Southern Japan Experience
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday, May 10, 2024 | Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | $5,487 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, May 17, 2024 | Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | $5,661 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 14, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024 | $5,304 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 28, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 09, 2024 | $5,019 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jul 12, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024 | $5,538 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jul 26, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 06, 2024 | $4,734 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024 | Saturday, Aug 31, 2024 | $4,734 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024 | Saturday, Sep 07, 2024 | $5,019 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 06, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 | $5,228 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 13, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024 | $5,746 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 20, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 01, 2024 | $5,427 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 27, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 08, 2024 | $5,427 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 11, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 | $5,967 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 18, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 | $5,754 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 | Saturday, Nov 02, 2024 | $5,228 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 | Saturday, Nov 09, 2024 | $5,228 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 01, 2024 | Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 | $5,436 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 15, 2024 | Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 | $5,130 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 | Saturday, Dec 07, 2024 | $5,130 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Mar 14, 2025 | Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 | $6,455 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Mar 21, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 01, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 | Saturday, Apr 05, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Mar 28, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 08, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Apr 01, 2025 | Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Apr 04, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 15, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Apr 06, 2025 | Thursday, Apr 17, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Apr 08, 2025 | Saturday, Apr 19, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Apr 11, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, May 19, 2025 | Friday, May 30, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, May 23, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, May 30, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 13, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 27, 2025 | Tuesday, Jul 08, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Saturday, Aug 09, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Aug 08, 2025 | Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Aug 22, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 02, 2025 | $5,960 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 05, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 12, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 19, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 26, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 03, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 10, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 | Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 01, 2025 | $6,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 31, 2025 | Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 07, 2025 | Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 14, 2025 | Tuesday, Nov 25, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 28, 2025 | Tuesday, Dec 09, 2025 | $6,650 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Mar 13, 2026 | Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Mar 20, 2026 | Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 | Saturday, Apr 04, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Mar 27, 2026 | Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 | Saturday, Apr 11, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Apr 03, 2026 | Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Apr 05, 2026 | Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026 | Saturday, Apr 18, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Apr 10, 2026 | Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, May 22, 2026 | Tuesday, Jun 02, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, May 29, 2026 | Tuesday, Jun 09, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 12, 2026 | Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 26, 2026 | Tuesday, Jul 07, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Sunday, Jul 12, 2026 | Thursday, Jul 23, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 | Saturday, Aug 08, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Aug 07, 2026 | Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Aug 21, 2026 | Tuesday, Sep 01, 2026 | $5,850 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 04, 2026 | Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 11, 2026 | Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 18, 2026 | Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 25, 2026 | Tuesday, Oct 06, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 02, 2026 | Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 09, 2026 | Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026 | Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026 | Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Oct 30, 2026 | Tuesday, Nov 10, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 06, 2026 | Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 13, 2026 | Tuesday, Nov 24, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Nov 27, 2026 | Tuesday, Dec 08, 2026 | $6,335 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
One of Japan's greatest attractions is its ability to offer modern and traditional versions of itself. On this 12-day trip, you'll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristy southwest. Discover revived art on the island of Naoshima, wander the castle in Matsuyama and spend a night in a tranquil homestay in the village of Usuki. Steam away your worries in the onsens in Beppu and be treated to two nights in the volcanic Mt Aso, staying right in the middle of a caldera in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Remind yourself of the sobering history of Nagasaki and end it all back where it began - in thriving Osaka. This adventure is the ultimate combination of modern art, bullet trains, countryside villages, traditional inns, delicious feasts and onsens, surrounded by impressive views of rice terraces, volcano craters and deep gorges. If you're looking for a new side of Japan - this is it!
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Day 1
OsakaKonnichiwa! Welcome to Osaka, Japan. Ever-vibrant Osaka is also the country’s unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day, as no activities are planned until then. After the meeting, perhaps join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day 2
TakamatsuDepart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.
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Day 3
Naoshima Island/TakamatsuTake the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takayama after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.
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Day 4
MatsuyamaThis morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).
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Day 5
Usuki HomestayGet ready for a bit of a travel day today. Jump on a train and then ferry for Usuki, on Kyushu Island – the third largest of Japan’s four main islands. When you arrive around midday and get on a public bus to the village. You’ll visit the local sake brewery, where you’ll get to see how sake (the national drink of Japan, beloved by the locals) is made, followed by a tasting of the brewery’s finest. Your hospitable hosts will be waiting for you as well and will welcome you into their house once you arrive. Your evening here will be filled with fun, collaborative dinner preparation, followed by a feast of delicious home-cooked dishes. Share stories with your hosts, get to know about their life here and learn a few things about Japanese cooking that you can bring home with you.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 6
BeppuSay goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast together. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Enjoy a lunch that is special to Beppu. This specialty restaurant offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Some may find this a little bland as very limited seasoning is used however this is the perfect chance to enjoy the true original flavors of the food. Then you’ll visit Jigoku (translated to 'hell' & you'll see why locals call it that) – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools that showcase different benefits. Afterwards, head to a local Michelin star onsen for an authentic onsen experience including a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend in this relaxing city.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Mount AsoToday is all about chasing stunning views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi, which locate between Mt. Aso and Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some pretty excellent views of the five central peaks of Mt Aso. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Fuel up your energy with a lunch stop and then get ready for a hike on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for the next two nights – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful couple of days and nights here.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 8
Mount AsoThis morning after breakfast, you’ll head out and visit the stunning Takachiho Gorge – a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. This gorgeous spot has sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt columns, which the locals say represent the scales of a dragon. Here, you’ll hop in rowing boats and head out on a serene paddle through the gorge, passing Minainotaki Waterfall against the backdrop of the green foliage (this area is especially colourful in autumn!). After, take a walk above the gorge for a different perspective, followed by a visit to Takachiho Shrine. Return to your guesthouse in the mid-afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
Arita/NagasakiThis morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to the porcelain town of Arita – porcelain in Japan was first produced here and this small town is known nationwide for its pottery, known as Arita-yaki. Embark on a walking tour to see the old part of town and the Tonbai Wall Alleys. Then, continue to Tozen Shrine, dedicated to the god of pottery – you’ll see the locals’ dedication to the art form here, as they even have a porcelain Torii gate and a porcelain guardian dog! Continue to Nagasaki via train, arriving in the late afternoon. You have a free evening, so maybe ask your leader where to grab the best local fare.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
NagasakiWake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour, with the surrounding hills providing gorgeous viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. Take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this fascinating artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church, Glover Garden and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!
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Day 11
OsakaSay goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan?
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Day 12
OsakaWith no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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- Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum
- Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
- Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
- Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
- Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience
- Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
- Beppu - local onsen
- Beppu - Steamed dinner (Beppu style)
- Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
- Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
- Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
- Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike
- Takachiho - Takachiho gorge rowing boat ride
- Takachiho - Takachiho Shrine
- Arita - Tonbai Wall Alleys walking tour
- Arita - Tozan Shrine
- Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
Meals
3 Breakfast(s) Included
1 Lunch(es) Included
3 Dinner(s) Included
Style: Original
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Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
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