tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

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

29 reviews

12 days

Start

Osaka, Japan

Finish

Osaka, Japan

Trip Code

CJSO

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

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 £4,282(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 to explore on foot – in fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring places! Make sure your shoes are comfy and sturdy, and you’re fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.

You’ll stay in a homestay and a traditional Japanese inn on this trip. It’s a great taste of tradition and local life and you’ll sleep on the traditional tatami mat (futons and blankets on the floor mat), just like the locals do! The facilities here will be shared.

This trip uses mainly public transport, which means you’ll travel the same way as the locals do. These are great opportunities to experience authentic local travel but be prepared to pack light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Osaka
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in vibrant Osaka, the country’s unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day, as no activities are planned until then. After the meeting, perhaps join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
As this trip spends very little time in Osaka, it’s recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer.
DAY 2
Takamatsu
Depart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 3
Naoshima Island/Takamatsu
Take the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takayama after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
Add on activities
Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) - JPY1050
Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum - JPY2100
Naoshima - Benesse House Museum - JPY1300
Special information
If there are particular art projects that you would like to visit on Naoshima Island, please check the official websites for their opening days and times so you can plan accordingly.
DAY 4
Matsuyama
This morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
Add on activities
Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) - JPY460
Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 5
Usuki Homestay
Get ready for a bit of a travel day today. Jump on a train and then ferry for Usuki, on Kyushu Island – the third largest of Japan’s four main islands. When you arrive around midday, take a public bus to the village to visit the local sake brewery, where you’ll get to see how sake (the national drink of Japan, beloved by the locals) is made, followed by a tasting of the brewery’s finest. Then, carry on to your homestay. When you arrive, your hosts will be waiting for you to welcome you into their home. Your evening will be filled with collaborative dinner preparation, followed by a feast of delicious home-cooked dishes. Share stories with your hosts, get to know about their life here and learn a few things about Japanese cooking that you can bring home with you.
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your homestay tonight will be in twin share rooms with shared bathrooms. The group may be divided into different households, depending on the group size and composition. You’ll sleep on the traditional tatami mat with a futon, a pillow and blankets provided.
Prepare an overnight pack for your homestay tonight, as your main luggage will be transferred to the hotel in Beppu today. Please make sure you take your valuable belongings with you. The cost of only one piece of main luggage is included. If you have additional luggage to transfer, you leader will advise you the extra cost.
DAY 6
Beppu
Say goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Have lunch at a specialty restaurant that offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Then, you’ll visit Jigoku (which translates to 'hell') – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools with different benefits. After, head to a local onsen for a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend your way in this relaxing city.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
Beppu - local onsen
Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)
Special information
The onsen we visit today is tattoo friendly. Your leader will explain the etiquette for onsen prior to the visit. The basic entrance fee is included that'll allow you to try a variety of different public hot spring pools here.
DAY 7
Mount Aso
Today is all about chasing stunning views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi, which locate between Mt. Aso and Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some pretty excellent views of the five central peaks of Mt Aso. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Fuel up your energy with a lunch stop and then get ready for a hike on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for the next two nights – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful couple of days and nights here.
Accommodation
Japanese Inn (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
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)
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
The hike is about 45 minutes to a hour on established trails, but there may be some sections that are a little steep, so please make sure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes with good grip. For those who prefer not to hike, you may take the bus to see the crater, but you’ll need to wait for the group to return from the hike.
In cases where the weather or risk level is not suitable for the hike or to see the crater, you'll head to Kusasenri trail to hike on the grassland instead. We'll follow local authority's advice in these cases.
You’ll stay in twin shared rooms tonight with shared facilities in the traditional inn tonight. As it’s the traditional style, you’ll sleep on the tatami mat with a futon, pillows and blankets provided. Breakfasts and dinners are included here. Occasionally we may not be able to book the minshuku on the caldera and an alternative minshuku or hotel will be booked in a different location to ensure there won't be an impact to the itinerary.
DAY 8
Mount Aso
This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out and visit the stunning Takachiho Gorge – a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. This gorgeous spot has sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt columns, which the locals say represent the scales of a dragon. Here, you’ll hop in rowing boats and head out on a serene paddle through the gorge, passing Minainotaki Waterfall against the backdrop of the green foliage (this area is especially colourful in autumn!). After, take a walk above the gorge for a different perspective, followed by a visit to Takachiho Shrine. Return to your guesthouse in the mid-afternoon.
Accommodation
Japanese Inn (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Takachiho - Takachiho gorge rowing boat ride
Takachiho - Takachiho Shrine
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The rowing boat fits three people and only the person sitting in the middle can row, so you’ll need to decide who can take one for the team!
In case of bad weather or ticketing issue at Takachiho Gorge, your leader will arrange an alternative activity instead.
DAY 9
Nagasaki
This morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to Nagasaki, arriving in the early afternoon. Nagasaki was the sole port in Japan to trade with Dutch and Portuguese back in the 16th century, so city has a fascinating mixture of traditional Japanese and western architectural influence. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to familiarize the city on arrival and then head over to Glover Garden. Glover Garden is an open air museum with the old foreign merchants houses open for visit. The center piece here is the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden western style building. Enjoy a casual stroll here and learn about an unique part of history in Nagasaki. Then enjoy some free time, so maybe ask your leader where to grab the best local fare.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Nagasaki - Glover Garden
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 10
Nagasaki
Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour, with the surrounding hills providing gorgeous viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. You will have a day pass for the trams in the city so take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this fascinating artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church,and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. The Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
Nagasaki - tram day pass
Add on activities
Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture - JPY630
Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District - JPY520
Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial - JPY500
Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church - JPY1000
DAY 11
Osaka
Say goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan?
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
There will be a few changeovers on your journey back to Osaka, involving quick transitions or going through crowds at train stations. You may want to check with your leader about luggage transfer from Nagasaki at your own expense if you prefer not to take your luggage with you for the train.
DAY 12
Osaka
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.

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

Add on 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

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Oct 11, 2024

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Friday Oct 18, 2024

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£5,786£5,207

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024

Saturday Nov 02, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left

£4,945£4,450

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024

Saturday Nov 09, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£5,137£4,623

Friday Nov 01, 2024

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left

£5,044£4,539

Friday Nov 15, 2024

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£4,758£4,282

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024

Saturday Dec 07, 2024

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£4,758£4,282

Friday Mar 14, 2025

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£4,307

Friday Mar 21, 2025

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£4,846

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025

Saturday Apr 05, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£4,846

Friday Mar 28, 2025

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,033

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025

Saturday Apr 12, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,033

Friday Apr 04, 2025

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£5,033

Sunday Apr 06, 2025

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,033

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

Saturday Apr 19, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left

£4,477

Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at our chosen accommodation.

2 It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.

3. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.

4. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.

Reviews (27)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Brad Sward

Jun 30, 2024

You’d be mad not to travel with Intrepid! This is what I call a holiday with enough thrown in to keep you engaged but still plenty of free time as well. If you’re an independent traveller who wouldn’t normally consider an escorted trip then I’d urge you to try Intrepid at least once - you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Ty Mitchell

Jun 15, 2024

Eiko is one of the best tour guides ever! She went above & beyond to make my experience in Japan the best! She took special consideration for my birthday, helped me fix my suica card with the metro customer service, helped me with my post tour hotel arrangement, helped order food and navigate menus, guided me through Naoshima and helped me explore things I wouldn't have seen on my own, educated me on history that I was interested in, she's funny, very caring! And the list goes on and on!!! She made me feel like a extended member of the family. I couldn't of asked for a better guide, and I'm convinced that there is no better guide than Eiko. It's people like Eiko that keeps myself doing perpetual business with Intrepid. And special thanks to Naomi for being another guide that helped make the trip even more special as she was such a joy to be around! I loved this Trip and Eiko was a large reason for that. Thanks Eiko, Naomi, and Intrepid for finding these special people that help our once in a lifetime trips special for all time.

Raymond Fulton

Apr 26, 2024

Gary Strong

Apr 08, 2024

As something of a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busier cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, this tour offers a fascinating insight into Japanese life and culture, and our tour leader Yuki was brilliant at guiding and explaining it all along the way.

Hilary Mullen

Apr 04, 2024

So glad I went on the Japan Southern Experience. It was packed full of wonderful experiences everyday. Full on with lots of trains and buses, but worth it. Eiko was the best of guides and made the trip so insightful and enjoyable. Thank you Intrepid, again.

Meredith Young

Apr 03, 2024

Wonderful trip to areas we would not have seen on our own. Enjoyed travelling by local transport and experiencing the local foods. Spectacular scenery along the way. Hampered somewhat with bad weather but our leader Eiko, made up for that.

Brodie Lynch

Apr 02, 2024

This trip is a great way to explore the southern area of Japan. It involves lots of transport including trains, buses, trams and ferries and the guide is incredibly helpful in navigating these. You visit lots of gorgeous places outside the city. The farm stay is a particularly incredible experience, with amazing delicious meals in a beautiful setting. For my first visit to Japan where I was very keen to get into the countryside rather than just the cities, this was a perfect trip

Diana Yee

Nov 28, 2023

The Southern Japan tour will keep you on your toes (or feet). It is an excellent (and intense) way to sample the country's southern prefectures without feeling overwhelmed nor leaving you feeling restless. Each day brings a degree of surprise and adventure for everyone. Each locations offers a variety of interests to everyone. I truly enjoyed the more off-beat locations. Be sure to read up on the trip essentials. When it says you should pack light: be sure to pack light and be able to carry your own weight. A lot of physical movements up and down stairwells, lifting of luggages for overhead bins, and being in tight spaces (trains).

Kenway Chen

Nov 12, 2023

It was an absolute marvelous trip. You can experience history, culture, and nature all at once. Iya Valley was my absolute favorite. And Hisa was an amazing tour leader ensuring that we made the best possible memories.

Victoria Deacon

Nov 12, 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed the Southern Japan Experience. The itinerary included an interesting mix of cultural activities such as visiting Naoshima art island and outdoor experiences such as the hike through Yakushima, which were outside the more frequently visited cities in Japan. Our tour leader Lulu was excellent - well organised, very friendly and knowledgable about the local areas. I would highly recommend this tour.

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS