Hidden Christians Tour

Tue 20th March’12    1005 Depart Coolangatta JQ19
1820 Arrive Kansai Osaka
Met by Ken Takenaga Kumamoto Prefectural Govt Rep & Guide upon arrival
Transfer via Rail to Osaka
Stay overnight at Shin Osaka Hotel (B)
   
Wed 21st March’12      Transfer Osaka to Kumamoto via new Sakura Shinakansen train
Upon arrival transfer by Chartered coach to Hotel and Check In.
Depart hotel for tour of Kumamoto City. First visit is Kumamoto Castle which was built by the Lord Kato Kiyomasa in 1607, followed by an inspection of the recently recreated Honmaru Goten Palace.
Lunch at local restaurant. (L)
Short walk to visit Jyosai En, & Samurai House and Coach to Suizenji Japanese Garden.
Return to Hotel
Dinner at local restaurant (D)
Stay overnight at Riverside Hotel (B)

Thu 22nd March’12    Depart Kumamoto for Gokanosho
Gokanosho is located in the centre of Kumamoto Prefecture and is often called the last secluded region in Kyushu. These villages are known as the “Home of the Heike fugitive legend” or the Hidden Samurai.Gokanosho with its combination of waterfall, mountains and dense forest offers an escape into a splendid piece of natural scenery never seen on regular sightseeing tours of Japan.
Visit Sendan Totodo Waterfall and suspension bridges en route to Heike clan.
Stay Heike-so with the local people and enjoy the generous hospitality of the mountain people that you will remember for your life. (L)
Stay overnight Heiko-so Minshuku (D,B)

Fri 23rd March’12    Depart Gokanosho for Yatsushiro
Visit Shohinken Tea House which was built by the Lord of Yatsushiro in 1688. The Emperor and Empress of Japan as well as the famous Japanese swordsman, MiyamotoMusashi have stayed here.
Enjoy a private cherry blossom party at Yatsushiro Shrine
Visit the Moritaka family knife factory famous for their handmade knives.
Check into Yatsushiro Royal Hotel
Dinner at local restaurant (D)
    Stay Yatsushiro Royal Hotel (B)

Sat 24th March’12    Day 5 Depart Yatsushiro on ferry boat for Amakusa
Amakusa is a highlight of this tour as it is well known for the “Hidden Christians” who secretly kept their faith for about 400 years. Visit the beautiful East Coast overlooking East China Sea as well as some wonderful products of the island including the ceramic and pearls.
Visit Hidden Christian Santa Maria Museum where you can physically experience the history of praying by Christians
Lunch at local restaurant (L)
Dolphin Watching tour. In the sea off the coast of Itsuwa live approximately 330 wild dolphins. This tour allows you to look closely at a school of dolphins with your guide who is thoroughly knowledgeable of the local sea and behavior of dolphins.
Check in Amakusa Prince Hotel
In the evening enjoy local folklore songs and dance performance by Haiya dancing team
Stay Amakusa Prince Hotel (D,B)

Sun 25th March’12    Tour of Amakusa Island visiting Sakitsu Cathedral.
This church built in the fishing village of Sakitsu commands a gentle view of the Bay of Yokaku. It has been rebuilt three times since the Meiji period, and the current building in a profound Gothic style was rebuilt by Father Harubu in 1934. The area around this church has
been designated one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Beaches and 100 Best Fragrant Sceneries.
This is followed by a visit to Oe Cathedral. Father Garnier built this Romanesque –style church from his private funds in 1933. In the chapel, you can see sacred paintings which are few in number in Japan. The white church standing on a low hill is also a symbol
of the religion passed down unbroken in the Oe area. Meet with the residing Catholic priest. (L)
Visit to local Tokoji Buddhist Temple and meet monk Master Okabe
This will be an opportunity to learn about local Buddhists beliefs and inspect the Temple.
Stay Amakusa Prince Hotel (D, B)

Mon 26th March ’12    Depart Amakusa on ferry boat for Shimabara
Visit the ruin of Hara Castle, the battle ground of Christian rebellion in the year 1637.
Opportunity to perform a memorial prayer at this site.
Visit Mt. Fugen Volcanic museum (L)
Travel on to Unzen the first resort area in Japan to welcome foreign tourists around the year 1900. The European influences and local handicrafts are spectacular. Unzen Catholic Church was built in 1981 to praise martyrs from Unzen and to commemorate a visit by the Pope to Nagasaki.
Stay Unzen (D,B)

Tue 27th March’12    Depart Unzen for Nagasaki
Tour of Nagasaki City including the Nuclear Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park and Urakami Cathedral built by the persecuted Christians in 1914.
Stay Nagasaki (B)

Wed 28th March’12     Depart Nagasaki for Osaka by Shinkansen
2050 Depart Kansai JQ20

Thu 29th March’12    
0655 Arrive Coolangatta

            END OF TOUR