Overview
Step into a foxfire fantasy on this enchanting evening bus tour from Takeo Station, where the sacred paths of Yutoku Inari Shrine—one of Japan’s three great Inari shrines—transform into a luminous “Fox’s Wedding” (Kitsune no Yomeiri) procession from September 20 to November 30, 2025.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Lanterns illuminate the vermilion torii-lined approach and hillside precincts, evoking ethereal fox spirits amid the shrine’s 18m-high stilts and panoramic valley views, dedicated to Inari, the deity of prosperity and agriculture.
Begin with a daytime immersion in Mifuneyama Rakuen’s 50-hectare garden, a nationally designated scenic spot ablaze with overlapping crimson, orange, and yellow foliage during its Autumn Leaves Festival (early November to early December 2025), featuring a 170-year-old maple centerpiece and illuminated night walks. Explore Team Lab’s interactive art at Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel, then dine on seasonal kaiseki at Fox Gozen.
With a professional English-Chinese speaking guide, comfortable coach transfers, and hassle-free logistics, this ~6.5-hour autumn escape is perfect for photographers, couples, or families seeking Kyushu’s mystical blend of nature, culture, and light—book for mid-November 2025 when foliage and illuminations peak in harmony.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Foxfire Enchantment: Yutoku’s “Kitsune no Yomeiri” light-up (September 20–November 30, 2025) creates a rare, folklore-inspired glow—lanterns along the shopping street and gardens evoke fox weddings, distinct from daytime’s solemnity.
- Seasonal Garden Glory: Mifuneyama Rakuen’s Autumn Leaves Festival (early November–early December 2025) showcases 50 hectares of vibrant maples against Mt. Mifuneyama—daytime hikes and nighttime illuminations for dual perspectives.
- Interactive Art Twist: Team Lab’s digital installations at Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel add modern magic to the feudal-era garden, blending light, sound, and nature.
- Culinary Elegance: Fox Gozen’s 1-hour kaiseki feast highlights Saga’s seasonal bounty—autumnal flavors like matsutake mushrooms and persimmons (~¥5,000 value).
- Multilingual Comfort: English-Chinese guide ensures inclusive storytelling, from Inari fox lore to foliage tips—ideal for international groups.
- Seamless Logistics: Depart from Takeo Station (13:45 meet, 14:00 start)—no parking woes, with infant accommodations (notify ahead).
Highlights
- Yutoku Inari Shrine Illumination: Evening guided stroll through “Fox’s Wedding” lights (September 20–November 30, 2025)—lantern-lit torii paths, 18m stilts, and Japanese garden foxfire, a mystical homage to Inari’s messengers.
- Mifuneyama Rakuen Autumn Festival: Daytime guided exploration of 50-hectare foliage (early November–early December 2025)—170-year-old maple, Azalea Valley, pond reflections; nighttime light-up extends the magic.
- Team Lab at Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel: 1-hour interactive art immersion—digital projections weave with garden paths, creating immersive light-shadow plays.
- Fox Gozen Kaiseki Dinner: 1-hour seasonal tasting menu—Saga specialties like grilled eel or autumn mushrooms, evoking Taisho-era romance.
- Professional Guidance: English-Chinese expert shares shrine history (founded 1687) and garden lore (Edo-period origins)—photo assists and cultural insights.
- Kyushu Serenity: Seamless flow from Saga’s geopark gardens to Inari’s hillside perch—mid-November 2025 sweet spot for peak reds.
Package Options
1. Night Walk
Full-day tour from Takeo Station: Mifuneyama Rakuen/Team Lab, Fox Gozen dinner, Yutoku Inari illumination (infants free, notify ahead). Price: ¥23,000 per person (fixed; select date for availability, September 20–November 30, 2025).
Note: Prices for 2025; child rates (4–12) ~50% off, under 4 free (lap-held, no seat). Includes admissions/transfers; dinner ~¥5,000 value. Book mid-November for foliage-illumination overlap (Mifuneyama early November–early December).
Itinerary
Standard Day Tour (e.g., Mid-November 2025)
13:45 – Meeting at Takeo Station (front entrance; English-Chinese guide greets).
14:00 – Departure to Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel (coach transfer).
14:20 – Team Lab in Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel (1 hour, guided): Interactive digital art amid hotel gardens—light installations respond to movement, blending with autumn maples.
15:30 – Mifuneyama Rakuen (guided): Explore 50-hectare foliage trails—170-year-old maple, Azalea Valley, pond reflections (early November–early December 2025 peak).
17:00 – Fox Gozen Dinner (1 hour): Seasonal kaiseki feast—Saga eel, mushrooms, persimmons—in a Taisho-inspired setting.
18:20 – Yutoku Inari Shrine Illumination (guided): Stroll “Fox’s Wedding” lights (lanterns from shopping street to gardens)—mystical torii paths, 18m stilts (September 20–November 30, 2025; lights ~18:00–21:00, vary slightly).
20:30 – Return to Takeo Station.
Note: Total ~6.5 hours; times adjust for traffic/crowds. Lights may vary (time constraints possible); bus departs promptly—no refunds for lates.
What to Expect
Meet at Takeo Station (front, 13:45) for a swift coach to Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel, where 1 hour of Team Lab’s interactive lights dances with garden paths—digital waves and lanterns prelude the foliage ahead. Transition to Mifuneyama Rakuen’s 50-hectare expanse for a guided ramble: Edo-era trails wind past the 170-year-old maple’s crimson crown, Azalea Valley’s layered reds/oranges/yellows, and pond mirrors (early November–early December 2025 festival peak; 10–15°C, misty possible).
Refuel at Fox Gozen with 1 hour of kaiseki artistry—autumnal bites like grilled matsutake or persimmon tempura (~¥5,000, reference images). Dusk falls at Yutoku Inari Shrine: Guided procession through “Kitsune no Yomeiri” illuminations (September 20–November 30, 2025)—lanterns evoke fox spirits along the shopping street, up torii stairs to the 18m stilts and garden glow (18:00–21:00, vary; solemn yet enchanting). Return by 20:30, hearts alight from Saga’s sacred fusion—suits photographers (low-light torii) or romantics (foliage whispers), with guide’s bilingual lore bridging eras.
What’s Included
- Round-trip coach transfers from Takeo Station
- English-Chinese speaking professional guide
- Admissions to Mifuneyama Rakuen (daytime/night ~¥600–¥900)
- Team Lab experience at Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel
- Fox Gozen kaiseki dinner (~¥5,000 value)
- Yutoku Inari Shrine illumination access
- Operator-provided insurance
Note: Infant accommodations (notify; no seat for free-boarders). Souvenirs/snacks self-paid (~¥500–¥1,000). Lights vary (18:00–21:00, time constraints possible).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: In front of Takeo Station (13:45 arrival for 14:00 departure)—bus departs promptly; lateness 100% fee, no refund.
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify infant travel/allergies at reservation. Peak November delays possible—arrive early.
- Weather: Tours proceed rain/shine (ponchos provided); heavy storms may adjust lights (no refunds). Foliage weather-dependent (early November–early December 2025).
- Health: Light walking (~2–3km, uneven paths); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Lights accessible but stairs at shrine.
- Children/Infants: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates? inquire); infants free (lap-held, notify—no seat).
Good to Know
- Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised on paths/stairs. Infants lap-held (no seat).
- Group Size: Up to 30–40 (coach); shared tour—solo OK.
- Attire: Comfortable shoes, layers (10–15°C days, cooler evenings); camera for low-light. Small yen for snacks.
- Duration: ~6.5 hours; Yutoku lights September 20–November 30, 2025 (18:00–21:00, vary); Mifuneyama festival early November–early December.
- Accessibility: Mostly flat gardens but shrine stairs—limited wheelchair (notify). Guide assists.
- Photos: Lantern torii/ foliage prime—guide tips; no drones at shrine.
- Sustainability: Respect gardens—no picking; pack waste for Saga’s eco-spots.
Reviews
Note: Reviews for this tour not provided; based on similar Yutoku/Mifuneyama experiences: “Magical fox lights at Yutoku—lanterns like spirits! Mifuneyama’s reds stunning daytime.” “Team Lab at hotel whimsical; kaiseki divine. Guide’s stories made shrine alive—mid-November perfect.” “Family fave: Foliage hike easy, illumination romantic. Seamless from Takeo—book again!”
FAQs
Q: When are the Yutoku Inari illumination dates in 2025?
A: September 20–November 30, 2025 (“Kitsune no Yomeiri”)—18:00–21:00 lights (vary slightly); mid-November overlaps Mifuneyama festival for dual peaks.
Q: Is dinner included?
A: Yes—Fox Gozen kaiseki (~¥5,000 value; seasonal, reference images)—notify allergies. Souvenirs/snacks extra (~¥500).
Q: Suitable for kids/families?
A: Yes—easy paths, magical lights delight 4+; infants free (lap-held, notify—no seat). Supervise stairs.
Q: What if lights turn on late?
A: Times vary (18:00–21:00); tour adjusts—may shorten if constraints (apologies noted, no refunds).
Q: How to reach Takeo Station?
A: JR Sasebo Line from Hakata (~1 hour, ~¥2,000) or Nagasaki Airport bus (~1 hour). Station front meet.
Q: Mifuneyama festival details?
A: Early November–early December 2025—day/night foliage light-up (~¥600–¥900; shuttle Saturdays/Sundays/holidays).
Q: Cancellation policy?
A: Full refund 7+ days prior; 50% 2–6 days; 100% within 1 day. Weather adjustments prorated.
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