Best of Shikoku, Kyushu and Western Japan
14 Days/12 Nights
- Introduction •
- Itinerary •
- Map •
- Inclusions •
- Gallery
- 2012 Dates & Prices •
- 2013 Dates & Prices •
- Download Tour PDF
- Optional Cultural Activities
With its mild climate and tranquil gardens, famous hot springs and active volcanoes, historic castles, beautiful countryside, and warm-hearted people ... this part of Japan offers a dramatic experience.
Destinations:
Osaka, Kurashiki, Takamatsu, Kotohira, Okayama, Beppu Onsen, Usuki, Aso-san, Nagasaki, Yoshinogarikoen, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto
The rural, mountainous island of Shikoku will charm you with its natural beauty. The island of Kyushu with the largest onsen (hot springs resort) in Japan, active volcanoes and the history-filled city of Nagasaki will surprise you with its diversity. Add the must-see destinations of Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, Miyajima Island and Okayama, and you have a tour that creates travel memories for a lifetime.
You will climb to the top of a samurai castle, stroll through some of Japan's most beautiful and serene gardens, visit a phenomenal onsen where you can take a relaxing hot sand bath on a beach covered up to your neck in warm sand, walk along the rim of an active volcano, meet a "Maiko" (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, see where the Kyoto geishas live and work, discover Japan's religious traditions, explore history-filled Nagasaki and enjoy three gourmet Kaiseki-style dinners and much, much more!
Every day you'll enjoy the friendliness, fun, and flexibility of small-group travel by experiencing sights, Japanese restaurants, and family-run ryokans that are off-limits to larger groups. From start-to-finish, all group transportation, group admission fees, lodging, travel insurance, all breakfasts, six lunches, seven dinners, and more are included. All while our tour guide brings Japan alive with exceptional eight.
Back Door to Shikoku, Kyushu and Western Japan Tour Itinerary
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
| Day 01: | Leave for Japan |
| Day 02: | Arrive Osaka's Kansai Airport, travel to Osaka |
| Day 03: | Osaka - Kuromon Open-Air Market, Osaka Castle, Tennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Shrine |
| Day 04: | Osaka, Kurashiki, Takamatsu - Travel to Kurashiki, Tour Kurashiki, travel to Takamatsu |
| Day 05: | Takamatsu, Kotohira - Ritsurin-koen, Tea and sweets in a teahouse, Travel to Kotohira, Tour Konpira Shrine, Travel to Takamatsu |
| Day 06: | Takamatsu, Okayama, Beppu - Travel to Okayama, tour Korakuen-koen Garden, travel to Beppu |
| Day 07: | Beppu, Usuki - Tour Jigokus (Hells), Travel to Usuki, Tour Usuki Stone Buddhas, Travel to Beppu |
| Day 08: | Beppu, Aso-san, Nagasaki - Travel to Aso-san, tour Aso-san, travel to Nagasaki |
| Day 09: | Nagasaki - Free day |
| Day 10: | Travel to Miyajima Island |
| Day 11: | Miyajima Island - Free day |
| Day 12: | Hiroshima, Kyoto - Travel to Hiroshima, Peace Museum and Park, travel to Kyoto |
| Day 13: | Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy Lesson, Gion Geisha District, "Meet a Maiko" and Sayonara Dinner |
| Day 14: | Depart for home/Arrive home |