Travel Type
Rail itineraries
Duration
20 Days/19 Nights
Country
Japan
After the modern-day capital, Kyoto and Hiroshima – Miyajima, visit Kyushu: historic Nagasaki, medieval Kumamoto, or the thermal baths at Beppu! Round off with an overnight stay on a ferry to Osaka. Japan’s third largest island has an astonishingly beautiful natural landscape of sea and mountains
Inclusions
– 19 nights hotel accomodation (3 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto, 1 night in Miyajima, 2 nights in Fukuoka, 2 nights in Nagasaki, 2 nights in Kumamoto, 1 night in Hita, 2 nights in Yufuin, 1 night in Osaka ferry, 2 nights in Osaka)
– 11 meals: 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners
– Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi
– Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure
– Luggage transfer between your hotels in Kumamoto to Yufuin and Yufuin to Osaka
– Bilingual English and Japanese telephone support is available 7 days a week, from 9AM to 6PM. The number will be provided in your travel itinerary. This number can be used for both phone calls and WhatsApp messages.
– Airport meet and greet
– Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT
– Welcome to Kyoto by a Travel Angel
– Return airport transfer Osaka – Kansai International Airport KIX
– Prepaid public transport card
– Shinkansen tickets seats reserved in standard class (Tokyo – Kyoto, Kyoto – Hiroshima, Hiroshima – Fukuoka)
– North Kyushu Pass 5 days
– Train tickets for Hita – Yufui
– Night guided tour of Gion, Kyoto
– Half-day guided tour of Fukuoka
Exclusions
International Flights – Optional insurance – Meals and beverages unless otherwise mentioned (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack – Gratuities to hotel staff, guides, and drivers – Optional excursions – Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details – Any other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
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DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Welcome at customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket Wi-Fi. Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo. The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.
Accommodation : Tokyo for 3 nights
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DAY 2 TOKYO
To ease into your discovery of Japan’s vibrant capital, we recommend beginning your adventure at a relaxed pace with a visit to some of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. Harajuku, immerse yourself in the avant-garde fashion scene and creative energy that define this unique neighborhood. Meiji Jingū, step into serenity at this magnificent imperial Shintō shrine, nestled in a lush forest oasis. Takeshita-dōri, experience Tokyo’s youthful spirit along this lively pedestrian street, brimming with boutiques and trendy cafés. Omotesandō, stroll along Tokyo’s elegant “Champs-Élysées,” lined with chic shops and stylish architecture. Shibuya, witness the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, a symbol of Tokyo’s energy and dynamism.
Optional Guided Tour (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Enhance your first day with one of our many experienced English-speaking guides, who will accompany you through Tokyo’s classic landmarks and hidden gems for a deeper, more personalized experience.
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DAY 3 TOKYO
For your second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we suggest following this fascinating ’loop’ that captures the city’s elegance, tradition, and modern flair. Begin your journey at Tokyo Station, an architectural gem that beautifully blends Western design and Japanese craftsmanship. From there, explore: Ginza, Tokyo’s chic and refined shopping district, home to luxury boutiques, fine dining, and dazzling lights. Tsukiji, discover this lively outdoor food market, perfect for sampling fresh sushi and local delicacies. Hama-rikyū Gardens, escape the city’s bustle in this peaceful oasis, where traditional tea houses meet towering skyscrapers. Asakusa, step back in time in this historic district, once a major center of Edo culture, accessible by a scenic cruise along the Sumida River. Sensō-ji Temple, visit Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple, a must-see pilgrimage site filled with color and charm. Tokyo Skytree, conclude your day atop this 643-meter landmark, where a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo awaits especially magical at sunset.
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DAY 4 TOKYO - KYOTO
In the morning, reach Kyoto via shinkansen. From noon onwards, you can settle into your traditional Japan experience house. A travel angel will welcome you, show you some unique details and help you to have an unforgettable stay in Kyoto. You will be able to ’live the Japanese way’ for a few days, with a space much bigger than a hotel room and a kitchen to prepare good Japanese food! You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation : Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple, the historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka and Kôdai-ji, Kyoto’s temple of maple trees and bamboo. Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset. Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto’s historic district. More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide. At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.
Accommodation : Kyoto for 3 nights
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DAY 5 KYOTO
We recommend the following itinerary for this second day’s visit to Kyoto: The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), the enchanting Philosopher’s Path, and Nanzen-ji temple. One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).
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DAY 6 KYOTO
For the last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara (Suica accessible). Visit Nara, Japan’s first fixed capital in the 8th century. You can discover the Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns, Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate, and Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda. Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto’s immense shrine of 10,000 torii. If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan’s first capital (optional).
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DAY 7 KYOTO - MIYAJIMA
In the morning, we advise to have your luggage sent to the hotel in Fukuoka so that you can travel light for your night in Miyajima (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception). Take the shinkansen to Miyajima (about 2h20, 1 change) then the boat (20 minutes, with Suica). Reach your ryokan near the island’s ferry terminal. Then, time to explore the island! Its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Ôtorii gate built into the sea are definitely a must-see. Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you! At the ryôkan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Miyajima for 1 night
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DAY 8 MIYAJIMA - FUKUOKA
In the morning after breakfast, take the train and on the way make a brief stop in Hiroshima (30 minutes by train from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Station, with Suica) and visit the Peace Park and its memorial. From Hiroshima, head to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, just 1 hour away by shinkansen (included in your package). Once you arrive in the centre of the vibrant city of Fukuoka, check into your hotel located near the central station. With its 2000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been the gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Portugal and its Jesuits, Holland). Another Japan, further away from Tokyo, awaits you. Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of the most dynamic cities in Japan with its many high-tech companies and the hosting of a global event: the Rugby World Cup in October 2019. Visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin districts and their hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air restaurants, ’yatai’, at low prices. A great way to spend the evening.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Fukuoka for 2 nights
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DAY 9 FUKUOKA
In the morning, meet your English-speaking guide and explore Fukuoka’s many iconic sites: Momochi district, Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - Japan in the 22nd century, Canal City Hakata, a huge shopping center seamlessly integrates with a city park and charming canals, Asian Art Museum, the world’s first museum for modern Asian art, Shôfoku-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in all of Japan, and Hakata Machiya, a captivating district lined with traditional merchants’ houses.
In the afternoon you can continue your tour of Fukuoka, embark on a nearby adventure, or delve deeper into the city’s offerings: the beaches around Fukuoka, such as Itoshima or Kusatsu, a quick 45-minute trip from Fukuoka and Dazaifu, the most famous temple complex on the whole island of Kyushu, south of Fukuoka. In the evening, second night in your hotel in Fukuoka.
In the afternoon you can continue your tour of Fukuoka, embark on a nearby adventure, or delve deeper into the city’s offerings: the beaches around Fukuoka, such as Itoshima or Kusatsu, a quick 45-minute trip from Fukuoka and Dazaifu, the most famous temple complex on the whole island of Kyushu, south of Fukuoka. In the evening, second night in your hotel in Fukuoka.
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DAY 10 FUKUOKA - NAGASAKI
Take a 2-hour direct trip to Nagasaki. Beyond its tragic history during the Second World War, Nagasaki is a city that reflects a rich and diverse past. Once Japan’s only gateway to the outside world, this historic trading port also served as a refuge for Japanese Christians persecuted during the Edo era. We recommend exploring the following highlights: the Glover Garden and the Oura Basilica, wander through the former foreign concession and admire Western-style architecture. The Dejima Museum-Polder, where you can discover the story of the Dutch trading post that connected Japan to Europe. The Memorial and Museum of the 26 Martyrs that reflects on the lives of the Christians executed in 1597. The Sōfuku-ji Chinese Temple where you can experience the cultural influence of the Chinese community in Nagasaki. Finally, the Atomic Bomb Museum, gain insight into the city’s World War II history and its resilience.
Accommodation : Nagasaki for 2 nights
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DAY 11 NAGASAKI
Breakfast at the hotel. There is no shortage of day trips from Nagasaki. Gunkanjima ghost island (boat tickets optional). The Shimabara coast, with the slopes of the Unzen volcano, one of the most active in the world, whose 1991 eruption cost the lives of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft. And some slightly more cheerful sites: The floating torii on the sea, with superb views from the coast, The village of Amari, famous for its Japanese ceramics and a theme park recreating a Dutch region, symbolising the common past of the two countries. These places are accessible with your Japan Rail Pass, in 1 to 2 hours from Nagasaki, direct or with a change. The Shimabara side is only accessible with a private line train, which can be used with your offer’s pre-payment card.
Meals : Breakfast
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DAY 12 FUKUOKA - KUMAMOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Kumamoto (2 hour train and Shinkansen, 1 change, all included). Arrival in the feudal city of Kumamoto. We recommend a visit to its castle and park, as well as the magnificent Suizen-ji garden, accessible by tram from the centre.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kumamoto for 2 nights
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DAY 13 KUMAMOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we suggest a day trip to discover a still active volcano: Mount Aso east in Kumamoto, or Sakurajima, in the south. The Mount Aso, accessible in 1h45 (JR train and bus), is one of the largest calderas in the world, where 50 000 people live where the volcano that created it is still active. A volcano museum, a cable car with a view of one of the craters and a short hike are on the agenda for this extraordinary day. Sakurajima borders the city of Kagoshima, the capital of southern Kyushu. It is nicknamed ’the Naples of Japan’ for its proximity to this active volcano reminiscent of Vesuvius. The city of Kagoshima can be reached in 1h by shinkansen, direct and included in your package. In addition to the view of one of Japan’s most famous volcanoes, Kagoshima has a fabulous garden worth visiting: the Senga-en. From Kagoshima, it’s possible to approach the volcano
Meals : Breakfast
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DAY 14 KUMAMOTO - HITA
Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a 3-hour direct journey to the city of Hita, often called the ’Kyoto of Kyushu’ due to its historic streets modeled after the ancient capital, and check into your hotel. The Mameda neighbourhood, just north of Hita Station, is the main area modeled after Kyoto, with a grid of straight streets lined with historic buildings. Stroll the atmospheric streets and visit sites like the Kuncho Shuzo Sake Brewery with its museum on sake and shochu production, the Nihon Marukan Traditional Medicine Museum in an impressive Edo-era building, and the Hita Shoyu Hina Goten displaying thousands of beautiful hina dolls. A short walk south of Hita Station, the old Kuma neighbourhood grew from a traditional fishing village along the Mikuma River. Today it’s Hita’s onsen hot spring district, with numerous ryokan inns and modern hotels offering baths with the area’s geothermal waters. The major attractions in Kuma are the yakatabune pleasure boats that cruise the river, offering dinners and the chance to watch cormorant fishing for ayu sweetfish (from May to October).
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hita for 1 night
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DAY 15 HITA - YUFUIN
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, continue your exploration of Hita, then leave at noon for Yufuin. The train travels through fabulous Japanese mountain, countryside and coastal scenery, far from the usual tourist trails. At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive in Yufuin, where you can settle in a ryokan where a traditional dinner will be served.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Yufuin for 2 nights
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DAY 16 YUFUIN
Located at the foot of the majestic and verdant Mount Yufu, you will enjoy this spa, one of Japan’s favourites. Not to mention the tranquility of the warm waters of Lake Kirin-ko in the centre of town, or the ever-present surrounding nature. A peaceful break on this trip! Don’t forget to send your luggage to your hotel in Osaka so that you can travel light the following day (check with the reception of your ryokan, details in your travel diary). In the evening, second dinner and night in your ryokan.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 17 YUFUIN - OSAKA
After breakfast, leave by train to Beppu (1h10, 1 change). This large city, on the coast is home to nearly 3000 hot springs! With the feel of an industrial town, Beppu offers baths for all tastes, both for sightseeing and for soaking! Unfortunately, this city has been taken over by mass tourism, mainly Japanese and Asian. However, the walking tour of the 8 Beppu hells (including the Blood Lake) is unique: it winds its way through various open pools of volcanic water. Many spa experiences await you in Beppu, including the famous black sand baths. Travel around the city by local bus from the central station. In the early evening, head to the waterfront and its marine terminal to board a cruise ship. There is a possibility to have dinner on board (to be paid directly on the boat), before a night lulled by the waves. Travel overnight along Japan’s calm inland sea and arrive early the next morning in Osaka.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : 1 night on the Beppu - Osaka ferry
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DAY 18 OSAKA
From the Osaka ferry terminal, reach your Osaka Intergate Umeda hotel by metro (20 minutes, 1 change) or taxi. We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts. Osaka’s medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees. The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings. Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district. Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping . Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!) One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm).
Accommodation : Osaka for 2 nights
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DAY 19 OSAKA
This is the last day of your Japan tour. For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary. Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium in terms of volume. The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan. Spa World, Japan’s largest thermal baths (onsen). Shinseikai, with its retro charm. DenDen machi, the technologeek village. Finish off with Dôtonbori, the liveliest district in Japan.
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DAY 20 OSAKA - DEPARTURE
Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied). This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy | Land Package |
| Departure dates 2026 | |
| March 27 | 6699 |
| October 7 | 5899 |
| Daily Departures available, contact us for details | |
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Kyushu: The Southern Route – Detailed itinerary
Kyushu: The Southern Route – Detailed itinerary
