Welcome Dinner
A wonderful dinner in the Multipurpose Hall of the FICC (Convention Venue).
Japanese Drum Performance
A powerful Japanese drum performance by Fukuoka University Kobuzaru to kick off the Welcome Dinner.
10-Minute Break
A little respite before we introduce our first keynote speaker.
Group 1 – Ukiha & Yame: The Fruit Kingdom & Land of Tea
09:00-09:30 Depart Harazuru Onsen for Ukiha Inari Shrine by chartered coach 09:30-10:00 Explore Ukiha Inari Shrine 10:50-11:30 Pooh’s Strawberry Farm (Seasonal fruit picking; not necessarily strawberries) 11:30-11:55 Scenic drive to Yame 11:55-12:15 Visit Yame Central Tea Garden 12:35-13:35 Lunch & visit to the Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Museum 14:00-14:50 Explore the Tea Culture Museum 15:30-16:50 […]
Group 2 – Ukiha & Yame: The Fruit Kingdom & Land of Tea
09:00-09:30 Depart Harazuru Onsen for Ukiha Inari Shrine by chartered coach 09:30-10:00 Explore Ukiha Inari Shrine 10:00-10:50 Scenic drive to Yame 10:50-11:10 Visit Yame Central Tea Garden 11:55-12:45 Explore the Tea Culture Museum 12:45-13:45 Lunch at Yame Saryo 14:25-15:05 Pooh’s Strawberry Farm (Seasonal fruit picking; not necessarily strawberries) 15:10-16:30 Explore the Yame Traditional Craft Museum […]
Group 3 – Ukiha & Yame: The Fruit Kingdom & Land of Tea
09:00-09:30 Depart Harazuru Onsen for Ukiha Inari Shrine by chartered coach 09:30-10:00 Explore Ukiha Inari Shrine 10:00-10:30 Scenic drive to Yame 10:30-11:30 Visit: Tea Culture Museum 11:55-12:55 Lunch at Irosato 13:20-13:40 Visit Yame Central Tea Garden 14:05-14:45 Pooh’s Strawberry Farm (Seasonal fruit picking; not necessarily strawberries) 14:50-16:10 Explore the Yame Traditional Craft Museum & a […]
Kyoto: Where Ancient History Captivates the World
Conclude your journey with a high-speed transit to Japan’s cultural heart, where we will visit two of the nation’s most iconic architectural treasures before our final farewell. ・Shinkansen Travel: Enjoy the world-renowned speed and comfort of the Bullet Train as we transition from the history of Hiroshima to the cultural heart of Kyoto. ・Kinkaku-ji (The […]
Nagasaki: The Legacy Project
To ensure a seamless experience and avoid overcrowding at our historic venues, participants will be divided into three separate groups to explore the following highlights of Nagasaki. ・Hypocenter & Peace Park: Stand at the exact epicenter of the 1945 atomic blast and walk through a tranquil memorial park dedicated to global peace and reflection. ・Legacy […]
Overview: Okawa & Yanagawa: Timeless Crafts & Samurai Heritage
Immerse yourself in the traditional artistry and samurai legacy of the Ariake Sea region with a journey through the woodworking capital of Okawa and the historic canal city of Yanagawa. Though the order will be different, everyone will get to see the following. ・Shobun Vinegar Brewery: Step inside a prestigious brewery with over 300 years […]
Group 1 – Okawa & Yanagawa: Timeless Crafts & Samurai Heritage
09:00-11:10 Transfer: Depart Nagasaki for Okawa by chartered coach 11:20-12:50 Exploration and lunch at Shobun Vinegar Brewery 13:00-13:30 Old Yoshiwara Residence (Hands-on wood-lattice craft workshop) 13:40-14:20 Explore the historic Hanko (Border Town) district 14:20-14:40 Travel from Okawa to Yanagawa by chartered coach 15:00-15:30 Boat Tour of Yanagawa Kawakudari 15:40-17:00 Explore Ohana Estate and talk with […]
Nagasaki: Japan’s First Cosmopolitan City
After the closing ceremony at the FICC everyone will leave together from the FICC to Nagasaki where you will get your first impression of this extraordinary city. ・Peace Hall & Atomic Bomb Museum: Experience a deeply moving introduction to Nagasaki’s history. Through powerful exhibits and personal testimonies, gain a profound understanding of the city’s mission […]
Group 2 – Okawa & Yanagawa: Timeless Crafts & Samurai Heritage
09:00-11:20 Depart Nagasaki for Yanagawa by chartered coach 11:30-12:00 Boat Tour of Yanagawa Kawakudari 12:10-13:10 Lunch at Ohana 13:10-14:30 Explore Ohana Estate and talk with a descendant of the Tachibana Clan, a visit to the Tachibana Museum, and a 30-minute stroll through the Okinohata district. 14:30-14:50 Travel from Yanagawa to Okawa by chartered coach 15:00-15:30 […]
Overview: Nagasaki: The Legacy Project
To ensure a seamless experience and avoid overcrowding at our historic venues, participants will be divided into three separate groups to explore the following highlights of Nagasaki. ・Hypocenter & Peace Park: Stand at the exact epicenter of the 1945 atomic blast and walk through a tranquil memorial park dedicated to global peace and reflection. ・Legacy […]
Group 3 – Okawa & Yanagawa: Timeless Crafts & Samurai Heritage
09:00-11:20 Depart Nagasaki for Yanagawa by chartered coach 11:30-12:00 Boat Tour of Yanagawa Kawakudari 12:10-13:10 Lunch at Ohana 13:10-14:30 Explore Ohana Estate and talk with a descendant of the Tachibana Clan, a visit to the Tachibana Museum, and a 30-minute stroll through the Okinohata district. 14:30-14:50 Travel from Yanagawa to Okawa by chartered coach 15:00-15:30 […]
Group 1 – Nagasaki: The Legacy Project
09:30-09:45 Depart your hotel by coach to the Peace Park 09:45-10:50 Explore the Hypocenter (Ground Zero) and Peace Park 10:50-11:20 (Memorial event and offering of paper cranes) 11:20 Depart for Dejima Messe 11:35-11:50 Walk to the 26 Martyrs Monument & Museum 11:50-12:50 Explore the 26 Martyrs Museum 12:50-13:05 Walk back to the coach pick-up spot […]
Group 2 – Nagasaki: The Legacy Project
09:30-09:45 Depart your hotel by coach to the Peace Park 09:45-10:50 Explore the Hypocenter (Ground Zero) and Peace Park 10:50-11:20 (Memorial event and offering of paper cranes) 11:20-11:40 Travel to Inasayama Kanko Hotel 11:40-12:40 Lunch at the hotel 12:40-12:55 Travel to Dejima Messe 12:55-13:10 Walk to the 26 Martyrs Monument & Museum 13:10-14:10 Explore the […]
Group 3 – Nagasaki: The Legacy Project
09:30-09:45 Depart your hotel by coach to the Peace Park 09:45-10:50 Explore the Hypocenter (Ground Zero) and Peace Park 10:50-11:20 (Memorial event and offering of paper cranes) 11:20-11:40 Travel to Inasayama Kanko Hotel 11:40-12:40 Lunch at the hotel 12:40-13:00 Travel to Dejima 13:00-14:00 Explore Dejima 14:00-14:10 Travel to Dejima Messe 14:10-14:25 Walk to the 26 […]
Overview: Saga – The Global Legacy of Arita Porcelain
Explore the birthplace of Japanese porcelain and the scenic coastal beauty of Saga Prefecture with a staggered itinerary designed to provide an intimate look at these historic sites across three travel groups. ・Kyushu Ceramic Museum: This museum offers a comprehensive journey through the history and exquisite artistry of porcelain from across the Kyushu region. ・Izumiyama […]
Group 1 – Saga: The Global Legacy of Arita Porcelain
09:00-10:30 Depart Nagasaki by chartered coach for Arita 10:30-11:30 Explore the Kyushu Ceramic Museum 11:40-12:00 Visit Izumiyama Quarry 12:10-13:10 Lunch 13:20-14:20 Walking along the Tombai walls & Sueyama Shrine 14:35-15:35 Explore China on the Park or Arita Cera 15:35-16:35 Travel to Karatsu by chartered coach 16:35-17:15 Scenic Drive: Traverse the Niji-no-Matsubara (Rainbow Pine Grove) with […]
Group 2 – Saga: The Global Legacy of Arita Porcelain
09:00-10:30 Depart Nagasaki by chartered coach for Arita 10:30-11:30 Explore China on the Park or Arita Cera 11:40-12:40 Explore the Kyushu Ceramic Museum (Part I: Exploring the galleries) 12:50-13:50 Lunch 14:00-14:20 Visit Izumiyama Quarry 14:35-15:35 Explore the Kyushu Ceramic Museum (Part II: Continued exploration) 15:35-16:35 Travel to Karatsu by chartered coach 16:35-17:15 Scenic Drive: Traverse […]
Group 3 – Saga: The Global Legacy of Arita Porcelain
09:00-10:30 Depart Nagasaki by chartered coach for Arita 10:30-11:30 Explore China on the Park or Arita Cera 11:40-12:40 Visit the Kyushu Ceramic Museum 12:50-13:10 Visit Izumiyama Quarry 13:20-14:20 Lunch 14:30-15:30 Walking along the Tombai walls & Sueyama Shrine 15:35-16:35 Travel to Karatsu by chartered coach 16:35-17:15 Scenic Drive: Traverse Niji-no-Matsubara with a view of Karatsu […]
Hiroshima: A Place of Reflection and Resilience
Journey from the shores of Kyushu to the historic mainland, where you will encounter the ethereal beauty of a “floating” shrine and reflect on the enduring resilience of Hiroshima. ・Shinkansen & Ferry Crossing: Experience the precision of the Bullet Train followed by a scenic ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea to reach the sacred […]
Overview: Kyoto: Where Ancient History Captivates the World
Experience the timeless elegance of Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto, as we visit two of its most celebrated spiritual sites before concluding our journey together with a final celebratory gathering. To avoid extreme overcrowding you’ll be split into 2 groups that visit the places at different times but everyone will get to see the following: ・Shinkansen […]
Group 2 – Kyoto: Where Ancient History Captivates the World
08:43-10:19 Travel from Hiroshima to Kyoto Station via Shinkansen; all hotels are within walking distance from the station 10:40-11:15 Depart Kyoto Station for Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) by chartered coach 11:15-12:15 Explore Kinkaku-ji Temple 12:15-12:35 Travel to the lunch venue 12:35-13:35 Lunch 13:35-14:05 Travel to Sanjusangendo Temple 14:05-15:05 Explore Sanjusangendo Temple 15:05-15:20 Transfer to the […]
Nagasaki: Japan’s First Cosmopolitan City
After the closing ceremony at the FICC everyone will leave together from the FICC to Nagasaki where you will get your first impression of this extraordinary city. ・Peace Hall & Atomic Bomb Museum: Experience a deeply moving introduction to Nagasaki’s history. Through powerful exhibits and personal testimonies, gain a profound understanding of the city’s mission […]
Group 2 – Kagoshima: Living Traditions and the Earth’s Raw Power
09:00-10:00 Depart Hotel and board the ferry to Sakurajima 10:15-10:45 Panoramic views at Yunohira Observatory 11:05-11:35 Sakurajima Radish Farm 11:55-12:35 Sakurajima Sabo Center (Volcanic education center) 13:10-14:30 Lunch and Tour at Kakuida Black Vinegar Brewery 14:30-15:30 Travel to Kagoshima-Chuo Station 16:22-18:09 Take the Shinkansen from Kagoshima to Fukuoka 18:10 Transfer to the Subway in Fukuoka […]
What do we really mean by sustainable tourism, and why does sustainable tourism matter?
Despite its widespread use, the concept of sustainable tourism remains ambiguously defined, unevenly operationalised and is increasingly marked by a sense of fatigue generated through overuse. This presentation begins by asking two foundational questions: what do we really mean by sustainable tourism, and why does sustainable tourism matter? Rather than treating sustainability as a technical […]
Cultivating the Good Life: How a Character Strengths Approach Nurtures Sustainable Tourism
Tourist guides embrace multiple roles in a given day. Their contributions to developing tourism include a mediating role (brokering access, encounters, understanding and empathy), as interpreters, storytellers, timekeepers and psychologists. Although Tourist Guides’ contributions to sustainability are documented in academic literature, it is timely to revisit these a decade later. Namely, there are eight sustainability […]
Group 2 – Izumi & Kagoshima: Coastal Beauty and Volcanic Majesty
08:30-11:00 Depart Hotel for Izumi City 11:00-11:40 Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences 12:00-12:40 Crane Observation Center and East Reclamation Land 13:00-14:00 Lunch at Tsurumaru Kaikan 14:00-16:00 Travel to Sengan-en Garden in Kagoshima City 16:00-17:30 Explore Sengan-en Garden 18:10 Check-into your hotel in Kagoshima City Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Overview: Kagoshima: Living Traditions and the Earth’s Raw Power
On the final day, you’ll have the chance to stand on one of the world’s most active volcanoes. To make the most of our time on the island, Group 1 will begin at the Sabo Center and move toward the radish farms, while Group 2 will head straight to the mountain views at the observatory […]
Group 1 – Kagoshima: Living Traditions and the Earth’s Raw Power
09:00-10:00 Depart Hotel and board the ferry to Sakurajima 10:10-10:50 Sakurajima Sabo Center (Volcanic education center) 11:10-11:40 Panoramic views at Yunohira Observatory 12:00-12:30 Sakurajima Radish Farm 13:10-14:30 Lunch and Tour at Kakuida Black Vinegar Brewery 14:30-15:30 Travel to Kagoshima-Chuo Station 16:22-18:09 Take the Shinkansen from Kagoshima to Fukuoka 18:10 Transfer to the Subway in Fukuoka […]
Group 1 – Aso-Kuju National Park: The Land of Fire
09:20-09:40 Travel to Aso Shrine 09:40-10:40 Explore Aso Shrine 10:40-11:20 Travel to Kusasenri 11:20-12:20 Explore Kusasenri 12:20-12:45 Travel to Aso Farm Land to have lunch 12:45-13:45 Lunch at Aso Farm Land 13:45-14:35 Travel to Daikanbo 14:35-15:25 Explore Daikanbo (to be canceled in case of bad weather) 15:25-17:25 Travel to your hotel in Beppu City Free […]
Group 2 – Aso-Kuju National Park: The Land of Fire
08:20-08:40 Travel to Aso Shrine 08:40-09:40 Explore Aso Shrine 09:40-10:20 Travel to Kusasenri 10:20-11:20 Kusasenri 11:20-11:45 Travel to Aso Farm Land for lunch 11:45-12:45 Lunch at Aso Farm Land 12:45-13:35 Travel to Daikanbo 13:35-14:25 Explore Daikanbo 14:25-16:25 Travel to your hotel in Beppu City Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Group 3 – Aso-Kuju National Park: The Land of Fire
08:50-09:10 Travel to Aso Shrine 09:10-10:10 Explore Aso Shrine 10:10-10:50 Travel to Kusasenri 10:50-11:50 Kusasenri 11:50-12:15 Travel to Aso Farm Land for lunch 12:15-13:15 Lunch at Aso Farm Land 13:15-14:05 Travel to Daikanbo 14:05-14:55 Explore Daikanbo 14:55-16:55 Travel to your hotel in Beppu City Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Overview: Beppu – The Land of Hot Springs
To ensure a seamless experience at these popular sites, we will be traveling in five separate groups with staggered departure times. Please note that the order in which you visit these locations will also vary depending on your group assignment but everyone will get so see the same places. ・Beppu Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall: […]
Group 1 – Beppu: The Land of Hot Springs
10:00-10:40 Beppu Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall 11:00-11:30 Chinoike Jigoku 11:40-12:40 Lunch at Beppu Transportation Center 12:55-13:35 Umi Jigoku 13:45-14:15 Myoban Onsen 14:15~ Travel back to Fukuoka Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Group 3 – Beppu: The Land of Hot Springs
09:50-10:20 Myoban Onsen 10:30-11:10 Umi Jigoku 11:20-12:00 Beppu Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall 12:10-13:10 Lunch at Beppu Transportation Center 13:20-13:50 Chinoike Jigoku 13:50~ Travel back to Fukuoka Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Group 4 – Beppu: The Land of Hot Springs
09:45-10:15 Chinoike Jigoku 10:25-11:05 Umi Jigoku 11:15-11:45 Myoban Onsen 12:00-12:40 Beppu Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall 12:50-13:50 Lunch at Beppu Transportation Center 13:50~ Travel back to Fukuoka Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Group 5 – Beppu: The Land of Hot Springs
10:10-10:40 Myoban Onsen 10:50-11:30 Umi Jigoku 11:40-12:10 Chinoike Jigoku 12:20-13:20 Lunch at Beppu Transportation Center 13:30-14:10 Beppu Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall 14:10~ Travel back to Fukuoka Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Overview: Yamaga & Kumomoto: From Ancient Streets to Samurai Stories
We journey into the heart of Kumamoto and step back into the Edo period to experience the refined arts and military might of old Japan. To provide a smooth experience at these heritage sites, Group 1 will enjoy the theater’s backstage tour before their walk, while Group 2 will explore the historic district first. Later, […]
Group 1 -Yamaga & Kumomoto: From Ancient Streets to Samurai Stories
11:00-11:30 Yachiyo-za Theater (Part 1): Stage explanation, Lantern Dance performance, and commemorative photo 11:30-12:10 Yachiyo-za Theater (Part 2): Backstage tour 12:10-12:50 Buzen Kaido Street: Guided walk through the historic district. 12:55-13:20 Travel to Kikusui-no-sato 13:20-14:20 Lunch at Kikusui-no-sato 14:30-15:20 Travel to Kumamoto Castle 15:20-16:20 Explore Kumamoto Castle 16:20-16:50 Josaien Market 17:10 Check into your hotel […]
Group 2 – Yamaga & Kumomoto: From Ancient Streets to Samurai Stories
11:00-11:30 Stage explanation, Lantern Dance performance, and commemorative photo 11:30-12:10 Guided walk through the historic district. 12:10-12:50 Yachiyo-za Theater (Part 2): Backstage tour 12:55-13:20 Travel to Kikusui-no-sato 13:20-14:20 Lunch at Kikusui-no-sato 14:30-15:20 Travel to Kumamoto Castle 15:20-16:20 Josaien Market 16:20-16:50 Explore Kumamoto Castle 17:10 Check into your hotel in Kumamoto City Dinner at Ark Hotel […]
Overview: Izumi & Kagoshima: Coastal Beauty and Volcanic Majesty
We travel south to and learn about nature preservation before stepping back into the refined world of the samurai. To ensure everyone has a front-row view, Group A will visit the Crane Observation Center followed by the Samurai Residences, while Group B will explore the Samurai Residences first before heading to the Crane Observation Center. […]
Group 1 – Izumi & Kagoshima: Coastal Beauty and Volcanic Majesty
08:30-11:00 Depart Hotel for Izumi City 11:00-11:40 Crane Observation Center and East Reclamation Land 12:10-12:50 Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences 13:00-14:00 Lunch at Tsurumaru Kaikan 14:00-16:00 Travel to Sengan-en Garden in Kagoshima City 16:00-17:30 Explore Sengan-en Garden 18:10 Check-into your hotel in Kagoshima City Free Evening: Dinner is not included on this day.
Arrival in Fukuoka & Way to the Hotel
Welcome to Fukuoka! We are delighted to have you here. To help you get settled, we will have Welcome Desks available at the following locations from February 4th to 8th: Fukuoka Airport – International Terminal Fukuoka Airport – Domestic Terminal JR Hakata Station – For those arriving by Shinkansen Please note that while we do […]
Overview: Takachiho: Birthplace of Japanese Myth
This journey explores the “Cradle of Japanese Mythology.” You will travel through breathtaking volcanic landscapes to reach the sites where Japan’s oldest legends are said to have taken place. To ensure everyone has a relaxed and intimate experience at these sacred sites, the group will divide after lunch: Group 1 will continue their journey at […]
Overview: Aso-Kuju National Park: The Land of Fire
Journey through the heart of Kyushu’s volcanic landscapes around Mt Aso one of the biggest calderas in the world. To provide a comfortable and uncrowded experience, the tour will depart in three groups at 30-minute intervals. Your specific start and end times will depend on your assigned group as we explore the Aso region and […]
Global Networking Forum- Hosted By WFTGA Team Asia
Join guiding and tourism professionals from around the world in a welcoming, inclusive space hosted by WFTGA Team Asia. The Global Networking Forum brings together tourist guides, heritage and nature guides, museum and church guides, tour managers, cruise managers, and other visitor-facing professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and support one another across borders. Open to […]
Delegates Welcome Cocktail
Helpful Information for Participants
As we move closer to our Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, we would like to invite you to a practical and informative online briefing designed to help you prepare confidently for your journey to Japan and for your participation in the Convention. This webinar is intended for all participants – whether this is your first WFTGA […]