Southern Japan Discovery
From $3,999 per person twin share | 12 Days
Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Takamatsu & Osaka
Experience a different side of Japan on the southern islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, where tradition meets nature
Travel period: 3 Sep 2025 - 7 Jun 2026
- Return international full-service flights
- One-way ferry from Kyushu to Shikoku
- 10 nights of quality hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Family friendly (Children 8+ years old)
Discover the captivating beauty and hidden gems of Japan’s southern islands, Kyushu and Shikoku, on this off-the-beaten-track tour. Blending rich tradition with scenic wonders, this journey takes you through ancient shrines, majestic castles and peaceful gardens. Explore charming towns and unwind in famous onsen resorts, all while discovering the lesser-known treasures of these two gorgeous islands.
Begin your adventure in Fukuoka, the vibrant capital of Kyushu, where a sightseeing tour introduces you to its bustling markets and lively atmosphere. Visit the renowned Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant Shinto sites, before heading to the charming town of Yanagawa. Known as the 'Venice of Kyushu,' its winding canals offer a unique view of the city, rich with history and serene beauty.
In Kumamoto, you’ll explore one of Japan’s largest and most impressive castles, Kumamoto Castle, a magnificent testament to the country’s feudal past. A visit to Mount Aso is a highlight, featuring one of the world’s largest calderas. Spend time at leisure in Yufuin, a renowned onsen town, where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Your journey continues with a scenic ferry crossing to Shikoku, Japan’s fourth-largest island. Here, visit Ozu City, a nostalgic town steeped in history, where the beautifully restored Garyu Sanso teahouse offers breathtaking views over the Hijikawa River. Travel to Matsuyama, where you can explore Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Cross the impressive Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, once the longest suspension bridge in the world, before enjoying a boat ride around the Kurushima Strait, where you’ll glimpse Japan’s largest shipbuilding yards. In Kochi, discover the 17th-century Kochi Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, before testing your courage on the ancient Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, suspended over the Iya Valley.
Journey to Takamatsu, where you’ll wander through the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, Japan's largest cultural property garden. Finally, finish your adventure with time at leisure time in Osaka, exploring its famous Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district.
This unforgettable tour includes return international full-service flights, 10 nights of quality hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, a one-way ferry from Kyushu to Shikoku and so much more!
Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early & Stay Behind options available.
Southern Japan Discovery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Step off the beaten path and explore 2 of Japan's beautiful southern islands - Shikoku and Kyushu
- Explore Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu on a sightseeing tour
- Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines
- Marvel at the canals of Yanagawa, known as the 'Venice of Kyushu' because of its 930 kilometres of waterways
- Visit Kumamoto Castle, which is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Japan
- Visit Mount Aso, home to one of the largest ancient calderas in the world
- Explore the beautiful onsen town of Yufuin at leisure
- Visit the beautifully restored Garyu Sanso teahouse in Ozu City which overlooks the Hijikawa River below
- Marvel at the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, previously the longest suspension bridge in the world
- Enjoy a boat ride around the many bridges and islands of the Kurushima Strait
- Cruise past the Hatohama Shipyards which are the largest ship-building yards in all of Japan
- Tour the 17th century Kochi’s castle - the only one in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep remain intact
- Walk along the ancient Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley which is built out of tree vines
- Visit Konpira Grand Theater, Japan’s oldest surviving complete kabuki theater
- Visit Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, the largest cultural property garden in all of Japan
- Enjoy some time at leisure in Osaka's famous Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district
FLIGHTS
- Return international full-service flights (economy class), surcharges may apply
ACCOMMODATION
- 10 nights of quality hotel accommodation
DINING
- Enjoy daily breakfast
ESSENTIALS
- English-speaking tour guides
- Airline taxes and surcharges
TRANSPORT
- Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
- One-way ferry from Kyushu to Shikoku
TRANSFERS
- Return airport transfers
UPGRADES AVAILABLE
- Arrive Early: Arrive up to 60 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
- Stay Behind: Return up to 60 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
- Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location (see checkout for details)
- Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (booked on tour directly with the guide)
- Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
- Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline (see checkout for details)
Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details
