On day 8, will they be staying in Ryokans or Minshukus for accommodation? How long is the hike on the moon-like Sunesenri trail, and how steep is the incline? On which days are lunch and dinner covered by the tour? What transportation will be used on day 6 to Beppu? On day 11, are drinks and dinner at the travelers' own expense?

On Day 8 the accommodation will be a Japanese Inn. 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. Hiking time will be approximately 1 hour on established trails. There may be some sections that are a little steep. Meals covered: Day 5 - Dinner, Day 6 - Breakfast & Lunch, Day 8 - Dinner, Day 9 - Breakfast. Transportation on Day 6 is a private vehicle. The farewell dinner on day 11 is optional and at your own cost.

Can you arrange for them to be on the above date only for Osaka sightseeing? They want all days fully guided sightseeing only in Osaka for this duration. Please let me know the price and include an English guide, Other services, and itinerary.

Our Tour is per brochure and is guided group tour. If you're traveling with children under 15 we recommend our family tours.

My husband and I would like a Northern Japan and a Southern Japan experience tours the September of 2023. In between tours (we believe 8 to 10 days) we plan to stay in a Hotel in Tokyo. The problem is how to manage our luggage for the first 10 days since we will arrive with enough luggage for 30 days. After the first 10 days we would separate the luggage and leave the excess in the Tokyo hotel and take only enough luggage for 12 days. Can we carry large suitcases during the first 10 days? What do you suggest?

On this trip you will need to carry your own luggage for up to 30 minutes at a time. Train stations are quite complex and usually require a lot of stair climbing, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Elevators aren't always available and cannot accommodate many people at a time, so if you are choosing to bring a suitcase, please ensure you are able to lift and carry it up and down stairs yourself without difficulty. A backpack is often preferred by travelers for this reason. Our ryokans allow suitcases but you'll need to carry instead of wheeling it onto the tatami floor in the room. Japanese public transport is often quite small and cramped without large luggage racks for big suitcases (even on the shinkansen trains), so it's best to pack as light and small as possible so that you are not blocking aisles or taking up extra seats on trains. If you have a lot of luggage you may need to use luggage forwarding services. These are economical and efficient - please speak to your leader if you need to get your baggage to another destination in Japan.

From

US $6,395 per person

Southern Japan Experience

12 days

•

Start and end in Osaka

4.0 (10 reviews)

View all
I enjoyed the mix of activities on the trip and the focus on allowing us to be as independent as possible.
Jason M•traveled in September4.5
View all

From

US $6,395 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Intrepid Travel
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 12
Ages 15+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Osaka
Osaka
Optional Activities
- Street food tasting (takoyaki and okonomiyaki)
- Dinner at local restaurant
Day 2
Osaka to Takamatsu
Osaka to Takamatsu
Included Activities
- Train journey across Inland Sea
- Ritsurin Garden visit
- Sanuki Folk Craft Museum
Landmarks
Ritsurin Garden
Sanuki Folk Craft Museum
Day 3
Takamatsu to Naoshima Island
Takamatsu to Naoshima Island
Included Activities
- Ferry to Naoshima Island
- Gallery and outdoor art installation exploration
Optional Activities
- Benesse House Museum - JPY1500
- Chichu Art Museum - JPY2800
- Art House Project (combined ticket) - JPY1400
Landmarks
Naoshima Island
Day 4
Takamatsu to Matsuyama
Takamatsu to Matsuyama
Included Activities
- Train journey to Matsuyama
- Matsuyama Castle visit and artifact exploration
Optional Activities
- Dogo Onsen (basic entry) - JPY700
- Ishiteji Temple - Free
Landmarks
Matsuyama Castle
Dogo Onsen
Ishiteji Temple
Day 5
Matsuyama to Usuki
Matsuyama to Usuki
Meals
Dinner (Home-cooked dinner prepared collaboratively with hosts)
Included Activities
- Local sake brewery visit and tasting
- Japanese home-cooking experience with hosts
Day 6
Usuki to Beppu
Usuki to Beppu
Meals
Breakfast (Traditional home-cooked breakfast), Lunch (Specialty steamed lunch cooked with hot spring steam)
Included Activities
- Traditional home-cooked breakfast
- Specialty steamed lunch experience
- Jigoku (Hell) hot spring pools visit
- Local onsen visit
Landmarks
Jigoku (Hell Hot Spring Pools)
Day 7
Beppu
Beppu
Optional Activities
- Jigoku Onsen Museum
- Mt Tsurumi Ropeway
- Yawata Asami Shrine visit
- Beppu Tower
- Day trip to Yufuin
Landmarks
Mt Tsurumi Ropeway
Yawata Asami Shrine
Beppu Tower
Day 8
Beppu to Mount Aso
Beppu to Mount Aso
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Mt Aso
- Ogi Rice Terraces viewing
- Daikanbo Observatory visit
- Nakadake Crater hike (Sunasenri or Kusasenri trail)
Landmarks
Ogi Rice Terraces
Daikanbo Observatory
Mount Aso
Nakadake Crater
Day 9
Mount Aso to Nagasaki
Mount Aso to Nagasaki
Included Activities
- Train to Nagasaki
- Orientation walk
- Glover Garden visit
- Former Glover House visit
Landmarks
Glover Garden
Former Glover House
Day 10
Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Included Activities
- Peace Park visit
- Atomic Bomb Museum visit
- A-bomb survivor talk
- Tram day pass for city exploration
Optional Activities
- Additional museums near Peace Park
- Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture - JPY630
- Dejima Historical District - JPY520
- Twenty-Six Martyrs Memorial - JPY500
- Oura Catholic Church - JPY1000
- Champon noodles dinner
Landmarks
Peace Park
Atomic Bomb Museum
Dejima
Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument
Oura Catholic Church
Day 11
Nagasaki to Osaka
Nagasaki to Osaka
Included Activities
- Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka
Optional Activities
- Celebration dinner and drinks with group
Day 12
Osaka
Osaka
Optional Activities
- Explore Osaka independently
- Extend stay with post-trip accommodation

Landmarks
Ritsurin Garden
Sanuki Folk Craft Museum

Landmarks
Naoshima Island

Landmarks
Matsuyama Castle
Dogo Onsen
Ishiteji Temple

Landmarks
Jigoku (Hell Hot Spring Pools)

Landmarks
Mt Tsurumi Ropeway
Yawata Asami Shrine
Beppu Tower

Landmarks
Ogi Rice Terraces
Daikanbo Observatory
Mount Aso
Nakadake Crater

Landmarks
Glover Garden
Former Glover House

Landmarks
Peace Park
Atomic Bomb Museum
Dejima
Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument
Oura Catholic Church

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (12,099 reviews)
Response time: 5 hours
Response rate: 88%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

4.0

Overall rating based on 10 Reviews

Itinerary
4.0
Transport
4.2
Guide
3.0
Accommodation
4.1
Food
3.0
Tour Operator
4.5

Rita3.0•May 2024
This tour is very expensive for what you actually get, as nearly all of the travel is on public transport which is...
Show more
Traveled in April 2024
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Hi Rita, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Southern Japan Experience. We are sorry that you were disappointed with the amount of time spent on public transport, public transport is one of the best ways to travel in Japan. At Intrepid, we are committed to reducing emissions and so where possible, we will use public transport on some of our trips, some customers find this to be a highlight but we understand that it is not for everyone. We manage expectations for this by including detailed trip notes and essential trip information so that customers know what to expect prior to travel. We do have some itineraries where public transport is not used as much, so we hope that in the future you can find a trip that is more suited to your preferred style of travel!
Show more
Kah4.5•September 2019
Good guide and travel program.
Traveled in April 2019
Garry4.8•September 2019
Varied locations, great cross-section of customs and lifestyle of the people of southern japan
Traveled in April 2019
Daniela2.7•September 2019
The score is an overall score for all the trips we've been on. This trip was extremely poor but others were very good.
Traveled in April 2019
Monika4.5•September 2019
Our tour guide Xavier is excellent. He is the best tour guide I meet so far. He made my trip very easy and was very...
Show more
Traveled in March 2019
Leanne5.0•September 2019
Help was available when we needed it, but we also felt we were able to be independent if we wanted to.Also it was...
Show more
Traveled in March 2019
Jason4.5•September 2019
I enjoyed the mix of activities on the trip and the focus on allowing us to be as independent as possible.
Traveled in March 2019
Peter4.0•September 2019
Generally speaking I feel the intrepid holiday I was on was a good and positive experience. It was well organised and...
Show more
Traveled in March 2019
P3.8•September 2019
We have enjoyed lots of trips in the past, and like the small groups etc
Traveled in March 2019
Errol3.0•September 2019
Misleading information that it was one trip of 24 days, when in fact it was 2 separate trips joined together,...
Misleading information that it was one trip of 24 days, when in fact it was 2 separate trips joined together, resuling in loss of 2 days sight seeing and increased unnecessary long distance travelling. Trip costs were largely accommidation and trandport costs, with less than 1 activity per day. The trip is actually 22 days at most.Also misleading. Trip notes were of generic nature and of little difference to itinerary, not spevific enough for trip notes. Trip notes inconsistent in detail, and ssppear to be written by at least 12 different people.Show more
Traveled in March 2019

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What our customers ask about this tour

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J
Judy
Asked on March 27th, 2025
On day 8, will they be staying in Ryokans or Minshukus for accommodation? How long is the hike on the moon-like Sunesenri trail, and how steep is the incline? On which days are lunch and dinner covered by the tour? What transportation will be used on day 6 to Beppu? On day 11, are drinks and dinner at the travelers' own expense?
Accommodation
Meals
Tour Details
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written March 2025
  On Day 8 the accommodation will be a Japanese Inn. 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. Hiking time will be approximately 1 hour on established trails. There may be some sections that are a little steep. Meals covered: Day 5 - Dinner, Day 6 - Breakfast & Lunch, Day 8 - Dinner, Day 9 - Breakfast. Transportation on Day 6 is a private vehicle. The farewell dinner on day 11 is optional and at your own cost.
- J
  Judy
  Traveler•Written April 2025
  I decided against this tour because breakfasts were not included as part of the room rate (except for one hotel)
J
Joyce
Asked on January 29th, 2024
Can you arrange for them to be on the above date only for Osaka sightseeing? They want all days fully guided sightseeing only in Osaka for this duration. Please let me know the price and include an English guide, Other services, and itinerary.
Price / Availability
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written January 2024
  Our Tour is per brochure and is guided group tour. If you're traveling with children under 15 we recommend our family tours.
S
Stacey
Asked on July 25th, 2022
My husband and I would like a Northern Japan and a Southern Japan experience tours the September of 2023. In between tours (we believe 8 to 10 days) we plan to stay in a Hotel in Tokyo. The problem is how to manage our luggage for the first 10 days since we will arrive with enough luggage for 30 days. After the first 10 days we would separate the luggage and leave the excess in the Tokyo hotel and take only enough luggage for 12 days. Can we carry large suitcases during the first 10 days? What do you suggest?
Tour Details
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2022
  On this trip you will need to carry your own luggage for up to 30 minutes at a time. Train stations are quite complex and usually require a lot of stair climbing, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Elevators aren't always available and cannot accommodate many people at a time, so if you are choosing to bring a suitcase, please ensure you are able to lift and carry it up and down stairs yourself without difficulty. A backpack is often preferred by travelers for this reason. Our ryokans allow suitcases but you'll need to carry instead of wheeling it onto the tatami floor in the room. Japanese public transport is often quite small and cramped without large luggage racks for big suitcases (even on the shinkansen trains), so it's best to pack as light and small as possible so that you are not blocking aisles or taking up extra seats on trains. If you have a lot of luggage you may need to use luggage forwarding services. These are economical and efficient - please speak to your leader if you need to get your baggage to another destination in Japan.

From

US $6,395 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 102909

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Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before September 30th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 30th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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Southern Japan Experience

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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What our customers ask about this tour

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