Kyushu: The Southern Route

  • Duration : 20 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.


20-day itinerary

  • Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
  • Tokyo (3 nights)
  • Kyoto (3 nights, including one day-trip in Nara)
  • Miyajima and Hiroshima (1 night)
  • Fukuoka (2 nights)
  • Nagasaki (2 nights)
  • Kumamoto (2 nights)
  • Kumamoto area (Mount Aso or Kagoshima, 2 nights)
  • Hita (1 night)
  • Yufuin (2 nights)
  • Beppu (1 night)
  • Osaka (2 nights)
  • Return city/Airport : Osaka (Kansai International Airport : KIX)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 19 nights / 20 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.

Example : 

  • Departure from Europe : January 1st
  • Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking) : January 2nd
  • Return flight from Kansai International Airport KIX / Return to Europe : January 21st

Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.

This tour information was last updated on November 29, 2024 to ensure a smoother itinerary.


Like this tour but would prefer to visit the mystical island of Yakushima, in the south of Kyushu, famous for its lush nature ? Our 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 unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  9. If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
  10. A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
  11. 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 NRT or Haneda HND).
    Welcome to Japan! 日本へようこそ!

    Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi. Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

    The 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 may be made before your hotel.

    If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the 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 similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

  • Day 2 : First steps in the capital

    What to do in Tokyo on your first day ?

    We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
    - Harajuku, the avant-garde district 
    - Meiji Jingû, the imperial sanctuary 
    - Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the capital 
    - Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées 
    - Shibuya and its impressive crossroads

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

  • Day 3 : The big loop

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

    Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit :
    - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district ;
    - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market ;
    - Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ;
    - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
    - Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
    - Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

    Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

  • Day 4 : The former capital

    In the morning, reach Kyoto via shinkansen (included in your package).

    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, close to your accommodation :
    - Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
    - The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ;
    - Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

    Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
    Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
    More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

    At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner!
    Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures 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:
    - The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji 
    - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion
    - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
    - The enchanting Philosopher's Path 
    - Nanzen-ji temple

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

  • Day 6 : Between temples and deer

    For the last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara (Suica accessible).

    Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century. Discover:
    - The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns  
    - Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate  
    - Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda

    Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

    If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

  • 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.

    Take the shinkansen to Miyajima (about 2h20, 1 change) then then boat (20 minutes, with Suica), both included in your package.

    Reach your ryokan near the island's ferry terminal. The time to explore the island has come ! Its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Ôtorii gate built into the sea are definitely a must-see.

    Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

    At the ryôkan, 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 brief stop in Hiroshima (30 minutes by train from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Station, with Suica) and visit the Peace Park and its memorial.

    From Hiroshima, head to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, just 1 hour away by shinkansen (included in your package).

    Arrive in the centre of the vibrant city of Fukuoka and check into your hotel located 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, 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 hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air restaurants at low prices "yatai". A great way to spend one final evening!

  • Day 9 : The capital of Kyushu

    In the morning, meet your English-speaking guide and explore Fukuoka's many iconic sites:
    - Momochi district : Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - Japan in the 22nd century 
    - Canal City Hakata, a huge shopping center seamlessly integrates with a city park and charming canals 
    - Asian Art Museum, the world's first museum for modern Asian art 
    - Shôfoku-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in all of Japan 
    - Hakata Machiya, a captivating district lined with traditional merchants' houses

    In the afternoon you can continue your tour of Fukuoka, embark on a nearby adventure, or delve deeper into the city's offerings:
    - The beaches around Fukuoka, such as Itoshima or Kusatsu, a quick 45-minute trip 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.

    Leave 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 1h45 (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 1h 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.

    Embark on a 3-hour direct journey to the city of Hita, often called the 'Kyoto of Kyushu' due to its historic streets modeled after the ancient capital, and check into your hotel.

    The Mameda neighbourhood, just north of Hita Station, is the main area modeled after Kyoto, with a grid of straight streets lined with historic buildings. Stroll the atmospheric streets and visit sites like the Kuncho Shuzo Sake Brewery with its museum on sake and shochu production, the Nihon Marukan Traditional Medicine Museum in an impressive Edo-era building, and the Hita Shoyu Hina Goten displaying thousands of beautiful hina dolls.

    A short walk south of Hita Station, the old Kuma neighbourhood grew from a traditional fishing village along the Mikuma River. Today it's Hita's onsen hot spring district, with numerous ryokan inns and modern hotels offering baths with the area's geothermal waters. The major attractions in Kuma are the yakatabune pleasure boats that cruise the river, offering dinners and the chance to watch cormorant fishing for ayu sweetfish (from May to October).

  • Day 15 : Kyushu's famous gorges

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    In the morning, continue your exploration of Hita, then leave at noon for Yufuin (included in your package). 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!

    Don't forget to send your luggage to your hotel in 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 (1h10, 1 change, included in your package).

    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. There is a possibility to have dinner on board (to be paid directly on the boat), before a night lulled 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.

    What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ? We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts:

    - Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees 
    - The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings 
    - Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district 
    - Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping 
    - Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!)

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

  • Day 19 : Day 14 : Gastronomic introduction

    This is the last day of your Japan tour. For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary:

    - Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume 
    - The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan 
    - Spa World, Japan's largest thermal baths (onsen
    - Shinseikai, with its retro charm 
    - DenDen machi, the technologeek village 
    - Finish off with Dôtonbori, the liveliest district in Japan

  • Day 20 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

    This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

    If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

    Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

    Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in the Kansai area or elsewhere...Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!

    Included in your self-guided tour

  • Accommodation

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

    - 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 in Fukuoka

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Nagasaki

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Kumamoto

    - 1 night in a 3* hotel in Hita

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

    - 1 night on the Beppu - Osaka ferry

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Osaka

    The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

  • Transport

    - Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT

    - Return airport transfer Osaka > Kansai International Airport KIX

    - Prepaid public transport card

    - Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo > Kyoto, seats reserved in standard class

    - Shinkansen tickets for Kyoto > Hiroshima, seats reserved in standard class

    - Shinkansen tickets for Hiroshima > Fukuoka, seats reserved in standard class

    - North Kyushu Pass 5 days 

    - Train tickets for Hita > Yufuin

  • Experiences and meals

    - Airport meet and greet 

    - Welcome to Kyoto by a Travel Angel

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

    - The breakfasts in Nagasaki and Kumamoto

    - Night guided tour of Gion, Kyoto

    - Half-day guided tour of Fukuoka 

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi

    - Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure

    - Luggage transfer between your hotels in Kumamoto > Yufuin and Yufuin > Osaka

    - Bilingual English and Japanese telephone support is available 7 days a week, from 9AM to 6PM. The number will be provided in your travel itinerary. This number can be used for both phone calls and WhatsApp messages.

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights Europe <> Japan

    - Optional insurance

    - Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.

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

    - Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".

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.
  • 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.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • 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 ryôkan and Takachiho accommodation, 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* ryôkan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryôkan 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 organise 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$), Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo > Kyoto, Shinkansen tickets for Kyoto > Hiroshima, Shinkansen tickets for Hiroshima > Fukuoka (seats reserved in standard class), a North Kyushu Pass 5 days and train tickets for Hita > Yufuin. These 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). 

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).
  • 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 guided tour of Gion lasts around 2 hours and departs at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.
  • The half-day guided tour of Fukuoka takes place in the morning or in the afternoon and is private. The tour is conducted in English. Any transport is at your own expense. Lunch is not included in the activity.

Your meals :

  • 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.
  • Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your ryokan. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the accommodations so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the accommodations does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.
  • Japan Experience houses come with a fully equipped kitchens and are located close to markets.

Your additional services:

  • 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.

A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 35 days before the departure date.

In case of cancellation, the following fees apply:

  • 15% for bookings canceled more than 35 days in advance;
  • 50% for cancellations between 35 and 21 days prior to the departure date;
  • 75% for cancellations between 20 and 8 days prior to the departure date;
  • 100% for cancellations within 7 days of the departure date.

These fees are calculated on the total price of the excursion, excluding insurance.

What kind of insurance coverage is available for your Japan trip ?

When you book with Japan Experience, you have the option of purchasing two types of coverage:

  • Japan Experience Flex : This insurance covers expenses related to trip cancellations for specific reasons (disease, accident, passing...)

  • Japan Experience Protect : This insurance provides overall coverage for various aspect of the trip. For instance: cancellation, flight delay or missing flight, lost luggage, travel incident and repatriation, assistance, etc...

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
$2,639 per person - 20 days

Optional services

* Required fields

Our other Self-Guided tours

Discover other Self-Guided tours like « Kyushu: The Southern Route »

  • Duration : 8 days
  • Locations : Osaka
  • Duration : 10 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Okayama, Miyajima, Kyoto
  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Tohoku, Aomori
  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama
  • Duration : 8 days
  • Locations : Tokyo
See all our Self-Guided Tours (38)

Our activities in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Takachiho, Yufuin, Beppu, Osaka

  • Duration : 3 hours
  • Location : Tokyo
  • Duration : 3 hours
  • Location : Fukuoka
  • Duration : 5 hours
  • Location : Tokyo
  • Duration : 2 hours
  • Location : Osaka
  • Duration : 2 hours
  • Location : Tokyo
  • Duration : 8 hours
  • Location : Fukuoka
Discover all our activities in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Takachiho, Yufuin, Beppu, Osaka (84)