Kyushu: The Southern Route

  • Duration : 19 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Takachiho, Yufuin, Beppu, Osaka

This Japan tour takes you from Tokyo to the island of Kyushu.

After the modern-day capital, Kyoto and Hiroshima/Miyajima, visit Kyushu: historic Nagasaki, medieval Kumamoto, or the thermal baths at Beppu! Round off with an overnight stay on a ferry to Osaka.

Japan's third largest island has an astonishingly beautiful natural landscape of sea and mountains.


3 week itinerary

  • Departure city/airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
  • Tokyo (3 nights)
  • Kyoto (3 nights including 1 day in Nara)
  • Miyajima Island and Hiroshima (1 night)
  • Fukuoka (2 nights)
  • Nagasaki (2 nights)
  • Kumamoto (2 nights)
  • Kumamoto area (Mount Aso or Kagoshima) (2 nights)
  • Takachiho (1 night)
  • Yufuin (2 nights)
  • Beppu (1 night)
  • Osaka (1 night)
  • End Return airport : Osaka (Kansai international airport : KIX)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 18 nights / 19 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example : 

  • Departure from Europe : January 1st
  • Arrival Tokyo (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking) : January 2nd
  • Return flight from Kansai international airport : January 20th

Like this tour but would prefer to visit the mystical island of Yakushima, in the south of Kyushu, famous for its lush nature?

"Hiking in Japan" tour takes you there!


Why this trip to Japan ?

  1. Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
  2. Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto : a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you
  3. In Kyoto, a travel angel will welcome you to a traditional Japan Experience house
  4. Reach Hiroshima and the sacred island of Miyajima where you will spend a night in a ryokan
  5. Fukuoka, the capital of Kyushu Island, will be your first stop on this large volcanic island
  6. Visit Nagasaki, Kumamoto, the Aso or Sakurajima volcanoes, the Takachiho gorges and Yufuin 
  7. After a final stop at Beppu for a spa treatment, you will embark on an overnight cruise to Osaka
  8. Enjoy your Japan Rail Pass and airport transfers
  9. Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  10. If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
  11. A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
  12. Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan.

 

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京

    Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).

    Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Welcomed out of customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and Pocket WiFi.

    Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

    This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival and stops can be made before your hotel.

    If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

    Check-in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).

  • Day 2 : First steps in the capital

    What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?

    We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts:

    - Harajuku: the avant-garde district

    - Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine

    - Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan

    - Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées

    - Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

  • Day 3 : The big loop

    For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".



    Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then go to visit:

    - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district

    - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market

    - Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings

    - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River

    - Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city

    - Tokyo Sky Tree eaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset 

    Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa.

  • Day 4 : The former capital

    In 2 hours 50, reach Kyoto.

    From noon onwards, you can settle into your traditional Japan Experience house! A Travel Angel will welcome you, show you some unique details and help you to have an unforgettable stay in Kyoto. You will be able to "live the Japanese way" for a few days, with a space much bigger than a hotel room and a kitchen to prepare good Japanese food!

    You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.

    Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district near your accommodation :

    - Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple

    - The historical streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka

    - Kodai-ji, the maple and bamboo temple of Kyoto

    Finish off seeing the sunset in Gion. Meet your guide at 19:00 to start your late stroll around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.

    At the end of this 1 hour 30 walk, your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to eat out! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion.

  • Day 5 : Gold and Silver Treasures

    We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto:

    - Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

    - The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

    - The bewitching path of philosophy

    - The Nanzen-ji temple

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

  • Day 6 : Between temples and deer

    For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.

    Visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century:

    Discover:

    - The Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha and its thousands of lanterns

    - The Todaiji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate

    - Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagoda

    Return to Kyoto and stop for sunset at Fushimi Inari, the huge 10,000 torii sanctuary in Kyoto. If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will unveil all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional, return trip from Kyoto).

  • Day 7 : The Sacred Island

    In the morning, we advise that you have your luggage sent to the hotel in Fukuoka (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) and that you travel light for your night in Miyajima.

    Shinkansen train ride from Kyoto to Miyajima (2h20, 1 change) then boat (20 minutes). The train and boat included in the Japan Rail Pass.

    Explore the island: its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its large gate (ootorii) standing in the sea. Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay is waiting for you!

    At night at the ryokan (on or opposite the island), you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.

  • Day 8 : Make way for history

    Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

    In the morning, make a stop in Hiroshima (30 minutes by train from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Station, included in your JR Pass), to visit the Peace Park and its memorial.

    Continue from Hiroshima to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, in 1 hour by Shinkansen (included in your JRPass).

    Arrive in the centre of the vibrant city of Fukuoka and check into your hotel near the central station.

    With its 2000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been the gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Portugal and its Jesuits, Holland). Another Japan, more Asian and further away from Tokyo, awaits you. Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of the most dynamic cities in Japan with its many high-tech companies and the hosting of a global event: the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.

    Visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin districts and their yatai - hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air restaurants at low prices. A great way to spend one final evening!

  • Day 9 : The capital of Kyushu

    Meet your English-speaking guide for the morning to visit one of Fukuoka's many iconic sites:

    - Momochi district: Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - Japan in the 22nd century

    - Canal City Hakata, a huge shopping centre integrated into the city, its city park and its canals

    - Asian Art Museum, the world's first museum for modern Asian art

    - Shofoku-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Japan

    - Hakata Machiya, a district of old merchants' houses

    In the afternoon you can continue your tour of Fukuoka or go for a visit to Fukuoka or a getaway to the surrounding area... there's no shortage of ideas:

    - The beaches around Fukuoka, such as Itoshima or Kusatsu, accessible in 45 min from Fukuoka

    - Dazaifu, the most famous temple complex on the whole island of Kyushu, south of Fukuoka

    In the evening, second night in your hotel in Fukuoka.

  • Day 10 : A rich past open to the world

    2 hour trip to Nagasaki (direct, included in your package) and accommodation in your 3* hotel or same category hotel.

    In addition to its sad history during the Second World War, the city offers visitors evidence of its rich past. A trading port to Asia, and for a long time Japan's only gateway to the outside world, it was also a place of refuge for Japanese Christians persecuted during the Edo era.

    We advise you the following spots :

    Glover's garden (former foreign concession) and Oura basilica 

    - Dejima museum-polder (former Dutch concession) 

    - The memorial and museum of 26 martyrs 

    - The Sôfukuji Chinese temple 

    - The Atomic Bomb Museum

  • Day 11 : Between the sea and the Japanese countryside

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    There is no shortage of day trips from Nagasaki:

    - Gunkanjima ghost island (boat tickets optional)

    - The Shimabara coast, with the slopes of the Unzen volcano, one of the most active in the world, whose 1991 eruption cost the lives of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft

    And some slightly more cheerful sites:

    - The floating torii on the sea, with superb views from the coast

    - The village of Amari, famous for its Japanese ceramics

    - A theme park recreating a Dutch region, symbolising the common past of the two countries



    These places are accessible with your Japan Rail Pass, in 1 to 2 hours from Nagasaki, direct or with a change. The Shimabara side is only accessible with a private line train, which can be used with your offer's pre-payment card.

     

  • Day 12 : The feudal heart of Kyushu

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Levae for Kumamoto (2 hour train and Shinkansen, 1 change, all included).

    Arrival in the feudal city of Kumamoto. We recommend a visit to its castle and park, as well as the magnificent Suizen-ji garden, accessible by tram from the centre.



    Check-in at your 3* hotel in the heart of Kumamoto.

  • Day 13 : On the Japanese volcano road

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Go for a day trip to discover a still active volcano: Mount Aso, east of Kumamoto, or Sakurajima, in the south:

    - Mount Aso, accessible in 1 hour 45 (JR train and bus), is one of the largest calderas in the world, where 50,000 people live while the volcano that created it is still active. A volcano museum, a cable car with a view of one of the craters and a short hike are on the agenda for this extraordinary day.

    - Sakurajima borders the city of Kagoshima, the capital of southern Kyushu. It is nicknamed "the Naples of Japan" for its proximity to this active volcano reminiscent of Vesuvius. The city of Kagoshima can be reached in 1 hour by Shinkansen, direct and included in your package. In addition to the view of one of Japan's most famous volcanoes, Kagoshima has a fabulous garden worth visiting: the Senga-en.



    From Kagoshima, it's possible to approach the volcano

  • Day 14 : Myths and legends

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Leave for Takachiho, in the centre of Kyushu Island, by bus (3 hours, direct, no changes, included in your offer). Arrival at noon. Settle in your minshuku (between a ryokan and a family inn) right next to the bus terminal.

    Go on foot to discover the richness of this mountain village known for its Japanese legends and magnificent ravines :

    Gokase river gorges one of the most beautiful natural sites in Kyushu 

    - Amanoiwato Jinja Shinto temple, Japan's second most sacred site 

    - Evening show of sacred dances (divine gestures) Iwato Kagura 

    In the evening, explore the surroundings of the village sanctuary:

    - Discover the rice terraces, a must-see in the Japanese countryside

    - Climb to the Kunimigaoka observation platform, to enjoy a splendid panorama of the surrounding mountains, and on a clear day to Mount Aso

    The proposed sites are located within a 10 minute to 1.5 hour walk from your accommodation. Gokase Gorge, the most famous site in Takachiho, is a 30-minute walk away. Local taxis and buses also operate in the area.

    In the evening, you can enjoy a tasty dinner in your accommodation.

  • Day 15 : Kyushu's famous gorges

    Breakfast at the minshuku.

    In the morning, continue your exploration of Takachiho, then leave at noon for Yufuin (1 hour by bus and 3 hours by train with 1 change. All included). The train travels through fabulous Japanese mountain, countryside and coastal scenery, far from the usual tourist trails.

    At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive in Yufuin, where you can settle in a ryokan where a traditional dinner will be served.

  • Day 16 : Picturesque spa village

    Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

    Located at the foot of the majestic, verdant Mount Yufu, you will enjoy this spa, one of Japan's favourites. Not to mention the tranquility of the warm waters of Lake Kirin-ko in the centre of town, or the ever-present surrounding nature. A peaceful break on this trip!

    We recommend that you have your luggage sent to Osaka so that you can travel light the following day (check with the reception of your ryokan, details in your travel diary).

    In the evening, second dinner and night in your ryokan.

  • Day 17 : The city of steaming onsens

    Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

    Leave by train to Beppu (1 hour 10, 1 change, all included).



    This large city, on the coast is home to nearly 3000 hot springs! With the feel of an industrial town, Beppu offers baths for all tastes, both for sightseeing and for soaking! Unfortunately, this city has been taken over by mass tourism, mainly Japanese and Asian. However, the walking tour of the 8 Beppu hells (including the Blood Lake) is unique: it winds its way through various open pools of volcanic water. Many spa experiences await you in Beppu, including the famous black sand baths. Travel around the city by local bus from the central station.

     

    In the early evening, head to the waterfront and its marine terminal to board a cruise ship. Dinner will be served here, before a night cradled by the waves. Travel overnight along Japan's calm inland sea and arrive early the next morning in Osaka.

  • Day 18 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

    From the Osaka ferry terminal, reach your 3* Osaka Intergate Umeda hotel or same category hotel by metro (20 minutes, 1 change) or taxi.

    You have arrived for your last day of your Japan tour.

    We suggest the following tour:

    - The medieval castle of Osaka, with its park full of plum and cherry trees

    - The city centre and its Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park in the middle of the buildings

    - Utsubo Park, an oasis of freshness in the business district

    - Rendezvous in Umeda, temple of Japanese style shopping

    - End up at the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!)

    Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the gastronomic capital of Japan, especially in the bustling Dotonbori district.

  • Day 19 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

    Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

    Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Kansai or elsewhere... We will be able to advise you!

     

    Included in your self-guided tour

  • Accommodation

    - 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transpo

    - 3 nights in a traditional Kyoto house

    - 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Miyajima (on or opposite the island), traditional half-board

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel inFukuoka

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Nagasaki

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Kumamoto

    - 1 night in minshuku 2/3* in Takachiho, traditional half-board

    - 2 nights in a 3* ryokan in Yufuin, traditional half-board

    - 1 night on the Beppu-Osaka ferry, dinner included

    - 1 night in a 3*hotel in Osaka

    The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

  • Transport

    Airport transfers (details below)

    - Prepaid public transport card

    Japan Rail Pass for 14 days

    - Round trip tickets to Takachiho (see itinerary)

  • Experiences and meals

    Airport welcome

    - Welcome to Kyoto by a travel angel

    - Traditional dinner and breakfast in the 4 traditional lodgings of the tour

    - Dinner on the Beppu -> Osaka boat

    - 4 breakfasts in Nagasaki and Kumamoto

    Guided night tour of Gion (1h30)

    - Half day tour of Fukuoka

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket Wi-Fi

    - Complete e-travel diary 

    - The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. It is valid for telephone calls and Whatsapp.

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights Europe <> Japan

    - Optional insurance policies

    - Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)

    - Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)

    - Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen circuit. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
  • This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:
    • Travel diary by email maximum 8 days before departure, and other electronic documents 
    • Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
  • Note : In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.


Your accommodation :

  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. 
  • Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed. This option is not valid in the Japan Experience house in Kyoto nor in the ryokans (on individual futons).
  • Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note that if you request more than two people in a single room, the single room supplement will be applied to all accommodation except for the ryokans (3 and 4*). In fact, as this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
  • 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
  • In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close. 
  • Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
  • In the ryokan and Takachiko accomodation, the rooms have a private sink and toilet. The single-sex collective Japanese baths ("onsen") then act as shared bathrooms, with showers and thermal baths. They are freely accessible, at the times in force on the site. These baths are often not accessible to people with clearly visible tattoo (s). The latter are invited to contact us to evaluate the possibilities of accommodation with private baths or shared baths that can be reserved.
  • On the Beppu-> Osaka ferry, the standard class cabins have a washbasin. There is a single communal toilet and bath on the upper deck. Rooms do not have windows. The 4* option will offer you a premium cabin.
  • The 4* ryokan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryokans are private.
  • Traditional house in Kyoto: each house has been chosen for its location (transport, shops, temples...) and thus to facilitate your stay. Most of them are either located in the historical district of Gion or on the edge of the Path of Philosophy and the Silver Temple. All lodgings have at least one Japanese tatami room and are equipped with a minimum of 3 beds, either in a single western bed (not double) or on a futon. Do not hesitate to specify in your comments that you want to sleep in a western bed.

Your transport :

  • Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and depart from Kansai airport (KIX, not Itami ITM). On departure, you will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 6:30 p.m. at the most to make the most of the airport services of your circuit (reception and transfer to Tokyo).

    The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
  • If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
  • Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to pick up the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer". This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other clients leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and stops can be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes.
  • Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); a 14-day Japan Rail Pass, as well as bus tickets to and from Takachiho. These 3 cards/tickets should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ Transport Prepayment Card, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your pre-paid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations). 
  • The Japan Rail Pass is a personal train pass for foreign travellers who wish to visit Japan. This pass allows unlimited travel for 14 consecutive days on all Japan Railways (JR) trains throughout Japan. You will receive a voucher to be exchanged at a JR office when you are welcomed at the airport by our assistant (list of addresses provided in your travel guide). You will be asked to show your passport and fill in a form. During this exchange, you will select the start date of your pass. Once your Pass has been activated, it will be valid for 14 consecutive days from the date chosen. To prevent wasting time when you arrive at the airport, you are requested to exchange your voucher upon arrival in Tokyo City. This is because exchanging it at the airport could delay your airport shuttle. With your Japan Rail Pass in hand, just go to the station, show your pass to the ticket inspector at the entrance gates and board any JR train. Trains in Japan are almost all open seating. If you are worried about not having a seat (on a shinkansen for example), simply go to a ticket office and reserve your seat at no extra charge. The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR and Shinkansen lines in Japan. The following journeys are not covered:
    • Travel by metro and bus in the cities (payable by pre-paid transport card, included in your package)
    • Transfers from the train station to the hotels (by foot, bus, metro or taxi)
    • Travel on private train lines (other than JR)
    • Travel on Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (shinkansen)
    • Trips made outside the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass
  • Japan Rail Pass: It is not necessary to possess a Japan Rail Pass which covers your entire stay. This is only cost-effective if it is used for long journeys between the different stages of your stay (especially in shinkansen) which are very expensive. In large cities like Tokyo, only about ⅓ of public transport is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and getting around is relatively cheap (Tokyo metro tickets: £1.71 / 2.42$; Kyoto daily bus card: £4.28 / 5.97$). Thus, providing you with a Japan Rail Pass for more than 14 days (21) would not be cost-effective and, on the contrary, would significantly increase the cost of your trip.
  • If a person taking part in the tour is a Japanese national and a resident of Japan, or a foreigner with tax residence in Japan (including a student), then that person is not eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. Please contact us to get the price of the tour without a Japan Rail Pass. They will have to buy the train tickets for the tour directly in Japan. The Kansai Thru Pass is also subject to the same nationality/residency requirements. This is not the case for the Hakone Free pass. If this person is a Japanese citizen but not a resident of Japan, then he/she can benefit from the Japan Rail Pass under certain conditions (see https://www.japan-experience.com/frequently-asked-questions).

Your activities :

  • Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).
  • The guided tour of Gion takes place in groups of 12 people maximum, from  6pm to 7:30/8:00pm. In English. More details on the meeting place in your travel journal. Dinner is not planned but your guide will be able to give you their best spots.
  • An English speaking Travel Angel who is a specialist in Japan will be there to welcome you to your traditional house in Kyoto. They will give you the keys, explain how the house and its facilities work, give you a tour of the area (tourist sites, supermarkets, bike rental...) and answer all your questions. They will be available throughout your stay in case of any problems or questions.
  • The half-day guided tour of Fukuoka takes place in the morning or in the afternoon and is private. In English. Any transport is at your own expense. Lunch is not included in the activity.

Your meals :

  • Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your ryokan and minshuku. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryokan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryokan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.
  • Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.
  • The traditional Japan Experience houses are equipped for cooking and are located close to supermarkets and markets.
  • Dinner (excluding drinks) on the Beppu -> Osaka ferry is included

Your additional services:

  • Telephone support is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in English
  • A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
  • It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
  • A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
  • A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex : 

Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :

Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

 

Frequently asked questions

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan

  • The guarantee of the first tour operator specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
  • A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
  • Competitive prices thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
  • Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
  • specialised team is available 7 days a week by phone or email
  • The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website

Kyushu: The Southern Route

From
$3,213 per person - 19 days

Optional services

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