Kumamoto Bus Tour: Taste Tara Takezaki Crab & Kashima Sake in Saga

Takenazaki Crab Tour

Discover the renowned Takenazaki crab, a delicacy from Tara Town in Saga Prefecture, sourced from the waters around Takenazaki Island. This crab is celebrated for its firm composition and rich sweetness, complemented by a savory umami flavor.

On this excursion, you will savor Takenazaki crab along with seasonal ingredients, featuring a variety of dishes ranging from appetizers to sashimi and fried crab.

Menu

• Three appetizers (simmered baby octopus, shrimp “golden roll,” ark shell)
• Small dish (kohada nanbanzuke – marinated gizzard shad)
• Three kinds of sashimi, seafood salad, fried crab
• Boiled salted crab (main dish)
• Crab rice porridge (zosui)
• Dessert
• Coffee included (self-service)

Please note:

• Menu items may vary based on ingredient availability on the day.
• Due to the availability of Takenazaki crab, the tour may be canceled at short notice prior to departure if required.

Visit Yūtoku Inari Shrine

Explore one of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines, Yūtoku Inari Shrine, and take advantage of shopping along the approach street shopping district.

• Yūtoku Inari Shrine welcomes around 3 million visitors each year and is recognized among Japan’s “Three Great Inari Shrines,” alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture.
• The shopping street leading to the shrine features local specialties such as “Inari Yokan” and “Yūtoku Senbei,” exclusive to this area.

Sake Tasting and Hizenhama Walking Tour

Engage in a sake tasting comparison and a guided walking tour of the historic Hizenhama townscape, led by a knowledgeable local guide.

• This guided experience takes you through the historic Hizenhama townscape, including the sake brewery district, where local producers create the premium sake of Kashima. This offers a rich insight into Kashima's culture and charm.
• Experience Japan’s first station-platform-connected sake bar! At the HAMABAR located in Hizenhama Station, you can enjoy local sake in a distinctive ambiance.
• Delight in a sake tasting set that includes three carefully chosen local brands representing Kashima, paired with cream cheese marinated in sake lees.
• For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, we also provide amazake (sweet fermented rice drink), soft drinks, and dessert alternatives.

Visit the Legendary Sea Torii Gate

Stop by the enchanting “legendary sea torii gate” that floats in the Ariake Sea.

• The “underwater torii gate” at Ouo Shrine is believed to be around 300 years old and is located near Okinoshima in Tara Town, where it submerges during high tide.
• According to local legend, the gate was constructed after a corrupt magistrate was abandoned on the island as punishment. A large fish (Namiuo) is said to have rescued him, leading to his repentance and the establishment of Ouo Shrine and its underwater torii gate.
• Even today, visitors come to pray for abundant catches and safe sea travels. The site offers a mystical experience as the scenery transforms with the tides, illustrating the influence of the moon’s gravity.

Complimentary Juice at Kashima Roadside Station

Receive a complimentary bottle of JA Group Saga’s “Chikatto Mikan” juice at Kashima Roadside Station.

• The Kashima Roadside Station features stunning views of the Ariake Sea from its tidal flat observation deck and includes “Senja-ichi,” a well-liked marketplace with a diverse selection of local souvenirs.
• At Senja-ichi, you will find freshly harvested seasonal vegetables cultivated in rich natural surroundings, along with a variety of seafood from the Ariake Sea. This handmade market emphasizes safety and quality, known for its fresh local products at competitive prices.
• Additionally, you can shop for specialty items from Kashima, and every guest will receive a complimentary bottle of JA Group Saga’s “Chikatto Mikan” juice.

Information about the tour

Place of departure and destination: From Kumamoto to Saga

Number of days of travel: 1 day

Means of transportation: Bus

Name of bus company: Yamato Kanko

Meal(s): Lunch 1

Minimum number of passengers to operate: 15

Number of GUIDE: 1

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.

Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Kyushu Group Northern Kyushu Team

Address: Tenjin-heiwa Building 8F 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, JAPAN, 810-0001

Tel: +81-050-1742-3921

Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency

Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact Information

Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Kyushu Group Northern Kyushu Team

Address: Tenjin-heiwa Building 8F 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, JAPAN, 810-0001

Tel: +81-050-1742-3921

Opening hour: 10:00~18:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

General Travel Services Manager: Megumi Hisatomi

The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.

Please read and understand the Terms and Conditions below.

• Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours
• Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract

Highlights

• Relish a complete kaiseki meal highlighting the regional delicacy of Tara Town in Saga Prefecture, “Takenazaki crab.”
• Participate in a sake tasting session and join a guided walking tour of the historic Hizenhama town, conducted by a local expert.
• Visit the enchanting “legendary sea torii gate” that appears to float in the Ariake Sea.

Itinerary

• Departure from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
• Yutoku Inari Shrine: 《Visit the shrine & shop at the temple's shopping street / approx. 60 minutes》
• Onsen Ryokan Toyosou: 《Takezaki crab kaiseki lunch / approx. 75 minutes》
• Underwater Torii Gate: 《Stopover / approx. 30 minutes》
• Michi-no-Eki Kashima: 《Stopover / approx. 30 minutes》 *One "Chikatto Mikan" (mandarin orange) will be given as a gift
• Hizen Hamajuku Townscape Walk: 《Guided town walk & sake brewery tour / approx. 45 minutes》
• Hizen Hama Station HAMABAR: approx. 45 minutes 《Saga sake tasting (3 types) + cream cheese pickled in sake lees》
• Arrival at Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal

Price Details

Included

• Lunch
• Japanese guide
• Bus
• Admission fee

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned
• Personal expenses

Important Information

• After the scheduled departure time, the tour will depart at the discretion of our staff. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time.
• The scheduled times and itinerary details may change due to road conditions or other circumstances.
• In the event of a delay causing you to miss connections or requiring taxi use or accommodation, we are unable to cover any related costs.
• Depending on the number of participants, the vehicle may be changed to a medium-sized or small bus.
• Please note that there is no restroom available on the bus.
• Smoking is prohibited on the bus. Reclining seats are generally not permitted (except for some courses).
• The arrival location may differ from the meeting location.
• Lost items will be kept for up to 2 weeks after the end of the tour. However, perishable food items or items that are difficult to store will be disposed of immediately.
• Pets are not allowed on the tour.
• Bus seats will be assigned by the tour operator.
• In case of emergencies, guests may be seated together with the tour escort. Thank you for your understanding.
• Facility admission fees included in the tour price may differ from the publicly listed prices. No refunds or additional charges will be made after the tour begins due to price differences.
• If the minimum number of participants (15 people) is not reached, or if operation becomes impossible due to unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters or accidents, the tour may be changed or canceled. This decision may be made by 3 days before departure (or 13 days before departure for tours including accommodation).
• We may not be able to accommodate requests regarding seating arrangements, hotel smoking/non-smoking preferences, or allergies. We may contact you in advance and decline such requests after explanation.

Purchase Notice

• This tour is conducted in Japanese. The tour conductor will provide language support using a translation device (Pocketalk).
• Participants are required to bring their own smartphone with an internet connection and earphones (optional for audio translation).
• If the minimum number of participants is not met between 15 and 7 days before departure, the tour will be canceled. We will notify you by email, so please make sure to check it.
• If the tour becomes non-operational after you have booked and paid, the tour fee will be refunded.
• Guests under 20 years old must have parental consent.
• For groups with an odd number of participants, please note that you may be seated next to another guest on the bus.
• Meal contents are subject to change without prior notice.
• Due to traffic congestion or other factors, the stay time at each stop may be shortened.
• Seat selection is not available.

How to Use

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

Cancellation Policy

Cancel on after the tour start time, will charge 100%

• 11 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 10 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: 50% cancellation fee