Southern Japan Experience

12 Days | Go off the path in southern Japan through steaming onsens, inspiring artworks and volcano panoramas

4.8 out of 5 based on 32 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
AUD $5,836

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!

Trip overview

Map of Southern Japan Experience including Japan
Start
Osaka, Japan
Finish
Osaka, Japan
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
Japan
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJSO
This trip generates 33 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

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 Intrepid 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Southern Japan Experience including Japan

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

Dates and availability

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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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 32 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Amy · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 27 Oct 2024

Caroline · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 10 Oct 2024

Nathalie · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 23 Sep 2024

Kelly · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 14 Aug 2024

Tania · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 26 Jul 2024
Southern Japan Experience
From
AUD $5,836