One of Japan’s greatest attractions is its blend of the modern and the traditional. On this 12-day trip, you’ll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristed 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 a night 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 grasslands. If you’re looking for a new side of Japan – head to the south!
Our guide, Karique, was excellent, informative, friendly & always helpful.
The Shogan Trail was a well thought out itinerary. It was full of interesting
contrasts i.e. large modern & busy cities e.g. Tokyo, historic cities e.g. Kyoto, Nara, & Nagasaki, and rural & coastal Kyushu including a beautiful boat trip amongst many small islands. The food was interesting, but not always suitable for vegetarians & vegans. You must be prepared for sunny warm weather & wet cooler weather. Heavy rain lasting for hours & causing the suspension of the Bullet Train services resulting in congestion of trains & people. The weather means you may not see Mt. Fuji. The leaves were only just beginning their autumn colours.
The dates of my trip were 27th. October to 7th. November. I thoroughly
recommend this trip as a great introduction to Japan.
Discover some of the best landmarks and cultural gems on this 23-day adventure through Japan. Ride the scenic Hakone ropeway, wander through the Hida Folk Village in Takayama and learn about the sobering past of Hiroshima. See the floating Torri gate of Miyajima Island, veer off the veer off the main island of Honshu to the naturally beautiful southwest and walk through art-laden castles. Spend a night in a tranquil homestay in Usuki, relax in the steam of Beppu’s onsen and soak up the peace in the caldera of Mt Aso in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. See the Peace Park in Nagasaki, indulge in traditional dishes and try local sake along the way.