Japan’s Scenic South & the Golden Route

Begin with an overnight flight from the UK to Japan.

Touch down on quiet Kyushu, the most southern of Japan’s four major islands, this afternoon and meet your local destination expert at the airport before driving into Fukuoka for your first hotel stay.

This evening, check into your hotel and settle in.

Following breakfast at the hotel, drive to nearby Dazaifu, the former heart of Japan’s international relations for over 400 years.

Upon arrival in the city, visit the Kyushu National Museum, one of only four national museums in Japan. Across the five sections, you’ll observe Japanese history, from the prehistoric period to the modern Edo and Meiji periods, brought to life by the museum’s artefact displays and interactive exhibits.

Please note: Departures in 2027 will visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine instead. Considered one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, the Dazaifu Tenmangu was originally built on the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning and scholarship. There will be time for you to stroll under the centuries-old torii gates and around the grounds, admiring over 6,000 plum trees, which bloom beautifully in spring. As you approach the shrine, you can also explore Tenjin Omotesando, a street fringed by traditional cafés selling local pastries like umegae-mochi (a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste).

Returning to Fukuoka, continue your introduction to Kyushu’s history with a visit to Hakata Machiya House, showcasing the original architecture and ornate decor that were enjoyed by Japan’s ruling classes. The house is now part of the Machiya Folk Museum, which sheds light on the lifestyles and customs of those living in Hakata, Fukuoka’s downtown area.

This evening, enjoy an included dinner in the city.

Please note: Tours departing on the 6 and 13 November 2026 will enjoy a visit to Fukuoka’s Grand Sumo Tournament in the afternoon instead.

After breakfast at the hotel, board a coach for a trip to the renowned pottery town of Imari. Having been a prominent exporter of the popular Imari and Arita porcelain, the town has maintained a proud tradition of pottery. Upon arrival, visit a working factory where you’ll see Kyushu’s artistic heritage very much alive.

Watch local craftsmen use centuries-old techniques, sample their intricately designed wares and perhaps buy some for yourself at a nearby shop. You’ll then be free to find lunch ahead of the second leg of today’s journey to coastal Nagasaki.

After settling into your new hotel, the rest of the day will be at leisure.

Have breakfast at the hotel and join your local destination expert for an introduction to the abandoned island of Gunkanjima, a symbol of Japan’s post-Edo period Industrial Revolution. The island is also widely recognised for its industrial heritage, which is why the island has been featured as the main setting in the Bond film, Skyfall. Here, the contrast between the Atomic Bomb and the industrial ruins, as well as the coexistence of Hidden Christians and Shintoism, make Nagasaki a truly unique city. 

Starting in Nagasaki, visit the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, which explores the island’s role as a hub of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution. After a morning learning about the island’s history, see it up close with a ferry cruise across Nagasaki Bay. Weather permitting, you might even get to explore the island and take in its ruined towns before heading back to mainland Kyushu.

This afternoon, explore the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, one of Japan’s most impactful post-war landmarks. Having paid your respects, you’ll then move on to the nearby Glover Gardens. Set amongst the former homes of the Nagasaki foreign settlement, these gardens hold statues of some of the area’s most famous residents. From the gardens’ hilltop position, enjoy views over Nagasaki Bay and the city itself.

Watch the sun rise over Nagasaki this morning with breakfast at the hotel and set off across the Ariake Sea for picturesque Yanagawa. Built on over 900 kilometres of canals, this city originally used its waterways for irrigation. Join a professional boatman for a traditional donkobune cruise (riverboat ride) and admire the Sakura-lined waterfronts as you glide past. In the spring, you’ll see the streets in striking bloom with cherry blossoms, while autumn will bring a wave of fiery reds.

After returning to shore, join your guide for a private kimono experience and a rickshaw ride around either Yanagawa or Ōita. Enjoy a tailoring, courtesy of a Kyushu artisan, and uncover the cultural significance of Japan’s most recognisable traditional dress. Afterwards, board a rickshaw for a whistlestop tour of the areas’ finest sights by road, the perfect way to dive into the bustle of the city.

Later this afternoon, reboard your coach for the onward journey to Ōita.

Following breakfast, today’s excursions will showcase the geothermal towns that neighbour Ōita, starting with the village of Yufuin. Backed by the imposing Mount Yufu, this town embodies life in rural Japan. Upon arrival, wander along Yunotsubo Kaido, a kilometre-long shopping street lined with independent stores, teahouses and onsen (hot spring) baths.

Next, continue to the acclaimed spa town of Beppu, home to the world-famous Jigoku (Hells of Beppu). Comprising seven colourful springs, this geothermal park highlights Kyushu’s volcanic landscapes and feeds the city’s abundant onsen spas.

Upon arrival, ride the Beppu Ropeway, which will transport you up to the slopes of Mount Tsurumi. When you reach the summit, the views of Beppu Bay and the hot springs below are bound to impress.

Next, visit Beppu’s Jigoku Onsen Museum, where you’ll learn about the 50-year process which forms each of the Hells surrounding hot springs. You’ll also get insight into the importance of onsen in Japanese culture, before heading to the Sakura Yu private hot spring to experience the baths for yourself. Featuring 20 private onsen and elegant Sakura-filled courtyards, this alpine bath house promises a relaxing end to the day.

Later, return to Ōita for the rest of the evening at leisure.

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel by coach and ferry to the island of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands. On your way to Matsuyama, pause in the town of Uchiko for lunch (on your account) and step back through the centuries with a visit to its ornate old town. Showcasing all the charm of 18th-century Japan, this district is home to Edo-period buildings and an authentic kabuki theatre, one of the last original working theatres left in Japan, which you can explore at leisure. After a few hours in Uchiko, visit a local sake (rice wine) brewery for a few tastings.

Continue north to Matsuyama and embrace another age-old Japanese tradition with an overnight stay at an authentic Ryokan (inn). Here, you can enjoy a dip in one of Japan’s oldest onsen in the hotel’s communal bath. This evening, get a taste for Shikokujin cuisine with an included kaiseki, a theatrical feast comprising traditional Japanese dishes.

Enjoy breakfast this morning ahead of a visit to Imabari’s Towel Museum, which highlights the production methods of the city’s most famous export. See Imari’s 120-year history of towel making brought to life with colourful displays of dyes and fabric.

Later, board a coach for your journey to Hiroshima, following the scenic Shimanami Kaido across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Find lunch (on your account) with a brief stop in Oshima, before continuing to the Kirosan Observatory Park. Located in the Setonaikai National Park, these viewing platforms offer 360-degree views over Shikoku’s unspoilt coastal vistas and the suspension bridges that connect each island. Take a brief rest stop in seaside Onomichi, and perhaps spend a few minutes exploring the city’s Hondori Arcade, before heading west by coach to Hiroshima.

Following breakfast, travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Covered in forests and interspersed with ancient temples, this island is home to Itsukushima Shrine. A ‘floating’ torii orange gate, which becomes partially submerged at high tide and serves as the entrance to this 12th-century shrine. For lunch, try okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake dating back to the pre-war period.

After returning to the mainland, the tour will take in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, with the A-Bomb Dome structure that symbolises the city’s resilience, peace efforts and is a remembrance of the atomic bombing during World War II. 

At the end of a poignant day’s exploration, travel to Hiroshima station for a bullet train ride to Kyoto, the country’s former imperial capital. The hotel is just a short walk from the station, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to do some exploring on your own. 

Today’s itinerary begins at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. This magnificent, 14th-century Buddhist temple is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). The temple is covered in shimmering gold leaf, and you can explore its grounds before heading for Gion, Kyoto’s historic Geisha district. Comprising traditional wooden houses and lantern-lined streets, this is one of the few places where you can still encounter these skilled entertainers in their traditional attire.

This afternoon, take in Fushimi Inari Taisha, a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. Famed for its thousands of red torii gates, which create tunnels through the wooded trails of Mount Inari. You’ll also notice a variety of stone kitsune (fox) statues scattered around the grounds, as this creature is thought to be Inari’s messenger.

The final stop today will be UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It later served as an imperial palace for visiting emperors. A highlight of this property is the Ninomaru Palace, a fine example of lavish Momoyama architecture. As you walk through the interior, admire its unique ‘nightingale floors’, which are designed to chirp like birds, serving as a security measure against intruders.

Return to the hotel later for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be free to spend the day as you see fit in Kyoto. If you’d prefer a more active day, why not revisit your favourite spots or venture out to nearby Arashiyama, a protected park area of ancient forests? Set along a river, this area is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and autumn colour seasons. At the heart of the park, the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove can be found, with its serene pathways bordered by towering bamboo stalks. Embrace its meditative atmosphere as you walk, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Once you’ve had breakfast, bid Kyoto farewell and take your second bullet train ride. Later this morning, arrive in Mishima, a picturesque central-Japanese city backed by grand Mount Fuji, before stopping for lunch in Gotemba.

This afternoon, if the conditions permit, make your way up to the Mount Fuji 5th station for breath-taking views of nearby Lake Yamanaka and the Japanese Alps.

Returning to ground level, cruise across the serene waters of nearby Lake Kawaguchi. As you meander across the water, soak up views of Mount Fuji, reflected on the lake’s still waters and back ashore.

The tour will proceed to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, where you’ll check into your next hotel.

After breakfast, start today’s excursion with a bird’s-eye view of the city below with a trip up the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. The Tembo Deck is a floor-to-ceiling 360-degree viewpoint, allowing you to take in the sights, like Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji.

Back at ground level, discover the downtown district of Asakusa, where you’ll find Sensō-ji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, and Meiji Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1920 and dedicated to Japan's first modern emperor and empress, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this sprawling sanctuary is awash with traditional architecture and hosts many rituals and festivals throughout the year.

Your next stops, Harajuku and Omotesando Street, are two more popular areas, known for their contrasting but equally lively atmospheres. Harajuku has a youthful and quirky fashion scene, with trendy shops and vibrant street food stalls. Omotesando Street, on the other hand, is often referred to as Tokyo's ‘Champs-Élysées’. Here, the shopping experience is more sophisticated, with high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and art galleries lining the avenue.

Later, head to the city’s financial centre, Shibuya, home to two of the busiest train stations in the world, with its neon-lit restaurants, bars and shops. You’ll also see the famous ‘Shibuya Scramble Crossing’ before returning to the hotel.

This evening, opt for dinner with a difference on board an evening cruise in a Yakatabune riverboat. Glide along the Sumida River and tuck into a nine-course feast of authentic local flavours and delicacies. With a backdrop of Tokyo’s evening skyline, you’ll have the chance to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Rainbow Bridge to the Tokyo Skytree, dressed in neon lights. As you meander along, sample some traditional Japanese sake, and hear the story of Tokyo from your expert hosts as you meander along the Sumida waterfront.

Spend a final few hours under your own steam in Tokyo ahead of your overnight flight back to the UK this afternoon.

Your exploration of Japan comes to an end as you land back in the UK.