Northern Kyushu Day Tour Akiyoshido Cave and Motonosumi Inari

Start Your Beautiful Journey Meeting Point & Pick-up: 08:30 – Lawson (Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station Chikushi Exit) ※ Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The bus will leave on time and will not wait for late arrivals. 09:40 – Kitakyushu | Mekari Parking Area (Approx. 20 min, free time) Take a short break at Mekari PA, a popular rest stop overlooking the beautiful Kanmon Strait. From the observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of the strait where Honshu and Kyushu meet. Visitors can also browse local specialties and souvenirs from both Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki — a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery and pick up regional treats.

10:50 – Yamaguchi | Akiyoshido Cave – One of Japan’s Largest Limestone Caves. Akiyoshido, a designated Special Natural Monument, stretches 10.7 km, making it Japan’s second longest and one of the largest limestone caves. Located 100 meters underground beneath Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, the cave features a 1 km sightseeing route. With a constant temperature of around 17°C year-round, it stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Inside, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and massive terraced limestone formations that serve as precious geological specimens. Formed over a million years ago, Akiyoshido offers visitors a mysterious underground world showcasing Earth’s ancient history and the wonders of nature.

Selected by CNN as one of the most beautiful places in Japan, Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City is famous for its 123 red torii gates stretching from the hillside to the cliffs overlooking the sea, creating a breathtaking contrast with the blue ocean and sky. Challenging Offering Box: Unlike ordinary shrines, its offertory box is placed 6 meters high on a torii gate. Successfully tossing a coin in is said to bring good fortune! For those who miss, a standard offertory box is also provided nearby. Ryugu no Shiofuki (Dragon Palace Blowhole): In winter, crashing waves force seawater through rock crevices, spraying up to 30 meters high with a roaring sound like a dragon’s breath. Under sunlight, rainbows sometimes appear — a spectacular sight! If the Motonosumi Inari Shrine closed, will be replaced with Fukuoku Inari Shrine .

15:20 – Yamaguchi | Tsunoshima Bridge One of Japan’s most scenic bridges, Tsunoshima Bridge stretches 1,780 meters across the sparkling blue sea. Frequently featured in TV commercials, the stunning harmony of the bridge with the turquoise waters makes it a photographer’s dream. 15:50 – Return Journey End of the day’s tour and start heading back. 18:30 – Fukuoka | Lawson Hakata Station Chikushi Exit Tour ends.