PEGASUS Tourism
◎See Kyushu’s big 3 in one day.
◎Visit Kurume’s 62m Giant Kannon, Kumamoto Castle & Mount Aso.
◎Direct hotel pickup from Fukuoka.
◎Skip the complex transit. See history, icons & nature in just 1 day.
Tour Details
Meeting Point:
Lawson (in front of Oriental Hotel Fukuoka)
*Specific pickup time will be notified by our staff based on the day's conditions.
Known as the spiritual symbol of the Chikugo Plain. The highlight is the 62-meter-tall "Grand Mother Kannon" — one of Japan’s largest Buddhist statues and a famous landmark of Kurume.
The main hall enshrines Fudo Myoo, believed to provide protection against misfortune and ensure travel safety. The temple grounds are filled with stone lanterns, engraved monuments, and small shrines, reflecting a rich history from the Showa era. Walking up the ancient stone steps, you can feel the traces of countless worshippers. With cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn, the temple looks like a living Japanese painting.
Suggestions:
Main Hall & Fudo Myoo Hall (Free): Experience the solemn atmosphere, take photos, or buy lucky charms (Omamori).
Climb the Kannon Statue (500 JPY / Self-pay): Climb about 350 steps to the top. See Buddhist statues and murals on each floor, and enjoy a panoramic view of Kurume City from the observation deck.
Temple Gardens (Free): Walk through the gardens to see stone carvings and seasonal flowers. Beautiful in both spring and autumn.
Kumamoto Castle (Admission at own expense) is one of Japan’s three premier castles, alongside Osaka and Nagoya Castles. Originally built in 1607 by Kato Kiyomasa, it is renowned for its solid fortifications, magnificent keep, and beautiful cherry blossoms. As a key military stronghold in Kyushu, it later became the residence of the Hosokawa clan during the Edo period. During the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, the castle famously withstood a siege by Saigo Takamori’s rebel forces.
Key Highlights:
Main Castle Keep (Tenshu): The highest structure with its iconic black exterior and majestic tiered roofs.
Musha-gaeshi (Warrior-repelling walls): Unique, steep stone walls designed to prevent enemies from climbing.
Uto Turret (Uto Yagura): One of the few original structures that survived past wars and earthquakes.
A tourism and cultural complex located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle. It features a variety of local delicacies, souvenirs, and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack after visiting the castle. You can try local specialties like Basashi (Horse Sashimi), Karashi Renkon (Spicy Lotus Root), and Kumamoto Ramen. It’s also a great spot to buy Kumamon merchandise, traditional sweets, and Shochu.
▼ Kumamon Square (Approx. 30 mins)
Kumamon Square is the official home and office of Kumamoto’s famous mascot, "Kumamon," located in the Sakuramachi area. Visitors can explore Kumamon’s office and browse exclusive merchandise. It’s a must-visit for fans to get closer to Japan’s most popular bear.
Mount Aso, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the world's largest active volcanoes with a massive caldera. It offers breathtaking volcanic landscapes and various outdoor activities such as crater viewing, horseback riding on the grasslands, and hot springs.
Main Highlights:
Nakadake Crater: The most famous spot where you can observe white smoke rising from the active crater at close range.
Aso Shrine: A historic shrine dedicated to the deities of Mount Aso.
Special Notes:
Access to the crater depends on the concentration of volcanic gases on the day. Regulatory status cannot be predicted in advance.
If the crater area is closed, the itinerary will be adjusted to focus on sightseeing at Kusasenri.
Pricing
【Includes】
Vehicle usage fees as listed in the itinerary. Fuel, tolls, and highway fees.
Vehicle service time: within 10 hours (Subject to Japanese law).
Driver-guide (Will not accompany you inside attractions).
Reference vehicle: Alphard or Hiace *The above vehicles are for reference only; the actual vehicle type will be adjusted based on the number of participants.
【Excludes】
Accommodation, meals, entrance fees, optional self-paid items, and other personal expenses.
As this is a day tour, bringing luggage is not recommended.
If you have luggage, please specify in the remarks when booking.
Any other items not listed in the "Includes" section above. Insurance fees.
Important Notes
I. Reservation and Participation
• Schedule changes are not allowed after the reservation is confirmed. Any losses incurred due to changes shall be borne by the customer.
• Please provide accurate full name and contact information, and complete payment within the specified deadline.
• Please manage your valuables personally. We are not responsible for any loss or damage.
• Late arrival after departure, no-show without prior notice, or leaving the group midway will be considered a voluntary forfeiture, and no refund will be provided.
II. Participation Requirements
• Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian.
• Participants aged 70 or above are advised to assess their health condition and are recommended to be accompanied by a family member or friend aged 20 or above.
• Pregnant individuals, persons with heart conditions, hypertension, acrophobia, or other chronic illnesses are advised to refrain from participating in high-risk activities (e.g., skiing, water sports, etc.).
• The tour will be conducted in Chinese and Japanese. If other languages are required, please inquire in advance.
• If there are any changes in health condition after application, please notify us promptly.
III. Itinerary and Safety
• This is a group tour with shared transportation. Please follow the instructions of the guide/driver and strictly adhere to meeting times. No refund will be provided for any part of the itinerary missed due to lateness.
• The order of visits may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, events, etc., but no attractions will be omitted.
• Outdoor activities involve certain risks. Please participate according to your physical condition and follow on-site safety instructions.
• Safety and conduct during free time are the sole responsibility of the customer.
IV. Cancellation and Refund Policy (Cancellation Fees)
| Tour Type | Cancellation Period (Before Departure) | Cancellation Fee |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Multi-day Tour | 10–20 days (inclusive) | 20% of the tour fee |
| Day Tour | 10–8 days (inclusive) | 20% of the tour fee |
| All Tours | 7–2 days (inclusive) | 30% of the tour fee |
| All Tours | 1 day before departure | 40% of the tour fee |
| All Tours | Day of departure (with notice) | 50% of the tour fee |
| All Tours | Day of departure (without notice) | 100% of the tour fee |
V. Other Important Notes
• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.
• Meal contents vary by product. Please inform us in advance of any allergies or religious dietary restrictions.
• Shopping decisions are at your discretion. Be sure to obtain receipts.
• Please maintain contactable status during the tour.
• Respect local laws, customs, and culture, and observe public etiquette.
VI. Insurance and Liability
• We strongly recommend that customers purchase travel accident insurance independently.
• Upon request, we can introduce partner insurance companies.
• We are only liable for damages caused by our own negligence. Damages resulting from natural disasters or other force majeure events are not covered.
VII. Other Terms and Conditions
For further details, please refer to the "Tour Terms and Conditions & Transaction Terms Explanation." Checking the relevant box during online reservation is deemed as confirmation of the content and agreement to receive the document electronically.
