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Hot Springs & Samurai Legacy: Beppu, Kinrin Lake (Yufuin) & Nakatsu Castle

Nakatsu Castle

Umi Jigoku Hot Spring Garden

"Nissan SERENA" 8-seater, non-smoking car

“Front & rear automatic air-conditioning"

Chinoike Jigoku Hot Spring Garden

“spacious second-row seats”

“spacious third-row seats”

Image of a family of four with four suitcases

Child-infant car seat 0 to 10 years old

“a wheelchair-accessible front passenger seat”

Jigoku-mushi: Japanese Steam Barbeque

Kinrin Lake

Mt. Yufu

View from the keep of Nakatsu Castle

Samurai armor: exhibition at Nakatsu Castle

Nakatsu Castle

Free mobile Wi-Fi

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Thumbnail photo winter

Hot Springs & Samurai Legacy: Beppu, Kinrin Lake (Yufuin) & Nakatsu Castle

Unique Experience

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2024

Katsu N.

4.93 / 5

(29 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Fukuoka

English, Japanese (Native)

10 hours

Private tour (only you and Katsu N.)

Up to 4 people

Extend your journey with my tours and enjoy a multi-day discount. Please send me a message before booking.

Begin at Nakatsu Castle, a rare samurai-era “water castle” privately owned by descendants of its last feudal lord. Savor a unique Beppu experience with Jigoku-mushi (Japanese Steam Barbeque), relax at the aromatic Herb Steam Spa, and explore the vivid hot spring landscapes of Umi Jigoku and Chinoike Jigoku. Stroll briefly along Yufuin’s scenic Kinrin Lake.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel in Fukuoka City

- I am located within a 20-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and Hakata Port, so if you book a hotel near these facilities we can ensure a smooth meeting.

Estimated travel time is 2 hours included 1 bathroom break

10:00 AM

Nakatsu Castle

Nakatsu Castle, built in 1588 by daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka, is one of Japan’s rare “water castles,” with moats connected to the sea. Rebuilt in the early 20th century, it houses a museum showcasing samurai armor, weapons, and local history. From the top floor, enjoy sweeping views of the town and coastline. Uniquely, it is not municipally owned but privately held by descendants of the last feudal lord, the Okudaira family.

Admission: 1,000JPY (Per Person)

12:00 PM

Lunch Time; Jigoku-mushi: Japanese Steamed Barbecue

Jigoku-mushi, or “Japanese Steamed Barbecue,” is a traditional Beppu cooking style using natural hot spring steam to cook seafood, meat, and vegetables in bamboo baskets. The gentle, mineral-rich steam preserves flavors and nutrients, offering a healthy, interactive dining experience unique to Beppu. It can accommodate most dietary restrictions.

The Herb Steam Spa

The Herb Steam Spa is a soothing wellness experience where guests sit in a warm, mist-filled room infused with aromatic herbs. The gentle steam opens pores, promotes circulation, and relaxes muscles, while the herbal scents provide calming effects for the mind. It’s a rejuvenating treatment that blends traditional therapy with natural fragrance.

Admission is 700 JPY, plus 220 JPY for yukata rental.

Recommended set: Admission + yukata rental + towel for 1,100 JPY.

Umi Jigoku Hot Spring Garden

Umi Jigoku (“Sea Hell”) is one of Beppu’s most famous hot spring attractions, featuring a striking cobalt-blue pond created by volcanic activity over 1,200 years ago. Stroll through the landscaped gardens, enjoy onsen footbaths, and see tropical plants thriving in the steam.

Admission: 500 JPY. (Per Person)

Chinoike Jigoku Hot Spring Garden

Chinoike Jigoku (“Blood Pond Hell”) is Japan’s oldest natural hot spring, famous for its striking crimson color caused by iron oxide-rich clay. Steaming at around 78°C, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare. The site includes a foot bath and shop selling clay-based products.

Admission: 500 JPY. (Per Person)

03:20 PM

Departure time to Your Hotel

Estimated travel time is 2 hours plus 1 bathroom break

03:50 PM

Kinrin Lake (short stop)

Kinrin Lake, a serene pond in Yufuin, is famed for its misty morning views created by hot and cold springs mixing. Surrounded by cafés and small shops, it’s an easy stroll with photo spots at every turn. This stop is kept short to avoid the area’s heavy crowds, giving you just enough time to enjoy the scenery.

No admission fee

06:00 PM

Farewell time: Your Hotel in Fukuoka City

I would appreciate your understanding that the arrival time may be delayed due to traffic congestion. Traffic congestion is expected around Fukuoka at this time due to the cars and public transport of local business people.

See you again:)

Ending Point

Your Hotel in Fukuoka City

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

-I will be both the guide and the driver.

-Free mobile Wi-Fi

-Free Apple Music and Netflix

-My own private car (5-seater van "SUBARU JUSTY")

-Gasoline fee

-Parking fee

-Expressway tolls (Fukuoka Urban Expressway and Kyushu Expressway)

-Guide gratuity

What‘s not included

-Cost of meals (guide and customers)

-Facility Admission fees (guide and customers)

**Nakatsu Castle**

1,000JPY (Per Person)

**The Herb Steam Spa**

700 JPY, plus 220 JPY for yukata rental.

Recommended set: Admission + yukata rental + towel for 1,100 JPY.

**Umi Jigoku Hot Spring Garden**

500 JPY. (Per Person)

**Chinoike Jigoku Hot Spring Garden**

500 JPY. (Per Person)

Tour Important Information

1.If you want to do cashless payments on your entire itinerary, please let me know in advance. I will need to have a payment machine ready.

2. Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

3. Extra time is assumed, but it is an itinerary that will be difficult to proceed if the meeting time is delayed. I hope we can meet on time:)

4. My car can accommodate up to 4 guests. If you are a group of 5 or more, please contact me so that I can arrange a rental-car tour;

5-7 guests +33,000yen (8 person van)

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2024

Katsu N.

4.93 / 5

(29 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Katsu N.

Hi, I’m glad you found my page!

I’m a local guide based in Kyushu who loves sharing the region’s history, food, and landscapes in a relaxed and friendly way. Think of me as someone who can make your trip comfortable and memorable, while keeping things easygoing and fun.

I began guiding to share the history, scenery, and food of my home with visitors from around the world. Before this, I worked in luxury retail, where I learned how important details and genuine hospitality are. Now I bring that same spirit to my tours, making sure every guest feels comfortable, cared for, and free to enjoy their journey.

I specialize in private car tours around Kyushu, so you don’t have to worry about train schedules or carrying luggage. We can stop where you like, take things at your own pace, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Onboard you’ll have free Wi-Fi, music, and a comfortable ride—perfect for families, couples, or friends who want both convenience and a touch of luxury.

Some of my favorite places to share are:

Nagasaki: Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, and the city’s cultural blend

Fukuoka: Dazaifu Shrine, city highlights, and Yanagawa’s river cruise with eel dishes

Kumamoto: Mt. Aso’s volcanic views, Kumamoto Castle, and Kurokawa Onsen

Oita: Hita’s riverside town, plus Beppu and Yufuin hot springs

Saga: Arita’s ceramics and the Yoshinogari ancient site

Takachiho Gorge: A mystical canyon tied to Japanese legends

What I enjoy most is helping guests discover both famous sights and hidden corners of Kyushu, while keeping the experience comfortable and stress-free. Whether you’re drawn to culture, food, history, or beautiful scenery, I can adjust the plan to match your style.

I’d love to share my part of Japan with you and create memories that last long after your trip. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to send me a message. I look forward to welcoming you to Kyushu and showing you what makes this region so special!

Reviews

Janet M.

5 / 5

Jun 10, 2026

Private Ceramics & Japanese History 2 days Tour for Janet

Jun 10, 2026

Saga

2 days

Customized

“Well planned Ceramics Itinerary”

Katsu was very easy to work with. He's flexible. I made many changes to my itinerary during the weeks before my arrival in Japan. I told him what I was interested in seeing and if he didn't know about the specific site, he researched it himself. I appreciated his suggestions and prompt responses. His car is comfortable and he's an excellent driver. I felt safe under his care. When my cousin unexpectedly wanted to join me, he was more than happy to include her on our tour. Even with Katsu's limited command of English, a translate app. was able to help intervene. If you're looking for a conscientious and thoughtful guide, Katsu is the one! Thank you Katsu!

Katsu N.

Dear Janet, /// Thank you very much for your kind review. I truly appreciate the time you took to write such thoughtful comments. /// During our tour, there were a few unexpected situations, including visiting a clinic and exchanging currency. In those moments, I did not hesitate to use translation apps to make sure communication was as smooth and accurate as possible. /// Although I have only been working as a tour guide for about two years, I have nearly twenty years of experience in the service industry. /// What made me especially happy was that you appreciated not only the ceramic itinerary itself, but also the hospitality and level of service I strive to provide. My goal is not simply to offer transportation and sightseeing, but to provide a high-quality Japanese hospitality experience, so it means a great deal to know that this came across during your trip. /// If you visit Japan again, I would be delighted to hear from you. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again in the future. /// Thank you again for your wonderful review. /// Kind regards, /// Katsuhisa

Lawson A.

5 / 5

Apr 27, 2026

Nagasaki History Compared with Hiroshima – 1-Day Private Car Tour, Ideal for Cruise Passengers

Apr 27, 2026

Nagasaki

7 hours

“Outstanding Day in Nagasaki ”

We had an outstanding day in Nagasaki with our driver / guide Katsu. It rained all day, but that didn’t stop us from seeing the sites. The atomic bomb museum and related bomb sites were amazing. We had read or studied about the dropping of the atomic bomb, but seeing this in person really put its significance in real terms. Katsu explained the differences between the atomic bombs in Nagasaki & Hiroshima. Quite interesting. Katsu was an excellent guide. We all would recommend him as a guide & will contact him in the future when we’re back in Japan.

Katsu N.

Dear Lawson and everyone, /// Thank you very much for joining my Nagasaki tour. /// And thank you for your wonderful review. /// On that day, my weather app - something that rarely happens - was unfortunately inaccurate, which made it a bit difficult to adjust at times. However, I’m very happy to hear that you were satisfied. /// I believe one of the great advantages of a private tour is the flexibility to adapt to the situation on the day, so please feel free to contact me again when you visit Japan next time. I’m sure you will be able to enjoy the unique charm of different regions of Japan. /// I look forward to seeing you again. /// Kind regards, /// Katsuhisa

Grace P.

5 / 5

Apr 4, 2026

Cruise Passengers’ Scenic & Photogenic Assortment of Nagasaki – 1-Day Private Car Tour

Apr 4, 2026

Nagasaki

8 hours 30 mins

“Amazing Cruise Excursion in Nagasaki”

It was our first time visiting Nagasaki and we hired Mr Katsu as our local guide. I can say that he was very knowledgable, experienced and respectful. He prepared a good itinerary for us that perfectly aligned with our schedule. We were on a cruise and he made sure that we got back to our ship with ample time. Aside from taking us to important places, he also gave a brief history of the place that make the visit more meaningful. He speaks english though not fluently, but you can see his effort to convey his message across. His transport vehicle was clean, he driving was ok. He was fhoughtful because at the time of our visit, the cherries were not yet full bloom so he arranged a fresh flower arrangement inside his car. He was also our tour guide in Fukuoka. He took us to a restaurant where locals eat and we had a great lunch The cost of his service was reasonable. Highly recommended.

Katsu N.

Thank you very much for joining my tours in Nagasaki and Fukuoka. /// I am very glad to hear that you were satisfied with the experience. /// Especially in Nagasaki, as the history and religious background can be quite complex, I try to guide with easy-to-understand materials from multiple perspectives. /// In particular, for the Atomic Bomb Museum, I continuously update my explanations through daily study, so there may be times when my English expressions are not always fluent. /// Regarding the meals, I have built up strong local knowledge over the years, so I’m very happy that you enjoyed the dining experience as well. /// I would be delighted to guide you in many other regions, and I look forward to seeing you again in the future. /// Katsuhisa