KYUSHU IN AUTUMN
19-30 November 2024
Fukuoka/Kumamoto/Kagoshima/Ibusuki/Miyazaki
POST-TOUR OPTION
Okinawa
30 November - 2 December 2024
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
19 NOV 24 - The tour starts in Fukuoka
Meet your host at the hotel in Fukuoka. Mingle with your fellow travellers at tonight’s welcome drinks and canapes.
Hotel : ANA or similar
20 NOV 24 - (B) Golf at The Queen’s Hill Golf Club
Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 6,228 m | Type Parkland | Architect Akira Hattori
The Queen’s Cliff Golf Club was rated as the favourite course played by our 2023 tour group. It is a private members’ course and we are very privileged to have access. The location, the peaceful landscape, the quality of the course and the beautifully presented club house all contributed to its ‘favourite’ course status.
Water hazards come in to play a few holes, so course management is important. The fairways are wide allowing you to play freely from the tee. The greens have subtle undulations, and your putting will largely determine your score. Water comes into play on the 4th and the 9th holes on the outbound holes and the 12th, 14th, 16th, and 18th require accurate distance and direction on the inbound holes.
21 NOV 24 - (B, L, D) Yamanami Highway to Kumamoto
Discover the beauty of autumn in Japan on the Yamanami Highway that winds its way through the rolling hills of the Yamanashi Prefecture, offering a visual feast of red, orange, and yellow foliage. See Kumamoto Castle take on an extra special glow as the surrounding leaves turn warm shades of red and gold. Lunch and dinner included.
22 NOV 24 - (B, D) Golf at Kumamoto Chuo GC
Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 7,210 m | Type Hill | Architect Masaru Ueda
A magnificent course to shoot towards nature
Osamu Ueda, who left behind some of the most famous courses in the history of Japanese golf and he left this gem in a beautiful landscape that can be called the culmination of his life. Kumamoto Chuo Country Club, an authentic championship course that will satisfy golfers.
A spacious and majestic course where you can shoot straight ahead. The entire course is built on one hill, with large camphor, cypress, and cedar trees scattered throughout, separated by pine and sawtooth oak forests. The pin is visible from the teeing ground on most holes. It's interesting that the par order for out and in is the same.
Shared cart included.
Tonight’s dinner is a Sukiyaki Restaurant.
23 NOV 24 - (B, L, D) Kagoshima and Ibusuki
Discover the grandeur of Sengan-en, the stately home and garden of the Shimazu clan set against the backdrop of Kinko Bay and the active volcano Sakurajima . From the Shiroyama Park Observatory Deck you will have a sweeping view of the active Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima city & its bay. Lunch and dinner included.
Hotel: Ibusuki Hakusuikan
24 NOV 24 - (B,L,D) Kirishima Onsen and Sakurajima
Experience the beauty of Sakurajima and the surrounding areas on this scenic ferry ride to Sakurajima the city within 8km of its namesake the volcano. As you step off the ferry and onto the walking trails, you'll be transported to a lava zone created by the massive eruption of 1914. Despite the destruction, nature has bounced back with incredible resilience, and the lush vegetation in the area serves as a testament to the power of recovery. Next, visit the picturesque Kirishima Onsen, renowned for its serene landscapes and healing hot spring waters. The springs are sourced from the volcanic activity of nearby Mount Kirishima and are rich in minerals that are believed to have rejuvenating effects on both the skin and body. Relax and soak in the hot springs, surrounded by autumnal scenery, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Lunch and dinner are included. ensuring a fully immersive and satisfying day trip.
Hotel: Kirishima Kanko Hotel Lunch and dinner included.
25 NOV 24 - (B,L) See the sights on the way to Miyazaki
Sightseeing : Kirishima jinja, Kurozu, Kirishima shochu factory
Bask in the autumn glory of the Kirishima Jingu, surrounded by forests ablaze with the colours of autumn. Take in the serenity as you walk the pathway to the shrine lined with maple trees, their branches heavy with fiery red and orange leaves. Later you get to savour the flavour and aroma of shochu, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from rice, sweet potatoes, or barley. Get a glimpse into the traditional food culture of Japan with a visit to a kurozu maker. Kurozu is a traditional Japanese vinegar made from brown rice, known for its unique, deep and rich flavour. Lunch and dinner included.
Hotel: Sheraton Miyazaki.
26 NOV 24 - (B,D) Golf at Tom Watson Course
The course is relatively flat but the imagination and skill of Tom Watson has created an exceptional layout. Carved from the native Japanese pine forest the course demands accuracy and length from the tee and nerves of steel for the approach shots. Fairways are narrow, framed by Japanese pines with bunkers which always seem to be in play. The large greens are perfectly presented and are well-protected. Bunkers are large and imposing, only adding to the already difficult layout of the course. A jidori dinner is included.
27 NOV 24 - (B,L) Full-day sightseeing at Takachiho Gorge
In autumn, the leaves of the trees along the gorge turn a rich shade of orange and red, creating a stunning backdrop for the river and cliffs that make up the gorge. Enjoy a leisurely hike along the river trail offering stunning views of the colourful foliage as you stop to admire the dramatic cliffs as well as the small waterfalls that tumble into the river. You can take a leisurely boat ride and take in the autumn colours from the water (optional).
28 NOV 24 - (B) Golf at UMK Country Club
Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 6436 m | Type Parkland | Architect Hisamitsu Onishi
The AXA Ladies Golf Tournament has been played at UMK Country Club since 2013.
The greens are often well protected by bunkers, with at least two surrounding each green. The 9 holes going out have relatively wide fairways while the inbound 9 holes require more accurate shots. Water comes into play on 6 of the holes. The course is well maintained and the contrast of the white sand bunkers with the green of the fairways and greens is striking.
Shared cart and caddie included.
29 NOV 24 - (B,D) Golf at Phoenix Golf Club
Phoenix GC is host to the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament on the Japanese Tour for the past 49 years. Despite being close to the ocean, Phoenix Country Club plays like a parkland course and is relatively flat. Japanese pine trees line many of the fairways and are bound to attract your attention as the fairways are narrow. A superbly presented course in every respect. This is a walking course. Caddie included.
After playing golf like champions, enjoy On The Tee’s take of Hideki Matsuyama’s dinner menu for the Master’s Champions Dinner in 2022.
30 NOV 24 - (B) Sayonara Miyazaki
The tour ends after breakfast with a group transfer to Miyazaki Airport.
