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Posted on Katrina BTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Beppu City Tour with Private Guide was an exceptional experience. Our guide, Kei made contact prior to the tour to determine our interests and food preferences so that he could plan our 5 hours accordingly. He showed us his incredible city including the Hells of Beppu and geyser. We thoroughly enjoyed a walk around the back streets of Kannawa and a delicious steamed bun from a street vendor - so many things were possible because we were guided by a true local. A classic Beppu lunch cooked in the traditional steaming method was thoroughly enjoyed. Kei helped us with purchasing tickets which allowed us to move along at a good pace between venues. His communication was excellent and he shows a genuine interest in travellers as he showcases his local area. Kei was punctual and his car was very comfortable and clean. I highly recommend this reputable guide.Posted on Soenkyung LTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My parents and I went to Usuki with Kei. He picked us up and dropped us off at our lodgings. Unlike the crowded onsen towns Beppu and Yufuin, Usuki was pleasantly peaceful with no tourists to be seen! Kei explained to us that the British samurai of drama Shogun fame actually washed up in Usuki in 1600. He took us to a Buddhist temple that was linked to that history, and introduced us to a Frenchman who works there and resides in the area. It was so interesting to meet a real-life gaijin who fell in love with the city and makes his life there. The Fugu lunch Kei arranged was wonderful too. Apparently, Usuki is a UNESCO city of gastronomy, famous for its soy sauce and miso. The stone Buddhas were impressive and serene in a beautiful countryside setting, and getting to go inside a samurai residence (villa of the Inaba clan that ruled Usuki in the Tokugawa period) was fascinating. I highly recommend taking a detour to Usuki with Kyushu Immersions. Frankly, one day was too short to take in all the history, culture, and gastronomy. Thanks to Kei who thoughtfully accommodated my elderly parents, so we didn't need to walk too far or take stairs.Posted on Laura ZTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the tour you are looking for! Don't hesitate. Our custom Beppu tour with Kyushu Immersion was a true highlight of our Japan trip. From the start, everything was thoughtfully planned around our interests, and our guide, Kei, brought Beppu to life with deep local knowledge and genuine enthusiasm. These are just some of the highlights (there was even more!). We explored the famous Beppu “hells,” including Chinoike Jigoku and Umi Jigoku, enjoyed sweeping views from the Yukemuri Observatory, and visited a castle and traditional samurai houses that added rich historical context to the day. A steamed lunch cooked using Beppu’s hot spring heat was both unique and delicious, and the sake tasting was a wonderful local touch. What made this experience exceptional was how personal it felt. Kei carefully planned the day in advance based on our preferences, paced everything perfectly, and made traveling by private vehicle comfortable and stress free. Rather than feeling like a checklist of sights, the tour felt immersive and meaningful. This was not just sightseeing but a beautifully curated experience that gave us a deeper appreciation of Japan. We highly recommend Kyushu Immersion for anyone looking for a truly customized and memorable tour. It is everything you hope for and more!Posted on Brian CTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great last minute private tour thanks to Ken and Keita squeezing us in at the eleventh hour. They were very accommodating with our travel schedule, and two young girls. Would def use their services again, thank you gents!Posted on Sarah WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful tour with Keita today! Got to see a beautiful samurai village and samurai homes, and a castle tour! He even an arranged a private tea experience at a 150 year-old tea house. Our guide brought us treats and local drinks, and was took pictures for us. Highly recommend if you are in the Beppu area. 😀Posted on Kaye ETrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful time on our private tour in Shimonoseki. Kei went above and beyond in organising a custom tour for the day our cruise ship was in port in Shimonoseki. He ensured my family and I all had a memorable time and saw the highlights of Yamaguchi. He picked us up from the port and it was a very well planned day. Highly recommend Kyushu Immersion!! Will definitely be a repeat customer if we are back in that region of Japan 🇯🇵 🐡Posted on M ZTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was a last minute booking that Kei graciously fit me into for a customized One Piece statue tour across all of Kumamoto. Kei was an excellent driver and made great timing so that I was able to purchase all special edition one piece figures. Kei also showed some great side spots and explained the logic for why each statue was placed where it was, and he also chose a delicious restaurant to stop at. Overall, I was grateful for my experience and it was well worth it.Posted on Diana LTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We wanted to use this company after reading excellent reviews of Keita, who owns Kyushu Immersion. He unfortunately acquired another customer before we committed, so he assigned us Ayu. No offense Kei, but we were very happy you did. She was absolutely amazing. She was very bubbly, always smiling, always very friendly, and spoke excellent English. She shared a picture of her son with us, so cute, and was interested in our families. She interpreted so well during our tea ceremony and made sure we knew everything that was said and what we had to do. She explained where we were going and what we were seeing. She shared dozens of pictures with us enjoying our time in Beppu. She is an excellent guide. She made us all want to go back to Beppu because we really loved the area and Ayu. We feel we have a new friend with her and would love to see her again in the future.Posted on Sebastian WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked this informative and genuine tour during our first trip to Japan in November. It was a little chilly, but no problem with good sneakers, thinner down-jacket and wind/rain jacket (+hat). Kei, our English speaking guide for the day, picked us up from the train station by his car. First stop was a local supermarket, where he showed us different mushrooms and how they are used in Japanese kitchen. Then we drove to the farmers house. It took about 20min and was full of interesting discussions. At the farm we learned about the process of growing Shiitake and then we went in to the forest to harvest our own mushrooms that we grilled later at the farm (4 pieces are enough per person 😅). The family welcomed us very warmly into their home, since it was quite cold outside and the lunch was great! All in all an amazing experience. 10/10 would recommend!
This comprehensive full-day private tour maximizes your time in Shimonoseki, linking the breathtaking nature of the Japan Sea coast with the rich history of the Kanmon Strait. Your journey begins with a drive to the stunning Tsunoshima Bridge and the red torii gates of Fukutoku Inari Shrine for an extended coastal experience. After a scenic morning, we return to the historic city center for a delicious local lunch and a deep dive into the samurai era and the city’s military past. You’ll literally walk between islands through the Kanmon Tunnel and explore the sites of ancient naval battles. This efficient itinerary is designed for those who want to experience the vast beauty and profound history of Yamaguchi Prefecture in one unforgettable journey.
Primary Area: JR Shimonoseki Station .
*Pick-up at your hotel or any preferred location available.
For cruise passengers: We can also arrange pickup from Shimonoseki Port (Choshu Dejima) or Moji Port. Please inquire when booking.
Return to the same point that the tour starts.
Flexible (between 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM)
English, Japanese
Please note: This is a sample itinerary based on a 9:00 AM start time. As this is your private tour, the start time is fully flexible and we will adjust the schedule accordingly.
Meet your local guide at JR Shimonoseki Station or designated spots in Shimonoseki City. For cruise passengers: the request-based pick-up at Shimonoseki Port or Moji Port is also available. Ask us when you inquire about the tour.
This magnificent, cable-free bridge spans the cobalt-blue ocean, connecting the mainland to Tsunoshima island. It is consistently ranked as one of Japan’s most picturesque scenic drives, offering unparalleled views of the Japan Sea’s clear, bright waters.
Perched above the Sea of Japan, this beautiful shrine features a vibrant tunnel of red torii gates leading toward the ocean. It offers stunning, expansive views of the coastline and serves as an excellent spot for photography and spiritual contemplation.
Kawara Soba is a signature Yamaguchi regional dish. Green tea-flavored soba noodles are served sizzling hot on a traditional roof tile (kawara), topped with sliced beef, egg, and seaweed. The tile heats the noodles, making the bottom layer wonderfully crisp—a unique texture and flavor you must try. Please note: Lunch cost is not included in the tour price. Budget approximately JPY 1,800 to JPY 2,500 per person for this specialty dish.
Located at the narrowest point of the Kanmon Strait, this park is historically significant as the site of the decisive final naval Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185). The park features full-scale replica cannons used during the 1864 Shimonoseki Bombardment, offering a tangible connection to Japan’s turbulent military history.
Experience the unique sensation of walking beneath the sea. This 780-meter tunnel connects Honshu (Shimonoseki) and Kyushu (Mojiko) and is a fascinating engineering feat, allowing you to walk between two islands in less than 15 minutes. We walk about the halfway of the tunnel.
This striking vermillion shrine is dedicated to the young Emperor Antoku, who tragically drowned himself during the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Its beautiful Ryugu-zukuri (Dragon Palace style) gate stands out, providing a serene and poignant contrast to the area’s military history.
Your tour concludes as we drop you off at your hotel or another preferred location in Shimonoseki.
For cruise passengers: We can also arrange pickup from Shimonoseki Port (Choshu Dejima) or Moji Port. Please inquire when booking.
We had a wonderful time on our private tour in Shimonoseki. Kei went above and beyond in organising a custom tour for the day our cruise ship was in port in Shimonoseki. He ensured my family and I all had a memorable time and saw the highlights of Yamaguchi. He picked us up from the port and it was a very well planned day. Highly recommend Kyushu Immersion!! Will definitely be a repeat customer if we are back in that region of Japan.
