Experience a refined journey from Sasebo to Saga, combining Japan’s artistic heritage with natural beauty. Visit Arita, birthplace of Japanese porcelain, where elegant ceramics and contemporary Tosai-ga art await. Enjoy lunch served on exquisite Arita ware, then board a scenic cruise through the Kujukushima Archipelago, a ria coastline dotted with over 200 pine-clad islands. This private car tour offers comfort, cultural depth, and a uniquely Japanese sense of elegance.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Sasebo Port International Terminal
- Meeting point: Tourist Information Center in the main lobby, after the security area.
Kakiemon Kiln: Porcelain Art Gallery and Traditional Japanese Garden
The Kakiemon Kiln in Arita is renowned for its elegant, hand-painted porcelain with delicate red and blue designs. Visitors can explore a gallery showcasing centuries of craftsmanship and stroll through a serene traditional Japanese garden beside the historic kiln.
Estimated travel time: 20-minute drive
Kusaba Kazuhisa Studio: Tosai-ga (Ceramic Glaze Art) Gallery
Kusaba Kazuhisa Studio offers a rare and intimate experience of Tosai-ga, a vibrant ceramic glaze art blending light and color. His works combine the depth of glazing, the texture of impasto, and the brilliance of enamel, creating a unique Japanese expression. Entry is limited to just two groups per hour, allowing guests to quietly appreciate the works in a serene gallery space filled with spiritual beauty.
- Admission Fee
1,000 JPY (Per Person)
Lunch time: Gallery Café or Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Both options offer beautifully presented dishes served on exquisite Arita porcelain, creating an elegant dining experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Estimated travel time: 30-minute drive
Kujukushima Archipelago Cruise: Ticket Reception Hours
Kujukushima Archipelago Cruise
The Kujukushima Archipelago, meaning “ninety-nine islands” though there are more than 200, lies just off Sasebo. Pine-covered islets dot the calm ria coastline, creating one of Japan’s most scenic seascapes. A cruise offers the perfect way to enjoy its beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
- Admission Fee
2,400 JPY (Per Person)
Estimated travel time: 20-minute drive
Sasebo Port International Terminal
Tour ends at Sasebo Port International Terminal. Thank you, and see you again!
Ending Point
Sasebo Port International Terminal
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guiding fee
Private car (SUBARU JUSTY)
Free mobile Wi-Fi
Free Apple Music and Netflix
Driving fee
Gasoline fee
Parking fee
Expressway tolls
Guide gratuity
Cost of meals (guide and customers)
Entrance fees of facilities (guide and customers)
**Kusaba Kazuhisa Studio**
1,000 JPY (Per Person)
**Kujukushima Archipelago Cruise**
2,400 JPY (Per Person)
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)**
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!
Renee D.
“Hita Tour with Katsu”
Katsu was an excellent guide. I appreciated how communication was easy. He explained choices well and was able to pivot when the group wanted to try a different lunch. It was a nice experience away from the crowds and gave us a good feel for what a smaller village was like away from the big city. I recommend him for your tours. Great day. He is friendly and very sweet. We appreciated his kindness and happiness in showing the city.
Katsu N.
Dear Renee and everyone, /// Thank you so much for joining my tour. I truly appreciate your kind words. One of the highlights of this tour is the contrast between the big city of Fukuoka and the charm of a small town, so I’m very happy that you enjoyed it. I have many other wonderful tours prepared, so perhaps next time we could even meet at Fukuoka Airport to start another journey. I look forward to the day we can meet again. /// Enjoy the rest of your cruise tour. “ARIGATOU” Your private guide, Katsuhisa
Lori W.
“2 Days in Shimabra and Hita.”
After looking for quite a few tours we found Katsu. He was very professional and organized thoughout the whole tour. He gave us a wonderful insight to the areas we visited. Even though we had some family members that were unable to complete some more of the strenuous items on the itinerary he was very accommodating and took those would could make the trek very worth while. He took us to places we would have never got to visit taking a normal tour that were just amazing. We highly recommend Katsu for a tour guide.
Katsu N.
Dear Lori and everyone, /// Thank you so much for joining my tour, and I truly appreciate your kind words. The places we visited may not yet be widely known, but they are incredibly charming, and I am very glad you enjoyed them. In all my tours, I aim to combine major highlights with hidden gems, creating an experience that is uniquely my own. I sincerely look forward to the day we can meet again. /// Yours truly, Your private guide, Katsuhisa
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!**
$735/ per group