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Experience a different side of Japan on the southern islands of Shikoku and Kyushu,
where tradition meets nature.
A southern Japan tour starting from Fukuoka could include exploring Kyushu Island and then traveling to the main islands of Honshu. A typical itinerary might involve visiting Yanagawa and Hiroshima, enjoy time on the ferry to Shodoshima, taking a Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Fukuoka – Hiroshima. Driving to Osaka.. This allows for a mix of urban experiences, natural beauty, historical sites & shopping.
DAY 01: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES AIRPORT IN THE EVENING.
DAY 02: FLY SCROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN
DAY 03: ARRIVE FUKUOKA IN THE MORNING. (L/D)
Arrive Fukuoka, is the sixth-largest city in Japan, is built along the shores of Hakata Bay, and has been a center of international commerce since ancient times. The city has long been considered the gateway to the country, as it is the nearest point among Japan’s main islands to the Asian mainland.
Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, the head of 12,000 Tenjin shrines nationwide, and one of the top places to visit in Japan. Afterwards, head to Oita for enjoy onsen experience and stay overnight.
DAY 04: OITA – YUFUIN – BEPPU. (B/L/D)
After concluding a traditional gourmet breakfast, departs to Beppu, stop at Kokonoe “Dream” Suspension Bridge, Japan’s tallest pedestrian bridge at 173 meters high and 390 meters long. Enjoy breathtaking views of Shindo Falls and the seasonal landscapes below. Continue to Yufuin, a charming onsen town known for its tranquil atmosphere, boutique shops, and art galleries. Stroll through the scenic streets and visit Kinrin Lake, where mist rises from the water, creating a mystical ambiance. Enjoy your great time with Kimono dressing & rickshaw ride. Arrive in Beppu by evening, a renowned hot spring destination. Check into your ryokan and unwind in the soothing thermal waters, experiencing the ultimate relaxation in Japan’s onsen capital. Enjoy a special dinner with ‘Geisha” show.
DAY 05: BEPPU – YANAGAWA. (B/L/D)
After a lovely breakfast. head to Yanagawa – a city in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, which is often called “the city of water” and “the Venice of Kyushu” because of its 930 kilometres of waterways, which were originally built as irrigation channels using the waters of the Chikugo River. Yanagawa’s canals were fortified when it was transformed into a castle town shortly before the start of the Edo period at the beginning of the 17th century. Here you will enjoy some sightseeing and marvel at the network of canals. Continue onwards to Nakasu, is the Fukuoka’s entertainment heartland. Come nightfall, will find the area filled with eateries, food stalls and people looking for night time entertainment.
DAY 06: FUKUOKA – HIROSHIMA. (B/L/D)
Morning transfer to Hakata Station. Enjoy Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Fukoka – Hiroshima in 1 hour with speed 320kn/h. A visit of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers a powerful and moving experience. The park, established near the site of the atomic bombing, is a place of remembrance and a plea for world peace, featuring monuments like the Flame of Peace and Children’s Peace Monument. The museum, located within the park, shows artifacts, photos, and historical records related to the bombing and its aftermath.
DAY 07: HIROSHIMA. (B/L)
After your gourmet breakfast at the hotel. Visit one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, and the World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine shines brightly amid its beautiful scenery. Dedicated to the deity who protects from maritime disaster and war, the shrine was reportedly built in 593. Aftternoon, enjoy your fun time at Hiroshima Hondori Shopping Street, the largest shopping street at Chugoku and Shikoku.
DAY 08: HIROSHIMA – EHIME. (B/L/D)
Once you have finished your gourmet breakfast, enjoy taking a tour of Onomichi focusing on Senkoji Temple and the Senkoji Ropeway offers a unique experience of the city’s scenic beauty and historical charm. The ropeway provides easy access to Senkoji Temple and offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The temple itself is a major attraction, and the surrounding area, including the Literary Path, provides opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the local culture. From the Kameo Mountain Observation deck, enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama, the Hozu River, and the surrounding mountains. Afternoon visit Matsuyama Castle is is one of Japan’s great mountain castles, proudly standing approximately 132 meters above sea level atop Mount Katsuyama, that was built in 1603 on Mount Katsuyama. The castle is one of twelve Japanese castles; it provided insights into the region as well as into the architecture and history of Japan
DAY 09: EHIME – SHODOSHIMA. (B/L/D)
Morning depart to visit Chichibugahama beach boasts a 1km-long beach which attracts many visitors. Recently, Chichibugahama has become well-known as a spot where visitors can take incredible natural mirror photos. If there is no wind to disturb the water surface, at low tide the sky is beautifully reflected in the tide pools that form in the sand, creating a natural mirror effect. Continue onwards to explore Konpira Shrine’s rich history, from ancient myths to modern rituals, amid scenic Shikoku landscapes. Unveil divinity and tradition. Take a ferry to Shodoshima, translating to “Island of Small Beans,” is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea between Shikoku and Honshu Islands. Covered in mountains, breathtaking coastlines, and boasting a Mediterranean-like climate, the island is famous for its beautiful nature. But what makes Shodoshima stand out amongst Japan’s many nature-rich islands, is its renowned production of soy sauce and olives.
DAY 10: SHODOSHIMA – TAKAMATSU. (B/L/D)
After a full delicious breakfast at the hotel. Visit Shodoshima Olive Park, a working olive grove on the site where the first olives were successfully cultivated a century ago. The park offers attractive walking paths through the hillside, as well as a replica of a Greek windmill. Enjoy the Kankakei Ropeway is the only ropeway in Japan that offers views of the sky, sea, and gorge simultaneously. During the 5-minute ride, which rises from 295 to 612 meters, enjoy panoramas of the tree-blanketed hills against the Seto Inland Sea. From the upper station, which is near Shodoshima’s highest peak, visit one of the area’s observation decks for picturesque views of the surrounding scenery. Come to visit Angel Road is named after a 500 meters sandbar which only appears twice a day during low tide. Once the sandbar appears it forms a golden path to a series of small islets. Take the ferry to Takamatsu.
DAY 11: TAKAMATSU – TOKUSHIMA – AWAJI – OSAKA. (B/L)
Morning visit Tokushima Awaodori Kaikan is a perfect place to learn about and try one of Japan’s most famous traditional dances. The dance, performed around Obon when the spirits of dead ancesters are honored, goes back about 400 years. Afterward across over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge famous for being one of the world’s longest suspension bridges and drive to Osaka. Your hotel is within walking distance of Dotonbori – Shinsaibashi. A shopper’s haven, it is a covered shopping street that seems to never end, with an endless stream of people.
DAY 12: OSAKA – FREE DAY. (B)
Perhaps spend the rest of your afternoon in Dotonbori – Shinsaibashi – the largest shopping area in Osaka where many boutiques and specialty shops are gathered, attracting local people and visitors. Dining and shopping on Shinsaibashi will be a memorable experience while you’re in Osaka.
DAY 13: OSAKA ✈ LOS ANGELES or SAN FRANCISCO. (B)
Enjoy your own time until transfer to the airport
Tour Overview
This off-the-beaten-track tour invites you to rediscover the captivating beauty and hidden gems of Japan’s southern islands, Kyushu and Shikoku. Blending rich tradition with scenic wonders, the journey takes you through ancient shrines, majestic castles, and peaceful gardens, while offering moments of relaxation in charming towns and famous onsen resorts.
Your adventure begins in Fukuoka, one of Kyushu’s major cities, with a visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant and sacred Shinto sites. From there, travel to Oita to explore Beppu’s famous hot spring “hell” tour, the quaint Yufuin Floral Village, and the serene Kinrin Lake. The region’s rich natural beauty and historical hot spring culture provide a truly immersive experience.
In Yanagawa, often called the “Venice of Kyushu,” enjoy a traditional boat ride through its winding canals and experience the town’s quiet elegance. Then head to Hakata, where you’ll briefly enjoy the energy of one of Kyushu’s most modern cities.
Continue your journey by bullet train to Hiroshima, where you’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. On Miyajima Island, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, you’ll witness the harmony of nature and history. A stroll through Hiroshima’s shopping streets offers a unique chance to experience the cultural, historical, and modern sides of Japan all at once.
In Onomichi, ride the ropeway up to Senkoji Temple and take in panoramic views of the historic town below. Upon arriving in Shikoku, visit Matsuyama Castle and the historic Dogo Onsen, immersing yourself in the timeless atmosphere of Japan’s past.
In Kagawa, explore the revered Konpira Shrine, then take a scenic ferry ride from Takamatsu to Shodoshima Island. There, you’ll experience the breathtaking views from Kankakei Gorge’s ropeway, visit the Olive Park, and walk the mystical Angel Road, which appears only at low tide—offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.
In Tokushima, discover local traditions at the Awa Odori Kaikan and feel the thrill of the powerful Naruto whirlpools up close. Crossing the impressive Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, return to the main island and conclude your tour with leisure time in Osaka’s lively Dotonbori district—where you’ll enjoy gourmet delights, shopping, and the bustling energy of modern Japan.
This unforgettable tour includes return international full-service flights, 10 nights of quality hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, lunches & dinners based on the daily schedule, round trip ferries between Shikoku and Kyushu and so much more!
