Southern Japan Experience
Deal Number 4910256
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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!
Duration 12 days
Destination Japan
Company Intrepid
Availability From 12/09/2025 to 10/04/2027
Call 1300 018 390

What's Included?
- 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
- Breakfasts Included: 2
- Lunches Included: 1
- Dinners Included: 2
- Hotel (9 nights),Homestay (1 night),Japanese Inn (1 night)
- Train,Ferry,Public Bus,Private bus,Metro,Bullet Train
- Age: min 15
- Group Size: 1 - 12
- 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
Availability
- From 12/09/2025 to 10/04/2027
Visit Japan
1 Osaka
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.
2 Takamatsu
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.
3 Naoshima Island/Takamatsu
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 Takayama after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.
4 Matsuyama
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).
5 Usuki
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.
6 Beppu
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.
7 Beppu
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!
8 Mount Aso
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.
9 Nagasaki
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.
10 Nagasaki
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)!
11 Osaka
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.
12 Osaka
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.
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Departure dates and Pricing
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Fri 12th September, 202512/09/2025 | Tue 23rd September, 202523/09/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$8262* | |
Fri 26th September, 202526/09/2025 | Tue 7th October, 202507/10/2025 | Limited Availability | Per person from$9870* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Fri 3rd October, 202503/10/2025 | Tue 14th October, 202514/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$7608* | Enquire » |
Tue 7th October, 202507/10/2025 | Sat 18th October, 202518/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$7672* | Enquire » |
Fri 10th October, 202510/10/2025 | Tue 21st October, 202521/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$8381* | Enquire » |
Tue 14th October, 202514/10/2025 | Sat 25th October, 202525/10/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$9870* | |
Tue 21st October, 202521/10/2025 | Sat 1st November, 202501/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$6568* | Enquire » |
Fri 24th October, 202524/10/2025 | Tue 4th November, 202504/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$6630* | Enquire » |
Fri 31st October, 202531/10/2025 | Tue 11th November, 202511/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$8032* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Fri 7th November, 202507/11/2025 | Tue 18th November, 202518/11/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$9690* | |
Fri 14th November, 202514/11/2025 | Tue 25th November, 202525/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$8460* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 12th March, 202613/03/2025 | Mon 23rd March, 202624/03/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 19th March, 202620/03/2025 | Mon 30th March, 202631/03/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 26th March, 202627/03/2025 | Mon 6th April, 202607/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Mon 30th March, 202631/03/2025 | Fri 10th April, 202611/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 2nd April, 202603/04/2025 | Mon 13th April, 202614/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Sat 4th April, 202605/04/2025 | Wed 15th April, 202616/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 9th April, 202610/04/2025 | Mon 20th April, 202621/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Sat 11th April, 202612/04/2025 | Wed 22nd April, 202623/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Mon 11th May, 202612/05/2025 | Fri 22nd May, 202623/05/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Mon 18th May, 202619/05/2025 | Fri 29th May, 202630/05/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 28th May, 202629/05/2025 | Mon 8th June, 202609/06/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 11th June, 202612/06/2025 | Mon 22nd June, 202623/06/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Sat 11th July, 202612/07/2025 | Wed 22nd July, 202623/07/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Mon 27th July, 202628/07/2025 | Fri 7th August, 202608/08/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 6th August, 202607/08/2025 | Mon 17th August, 202618/08/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 27th August, 202628/08/2025 | Mon 7th September, 202608/09/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 3rd September, 202604/09/2025 | Mon 14th September, 202615/09/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 17th September, 202618/09/2025 | Mon 28th September, 202629/09/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 24th September, 202625/09/2025 | Mon 5th October, 202606/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Mon 5th October, 202606/10/2025 | Fri 16th October, 202617/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Mon 12th October, 202613/10/2025 | Fri 23rd October, 202624/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Mon 19th October, 202620/10/2025 | Fri 30th October, 202631/10/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 22nd October, 202623/10/2025 | Mon 2nd November, 202603/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 29th October, 202630/10/2025 | Mon 9th November, 202610/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Thu 5th November, 202606/11/2025 | Mon 16th November, 202617/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 12th November, 202613/11/2025 | Mon 23rd November, 202624/11/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Thu 26th November, 202627/11/2025 | Mon 7th December, 202608/12/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Tue 30th March, 202701/04/2025 | Sat 10th April, 202712/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$9065* | Enquire » |
Mon 29th March, 202731/03/2025 | Fri 9th April, 202711/04/2025 | Available | Per person from$7995* | Enquire » |
Terms and conditions
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 13 September 2025 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
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- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
- Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
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Important Notice
The above information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre travel consultant to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, any blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.
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