Japan Cities & Volcanic Kyushu | 15 Days | From £5,000
From £5,000 per person
/
Per Person
WHY THIS JOURNEY WORKS
This itinerary combines some of Japan's best-known cultural landmarks with the spectacular natural landscapes of Kyushu. Beginning in Tokyo, you'll experience the contrast between historic districts and contemporary city life before travelling to Kyoto, where centuries of tradition remain part of everyday life.
The second half of the journey explores a very different side of Japan. From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso and the peaceful atmosphere of Kurokawa Onsen to the coastline of Kagoshima and the ever-present silhouette of Sakurajima volcano, the route reveals one of the country's most varied and rewarding regions.
You'll stay in a carefully selected collection of boutique hotels, traditional inns and hot spring accommodation, with private guiding, cultural experiences and the flexibility of a self-drive section allowing you to explore at your own pace.
This journey is ideal for travellers who want to combine Japan's famous highlights with outstanding scenery, quieter regions and memorable driving routes through some of the country's most dramatic landscapes.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Tokyo with your own local guide, including traditional neighbourhoods and contemporary districts.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage shrines and waterfalls of Nikko.
- Discover Kyoto's temples, gardens and historic streets with a knowledgeable local guide.
- Learn the principles of Japanese hospitality during a traditional tea ceremony.
- Drive through the volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso National Park.
- Stay in the renowned hot spring village of Kurokawa Onsen.
- Visit Takachiho Gorge and the sacred Amanoiwato Shrine.
- Experience the dramatic scenery of Kagoshima Bay beneath active Sakurajima volcano.
- Enjoy a carefully selected collection of boutique hotels, traditional inns and hot spring accommodation throughout the journey.
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Phone Number
+44 7792 633368Email Address
info@secretjapan.co.ukPhone
+44 7792 633368INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Tokyo with a Local Guide – Explore the city's historic districts and contemporary neighbourhoods with an experienced local guide.
teamLab Borderless – Experience one of Japan's most celebrated digital art exhibitions.
Sumo Lunch Experience – Enjoy an introduction to Japan's national sport over lunch.
Nikko Day Excursion – Visit Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
Kyoto with a Local Guide – Discover Kyoto's famous temples, gardens and traditional streets.
Traditional Tea Ceremony – Learn the customs and etiquette that remain central to Japanese culture.
Kyushu Self-Drive Adventure – Explore the volcanic heart of Kyushu at your own pace.
Kurokawa Onsen Stay – Relax in one of Japan's finest traditional hot spring villages.
Takachiho Gorge & Amanoiwato Shrine – Experience one of Kyushu's most dramatic landscapes and its associated mythology.
Sakurajima Volcano – Visit one of Japan's most active volcanoes overlooking Kagoshima Bay.
Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo
Arrive at Haneda Airport and transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the evening is free to settle in and explore the Azabujuban neighbourhood.
Day 2 – Tokyo (Private Guided Day)
Explore Tokyo with a private English-speaking guide. Take part in a hands-on sushi-making class before visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine, Omotesando and Shibuya Crossing.
Day 3 – Tokyo
Begin with a visit to the immersive digital art exhibition at teamLab Borderless, followed by a sumo lunch show. The remainder of the day is free, with Senso-ji, Ameyoko Market and the Tokyo National Museum among the suggested places to visit.
Day 4 – Nikko (Private Guided Day)
Travel by train from Tokyo for a private guided day in Nikko. Visit Kegon Falls, take a boat ride on Lake Chuzenji and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshogu Shrine before returning to Tokyo.
Day 5 – Tokyo to Kyoto
Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo before travelling by Shinkansen to Kyoto. After arriving and checking in, the evening is free to settle into the city.
Day 6 – Kyoto (Private Guided Day)
Begin with an independent early visit to the lower grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha. Continue with a private guided tour including Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Randen tram and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Day 7 – Kyoto & the Hozugawa River
A free day to explore the Hozugawa River area. Walk beside the river or take the Sagano Romantic Train between Kameoka and Arashiyama, subject to availability. In the evening, explore Nishiki Market or Pontocho Alley.
Day 8 – Kyoto to Kumamoto
Travel by local train from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka before continuing by Shinkansen to Kumamoto. After arriving, check in and spend the evening in the city.
Day 9 – Kumamoto to Kurokawa Onsen
Collect a rental car in Kumamoto and visit Kumamoto Castle before driving to Kurokawa Onsen. Settle into a ryokan, relax in the hot springs and enjoy dinner at the accommodation.
Day 10 – Mount Aso
Explore the volcanic Aso region by car. Visit the Mount Aso crater area, subject to volcanic conditions, and continue to Daikanbo Lookout and Kusasenri Plateau. The day also includes a visit to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine.
Day 11 – Takachiho Gorge to Kagoshima
Drive to Takachiho Gorge, where you can walk through the landscape, hire a rowing boat and visit Amanoiwato Shrine. Afterwards, continue south by car to Kagoshima.
Day 12 – Kagoshima & Ibusuki
Visit Sengan-en Garden and take part in a kimono and samurai armour dressing experience. Continue to Ibusuki by express train for its distinctive naturally heated sand bath experience.
Day 13 – Sakurajima
Take the short ferry crossing from Kagoshima to Sakurajima, with the option to take the rental car aboard. Explore the island’s volcanic landscapes and observation points, subject to current volcanic conditions.
Day 14 – Kagoshima to Tokyo
Drive to Kagoshima Airport and return the rental car. Fly from Kagoshima to Haneda Airport for the final stage of the journey.
Day 15 – Depart Tokyo
Depart from Haneda Airport for your flight home, concluding the 15-day journey through Tokyo, Kyoto and Kyushu.