Best of Southern Japan

Welcome to Japan, a country that combines the ultra-modern with the ultra-traditional in such a way that it seems completely natural. We begin in Osaka, Japan's third largest city, known for its delectable street foods, the exuberant energy of the locals and its buzzing night life.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive by 5.00pm for dinner at the hotel

with the guide. For those arriving in the evening and unable to attend the dinner, we'll meet you the following morning when our touring begins.

Please refer to the letter you received upon check in with further details on the start time and your guide's information.

Today, we depart Osaka and set our course to Takamatsu, the capital city of the Kagawa Prefecture. Here lies Ritsurin Koen, Japan's largest and one of its most beautiful gardens. Its vast expanse is sprawled with many ponds, hills, lush green trees and well-preserved pavilions, crafting a truly stunning landscape all year around.

We stop at Tokushima on our way, where we will delight in a traditional Awa Odori (dance) performance before exploring the museum.

Continuing to Takamatsu, we will enjoy some free time to walk through the beautiful Ritsurin Garden and soak in the tranquillity at our own pace. Relax as we taste traditional matcha during a tea ceremony at the Kikugetsu-tei Pavilion, overlooking the scenery. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures and to have a look at the gift shop for some unique souvenirs.

This afternoon, we arrive at our hotel before walking to a welcome dinner with our guide at a local restaurant.

This morning, we board a ferry to the island of Naoshima in Japan's Seto Inland Sea where we will spend our day. Also known as the Art Island, there are many contemporary art museums, sculptures and installations scattered across this island.

Special Experience: Admire the many different works of art across the museums including Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum and Art House Project. We'll enjoy leisure time on Naoshima to have some lunch and stroll around the port to view the various installations, including the iconic spotty pumpkins by Yayoi Kusama.

We set our sights on Okayama today, a city which flourished as a castle town during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) and became a place of significant influence and power in the region. Okayama is also famed at the setting of Japan's best loved folklore Momotaro (Peach boy), and you may spot some references to the legendary hero scattered throughout the city.

Get your walking shoes on, as we embark on a journey to two of the 88 temples of Shikoku Henro, a historic pilgrimage route. Traditionally completed on foot, the uniquely circular trail could take between 30 to 60 days to accomplish. Today we walk a 5km portion from 81 Shiromine-ji Temple to 82 Negoro-ji Temple, spending a few hours soaking in the scenic views, and connecting with the rich history along the way.

After our pilgrimage, rest your feet as we drive to Kurashiki before a walking tour of this picturesque village known for its beautiful canal. The village boasts classic architecture situated along the waterway, with charming shops, eateries and galleries. Find a spot for lunch and enjoy the serene surroundings before we head to Okayama for the night.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Okayama Korakuen this morning, one of Japan's top three gardens. Created about 300 years ago by the ruing Ikeda family as a place of relaxation, this garden offers a tranquil retreat as you stroll through its scenery. From the garden, we can also admire the exterior of the magnificent Okayama Castle.

Next, we journey to Onomichi City, where we head up Mount Senkoji via a cable car to see Senkoji Park temple and marvel at the breathtaking views of the city.

Setoda, our next destination

, is nestled in the Setouchi region, a scenic area surrounding Japan's Inland Sea. Setouchi is not a prefecture itself, but a collective term for parts of several surrounding prefectures, including Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi on Honshu, as well as Kagawa and Ehime on Shikoku. This region is renowned for its cycling paradise, healthy lifestyle, blend of history and luxury, and the vibrant open-air art scene. Setoda encapsulates the very essence of Setouchi, offering a quintessential experience of this unique area.

Special Experience: Enjoy two nights at the stunning Azumi Setoda, a beautifully reimagined family estate of a formerly affluent merchant.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today is a free day for independent exploration. Setoda is home to the world-famous Shimanami Kaido, a sacred place for cycling enthusiasts. Stretching over 280 kilometers, the cycling route weaves through the captivating blend of natural and man-made scenery. With over 150 cyclist-friendly oases in the region, you'll find many facilities to accommodate cyclists. Feel free to explore the area on your own or join an optional tour to cycle the expansive routes.

If you're of an art lover, consider visiting the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum. One of Japan's most celebrated contemporary artists, Ikuo specialised in Nihon-ga, a traditional style of Japanese painting. Additionally, you can visit Kosanji Temple, one of the more unique temples in Japan featuring an artistic peak made entirely of Italian marble and adorned abstract statues.

In the evening, unwind and relax as you soak in the onsen at Yubune bath house, conveniently located across the street from our accommodation. This experience is complimentary for hotel guests.

Optional Excursion: Shimanami Kaido Cycling – Rent an e-bike and cycle your way across the scenic route of Omishima Island with a local guide. 2.5 hours/17km – from AUD $160pp. Please note your height will be required when booking

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Home to one of Japan’s twelve “original” castles, Matsuyama Castle survived the feudal era unharmed and intact. Here, we ride the rope way up the steep hill for a bird's eye view of the castle grounds and its 200 cherry trees- a truly phenomenal sight during spring.

Matsuyama is also renowned for its central Dōgo Onsen Bathhouse, believed to be the oldest hot spring in Japan. Its beautiful façade is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's award-winning animation film, Spirited Away. We have this afternoon at leisure, providing an opportunity to explore Dōgo Onsen or see the Botchan Train. Don't miss the enchanting Karakuri Tokei clock tower show, which will run every hour.

Tonight, we savour a traditional kaiseki ryōri, a multi course dinner showcasing the diverse skills and techniques that go into preparing these delectable dishes.

This morning, we make our way to Iwaya-ji temple, number 45 on the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage. If there's one temple on the pilgrimage you cannot miss, this is the one! We'll start our journey from the base of the temple taking the many stairs up the 800m journey to the top, having a couple of stops along the way to catch our breath and enjoy our magical setting. The trek up the hillside, combined with the temple's beautiful structures embossed within a pock-marked cliff, makes for an awe-inspiring journey. Among these high-altitude cliffs are where holy men once practiced their religious disciplines.

From here, we depart the island of Shikoku and catch a ferry to our next destination, Kyushu, the third largest of Japan's four main islands. Located on the southwestern part of the country, Kyushu has a subtropical climate with stunning beaches, natural hot springs and active volcanoes. Arriving in Beppu, we will have a group dinner as a welcome to Kyushu.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Spend a relaxing morning at your leisure before our walking tour of the Kannawa District, famously known as the “Hells of Beppu”. Here, we will explore five unique hot springs. Beppu's hot springs generate a vast amount of steam, which can be seen billowing throughout the city. For centuries, this naturally hot steam has been harnessed for cooking, giving rise to the renowned “Hell Steam Cuisine”. The true flavours of the food naturally enhances by the mineral-rich steam.

Special Experience: Savour a meal of “Hell Steam Cuisine”, where dishes are cooked using the mineral-packed steam from natural hot springs, intensifying their authentic flavours. The remainder of our day is free to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you want to indulge in a unique experience of Beppu Sand Baths – an ancient practice where you'll be gently covered in 100% natural sand from Beppu beach. As your body gradually warms from the sands, you'll feel your blood circulation improve, easing tension in both body and mind. For more details, please enquire with your guide.

We bid farewell to Beppu this morning and head to Yufuin Onsen for a walking tour of the quaint resort town. Discover the mesmerising Kinrin Lake, then enjoy some time strolling through the trendy shopping district full of boutique stores.

We'll then make our way to Takachiho Gorge, a spectacular natural wonder formed over 100,000 years ago by the eruption of Mount Aso. Explore the spectacular gorge along the trails and bridges, taking in the cascading waterfalls surrounded by the vivid greenery during summer and the vibrant hues of reds during autumn.

In the evening, we learn about Japan's intriguing folklore in a traditional Kagura performance. Watch as the gods, myths and legends come alive through an extravagant dance, rhythmic drums and elaborate costumes.

This morning, we'll drive through the magnificent Aso National Park, where you can gaze at the impressive volcanic landscapes and observe active volcanoes. Our journey includes a stop at Kusasenri for the best views of the sweeping grassy plains and a picturesque pond often frequented by horses.

Our next stop is a fantastic photo opportunity at Daikanbo, where you have access to the best 360-degree views in the area, featuring the Five Peaks of Aso and the Kuju Mountain Range.

From here, we make our way to our next destination, Kumamoto.

Kumamoto boasts unique scenery, making it a popular tourist destination even for locals in Japan. It is renowned for its numerous hot springs, blessed by the natural powers from the famous active volcano, Mount Aso.

Our first stop today is the Reigando Cave, where the legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, spent the last two years of his life. Here, he penned the ‘The Book of Five Rings', a philosophical take on a practical guide to swordsmanship and life.

Next, we visit Kumamoto Castle, one of the most extensive and impressive castle complexes in Japan. It's no wonder it is listed among the best. This afternoon, delve into its intriguing history with an in-depth walking tour.

The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at your own pace. A stroll through the picturesque Suizenji Garden is a popular attraction for those visiting Kumamoto!

This morning, we embark on a ferry to Nagasaki, Japan's second oldest port which was a primary gateway to foreign countries between 1639 – 1859. In the early 20th century, Nagasaki became a major shipbuilding centre, a factor that led to its selection as the target for the second atomic bomb dropped by the United States.

Today we visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, established to honour the victims and survivors of this tragic historical event. Here, we will witness the poignant and heartbreaking history preserved within this solemn place.

This evening, we'll dine together at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we'll delight in scenic 360 views of Nagasaki at night. Once recognised as one of the Top 3 Night Views in the world, see the vibrant lights from high above which will leave you in awe.

Our morning begins with an orientation tour of Nagasaki, where you’ll notice the rich tapestry of western influences and cultures as we explore the city.

as we explore the city. The tour continues to the the Dutch district in Deijima, a historical area once reserved for Dutch traders, and Glover Garden, home to the oldest wooden Western-style building in Japan. Next, we head to Japan's oldest Chinatown to freely roam the wide variety of shops and restaurants. Whilst here, we suggest trying Nagasaki's famous Chinese inspired dishes, Chanpon and Sara Udon.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this beautiful city at your own pace. For a fun activity, why not head to Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed park brimming with extravagant attractions, beautiful seasonal flowers and more!

Alternatively, if you have chosen to undertake the optional tour to Hashima Island (must have been pre-booked at time of tour booking), you will make your way to Nagasaki Port and embark on your cruise out to the Gunkanjima sea.

Optional Excursion: Hashima Island (Gunkanjima/Battleship Island) – Cruise out to Hashima Island, once a deep-sea coal mining Island. Closed for over 40 years, this battleship-shaped island has been reawakened and is now open to the public to explore. 2.5 hours – from AUD $60pp. Please Note: This optional excursion will be done in lieu of today's morning sightseeing in Nagasaki . The cruise is subject to local weather conditions and landfall cannot be guaranteed.

Today we head towards the northern shore of Kyushu Island to Fukuoka. On the way, we'll stop at the Yame Tea Fields, where you can take in the beauty of the gentle slopes covered with lush green tea bushes. Our next stop is the Hoshino Tea Museum, where you'll be introduced to the high-quality tea produced in this region. One taste of this tea will redefine your perception of tea! We'll also delight our tastebuds at the museum's restaurant, featuring delicious dishes incorporating their green tea.

Special Experience: Learn the traditional art of green tea making during a hands-on experience in the esteemed Hoshino Village. Our journey continues to Fukuoka, Kyushu Island's largest and most vibrant city. Once we arrive in the evening, we suggest heading to the Yatai Food Stalls for dinner. These iconic open-air food stands each seat a small handful of people and provide a unique atmospheric outdoor dining experience .

This morning, we'll take a tour of the Nakamaru Soy Sauce Factory to learn about the production of Japan's staple condiment. After the tour, we make our way back to Fukuoka and the Canal City area and enjoy time at leisure for lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit the iconic sights of Fukuoka, including Hakata Old Town and Tochoji Temple on a walking tour. We’ll get a glimpse of local life during the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods through the beautifully preserved homes and exhibits at the fascinating Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum.

This evening, the group will gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Our tour concludes this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!