Southern Japan Experience

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!

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 dinner (Beppu style)
• Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
• Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
• Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
• Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike
• Takachiho - Takachiho gorge rowing boat ride
• Takachiho - Takachiho Shrine
• Arita - Tonbai Wall Alleys walking tour
• Arita - Tozan Shrine
• Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum

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 and enjoy a soak in a Michelin star onsen, followed by a unique experience for dinner – you’ll steam your food in the hot spring water, creating authentic flavours rich with healthy minerals!
• 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.