Japan & the Scenic South
Uncover the beauty of the lesser-known island of Kyushu, renowned for its active volcanoes, hot springs and stunning beaches, before exploring the must-see sights of Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo on the largest island of Honshu.
Mount Aso - Gaze over Mount Aso, Japan's largest volcano and the smaller volcanoes within its huge crater (one of which is active), and admire the incredible scenery that surrounds it.
Cruise on the Yanagawa River - Cruise the picturesque Yanagawa River on a 'donkobune', a poled riverboat. It's a perfect and peaceful way to enjoy sights such as Yanagawa Castle and the traditional architecture of Yanagawa's canals.
Relax at a Beppu Hot Spring Resort - Visit one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Beppu, and soak away any aches, pains and tiredness in the mineral rich waters of your hotel's onsen pools.
Fukuoka (3N) - Kumamoto (1N) - Mt Aso - Beppu (1N) - Hiroshima (2N) - Himeji - Kyoto (2N) - Mt Fuji - Tokyo (2N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- Breakfasts: 11 /Lunches: 10 /Dinners: 11
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
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.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Explore Fukuoka
The lovely Fukuoka is at the heart of an area considered a cradle of culture – the city’s position facing Korea and China across the sea means it’s 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’.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Discover Kumamoto
Transfer to Kumamoto, a city famous for its majestic castle, one of Japan’s largest and most complete. You’ll 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Visit Mount Aso & Beppu
Travel from Kumamoto to Mount Aso, an active volcano at the centre of Kyushu island. Aso’s crater is one of the world’s largest; with a circumference of over 100km it encompasses a number of other active peaks, which you’ll be able to see (weather dependent). Continue to Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts – your hotel for the night has onsen facilities for you to make the most of the steamy waters.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Explore Beppu
Venture out into Beppu, starting the day with a jigoku meguri, a hell tour! Here you’ll 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Hiroshima’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Admire Himeji Castle
Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping in Himeji en route to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, Kyoto’s famous geisha district and centre of the city’s traditional arts.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, Japan’s capital city.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Tour Tokyo
As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon façade 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, Japan's tallest tower, for panoramic views, and wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop at Sensoji, Tokyo’s 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 world’s most famous road crossing at Shibuya.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 13-14: Depart Tokyo Arrive Australia
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home, arriving the next day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 04 Apr 2025 - 16 Apr 2025
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,380 pp solo - 02 May 2025 - 14 May 2025
from $11,890 pp twin share / $13,790 pp solo - 10 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,380 pp solo - 17 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,380 pp solo - 24 Oct 2025 - 05 Nov 2025
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,380 pp solo - 07 Nov 2025 - 19 Nov 2025
from $12,480 pp twin share / $14,380 pp solo - 20 Mar 2026 - 01 Apr 2026
from$13,180$12,580 pp twin share /$15,080/ $14,480 pp solo - 27 Mar 2026 - 08 Apr 2026
from $13,180 pp twin share / $15,080 pp solo - 03 Apr 2026 - 15 Apr 2026
from $13,180 pp twin share / $15,080 pp solo - 01 May 2026 - 13 May 2026
from$12,980$12,380 pp twin share /$14,880/ $14,280 pp solo - 16 Oct 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
from$13,180$12,580 pp twin share /$15,080/ $14,480 pp solo - 23 Oct 2026 - 04 Nov 2026
from $13,180 pp twin share / $15,080 pp solo - 06 Nov 2026 - 18 Nov 2026
from$13,180$12,580 pp twin share /$15,080/ $14,480 pp solo - 13 Nov 2026 - 25 Nov 2026
from $13,180 pp twin share / $15,080 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu - Fukuoka
The 4-star Hakata Excel Tokyu is located in the heart of Fukuoka and offers classically decorated rooms, featuring beautiful wood furnishings and air conditioning. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and offer toiletries and slippers.
ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky - Kumamoto
The ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky is located in the centre of Kumamoto and offers modern accommodation with a selection of restaurants. Dine at the Suncielo Restaurant for a variety of Italian dishes or dine on local delicacies at Kohrin Restaurant.
Hotel & Resorts Beppuwan - Beppu
Perfectly placed for your explorations of Beppu's famous Hot Springs, Hotels & Resorts Beppuwan offers it's guests a luxurious onsen resort experience. The Western-style rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, flat screen TV and kettle.
Grand Prince Hotel - Hiroshima
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
Rihga Gran Kyoto - Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Sunshine City Prince Hotel - Tokyo
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
- Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.