The Best Luxury & Unique Experiences in Kyushu

The Island of Kyushu is proof that today’s luxury cares a lot less about the price tag, but more about encounters that only happen once. Moments that are authentic, and leave you feeling connected to the land. These experiences, orchestrated by nature, craft, and a rare privilege to indulge, can be found in Kyushu, far from the crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto. Take lots of moments out of the busy life with rarefied access to the volcanic hot springs, ancient cedar forests, and dramatic calderas, in addition to some of Japan's most exclusive trains and ryokan, exclusively served on the island.

 

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ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa by IHG

 

Immerse Yourself in Unparalleled Luxury at the Beppu Hot Springs (Oita)

Imagine a place where the earth itself breathes warmth, producing an astonishing 130,000 tons of restorative hot spring water each day. This is Beppu, a city nestled in the Oita prefecture, second only to Yellowstone in geothermal output but peerless in its diversity of bathing experiences. The entire city rests upon a volcanic zone, a geological marvel that infuses its waters with a unique tapestry of minerals. Iron and magnesium oxides tint the pools in a symphony of colours, creating textures and sensations found nowhere else on earth.

 

Journey through the eight legendary “Beppu Hells” (Beppu Jigoku), where nature’s artistry is on full display. Discover pools of vivid red and milky blue, alongside bubbling mud baths that form some of the most visually spectacular hot springs on the planet. Yet, the experience transcends mere soaking. Picture yourself on a beach where the sands are naturally warmed by geothermal heat, allowing you to be enveloped up to your neck in comforting warmth—a traditional practice believed to detoxify the body and improve circulation.

 

This extraordinary landscape is home to some of Japan's most exquisite luxury ryokans and resorts, each offering a sanctuary of elegance and serenity. Retreat to the opulent embrace of AMANE resort SEIKAI, find artistic tranquility at SEKIYA RESORT Galleria Midobaru, or indulge in the coastal splendour of AMANE resort GAHAMA. For those who seek world-class refinement, the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa awaits. Further invitations to luxury are extended by Kannawaen, SEKIYA RESORT Bettei Haruki, Hana Beppu, Akarinoyado Togetsu, and Kappo Ryokan Yumesaki, each promising an unforgettable escape into a world of restorative indulgence.

 

 

Hanzuiryo, Unzen

 

Luxury onsen accommodation - Hanzuiryo (Nagasaki)

Tucked in the forested Unzen National Park, and in the heart of the Unzen Onsen area, Hanzuiryo is widely considered one of Japan’s top ryokan, and is well deserving. Its deeply traditional setup does not include large hotel buildings; rather, it consists of 14 detached villas, constructed in sukiya-zukuri style (resembling Japanese teahouses) with tatami floors, sliding rice-paper doors, woodwork, and gardens designed to marry into the surrounding nature.

 

The ryokan's private sulfur springs, drawn from the Uzen Onsen (going back around 1300 years), feed into its hot-spring bathhouses, which include both indoor baths and outdoor natural-stone air baths. Under the sunlight, the water can appear emerald, adding to the peace and secluded feeling of soaking here while looking over the surrounding garden and forest.

 

 

Roppokan in Harazuru Hakata Onsen (Fukuoka), Onsen with river view

 

Luxury Wellness and Relaxation experiences - Harazuru Onsen (Fukuoka)

According to local legend, a crane (known as tsuru in Japanese) was once seen bathing in the warm waters of a river spring in Hazaru. This story is said to have revealed the healing properties of the hot springs here.

 

Interestingly, Harazuru Onsen is situated along the Chikugo River in the Fukuoka prefecture with two distinct hot-spring waters: a weakly alkaline “simple spring” and a mild sulfur spring, believed to soften skin and promote circulation. The flow of water here gushes immensely, as Hazaruru taps 34 spring sources to deliver around 3,000 liters of spring water per minute (one of the highest yields in Kyushu). Thanks to this rich and abundant flow, most ryokan and public baths in Harazuru prioritize kakenagashi (free-flowing, 100% fresh) hot-spring water instead of recycled or heated water. This in itself is a rare and luxurious feature, even among Japan’s famous onsen towns.

 

 

Yufuin Autumn (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

 

Exclusive Ryokan Stays and Spas in Yufuin (Oita)

At the base of Mount Yufu, Yafuin takes ryokan stays to a highly exclusive level with ryokans such as Yufuin Gettoan, Kamenoi Bessou, and Baien. Regardless of which ryokan you finally settle for, you will find suites with private rotenburo and also enjoy the healing benefits of Yufuin’s rare hydrogen carbonate springs, one of the three prized ‘beauty-enhancing’ onsen types in Japan (bijin-no-yu), famous for leaving skin exceptionally soft and smooth. The views have a way of making you feel truly special and exclusive, with rooms that look out to rice paddies or Lake Kirin. The spa element is where Yufuin’s ryokans do truly shine; many offer tailored spa programs that blend holistic elements such as herbal treatments, geothermal stone therapy, and steaming rituals with the use of locally sourced yuzu, kabosu citrus, and mountain herbs.

 

 

Seven Stars Luxury Train, Kyushu

 

The World’s Most Beautiful Train – Seven Stars in Kyushu

If there’s a single bucket-list experience in Kyushu, it’s the Seven Stars. Painted in royal wine-red and gold, this exclusively intimate sleeper train allows only 20 passengers per journey. Inside, intricate woodworks crafted by Kyushu’s finest artisans appeal to the senses, and each cabin features elegant cypress-paneled showers.

 

The adventure on rail is one that is holistic; rosewood-crafted suites paired with deep cultural engagements showcased at a slow, indulgent pace as you tour the island’s splendor on a 2-day (one-night) or 4-day (three-night) itinerary. Savour the plenty of stops, including the privilege to enjoy kaiseki feasts made from ingredients sourced that morning along the route. Also, you can disembark at certain stops en route to connect with the local culture. Think Tea ceremonies in Ureshino, Porcelain painting in Arita, walking tours in towns like Yufuin, or stays at onsen ryokans in Unzen or Kirishima.

 

Contact Onlyluxe Travel to book the exclusive luxury train.

 

 

Mt Aso Heli Tour

 

Helicopter Over the Aso Caldera (Kumamoto)

Exploring Mount Aso on foot reveals little of its enormous wonder. And although it is the largest active volcano in Japan, perhaps also the most beautiful, very little is seen from the ground. So far, the best way to experience its colossal grandeur is from the air. Most rides last between 12-30 minutes, from the Aso Kuju National Park Heliport, but guarantee a true showcase of Mount Aso.

 

From the helicopter windows high up, few sights rival the views of the rice fields of Aso Valley as they contrast with the smoking, barren peaks of Mount Naka-dake (one of the Five Peaks and still erupting as of October 2021). The nearby Kusasenri-ga-hama grassland is another highlight you should keep your eyes peeled for, before skimming the jagged ridges of the Five Peaks of Aso (Aso Gotake). If you’re lucky enough to experience clear weather during the flight, you may spot the distant Shimabara Peninsula and even Mount Unzen across the sea, adding a special touch to the overall experience.

 

 

E-biking in Uzen

 

Luxury Nature Walking & Biking Tours

The best time to experience nature in Kyushu is at dawn; by this time, the lush forest is still humming with the morning calls, and the sunrise adds to the ambiance. The trails found on this island are mostly covered in ferns and moss, with a chance to savor the sights of mirror-like alpine lakes, lush forests, and even waterfalls. While this goes on, most tour guides take this opportunity to share intimate knowledge of rare flora and fauna, even identifying them if sighted. Tours through Yakushima’s ancient cedar forest are a dream for many nature walkers. But there’s more to be seen; Kunisaki Peninsula’s forest trails are another delight if you’re counting on calm, introspective moments. Be sure to stop and indulge occasionally, and if possible, away from the crowd for a truly captivating experience.

 

 

Private Tours in Nature - Yakushima Island (Kagoshima)

Yakushima Island shows you exactly why Kyushu’s ancient forests are UNESCO-listed. Its moss-covered cedar trees are capped at over a thousand years old (called Yakasugi). But more than a simple nature walk, these forests feel primordial, alive, and deeply touched by scents of moss and cedar; the perfect environment to stop and just enjoy the raw retrospective powers of nature.

 

The Arakawa trail is an unmatched way to experience nature walking here. The route leads you along an old logging railway through ancient stairways, crystal pools, and the legendary Jomon Sugi Cedar, estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. For an optimal experience, launch from the Sankara hotel and spa, which can also arrange private night tours to see loggerhead turtles laying eggs (June–August) and dawn kayaking through mangrove forests where monkeys and deer come to drink.

 

 

Aso Outdoor Picnic

 

Luxury Outdoor Dining - Aso Caldera tour and Dining (Kumamoto)

The best way to experience it all is to start at iconic viewpoints such as Aikanbō, Kusasenri-ga-hama, or the Nakadake Crater Rim, in Kumamoto’s Aso region, where one of the largest volcanic basins, the Aso Caldera, spans 25 kilometers in diameter. Its sheer size alone makes you feel almost breathless and overwhelmed just standing there. Continue to family-run farms on the caldera floor and meet the local producers and tenders who cultivate the vegetables in the fertile and mineral-rich Aso soil you see. More than just the sensory appeal, there’s a deeply grounded feeling that accompanies digging your hands into the dark, fertile earth. And this time, you will also partake in harvesting the ingredients that will be used to prepare your next meal, before enjoying a private open-air dining set on a secluded meadow, or a ranch with enrapturing views of Mount Aso’s five peaks.

 

 

Kirishima Brown Vinegar Visit & Tasting

 

Artisanal Workshops with Masters

In addition to a trove of exotic experiences, Kyushu also has preserved centuries-old crafts that are a rare find elsewhere. In Arita, for instance, you might have the opportunity to engage with the 14th-generation porcelain master, Imaizumi Imaemon XIV (an exclusive experience), learning about traditional techniques such as the sumi-hajiki (ink-resist) overglaze enamel style (a technique once exclusively reserved for feudal lords). Even more extraordinary, specialized experiences may allow you to train with a master Satsuma kiriko cut-glass artisan and learn the intricate art behind the masterfully crafted whisky tumblers. The creation of a single whisky tumbler can take days, and you can see the meticulous accuracy being put to the test in real life. Each of these experiences is intimate in its profound way, as they invite you into workshops rarely open to outsiders.

 

 

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