Southern Japan Experience





Go off the path in southern Japan through steaming onsens and volcano panoramas
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!
4.8
53 reviewsStart: Osaka, Japan
End: Osaka, Japan
- Duration
- 12 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore the unique island of Naoshima – transformed from a sleepy fishing community into a world-class art destination, with sleek and stylish museums and artworks that harmonise with the landscape.
- Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience excellent Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over fascinating conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan.
- Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu. Enjoy a local lunch, cooked in the unique local way – you’ll steam your food in the hot spring water, creating authentic flavours rich with healthy minerals! And followed by a relaxing soak in the local onsen if you wish!
- Take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory, then a light hike on the moon-like terrain to the largest crater of Nakadake.
- Expect the unexpected in Nagasaki, tragically famous for being one of the only two cities that were bombed during the war. Discover the unique charm of this port-side Dutch influenced city and all the history it has collected over the years.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in vibrant Osaka, the country’s unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day, as no activities are planned until then. After the meeting, perhaps join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
As this trip spends very little time in Osaka, it’s recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer.
Depart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Take the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takamatsu after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
- Naoshima - Benesse House Museum - JPY1500
- Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum - JPY2800
- Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) - JPY1400
If there are particular art projects that you would like to visit on Naoshima Island, please check the official websites for their opening days and times so you can plan accordingly. An advance reservation is highly recommended.
This morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
- Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free
- Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) - JPY700
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
When you arrive around midday, take a public bus to the village to visit the local Shochu distillery, where you’ll get to see how Shochu (much loved in Kyushu, distilled from rice, barley etc)) is made, followed by a tasting of their finest.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Dinner
- Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
- Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Beppu for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Usuki as you will not have access to your luggage again until tomorrow.
Your homestay tonight will be in twin-share rooms with shared bathrooms. Depending on the group size and composition, the group may be divided into different households. You’ll sleep on the traditional tatami mat with a futon, with pillow and blankets provided.
Say goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Have lunch at a specialty restaurant that offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Then, you’ll visit Jigoku (which translates to 'hell') – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools with different benefits. After, head to a local onsen for a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend your way in this relaxing city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
- Beppu - local onsen
- Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)
The onsen we visit today is tattoo friendly. Your leader will explain the etiquette for onsen prior to the visit. The basic entrance fee is included that'll allow you to try a variety of different public hot spring pools here.
Today is a free day in Beppu. This is the perfect opportunity to take it easy in this onsen town, soaking your muscles and taking advantage of the benefits. Maybe explore other onsens in the city or alternatively, explore Beppu at your own pace. Maybe check out Jigoku Onsen Museum or take the Mount Tsurumi ropeway to the top for views overlooking the city. The lower station of the ropeway is a great spot for cherry blossom season! You might like to visit the Yawata Asami Shrine, Beppu Tower or take a daytrip out the nearby Yufuin town. The day is yours!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Today is all about chasing views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi between Mt Aso and the Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some excellent views of the five central peaks of the mountain. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Stop for lunch, then get ready for a hike either on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain or to Kusasenri trail on the grassland, depending on crater's accessibility. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for tonight – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful night here.
- Japanese Inn (1 night)
- Dinner
- Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
- Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)
- Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
- Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your hiking time will be approximately 1 hour on established trails. There may be some sections that are a little steep, so make sure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes with good grip.
For those who prefer not to hike, you may take the bus to see the crater, but you’ll need to wait for the group to return from the hike.
In cases where the weather or risk level is not suitable for the hike or to see the crater, you'll head to Kusasenri trail to hike on the grassland instead. We'll follow local authority's advice in these cases.
You’ll stay in twin shared rooms tonight with shared facilities in the traditional inn tonight. As it’s the traditional style, you’ll sleep on the tatami mat with a futon, pillows and blankets provided. Breakfasts and dinners are included here. Occasionally we may not be able to book the minshuku on the caldera and an alternative minshuku or hotel will be booked in a different location to ensure there won't be an impact to the itinerary.
This morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to Nagasaki, arriving in the early afternoon. Nagasaki was the sole port in Japan to trade with Dutch and Portuguese back in the 16th century, so city has a fascinating mixture of traditional Japanese and western architectural influence. Follow your leader on an orientation walk, then head over to Glover Garden – an open air museum where you can see some of the old foreign merchant houses. See the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden western style building, and learn about a unique part of history in Nagasaki. You then have a free afternoon, so maybe ask your leader where to grab dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Nagasaki - Glover Garden
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour has surrounding hills with many viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. You will have a day pass for the trams in the city, so take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church, and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. The Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
- Nagasaki - tram day pass
- Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture - JPY630
- Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District - JPY520
- Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial - JPY500
- Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church - JPY1000
Say goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
There will be a few changeovers on your journey back to Osaka, involving quick transitions or going through crowds at train stations. You may want to check with your leader about luggage transfer from Nagasaki at your own expense if you prefer not to take your luggage with you for the train.
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Train, Ferry, Public Bus, Private bus, Metro, Bullet Train
Hotel (9 nights), Homestay (1 night), Japanese Inn (1 night)
- Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum
- Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
- Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
- Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
- Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience
- Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
- Beppu - local onsen
- Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)
- Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
- Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)
- Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
- Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
- Nagasaki - Glover Garden
- Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
- Nagasaki - tram day pass
- Naoshima - Benesse House Museum - JPY1500
- Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum - JPY2800
- Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) - JPY1400
- Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free
- Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) - JPY700
- Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture - JPY630
- Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District - JPY520
- Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial - JPY500
- Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church - JPY1000
This trip generates 49 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
- On this trip, you’ll stay in a homestay and a traditional Japanese inn. It’s a great taste of tradition and local life and you’ll sleep on the traditional tatami floor (futons and blankets on the floor mat), just like the locals do! The facilities here will be shared.
- This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Ultimate Japan.
- Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the Itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis, unless otherwise stated in the Itinerary. There may be times when facilities are shared, rather than ensuite, which will also be mentioned in the Itinerary if applicable.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination before checking in.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. Some of such properties will only give 1 key for each room so you can leave the key at the reception so that you and your roommate won't have to conform to the same schedule when you are out exploring.
AVAILABILITY
The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
ONSENS
We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
1-10-24, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi 大阪府大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-10-24
Osaka
Osaka
542-0086
JAPAN
Phone: +81 649636501
Description
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi is centrally located in Osaka, just a 3-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station subway line and a 10-minute walk from the famous Glico Man advertising sign. It's a convenient location for exploring the sights of Osaka.
Instructions
Japan has a very efficient public transport service and there are many ways to get from the two airports in the Kansai region (Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport) to your hotel in Osaka. Kansai Airport (KIX) is about 50km southwest of Osaka and Itami is about 12km northwest. Taxis into central Osaka from Kansai Airport (KIX) take about an hour and cost approx. JPY14,000-18,000. Please note that we are currently not able to provide any shared shuttle bus service from the two airports to your hotel in Osaka.
Public Transport
From Kansai Airport (KIX), there are numerous connections either by express train or limousine bus to Osaka Station and then by taxi or subway to the Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi. From the airport, the fastest way into the city is by express airport train (Haruka Airport Express, approx. JPY1,700-2,400 and 30-50 mins). For further transport information about KIX, please see: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access
From Itami Airport, the best option is the Osaka Airport Limousine bus which connects with hubs in Osaka in around 25-35 mins for approx. JPY500-600. For transport information from Itami, please see: https://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/
Both airport information desks also provide helpful advice. Please also check the transport details on the hotel's website: http://bridge-h.co.jp/en/access/ If you're having any problems finding the hotel, ring the hotel directly (you can use one of Japan's green public phones with coins of JPY10 or JPY100).
For any other problems on arrival, please contact our ground team in our Kyoto office on their emergency phone at +81 70 1771 5588.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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