Hot Springs & Samurai Legacy: Beppu, Kinrin Lake (Yufuin) & Nakatsu Castle
Joined 2024
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!
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
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)
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)
Departure time to Your Hotel
Estimated travel time is 2 hours plus 1 bathroom break
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
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
-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
-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
About Tour Guide Katsu N.
Hi there! I may sound formal in this profile, but I’m actually very easygoing—feel free to check my reviews! Next section is my profile:)
**Curriculum Vitae (Summary)**
Main Service Areas: Nagasaki (Meeting: Nagasaki, Fukuoka), Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Saga (Meeting: Fukuoka)
[Qualifications]
- Hospitality & Customer Satisfaction: Please see guest reviews for feedback.
- Luxury Market Focus: Please see my listed tour for more.
- English Skills:
Intermediate: Conversational English tour-related communication
No overseas residency
[Work Experience]
- High-end Furniture Retailer
Experience and knowledge utilized: Hospitality and Marketing Strategy for high-end clients/ Tour route planning and design
- Freelance Guide & Content Writer (2024–Present)
Focus: Private luxury car tours in Kyushu / SEO content writing for inbound marketing
[Key Destinations & Experiences]
Nagasaki
- Nagasaki City: Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, cultural highlights
- Shimabara: Traditional castle & volcanic geology
Fukuoka
- Fukuoka City: Urban highlights
- Dazaifu: Tenmangu Shrine visit
- Yanagawa: River cruise & local cuisine (eel)
Kumamoto
- Mt. Aso: Panoramic volcanic landscapes
- Kumamoto Castle: History + earthquake heritage
- Kurokawa Onsen: Upscale hot spring resort (with special access options)
Oita
- Hita: Scenic riverside town and former samurai district — a hidden gem offering a peaceful alternative to busy Dazaifu
- Beppu/Yufuin: Lake views, onsen & volcanic activity
Saga
- Arita: Japanese ceramics & garden culture
- Yoshinogari: Ancient civilization experience
Other Destinations
- Takachiho Gorge: Mystical Japanese landscape and cultural legend site
[Education]
B.A. in English Studies (Major in Linguistics; Senior Seminar: Shakespeare Studies)
Dokkyo University, Saitama, Japan (Graduated: 2000)
Considering graduate studies in Geography, in connection with my work as a guide.
Happy to share more if you're interested :)
Reviews
Jachin L.
“The best Guide for a tour in Japan”
With out family of 4 we wanted to have a customized tour around Kyushu. Katsuhisa created a beautiful itinerary and perfectly on time he waited for us at our hotel in Kumamoto. What followed was two days of relaxed driving. The first day to Mount Aso, Kusasenri Grassland and the Takachiho Gorge. Also for lunch he found us a traditional Japanese restaurant we normale no western tourists come. The second day we drive to Beppu to see different Onsen. Again we had a lunch a a special place. This time we could cook our own good a natural steam source. During a quick visit at a beach one of our Sons had an accident. Katsuhisa immediatelly helped us by going to a drugstore and get us the right bandage (thanks!!) Even after this unfortunat moment we could see another Onsen. Finally after two beautiful days our driver brought us to our new hotel in Fukuoka! So, if you need a nice and skilled tour guide, you should contact Katsuhisa.
Katsu N.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I'm truly glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed the tour. As a small note for future reference, I’ve learned that moist wound care isn’t widely practiced in Europe, but similar products may be available through major online retailers. Also, for your next trip, I’d be happy to guide you through Saga Prefecture—an area we didn’t visit this time. It’s known for its beautiful ceramic art and even has a ninja-themed park that children and adults alike can enjoy. I look forward to seeing you again someday! ///**Aan jullie allebei: Hebben jullie genoten van de tour? Ik schrok echt toen je grote broer zich pijn deed op het strand, maar hopelijk wordt het later een grappige herinnering. Of misschien is het nog beter om dat moment gewoon te vergeten en alleen de leuke herinneringen te bewaren. Ik hoop jullie ooit weer terug te zien. Tot dan!**
Isao S.
“A Perfect Tour”
Katsu-San (Winner!) planned out tour to Shimabara and Unzen with two days notice and did extra research to ensure we had the most meaningful and personalized trip possible. He was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and went out of his way to make sure we were enjoying each part of the tour. He was also very flexible when we asked for something not on the itinerary. There is no better way to explore an unknown area of Japan. Katsu-San took care of everything so we could completely relax and enjoy our time with no stress and no complicated decision making.
Katsu N.
Dear Isao and family, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. I’m truly honored by your kind words. I hope your memories of quiet gardens, samurai stories, and volcanic steam stay with you for a long time. And whenever you return to Kyushu, I’ll be more than happy to welcome you back. Warmest regards, Katsuhisa Your private guide in Kyushu
Van D.
“Fukuoka day trip”
Katsu is a great guide and terrific driver. Very patient and courteous. He made the experience a wonderful experience
Katsu N.
Dear Van and everyone, thank you for joining our tour last week. And thank you for posting your review. I'm glad that everyone was satisfied. There are still many great towns in Japan. so I hope you'll contact me when you come to Japan again. See you again. Kind Regards Katsuhisa
$812/ per group
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