12 Days | Go off the path in southern Japan through steaming onsens, inspiring artworks and volcano panoramas
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Train, Ferry, Public Bus, Private bus, Metro, Bullet Train
Hotel (8 nights), Homestay (1 night), Japanese Inn (2 nights)
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
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