Feb 27 Departure Only: 2-Day Bus Tour for Kumamoto 2027 Tamana Strawberry Marathon & Japan's Largest Bell Blessing

[Delicious Strawberry Aid Stations]

The race route includes some unique and thrilling aid stations! We proudly offer delicious strawberries cultivated abundantly in Tamana City, allowing you to experience a burst of fresh, sweet fruity flavor while replenishing your energy during the run!

[Stay at "Hotel Shirasagi"]

Enjoy a 100% natural gensen-kakenagashi (free-flowing) hot spring! Renowned as a skincare gem and referred to as a "Beauty Bath," this silky-smooth water is exceptionally gentle on the skin. It will thoroughly wash away your physical exhaustion and leave you with a glowing, radiant appearance.

A Symphony of Sight and Taste: "Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine":

"The greatest joy of travel is savoring the local delicacies." Embracing the traditional essence of Washoku (Japanese cuisine), the head chef at the hotel carefully selects the freshest and most delightful seasonal ingredients.

[Rengein Tanjoji Okunoin]

Situated in Tamana City, "Rengein Tanjoji Okunoin" is recognized as one of Kyushu's top spiritual power spots for attracting good fortune. The most breathtaking feature here is the "Flying Dragon Bell," an enormous temple bell weighing nearly 40 tons, ranking among the largest in the world. Experience the "Temple Bell Blessing" in a profoundly solemn ambiance. Physically feel the deep vibrations and spiritual cleansing of the bell, and sincerely pray for your wishes to be fulfilled and for good luck to come your way.

[Tamana Ramen]

When in Tamana City, you simply cannot overlook the local comfort food: "Tamana Ramen"! Widely regarded as the birthplace of the famed "Kumamoto Ramen," its standout characteristic is the aromatic roasted onion chips sprinkled over the bowl just before serving. This pairs seamlessly with a rich and mellow tonkotsu (pork bone) broth that has been simmered for hours, along with smooth, medium-thin noodles.

[Mizumoto Orange Garden]

Located in Tensui Town, Tamana City, the "Mizumoto Orange Garden" is a traditional orchard boasting a proud 140-year history. The owner pays meticulous attention to the quality of the air and soil, insisting on farming entirely without herbicides. The top-quality mandarin oranges cultivated here were once chosen as a prestigious offering to the Japanese Imperial Family!

Highlights

• Designed for runners! A soothing journey that merges blessings, culinary delights, and a "Beauty Hot Spring."
• This itinerary is ideal for women who are passionate about running as well as those who appreciate Japanese hot springs and local dishes. Naturally, all slow-travel lovers are invited to participate!
• In contrast to fast-paced sightseeing tours, we have thoughtfully arranged a leisurely schedule that enables you to thoroughly enjoy the enchanting allure of Tamana.
• Explore one of Kyushu's top spiritual destinations, Rengein Tanjoji Okunoin, where you can personally ring the largest temple bell in Japan and pray for peace and good fortune in a tranquil setting.
• Additionally, this journey is a true gastronomic experience! You will savor sweet, seasonal strawberries, succulent mandarin oranges at Mizumoto Orange Garden, a fulfilling BBQ, rich and authentic Tamana Ramen, and beautifully prepared Japanese Kaiseki (traditional multi-course) cuisine.
• Eliminate your fatigue and revitalize your body and mind in a 100% natural, free-flowing "Beauty Hot Spring." We are excited to offer this comprehensive Kumamoto experience that seamlessly integrates "sports and wellness, plentiful gourmet food, and complete relaxation"!

Itinerary

• Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
• [Hakata Round-Trip】 Depart from Hakata Station
• [Kumamoto Round-Trip] Depart from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
• 【Kumamoto Round Trip】JR Hikarinomori Station
• Mizumoto Orange Garden Mandarin Orange Picking (60 mins)
• BBQ Lunch (60 mins)
• Rengein Tanjoji Okunoin Temple
• Temple Bell Blessing (30 mins)
• Free Walking Time (60 mins)
• Hotel Check-in
• Dinner
• Hot Spring / Onsen (Rest and prepare for the marathon)
• Depart from Hotel
• Arrive at the Strawberry Marathon Venue
• 10km Race: Scheduled Start Time / 5km Race: Scheduled Start Time
• Aid stations will provide strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and Tamana City local specialties.
• We’ll take you from the marathon venue to the shopping district, where you can enjoy Tamana ramen and do some shopping (for souvenirs and sweets). You’ll have 90 minutes of free time (including lunch).
• Tamana Ramen Lunch (Lunch on your own: Pay individually)
• Kikusuido (Traditional Japanese Sweets Shop) / Shopping Time
• Depart from Tamana City
• Arrive at JR Hikarinomori Station
• Arrive at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
• Arrive at Hakata Station

Price Details

Included

• Chinese-speaking tour guide
• Bus fare and fuel costs (including driver's fee)
• Mandarin orange picking (All-you-can-eat)
• Temple bell blessing experience
• Temple admission and entrance fees
• Strawberry Marathon registration fee
• 1-night accommodation fee (including hot spring tax)
• Meals: 1 lunches (If accommodation plan is selected, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast are also included)

Not included

• Personal expenses
• Lunch Meal for Day.2
• Additional drinks ordered during meals
• Gratuities (Tips)

Important Information

• Please limit your luggage to one carry-on-sized suitcase (max. 40L) per person on the day of the tour.

• Please select your boarding location at the time of booking.

[Hakata Departure / Return] Meet point: In front of the Lawson convenience store, 1st Floor of the Oriental Hotel Fukuoka (Hakata Station Chikushi Exit).

[Kumamoto Departure / Return] Meet point: Sakuramachi Bus Terminal Group Bus Boarding Area, OR JR Hikarinomori Station (North Gate).

• All runners, please carefully read and acknowledge the following eligibility requirements:

Participants must meet the age and school grade requirements for their chosen category on the day of the race, be confident in their physical health, and be capable of completing the race within the designated time limit.

• Please note that the time spent at each scheduled stop may be slightly adjusted due to traffic conditions. We appreciate your understanding.

Purchase Notice

◆ Hotel Shirasagi

◇ Guest Rooms

• Room Type: All rooms included in this tour are traditional Japanese-style rooms (Washitsu).
• Smoking Policy: The entire hotel is non-smoking, including all guest rooms and the lobby. A designated smoking area is available outdoors.
• Bedding: Traditional Japanese futons will be provided.
• Children: Children aged 3 and under can stay for free (bedding is not provided).
• Bathroom: All rooms are equipped with a bathtub/shower. (Please note that the water in the en-suite bathrooms is standard water, not hot spring water.)
• Toilets: Rooms are equipped with Western-style toilets.

◇ Dining

• Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki meal featuring a lavish 11-course menu.
• Breakfast: A buffet featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Note: Please inform us of any food allergies at the time of booking.

• Venue: Meals will be served in a designated restaurant (seating is arranged by group).

◇ Hot Spring Facilities ~100% Free-Flowing Natural Hot Spring~

• Japanese-style Grand Bath "Shirasagi-yu": Features an open-air bath (rotenburo) and a sauna.
• Western-style Grand Bath "Parthenon": Features a cascading water bath and a sauna.
• Bath Swapping: The men's and women's baths (Japanese and Western styles) are swapped daily at 6:00 AM, allowing guests to experience both.
• Opening Hours: Available from check-in on Day 1 until check-out on Day 2. (Please note: The baths are closed late at night between 12:00 Midnight and 6:00 AM.)

◆ Strawberry Marathon

◇ Race Details

• Registration Fee: Included in the overall tour package price.
• Course Options: You may choose either the 10km or 5km route.
• Start Times: 10km Race: Starts at 10:35 AM (2-hour time limit)
• Start Times: 5km Race: Starts at 10:45 AM (No time limit.)

◇ Age Categories for Registration

• 10km Race: General Men (High school students and older), General Women (High school students and older).
• 5km Race: Junior High School students, General (High school students and older).
• 3km Race: Elementary School students.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 21 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 20 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee