Highlights
Mix deep culture and active adventures to experience Japan like never before
Use the excellent public transport to move around, including the iconic bullet train
Explore the lesser-visited islands of Kyushu and Shikoku and historic Nagasaki
Ride the glorious Shimanami Kaido, among the world’s great cycle routes
Summit two peaks on Mount Aso, Japan’s most active volcano
Master ‘hell steam’ cuisine – Beppu’s centuries-old cooking style
Master ‘hell steam’ cuisine – Beppu’s centuries-old cooking style
Itinerary
Say sayōnara to the list-ticking tourists and head southwest, where the extraordinary natural beauty of Japan is on full display. Starting in Osaka, and joined by an expert tour leader, we explore the lesser-visited islands of Kyushu and Shikoku by public transport, including the iconic bullet train. Expect deep cultural immersion – who wouldn’t want to master ‘hell steam’ cuisine? – and active adventures, including a cycle on the famed Shimanami Kaido and a hike up the active volcano, Mount Aso. If you want to see a different side to Japan, this is the trip for you.
Cherry blossom season: Experience the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossom season in Japan, when the sakura trees bloom with delicate pink blossoms. See the Dates & Prices tab for our special departures.
day 1Adventure starts in Osaka
Begin your adventure in Osaka, an electric port city on Honshu, the largest of Japan’s four main islands.
Around 6pm, say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Japanese welcome by arranging dinner.
Want more time in Osaka? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
day 2Bullet train to Onomichi via the centuries-old Himeji Castle
day 3Cycle the Shimanami Kaido to Ikuchi Island
day 4To Matsuyama • Visit Matsuyama Castle
day 5Experience the Edo-era town of Uchiko
day 6To the lesser-visited Kyushu island
day 7Hike up Mount Yufu
day 8Master ‘hell steam’ cuisine • To the active volcano, Mount Aso
day 9Hike Aso-Kuju National Park
day 10To Nagasaki via the porcelain town of Arita
day 11Explore historic Nagasaki
day 12To the foodie city of Fukuoka
day 13Adventure ends in Fukuoka
What's Included
Customer Reviews
An unforgettable journey through Japan
I travelled as a Exodus staff member - this was fantastic trip that showcased a diverse side of Japan beyond the major cities. The itinerary was well balanced, the food was incredible, and every destination offered something unique. Highlights included staying in a traditional guesthouse in Nikko, relaxing in a private onsen, and visiting places like Gion and Miyajima. Highly recommended.
Wonderful introduction to a quieter, less touristy Japan
Delightful variety of experiences, wonderful group leader. This trip was definitely more than the sum of its parts. Many of the visits to artisanal towns, ie, for porcelain, candles and to castles didn't really resonate with me personally. There were more stays in cities than I would have liked, as I expected this to be more rural-oriented. Yet somehow, the whole experience, with the outdoor-orientation of the group, great food, wonderful hotels, an unforgettable group leader, added up to a trip I'll always cherish. It was a perfect introduction to Japan for me.
A Trip to Remember
We felt that this was a unique trip as it managed to combined culture, cycling and hiking with seamless public transport.
Japan without the crowds
Maybe you have been to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and come home loving Japan but feeling you have missed the natural beauty and any sense of the real Japan away from tourist attractions. Or maybe, you have always wanted to visit but don't like crowds and regimented itineraries. If so, this trip is for you. We explored a quieter area of Japan at ground level, on buses, trams, local and fast trains, ferry and yes, on foot and by bicycle. Some days were challenging, so it's definitely for those who love an active life. But other days were fascinating, charming and awe-inspiring as we walked in the footsteps of princesses and warriors (wear socks!) and saw Mother Nature's raw volcanic power up close (bring sturdy shoes). There's a lot of travelling on this trip, but the landscapes are so lovely I finally understood the old maxim - better to travel than to arrive.
Japan in all it’s glory
This was one of the best tours I have been on. The itinerary was fantastic… Travelling through the Japanese islands and doing activities like hiking or cycling and visiting small villages was amazing. Our tour leader Ayako was delightful… always attentive and ensuring everyone was having a good time and able to complete the activities. She had to ensure that we always arrived on time for the trains, trams or buses, and also guide us through different sites with full explanations. She had done her to research ahead of time and as well versed at every site. Our group bonded well and we had lots of laughs. All in all… 5 stars! ⭐️
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