: Fukuoka–Karatsu (Karatsu ceramics); Day 2: Karatsu–Kurume; Day 3: Kurume–Arao (Shodai ceramics)–Kurume; Day 4: Kurume–Hita; Day 5: Hita–Sarayama (Onta ceramics)–Hikosan; Day 6: Hikosan–Koishiwara (Koishiwara and Takatori ceramics)–Hikosan; Day 7: Hikosan–Fukuchi (Agano ceramics)–Mojiko; Day 8: Mojiko–Shimonoseki–Hagi; Day 9: Hagi (Hagi ceramics); Day 10: Hagi–Yamaguchi–Shin-Yamaguchi; Day 11: Shin-Yamaguchi–JR connection

 

Themes:

• Traditions—

• Crafts—Karatsu, Shodai, Onta, Koishiwara, Takatori, Agano and Hagi ceramics, Kurume-Kasuri textile, Hita cedarwood craft

• Townscapes—Hita, Sarayama, Koishiwara, Mojiko, Hagi

• History—Hita-Mamedacho historic precinct, Hikosan Shrine, various other shrines and temples, Mojiko historic port, Hagi castle town and samurai residences

• Garden—Kusano-Honke residence, Ruriko-ji temple

• Nature—Mt Hikosan, Gyoja-Sugi giant Cryptomeria forest, Agano-kyo falls

• Food—Seafood, Kurume ramen noodles, Hita yakisoba hotplate noodles, Bungo beef (wagyu), Japanese sweets, traditional vegetables and fruits, the country kitchen, Mojiko baked curry

• Onsen—Hikosan

 

Accommodation options:

• 9 nights Western-style, and 1 night new-style Japanese ryokan with Western-style beds

 

Physical fitness requirement—LOW/MODERATE: This tour involves considerable amount of walking between individual pottery studios at each locality. Distances between the studios are generally not great, however, depending on the number of studios visited, the total distance walked per day may be up to 10 km. Walking on steep stone steps may also be required to access temples, shrines and other sights. Transport can be organised between the studios and attractions, at an additional cost.

 

Seasonal availability: All year except July and August; itinerary subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions.