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Japan Tours

The Kyushu Adventure

15 Days/14 Nights - Gateway: Tokyo
Standard Tour: from £1697pp
Superior Tour: from £2213pp
Prices valid for 2009.
Peak supplements may apply.

Kyushu – the birthplace of Japanese civilisation – is Japans third largest island and is in the south of the country. For centuries, Kyushu was Japan’s only gateway to Asia and rest of the world, and as such has developed a unique character of its own. From the laid back historic port city of Nagasaki, to the steaming hot spring town of Beppu, via the green slopes of Mount Aso’s huge caldera and the stunning World Heritage ancient forests of Yakushima Island, there are many natural treasures to be discovered.

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Arriving on the main island of Honshu at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives and will transfer to central Tokyo by either bus or train. You will be staying in the historic Asakusa district which is home to the famous Senso-ji temple and its imposing Thunder Gate as well as some of the oldest restaurants and bars in the city. No meals.
Standard: Asakusa Sunroute Hotel
Superior: Asakusa View Hotel

Day 2: Full day guiding in Tokyo
Today you will have a full day to explore this exciting city with the help of your very own private guide. The local English-speaking guide will help you get the most out of your stay in Tokyo meeting you at your hotel and taking you to all the main sights and anywhere else that you wish to visit whether it be the neon of Shinjuku or Shibuya or the various serene strolling gardens dotted throughout the city. This will be an opportunity to get a feel for a modern city and an ancient culture through a local person. Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Travel to Nagasaki
Flying south, you will arrive on the island of Kyushu and the Worlds first off-shore airport in Omura Bay. By bus, you will travel to the historic trading city of Nagasaki. The port of Nagasaki was the only place in Japan that was open to the outside world during more than two centuries of national isolation and as a result has obvious influences from China, Holland and Portugal which can be seen throughout the city. Meals: Breakfast
Standard: Sunroute Hotel
Superior: ANA Hotel Gloverhill

Day 4: Full day Nagasaki
You will have a full day to explore the early and modern history of the city, from the vibrant China Town to the reconstructed Dutch factories of Dejima or maybe the Meji period colonial style homes. You could also take the tram over to Urakami, and the site of what Nagasaki is perhaps most famous for - the world’s second nuclear bomb - visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the moving museum dedicated to the city’s darkest day. In the evening, you can recap on your day’s sightseeing by taking a cable car trip up to the top of Mount Inasa for the “Million Dollar View” of this beautiful city. Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Travel to Unzen
Travelling by bus along the Shimabara Peninsula, you will head 800 metres above sea level to Unzen Onsen. This active volcanic national park and the Unzen Onsen area itself provides more of a Martian landscape with its reddish coloured ground and bellowing clouds of sulphuric gas. You can take a walk along side the bubbling waters of ‘Jigokudani’ (Hell Valley) or soak in one of the vast number of hot spring baths that makes the area famous. Tonight will be your first experience of staying in a traditional style room at a ryokan. Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Standard: Kaseya Ryokan
Superior: Kyushu Hotel

Day 6: Travel to Aso via Kumamoto
You will continue your journey by bus, ferry and train today via the castle city of Kumamoto to Aso National Park. With a stop in Kumamoto, it is well worth taking some time to visit one of Japans largest castles which dominates the town before travelling on to Aso. Tonight you will be staying at another Japanese style ryokan with a selection of hot spring baths heated up by one of Aso’s five active volcanoes. Aso town is situated within the huge caldera basin providing some spectacular natural scenery and some great walking. Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Standard: Shinwaen
Superior: Plaza Hotel

Day 7: Full day Aso
The Aso caldera being over 128km in circumference offers plenty of walking through the grassy flatlands. You can hike or take the easier option of a cable car up to the top of the active Nake-Dake volcano crater and visit the excellent museum depicting the history of the volcano. From the top of any of the five peaks, you will be offered splendid views overlooking Aso’s impressive crater. After a day of walking or exploring by bus, you can be reassured in the knowledge that you are able to soothe any aches and pains in the ryokan baths. Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 8: Travel to Beppu
From Aso you will take the train east to a bather’s paradise - the famous hot spring resort of Beppu. As well as the hot spring baths, you have the chance to experience being buried in relaxing hot sand or even the bubbling mud baths. Beppu is famed for its Jigoku (hell) pools of bubbling waters, mud and geysers dotted through out the town. Of course your accommodation will also have its own hot springs available. Meals: Breakfast
Standard: Hotel Arthur
Superior: Suginoi Palace Hotel

Day 9: Full day Beppu
A day for more bathing in Beppu or maybe take a day trip to the rural spa town of Yufuin. Wonder around the art galleries, coffee shops and good restaurants of this laid back town or just continue bathing in the onsen baths. You could also take time to visit the picturesque Lake Kinrin with hot spring water gushing from the depths of the lake or even visit the African safari style zoo on the outskirts of the city. Meals: Breakfast




Day 10: Travel to Miyazaki Boarding the train you will be taken along the eastern coast to the city of Miyazaki. With some lovely beaches it has a tropical feel and has plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Miyazaki is steeped in Shinto tradition but is most famous for the Seagaia Resort which is where you will be staying. This complex includes an ocean dome water park, golf course, spa and various sports and crafts activities. It will be a great place to kick back and relax for the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast Standard: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort Superior: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort
Day 11: Travel to Kagoshima On the limited express train you will continue your journey south to Kagoshima. Kagoshima is by far the biggest city in the area and is often referred to as the Naples of Japan due to its similar climate and proximity to Mt. Sakurajima volcano – Kagoshima’s Vesuvius. The city is dominated by Sakurajima which can be reached via a ten minute ferry ride from the port. You can take a bus around the city visiting the museums and castle ruins of the Shiroyama area or take a ride on the Ferris-wheel that sits on top of the main shopping arcade enabling for a great view of the city. Meals: Breakfast Standard: Tokyu Inn Superior: Shiroyama Kanko Hotel
Day 12: Travel to Yaksushima From Kagoshima you will be taking the Jetfoil to the World Heritage site of Yakushima Island. This is one of Japan’s most treasured natural wonders boasting a stunning ancient forest containing 1900 species of flora and dating back thousands of years. You will be staying close to the sea and the ancient forests allowing you to enjoy and absorb the atmosphere of this magical Island. Meals: Breakfast & dinner. Standard: Pension Sea Forest Superior: JR Hotel
Day 13: Full day Yakushima Today, you can spend time walking along the beautiful coastline or through the forests. The island has so much to offer whether it be the monkey, deer or even the giant turtles that can be seen laying eggs on the beaches at certain times of year. Walking through these ancient forests inspired Hayao Miyazaki was for his classic animation film, “Princess Mononoke”. The hot springs in the sea are also not to be missed. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.
Day 14: Travel to Tokyo Boarding a flight from Yakushima you will be treated to an aerial view of the stunning scenery and Sakura-jima volcano, then connecting with another flight at Kagoshima you will leave the steaming south and arrive back in the bright lights of Tokyo. You will have a last chance to do some shopping and sample some of the high paced atmosphere of Shinjuku. Shinjuku is full of energy, bright lights and will be a great place to finish your adventure. Meals: Breakfast. Standard: Kadoya Hotel Superior: Keio Plaza
Day 15: Depart Today you will take an Express train back to Narita Airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast.

Prices are based on twin share. Includes 14 nights accommodation, breakfast every day, 5 evening meals, all transport between destinations incl. Narita Airport transfers and 2 internal flights, meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport, 8 hours private guide service in Tokyo and complimentary info-pack. Excludes international flights, transfers to/from Haneda Airport, local transport, bus from Kumamoto port to Kumamoto station, entrance fees and baggage handling.