Explore Southern Japan
11 days from Osaka to Kyoto
From $ 3799
Duration11 days

See a side of Japan that few experience with this 11-day tour that takes you off the main trails into landscapes and artistic hubs that inspire this country's unique culture. Spend time among the contemporary art galleries and public installations on Naoshima Island (including a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin), wander through an ancient moss forest reminiscent of a fairytale, and learn more about the important history of Nagasaki. The tour begins in Osaka and ends in Kyoto, allowing you time to explore these energetic cities and round off your experience in Japan.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 11 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Osaka
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Kyoto
    Ages: 12+
Explore Southern Japan - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Osaka
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this lively city.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Osaka to Okayama
Osaka has heaps to offer including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street and Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try "takoyaki" the city's famous octopus snack. Osaka is a unique culinary destination – opt for a meal of "kushikatsu".

In the afternoon, travel to Okayama, known around Japan as the "The Land Of Sunshine". Spend free time wandering through gardens, exploring castles, and tasting the outstanding food of this charming city.
Enjoy a free morning to explore energetic Osaka, one of the nation's culinary centres. In the afternoon, travel to Okayama.
Meals: B
Day 3: Naoshima
Spend the day exploring Naoshima, a picturesque island dotted with impressive contemporary art museums and installations. After a brief orientation walk, enjoy free time to discover this unique island at leisure. In the evening, return back to Okayama.
Day 4: Okayama to Nagasaki

Start place: Okayama

Travel southwest to the island of Kyushu. After arriving in the city of Nagasaki, explore with some free time. Don't miss out on the delicious local seafood!

End place: Nagasaki

Day 5: Nagasaki-shi

Start place: Nagasaki

Visit Nagasaki's Peace Park with your CEO and learn more about the historic events of 1945. Explore more of this port city with some free time.

End place: Nagasaki

Day 6: Nagasaki to Yakushima

Start place: Nagasaki

Today is a long travel day – via train and ferry – to the southernmost tip of Kyushu island and beyond! After arriving on Yakushima, settle in and get some rest for tomorrow's excursion.
Day 7: Yakushima
Experience the magic of Yakushima with a hike through the island's mossy ancient forest. This lush subtropical island is home to impressive cedar trees, several of which are thousands of years old.
Day 8: Yakushima
Enjoy free day on beautiful Yakushima. Go for a hike, check out the beach, or relax at an oceanside onsen.
Day 9: Yakushima/Shibushi
Today is a busy travel day. Start with a boat ride to Kagoshima before boarding an overnight ferry bound for Osaka. The ferry features a restaurant, onsen spa, and shop. Settle in and enjoy this unique journey across Japan's Inland Sea. Please note the overnight ferry is multi-share accommodation.
Meals: D
Day 10: Osaka/Kyoto

Start place: Osaka

Arrive at the port in the morning and continue to historic Kyoto. Enjoy a free day to explore this cultural hub. Opt for a final meal with the group.

End place: Kyoto

Meals: B
Day 11: Kyoto

Start place: Kyoto

We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this historic city.
Depart at any time.

End place: Kyoto

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Kyoto
  • Full day trip to Naoshima Art Island
  • CEO-led orientation walk of Naoshima port
  • Benesse House Museum visit (Naoshima)
  • CEO-led Peace Park visit with museum entrance (Nagasaki)
  • Shiratani Unsuikyo hiking excursion (Yakushima)
  • Japan Rail (JR) Pass (7 days)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Train, Ferry, Speedboat, Public bus, Hiking, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotel/guesthouses (9 nts), Overnight ferry (1nt, multi-share)

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