13 Day Japan & the Scenic South Tour Itinerary
DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO FUKUOKA
Fly overnight to the charming city of Fukuoka,
the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Depending
on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is
yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3: EXPLORE FUKUOKA
The lovely Fukuoka is at the heart of an
area considered a cradle of culture the
citys position facing Korea and China
across the sea means its long been a
channel of outside influence. This morning
take a stroll to the traditional Rakusuien
Garden and visit the famous Dazaifu
Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god
of academic achievement. Later, take a
relaxed cruise on the Yanagawa River,
passing through a National Site of Scenic
Beauty on a small donkobune.
DAY 4: DISCOVER KUMAMOTO
Transfer to Kumamoto, a city famous for
its majestic castle, one of Japans largest
and most complete. Youll see the castle
as part of your full day city tour, as well as
Suizenji Garden. A traditional-style garden
built in the 17th century, the garden
recreates in miniature the important road
that linked Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, including
a mini Mount Fuji.
DAY 5: VISIT MOUNT ASO & BEPPU
Travel from Kumamoto to Mount Aso, an
active volcano at the centre of Kyushu
island. Asos crater is one of the worlds
largest; with a circumference of over 100km
it encompasses a number of other active
peaks, which youll be able to see (weather
dependent). Continue to Beppu, one of Japans most famous hot spring resorts your hotel for the night has onsen facilities for
you to make the most of the steamy waters.
DAY 6: EXPLORE BEPPU
Venture out into Beppu, starting the day with
a jigoku meguri, a hell tour! Here youll find all
sorts of volcanic features, including thermal
mud and hot springs that have bubbled from
the ground here for a millennium. Pop over
to Yufuin, another hot spring resort that is
home to a wealth of art museums, cafes and
boutiques and is a delight to explore. This
afternoon transfer back to Fukuoka.
DAY 7: TRAVEL TO HIROSHIMA
Depart Fukuoka for Hiroshima. Stop en route to
explore the city of Yamaguchi, spending some
time at Rurikoji, a Buddhist temple that boasts
a spectacular national treasure a five-storey
pagoda built in 1442. Continue to Iwakuni for
a lunch stop and then to the Kintaikyo Bridge,
an elegant wooden bridge that crosses the
Nishiki River. Arrive in Hiroshima.
DAY 8: DISCOVER HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that
is a pleasure to explore. Take a ferry across the
Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima
and visit the Itsukushima Shrine before enjoying
some time at leisure. Back in the city, reflect on
Hiroshimas tragic past at the Peace Memorial
Park and Museum paying homage to the victims
of the 1945 atomic bomb.
DAY 9: ADMIRE HIMEJI CASTLE
Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping in
Himeji en route to visit the magnificent Himeji
Castle, one of Japans most impressive feudal
era forts, and stroll through Kokoen, an
Edo-style garden just across the castle moat.
Drop in on a sake brewery to learn about the
process of this traditional Japanese spirit and
enjoy some tasters, before arriving in Kyoto.
DAY 10: EXPLORE KYOTO
Capital for 1,000 years, until 1879, today
Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full
of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and
sublime gardens. Start the day with a visit to
the Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its
10,000 vermillion torii gate-lined pathways
and impressive Nijo Castle. This afternoon
gaze on the famous Kinkakuji, also known as
the Golden Pavilion before a stroll around the
Gion district, Kyotos famous geisha district
and centre of the citys traditional arts.
DAY 11: VISIT HAKONE
Transfer to Kyoto station, board a bullet
train to Atami and transfer to Hakone by road. Discover the mountainous
beauty and rich culture of the Hakone area,
before travelling to Lake Ashi for a cruise that will allow you to take in the spectacular panoramas of the area, including the iconic,
snow-capped silhouette of Mount Fuji
(weather permitting). Next, fly high over the
thick forest on the Hakone Ropeway, passing
the volcanic Owakudani Valley with its hot
springs and steam vents. Later, continue to
Tokyo, Japans capital city.
DAY 12: TOUR TOKYO
As modern as Tokyo may appear,
behind the neon faade is a traditional soul
that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways,
temples and shrines of the Edo era. Experience both sides of the city,
ascending the soaring Tokyo Skytree, the
worlds tallest tower, for panoramic views,
and wandering through the old district of
Asakusa. Stop at Sensoji, Tokyos most
beloved temple. You will also
drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza, soak up
the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu
Shrine and see the worlds most famous road
crossing at Shibuya.
DAY 13: FLY TOKYO TO UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or
following day.
