Original
Explorer
Rail
Southern Japan Experience
12 Days | Go off the path in southern Japan through steaming onsens, inspiring artworks and volcano panoramas
4.8
Excellent
31 reviews
12 days
Start
Osaka, Japan
Finish
Osaka, Japan
Trip Code
CJSO
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
Train, Ferry, Public Bus, Private bus, Metro, Bullet Train
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Homestay (1 night), Japanese Inn (2 nights)
From £3,727(12 days)
Trip Informations
One of Japan’s greatest attractions is its ability to offer modern and traditional versions of itself. On this 12-day trip, you’ll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristy southwest. Discover revived art on the island of Naoshima, wander the castle in Matsuyama and spend a night in a tranquil homestay in the village of Usuki. Steam away your worries in the onsens in Beppu and be treated to two nights in the volcanic Mt Aso, staying right in the middle of a caldera in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Remind yourself of the sobering history of Nagasaki and end it all back where it began – in thriving Osaka. This adventure is the ultimate combination of modern art, bullet trains, countryside villages, traditional inns, delicious feasts and onsens, surrounded by impressive views of rice terraces, volcano craters and deep gorges. If you’re looking for a new side of Japan – this is it!
Why you’ll love this trip
Explore the unique island of Naoshima – transformed from a sleepy fishing community into a world-class art destination, with sleek and stylish museums and artworks that harmonise with the landscape.
Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience excellent Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over fascinating conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan.
Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu. Enjoy a local lunch, cooked in the unique local way – you’ll steam your food in the hot spring water, creating authentic flavours rich with healthy minerals! And followed by a relaxing soak in the local onsen if you wish!
Take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory, then a light hike on the moon-like terrain to the largest crater of Nakadake before hopping in a rowboat to paddle through the deep gorge of Takachiho.
Expect the unexpected in Nagasaki, tragically famous for being one of the only two cities that were bombed during the war. Discover the unique charm of this port-side Dutch influenced city and all the history it has collected over the years.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Is this trip right for you?
Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
On this trip, you’ll stay in a homestay and a traditional Japanese inn. It’s a great taste of tradition and local life and you’ll sleep on the traditional tatami floor (futons and blankets on the floor mat), just like the locals do! The facilities here will be shared.
This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Ultimate Japan.
Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
Train, Ferry, Public Bus, Private bus, Metro, Bullet Train
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Homestay (1 night), Japanese Inn (2 nights)
Activities
Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum
Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience
Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
Beppu - local onsen
Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)
Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)
Takachiho - Takachiho gorge rowing boat ride
Takachiho - Takachiho Shrine
Nagasaki - Glover Garden
Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
Nagasaki - tram day pass
Optional activities
Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) - JPY1050
Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum - JPY2100
Naoshima - Benesse House Museum - JPY1300
Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) - JPY460
Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free
Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture - JPY630
Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District - JPY520
Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial - JPY500
Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church - JPY1000
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Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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