Experience Overview
One of Japan’s greatest attractions is its blend of the modern and the traditional. On this 12-day trip, you’ll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristed 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 a night 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 grasslands. If you’re looking for a new side of Japan – head to the south!
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1723
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Ferry,Public Bus,Private bus,Metro,Bullet Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: CJSO
Starts: Osaka, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights),Homestay (1 night),Japanese Inn (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6112 (CAD 509 /day)
Itinerary
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
Optional Activities:
- Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) (1050 JPY)
- Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum (2100 JPY)
- Naoshima - Benesse House Museum (1300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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).
Included Activities:
- Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
Optional Activities:
- Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) (460 JPY)
- Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
- Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
- Beppu - local onsen
- Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in Beppu. This is the perfect opportunity to take it easy in this onsen town, soaking your muscles and taking advantage of the benefits. Maybe explore other onsens in the city or alternatively, explore Beppu at your own pace. Maybe check out Jigoku Onsen Museum or take the Mount Tsurumi ropeway to the top for views overlooking the city. The lower station of the ropeway is a great spot for cherry blossom season! You might like to visit the Yawata Asami Shrine, Beppu Tower or take a daytrip out the nearby Yufuin town. The day is yours!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is all about chasing 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 between Mt Aso and the Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some excellent views of the five central peaks of the mountain. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Stop for lunch, then get ready for a hike either on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain or to Kusasenri trail on the grassland, depending on crater's accessibility. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for tonight – 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 night here.
Included Activities:
- Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
- Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)
- Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
- Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
Accommodation:
- Japanese Inn (Number of Nights: 1)
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, then head over to Glover Garden – an open air museum where you can see some of the old foreign merchant houses. See the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden western style building, and learn about a unique part of history in Nagasaki. You then have a free afternoon, so maybe ask your leader where to grab dinner.
Included Activities:
- Nagasaki - Glover Garden
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour has surrounding hills with many 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 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)!
Included Activities:
- Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
- Nagasaki - tram day pass
Optional Activities:
- Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture (630 JPY)
- Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District (520 JPY)
- Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial (500 JPY)
- Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church (1000 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Brodie - Traveled, March 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Meredith - Traveled, March 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Diana - Traveled, November 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).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Kenway - Traveled, October 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Victoria - Traveled, October 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Brieanne - Traveled, October 2023
First time using intrepid and I was skeptical but glad I went. Amazing time and people along with tour guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Helen - Traveled, September 2023
This trip provided plenty of active activities and catered to a range of interests - gardens, art, historical events and destinations. The hotel accommodation was very comfortable. The train travel meant traveling light was an advantage. We were able to forward our big bags when necessary. I highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Paula - Traveled, September 2023
I highly recommend Intrepid's Southern Japan Experience tour. Hisa our guide was exceptional and worked tirelessly to ensure that all had a great trip. Nagasaki, Iya Valley, Yakashima were really amazing and Matsuyama was delightful. Takyama gardens were sublime. It would be lots of work to organise all the train transfers without a tour guide. So many wonderful food experiences! Make sure you leave time to relax at the end of the trip- it's a long journey back to Osaka from Yakashima.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Linda - Traveled, August 2023
For those who want to see Japan beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, this is a great trip. Southern Japan’s role in Japan’s history overall is fascinating. The variety of culture is wonderful as well as getting away from the big cities. And if you like art, Naoshima is a delight! And if you like nature, Yakushima will be another hightlight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Vic - Traveled, August 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our South Japan tour and experienced an interesting array of activities. At all times we felt very safe and the tour was well managed every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Liliana - Traveled, July 2023
I can only recommend the Ultimate Japan tour with Intrepid. Travelling by train, ferry, tram, cable car, etc. felt smooth and stressless with our two successive tour leaders, Seiji and Eiko. They took care of everything and we only had to make sure we were on time. It would have been a very different story having to organise all of that on my own. The accommodation was great: we stayed in comfortable hotels and also had several opportunities to stay in the traditional ryokans, sleep on a tatami mat and taste the traditinal breakfast and dinner, which is something I enjoyed a lot. Both our successive tour leaders, Seiji and Eiko, were very helpful, generous, competent and had a great sense of humour. My experience of Japan would not have been the same without them. This will remain one of my most memorable trips!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Robert - Traveled, May 2023
Had a great trip through Southern Japan, with a varied itinerary that showed things from cities to rural towns. Some long travel days, so bring something to keep yourself entertained on the trains. I can't recommend this trip enough, it gets you off the main tourist trail while having lots of interesting things to see and do, like climbing Kompira San. Or riding ebikes around Naoshima.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2023
Marlee - Traveled, May 2023
What a wonderful and unforgettable trip. Our tour leader Eiko was absolutely fantastic and the itinerary was something so new to me. Probably not the trip to do for your first trip to Japan, but as it was my third, I loved seeing a side of the country that most tourists don't see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Jasmina - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent trip option if you want something different or want to avoid the big cities. The trip takes you places where wouldn't be able to arrange it on your own, such as Iya Valley. For anyone looking for something different in Japan, definitely consider this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2023
Hilary - Traveled, March 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
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