Intrepid Travel

Southern Japan Experience

Southern Japan Experience

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!

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 – Nakadake Crater
  • Mount Aso – Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)
  • Mount Aso – Ogi Rice terraces
  • Mount Aso – Daikanbo Observatory
  • Nagasaki – Glover Garden
  • Nagasaki – Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
  • Nagasaki – tram day pass

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.

04/15/2025 through 11/22/2027
04/15/2025 through 11/26/2027

Day 1

Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, illuminated by vivid neon, and take advantage of nearby souvenir shops, or venture into the Dōtonbori district for the city’s best restaurants! Kuromon Market is a must for an authentic taste of Osaka’s fresh seafood and gastronomic staples; sample anything from Takoyaki dumplings to the infamous fugu fish. Savor in the sights and sounds of vibrant Osaka on your next trip to Japan!


Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Beppu, located on Japan's Kyushu Island, is renowned for its extensive hot spring resources, boasting the largest volume of hot water and number of hot spring sources in the country. The city is divided into eight distinct hot spring areas, called "Beppu Hatto," each offering unique thermal experiences. Visitors can indulge in various types of baths, providing a comprehensive wellness retreat.

One of the most unique attractions is the "Hells of Beppu," a collection of spectacular hot springs meant for viewing rather than bathing. These geothermal wonders showcase vibrant colors and unique features, offering a glimpse into Earth's geothermal activity.


Day 7

Beppu, located on Japan's Kyushu Island, is renowned for its extensive hot spring resources, boasting the largest volume of hot water and number of hot spring sources in the country. The city is divided into eight distinct hot spring areas, called "Beppu Hatto," each offering unique thermal experiences. Visitors can indulge in various types of baths, providing a comprehensive wellness retreat.

One of the most unique attractions is the "Hells of Beppu," a collection of spectacular hot springs meant for viewing rather than bathing. These geothermal wonders showcase vibrant colors and unique features, offering a glimpse into Earth's geothermal activity.


Day 8
Day 9 This beautiful port city and capital of the Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the island of Kyushu. A Japanese trading hub for centuries, Nagasaki, along with Hiroshima, was destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Today, visitors are strongly encouraged to see the Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates the tragedy. Other key sights include Hashima Island, an abandoned island off of the city's coast, the mansion-dotted open air park Glover Garden, and Mount Inasa, offering majestic night views. For a truly unique experience, visit Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that is a replication of a Dutch village.
Day 10 This beautiful port city and capital of the Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the island of Kyushu. A Japanese trading hub for centuries, Nagasaki, along with Hiroshima, was destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War II. Today, visitors are strongly encouraged to see the Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates the tragedy. Other key sights include Hashima Island, an abandoned island off of the city's coast, the mansion-dotted open air park Glover Garden, and Mount Inasa, offering majestic night views. For a truly unique experience, visit Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that is a replication of a Dutch village.
Day 11

Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, illuminated by vivid neon, and take advantage of nearby souvenir shops, or venture into the Dōtonbori district for the city’s best restaurants! Kuromon Market is a must for an authentic taste of Osaka’s fresh seafood and gastronomic staples; sample anything from Takoyaki dumplings to the infamous fugu fish. Savor in the sights and sounds of vibrant Osaka on your next trip to Japan!


Day 12

Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, illuminated by vivid neon, and take advantage of nearby souvenir shops, or venture into the Dōtonbori district for the city’s best restaurants! Kuromon Market is a must for an authentic taste of Osaka’s fresh seafood and gastronomic staples; sample anything from Takoyaki dumplings to the infamous fugu fish. Savor in the sights and sounds of vibrant Osaka on your next trip to Japan!


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