Full Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Arriving on the main island of Honshu at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives and will transfer to central Tokyo by either bus or train. You will be staying in the historic Asakusa district which is home to the famous Senso-ji temple and its imposing Thunder Gate as well as some of the oldest restaurants and bars in the city. No meals.
Stay 2 nights: Asakusa Sunroute Hotel or Asakusa View Hotel
Day 2: Full day guiding in Tokyo
Today you will have a full day to explore this exciting city with the help of your very own private guide. The local English-speaking guide will help you get the most out of your stay in Tokyo meeting you at your hotel and taking you to all the main sights and anywhere else that you wish to visit whether it be the neon of Shinjuku or Shibuya or the various serene strolling gardens dotted throughout the city. This will be an opportunity to get a feel for a modern city and an ancient culture through a local person.
Day 3: Travel to Nagasaki
Flying south, you will arrive on the island of Kyushu and the Worlds first off-shore airport in Omura Bay. By bus, you will travel to the historic trading city of Nagasaki. The port of Nagasaki was the only place in Japan that was open to the outside world during more than two centuries of national isolation and as a result has obvious influences from China, Holland and Portugal which can be seen throughout the city.
Stay 2 nights: Sunroute Hotel or ANA Hotel Gloverhill
Day 4: Full day Nagasaki
You will have a full day to explore the early and modern history of the city,
from the vibrant China Town to the reconstructed Dutch factories of Dejima or
maybe the Meji period colonial style homes. You could also take the tram over to
Urakami, and the site of what Nagasaki is perhaps most famous for - the world’s
second nuclear bomb - visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the moving museum
dedicated to the city’s darkest day. In the evening, you can recap on your day’s
sightseeing by taking a cable car trip up to the top of Mount Inasa for the
“Million Dollar View” of this beautiful city.
Day 5: Travel to Unzen
Travelling by bus along the Shimabara Peninsula, you will head 800 metres above sea level to Unzen Onsen. This active volcanic national park and the Unzen Onsen area itself provides more of a Martian landscape with its reddish coloured ground and bellowing clouds of sulphuric gas. You can take a walk along side the bubbling waters of ‘Jigokudani’ (Hell Valley) or soak in one of the vast number of hot spring baths that makes the area famous. Tonight will be your first experience of staying in a traditional style room at a ryokan. Meals:
breakfast & dinner
Stay 1 night: Kaseya Ryokan or Kyushu Hotel
Day 6: Travel to Aso via Kumamoto
You will continue your journey by bus, ferry and train today via the castle city of Kumamoto to Aso National Park. With a stop in Kumamoto, it is well worth taking some time to visit one of Japans largest castles which dominates the town before travelling on to Aso. Tonight you will be staying at another Japanese style ryokan with a selection of hot spring baths heated up by one of Aso’s five active volcanoes. Aso town is situated within the huge caldera basin providing some spectacular natural scenery and some great walking. Meals:
breakfast & dinner
Stay 2 nights: Shinwaen or Plaza Hotel
Day 7: Full day Aso
The Aso caldera being over 128km in circumference offers plenty of walking through the grassy flatlands. You can hike or take the easier option of a cable car up to the top of the active Nake-Dake volcano crater and visit the excellent museum depicting the history of the volcano. From the top of any of the five peaks, you will be offered splendid views overlooking Aso’s impressive crater. After a day of walking or exploring by bus, you can be reassured in the knowledge that you are able to soothe any aches and pains in the ryokan baths. Meals:
breakfast & dinner
Day 8: Travel to Beppu
From Aso you will take the train east to a bather’s paradise - the famous hot
spring resort of Beppu. As well as the hot spring baths, you have the chance to
experience being buried in relaxing hot sand or even the bubbling mud baths.
Beppu is famed for its Jigoku (hell) pools of bubbling waters, mud and geysers
dotted through out the town. Of course your accommodation will also have its own
hot springs available.
Stay 2 nights: Hotel Arthur or Suginoi Palace Hotel
Day 9: Full day Beppu
A day for more bathing in Beppu or maybe take a day trip to the rural spa town
of Yufuin. Wonder around the art galleries, coffee shops and good restaurants of
this laid back town or just continue bathing in the onsen baths. You could also
take time to visit the picturesque Lake Kinrin with hot spring water gushing
from the depths of the lake or even visit the African safari style zoo on the
outskirts of the city.
Day 10: Travel to Miyazaki
Boarding the train you will be taken along the eastern coast to the city of Miyazaki. With some lovely beaches it has a tropical feel and has plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Miyazaki is steeped in Shinto tradition but is most famous for the Seagaia Resort which is where you will be staying. This complex includes an ocean dome water park, golf course, spa and various sports and crafts activities. It will be a great place to kick back and relax for the afternoon.
Stay 1 night: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort
Day 11: Travel to Kagoshima
On the limited express train you will continue your journey south to Kagoshima.
Kagoshima is by far the biggest city in the area and is often referred to as the
Naples of Japan due to its similar climate and proximity to Mt. Sakurajima
volcano – Kagoshima’s Vesuvius. The city is dominated by Sakurajima which can be
reached via a ten minute ferry ride from the port. You can take a bus around the
city visiting the museums and castle ruins of the Shiroyama area or take a ride
on the Ferris-wheel that sits on top of the main shopping arcade enabling for a
great view of the city.
Stay 1 night: Tokyu Inn or Shiroyama Kanko Hotel
Day 12: Travel to Yaksushima
From Kagoshima you will be taking the Jetfoil to the World Heritage site of Yakushima Island. This is one of Japan’s most treasured natural wonders boasting a stunning ancient forest containing 1900 species of flora and dating back thousands of years. You will be staying close to the sea and the ancient forests allowing you to enjoy and absorb the atmosphere of this magical Island. Meals:
breakfast & dinner.
Stay 2 nights: Pension Sea Forest or JR Hotel
Day 13: Full day Yakushima
Today, you can spend time walking along the beautiful coastline or through the forests. The island has so much to offer whether it be the monkey, deer or even the giant turtles that can be seen laying eggs on the beaches at certain times of year. Walking through these ancient forests inspired Hayao Miyazaki was for his classic animation film, “Princess Mononoke”. The hot springs in the sea are also not to be missed. Meals:
breakfast & dinner.
Day 14: Travel to Tokyo
Boarding a flight from Yakushima you will be treated to an aerial view of the
stunning scenery and Sakura-jima volcano, then connecting with another flight at
Kagoshima you will leave the steaming south and arrive back in the bright lights
of Tokyo. You will have a last chance to do some shopping and sample some of the
high paced atmosphere of Shinjuku. Shinjuku is full of energy, bright lights and
will be a great place to finish your adventure.
Stay 1 night: Kadoya Hotel or Keio Plaza
Day 15: Depart
Today you will take an Express train back to Narita Airport for your flight
home.
