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Planet Rail · Curated luxury rail tour

Seven Stars Kyushu: Japan by Luxury Train

Eight-day luxury rail tour through Kyushu, Japan aboard the Seven Stars train

Illustration of Seven Stars Kyushu: Japan by Luxury Train

Planet Rail's Seven Stars Kyushu is an 8-day luxury journey through southern Japan, departing January and February 2026. The trip opens with a night at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, then boards the Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan's most exclusive luxury train, for a one-night round-trip voyage from Hakata Station via Kagoshima, where you experience fine dining and Suite-class cabins. Over the following five days, Planet Rail guides you through Kyushu's cultural heart: a private visit to a historic porcelain kiln in Imari, hands-on indigo dyeing in Kurume, exploration of Yanagawa's 400-year-old Tachibana Family Residence and canals, Yamaga's traditional theater and sake breweries, and a rejuvenating soak at Kurokawa Onsen followed by Japanese archery and tea ceremony in the Aso region. This journey suits luxury travellers and repeat rail travellers who value intimate scale (maximum two guests per departure) and cultural depth over volume.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Seven Stars Kyushu journey is only one night (Day 2); the remaining five days involve coach and walking tours of Kyushu towns and cultural sites
  • This is a strictly curated two-person tour; Planet Rail controls all activities and pacing, not an independent exploration
  • The itinerary notes alternative activities for January and February dates (Yanagawa vs. Yame tea heritage); confirm which applies to your departure month

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fukuoka

    Arrival In Japan

    Upon arrival in Japan, make your way to the vibrant city of Fukuoka and check in to the renowned Ritz-Carlton, where impeccable service and elegant surroundings offer a warm welcome. Take the rest of the day to unwind, adjust to your new surroundings, and enjoy your first taste of Japan before your Seven Stars Kyushu journey begins the following morning.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard Seven Stars in Kyushu

    Seven Stars Kyushu: Kyushu Round Trip

    Depart from Hakata Station aboard the luxurious Seven Stars Kyushu, beginning your journey through southern Japan. Sit back and relax as the train winds its way toward Kagoshima, offering stunning views of Kyushu's glittering azure coastline. On board, enjoy refined hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and captivating stories from the master artisans who helped craft the train's elegant interiors.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Fukuoka

    Farewell to The Seven Stars Kyushu

    Your final stretch aboard the Seven Stars takes you along the picturesque Kyudai Main Line, with breathtaking views of Mt. Yufu. As you reflect on the journey, the train returns to Hakata Station. This evening, unwind at your hotel preparing for the cultural highlights of your Kyushu tour to begin tomorrow.

  4. Day 4

    Historic Japanese Ceramic Pottery Tour

    Begin your day in Imari with a private visit to a historic porcelain kiln, where you'll observe master artisans practicing time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. Afterwards, wander to nearby Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets, browsing intimate galleries and centuries-old ceramic displays.

  5. Day 5

    Indigo Dyeing & Yanagawa's Historic Canals

    Begin the day with a hands-on workshop at the Indigo Dyeing Tsutsumi Workshop in Kurume, where you'll learn traditional techniques before creating your own indigo-dyed piece. In January, you'll explore Yanagawa, visiting the 400-year-old Tachibana Family Residence and discovering the city's historic canals, often called the 'Venice of the East'. In February, you'll delve into Yame's tea heritage with a refined tea ceremony at a historic tea shop.

  6. Day 6

    Yamaga Traditions

    Begin your day with a stroll along the historic Yamaga Bunroku Kaido and visit the beautifully preserved Yachiyoza Theater, with the option to experience a traditional Japanese performance. Take part in hands-on cultural activities such as paper-making, lantern crafting, and rice cracker making. In the afternoon, tour Yamaga's unique breweries producing sake, wine, and whiskey.

  7. Day 7overnight: Kurokawa

    Kurokawa Onsen Retreat & Exploring the Aso Region

    Begin the day with a rejuvenating soak at Kurokawa Onsen, nestled in a forested valley and renowned as one of Japan's most scenic and tranquil hot spring towns. Then journey to the Aso region for sweeping views of vast grasslands and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The afternoon offers immersive cultural experiences including Kyudo (Japanese archery), Iaido (the art of sword-drawing), and the elegant tea ceremony.

  8. Day 8

    Return to Fukuoka via Historic Hita

    On your final day, depart from Aso and journey back to Fukuoka before your transfer to the airport. En route, you have the option to stop in the charming town of Hita, known for its beautifully preserved streets, old merchant houses, and scenic canals.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Depart Hakata Station aboard the Seven Stars Kyushu, traveling toward Kagoshima along the glittering Kyushu coastline with gourmet dining and stories from master artisans
  • Day 4Day 4: Private visit to a historic porcelain kiln in Imari, then walk through Arita's centuries-old ceramic galleries
  • Day 5Day 5: Hands-on indigo dyeing workshop in Kurume, then explore Yanagawa's 400-year-old Tachibana Family Residence and historic canals
  • Day 7Day 7: Rejuvenating soak at Kurokawa Onsen, followed by experiences in the Aso region including Japanese archery, sword-drawing, and tea ceremony

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes one night aboard the Seven Stars Kyushu from Hakata Station, plus all transportation during the five-day cultural tour portion
Which train do I travel on?
The Seven Stars in Kyushu, which operates a round-trip route from Hakata Station via Kagoshima and the Kyudai Main Line, with Suite-class cabins
Where do I stay?
Night 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka; Night 2 aboard the Seven Stars; Nights 3-6 at locations including a ryokan in Yanagawa and hot-spring inns in Kurokawa; Night 7 back in Fukuoka
When does the tour run?
Planet Rail operates two departures: January 2026 and February 2026, each priced from GBP 11,495 per person
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Planet Rail curates a fully guided experience with maximum two guests per departure, including cultural workshops, kiln visits, and theater performances
What is not included?
Return flights are available on request but not included in the package price; optional extras include international flights and a stop in Hita

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