Southern Japan Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,546 reviews)- Choose from 100+ Southern Japan tours
- 650+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Table of contents
- The best Southern Japan tour packages
- What people love about Southern Japan Tours
- Travel Southern Japan your way
- Top operators in Southern Japan
- Discover Southern Japan tours for every budget
- Southern Japan tours for every group
- Top Southern Japan travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern Japan
- Contact our Southern Japan travel experts
The best Southern Japan tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern Japan travel expert at TourRadar
Japan: Castles & Cuisine
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very immersive and worthwhile experience.”
Rahul, traveled in December 2023
Southern Japan unfolds from Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district to Hiroshima's moving Peace Memorial. Marvel at Miyajima's floating torii gate and sacred deer, plus Kyoto's imperial legacy. Young travelers will appreciate cultural immersion with hostel accommodations throughout.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $1,349
25% Off- US$1,012You save $337
Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I very much enjoyed the tour. The tour was excellent.”
Ian, traveled in June 2024
Southern Japan beckons, leading from Osaka through Hiroshima's Peace Memorial to Kyoto's historic districts. The UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle and Mount Fuji's majesty await before ending in Tokyo's metropolitan landscape.
Duration 10 days Destinations Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator Tomato Travel From $2,103
5% Off- US$1,998You save $105
Best of Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima 6 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and planned. Would recommend if you are short on time and wanna see the main sights.”
Anshul, traveled in September 2024
Rich culture awaits at Osaka's Dotonbori district, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. The journey features 3-star hotels, local English guides, and smooth Shinkansen transfers.
Duration 6 days Destinations Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Vio Travel From $996
5% Off- US$946You save $49
Southern Japan Experience (9 destinations)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed learning new things about japan from him and doing fun stuff in my trip.”
Monika, traveled in March 2019
The journey winds from Matsuyama Castle to Beppu's famous onsens. Traditional ryokans near Mount Aso's caldera provide rest, while homestays in Usuki and Naoshima's renowned art installations offer cultural depth, complemented by regional cuisine.
Duration 12 days Destinations Osaka, Takamatsu, Naoshima Island, Kotohira, Matsuyama, Nagasaki, Yakushima Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,950
20% Off- US$4,760You save $1,190
Back Roads of Japan
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The warm welcome, the genuine delight and friendliness of our hosts was so heartwarming.”
Patricia, traveled in October 2022
Cultural treasures abound from Hagi's samurai districts to Tottori's coastal dunes. Traditional homestays and UNESCO-recognized paper-making villages lead to Kyoto's magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion gates.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Otsu, Hagi, Tottori, Kyoto Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $4,149
25% Off- US$3,112You save $1,037
What people love about Southern Japan Tours
- Japan: Castles & Cuisine
Izumi was the perfect CEO! She went above and beyond to make the tour the perfect experience.
- Japan: Castles & Cuisine
All good. Very immersive and worthwhile experience.
It was a great trip and had a great time. The company did a great job with the tour and all the hotels were great. Highly recommended.
Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima
Travel Southern Japan your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Southern Japan. We have 6 adventures that vary from 6 days to 12 days. With the greatest number of departures in February, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursFor those seeking to really discover southern Japan, several explorer-focused tours stand out based on our travelers' experiences. The most popular route starts in Tokyo before heading south, spending time in both Osaka and Kyoto while mixing major sites with local experiences. Our customers particularly love the temple stay in Koyasan where you'll join morning prayers and try traditional vegetarian cuisine prepared by monks. Another excellent option focuses on Kyushu island, starting in Fukuoka and including overnight stays in rural towns - past travelers highlight the authentic local interactions and peaceful countryside settings. The routes through Shikoku offer a perfect blend of coastal views and mountain trails, with many tours including stays in traditional ryokans and visits to craft workshops where you can try paper-making and other traditional arts.
See all Explorer toursChoose from over 67 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Southern Japan. Our cultural tours vary from 3 days to 24 days.
See all In-depth Cultural toursSelect from our extensive range of 66 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Southern Japan with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Southern Japan
Based on the tour reviews, Intrepid Travel's Japan Express stands out for giving travelers what they actually want - a good mix of guided experiences and free time to explore on their own. TruTravels has some strong points with their Philippines programs and guide Marion knows her stuff in Japan, but customers mention feeling a bit restricted by the fixed schedule and having to rely too much on public transport. Europamundo sits somewhere in the middle - David Munoz and Francisco get high marks as guides and their itineraries are solid, but the "Wonders of Japan End Osaka" tour moves too quickly through destinations. The food quality isn't consistent either, which is particularly tough for vegetarian travelers who already have limited options. What's interesting is how the flexibility factor keeps coming up in reviews. Our travelers clearly value having some independence built into their schedules, which might explain why Intrepid's more balanced approach resonates well. They've figured out that sweet spot between structure and freedom that many Japan visitors are looking for.
- 5.0 (22,796 reviews)
"All good. Very immersive and worthwhile experience.
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 84%
- Average price
- $413
- 4.5 (60 reviews)
"I loved the cultural aspect of the tour. Tai, orur guide, was very patient and caring. Good group dynamics.
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 18 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 33h
- Response rate
- 88%
- Average price
- $320
- 4.0 (20 reviews)
"Without a guide, it was hard to travel alone through Japan. I spent a fortune on taxis and without Japanese speaking English was even harder. You shouldn’t offer a tour without a guide.
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 2 to 80 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 10h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $258
Discover Southern Japan tours for every budget
For budget-conscious travelers exploring southern Japan, several well-organized tours stand out. The most popular 8-day routes include express train rides between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with hop-on-hop-off bus passes in each city. Our customers particularly love the Shibuya food tours where local guides take you to hidden spots for regional specialties and also traditional desserts. While accommodation tends to be simple, locations are well-chosen near transport hubs. These tours work best for independent travelers who don't mind navigating between included activities. Many guests mention enjoying the flexibility to explore at their own pace while having key transport and activities pre-arranged.
Our luxury tours through southern Japan blend exceptional stays with unique local access. Travelers love the Park Prince Tower Hotel in Tokyo and the Chinzanso's traditional gardens - you'll often see guests spending extra time photographing the seasonal changes. Local horticulture experts guide private garden tours, sharing stories about design principles and plant symbolism. The routes mix famous spots with hidden gems: private tea ceremonies in Kyoto's Gion district with maiko, exclusive evening access to Naoshima's art installations and also nights at ryokans where kaiseki dinners showcase regional specialties. It's particularly good for travelers wanting deeper cultural insights with expert guidance.
Southern Japan budget tours
Southern Japan tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
87 tours in Southern JapanExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern Japan. We have 87 adventures that vary from 3 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
47 tours in Southern JapanVisit Southern Japan with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
38 tours in Southern JapanPrivate tours offer complete flexibility while maintaining professional guidance throughout southern Japan. Popular routes include customized days in Tokyo where you'll learn sushi-making from master chefs, explore the Tsukiji fish market and also join food tours through local neighborhoods. In Kyoto, private guides take you through the backstreets of Gion, explaining the history of geisha culture and traditional arts. Many tours include a dedicated driver for countryside exploration, letting you visit remote temples, craft workshops and also rural villages at your own pace. Our travelers especially value the ability to adjust schedules based on interests while having consistent expert support.
Top Southern Japan travel itineraries to fit your plans
The week-long southern Japan tours really shine when exploring Kyushu's lesser-known spots. You'll hop on trains from Osaka down to Beppu, where you can actually cook your own food using natural hot springs - it's pretty unique. Our customers keep telling us how much they love exploring Yufuin, this lovely little town where you can wander through craft villages and soak in mineral-rich onsen baths. The trip takes you on to Fukuoka, and the food there is something else - especially the local Hakata ramen you'll find in busy market streets. If you're looking to see a different side of Japan away from the usual spots, these tours hit the mark. Getting around is easy with the rail passes and you've got plenty of time to explore on your own terms.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
The 10-day Japan routes give you a solid mix of the must-sees and local experiences. Whether you start in Tokyo or Osaka, you'll cover spots like Mount Fuji - our travelers particularly love taking in the views from the 5th station and cruising on Lake Ashi. Kyoto's really special; you'll visit UNESCO sites and get hands-on with local culture. The tea ceremonies and walks in the bamboo forests are always highlights according to past guests. You'll spend meaningful time at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and see Miyajima's torii gate floating on the water. Some trips mix in cool extras like sake tasting in Himeji or food tours through Osaka's lively streets. It's perfect if you're visiting Japan for the first time and want to see the main sites while still discovering some hidden spots.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima
Having two full weeks lets you really get under the skin of southern Japan's culture. Sure, you'll spend good time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but it's often the smaller places that stick with people longest. The overnight temple stay at Mount Koya is a real highlight - our travelers love joining morning prayers and trying authentic Buddhist vegetarian meals. Art lovers get proper time to explore Naoshima Island with its galleries and outdoor art pieces scattered around. Some routes head into Shimane prefecture where Japan's oldest castle stands surrounded by beautiful gardens. You get a nice balance of guided activities and free time, which works well if you like exploring independently but still want local knowledge for those deeper cultural experiences.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka
Demographics
Solo travelers find great satisfaction in our compact Japanese adventures, particularly the 6-day express routes combining Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. These tours excel at mixing guided experiences with free time - perfect for meeting other travelers while maintaining independence. You'll join group activities like exploring Kyoto's temples and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, then have evenings free to discover local food scenes. Many solo guests highlight the practical aspects: hotels are well-located near transport hubs, local guides help navigate train systems and also fellow travelers often team up for optional activities. The tours include enough structure to feel supported while leaving room for personal exploration.
Couples seeking romantic Japanese experiences favor our multi-city southern routes combining cultural depth with memorable moments. The itineraries blend peaceful temple visits, like watching sunrise prayers at Mount Koya, with active adventures such as cycling through Hiroshima's historic districts. Many couples mention loving the mix of traditional and modern: you'll explore ancient shrines, wander through bamboo forests and also experience the energy of Osaka's food markets. The accommodations are particularly well-chosen, mixing city hotels with traditional ryokans where you can enjoy private onsen baths and kaiseki dinners. These tours work especially well for pairs wanting to share unique experiences while having logistics handled professionally.
Our younger travelers love the energy of these Japanese tours - they're packed with both cultural experiences and city life. You'll learn proper sake brewing from experts, cook with local chefs and dive into anime culture in Akihabara. The pace keeps things interesting: one day you're walking Kyoto's hidden streets, the next you're hiking mountain paths or biking between islands on the inland sea. We've got the schedule figured out nicely - guided activities in the morning leave your afternoons open to check out cool neighborhoods, try street food or shop in fashion districts. You'll sleep in a mix of old-school ryokans and modern hotels, getting the full Japanese experience.
Our older travelers really connect with the southern Japan tours that give you time to take it all in. There's no rushing through Kyoto's temples - you get proper time to explore, enjoy quiet gardens and learn about tea ceremonies from local hosts. People who've taken these tours tell us they love finding places that aren't in guidebooks, like small pottery studios and family kitchens where you can learn traditional cooking. While there's plenty of walking involved, we've planned everything smartly - hotels are in convenient spots, we handle your luggage separately and your guide knows all the best shortcuts and alternatives. It's perfect if you want to dig deep into Japanese culture with someone handling all the details.
For families exploring southern Japan, several tours stand out for their blend of education and entertainment. Our travelers particularly praise the 12-day routes that include hands-on experiences like sushi-making classes with master chefs and calligraphy lessons from Japanese masters. Parents appreciate how the tours balance cultural immersion with fun activities - think baseball batting cages in Tokyo and feeding deer in Nara Park. The itineraries include plenty of variety: you'll ride pirate ships across Lake Ashi, take cable cars with views of Mount Fuji and also explore teamLab's digital art installations. Many families mention loving the traditional ryokan stays where kids can experience Japanese futons and onsen baths. Just note these tours involve considerable walking, so they work best for families with children who can handle active days.
- Solo Travelers109 tours
- Couples55 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)7 tours
- Seniors (50+)35 tours
Best time to visit Southern Japan
- Spring 2025
- 85 tours
- 89 tours
- popular 94 tours
- Summer 2025
- 86 tours
- 88 tours
- popular 89 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
The autumn colors really transform southern Japan's temple gardens and mountain paths - it's when our cultural tours work best. The routes through Kyoto combine visits to the golden pavilions with peaceful walks in Arashiyama's red maple groves. Our clients love starting their days at Takayama's markets, where fall brings an amazing variety of local harvests. You can then use these seasonal ingredients in traditional cooking workshops. The longer trips head out to the quieter Inland Sea islands once the summer crowds leave and the weather cools down. Many tours include nights at traditional inns where you'll try local delicacies like matsutake mushrooms, fresh fish and also seasonal vegetables. Walking tours through Kyoto's temple areas are particularly nice in fall - the expert guides explain the garden designs while you take photos of the colorful leaves.
- popular 97 tours
- 97 tours
- 79 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours through southern Japan offer unique experiences and good value, with fewer tourists at major sites. Several well-planned routes combine cultural highlights with seasonal specialties. The longer 12-14 day tours let you explore at a comfortable pace, using heated trains between cities and warm onsens to counter the cold. Our travelers particularly enjoy the morning fish markets in Tokyo when winter brings the best tuna, followed by hands-on sushi making classes with expert chefs. The temple stays in Mount Koya become extra special in winter - you'll join monks for morning prayers while snow blankets the ancient cemetery paths. Some tours focus on urban exploration with cozy stops at specialty coffee shops and local izakayas, while others head into the countryside where you'll soak in outdoor hot springs with views of snow-capped Mount Fuji.
- 34 tours
- popular 66 tours
- 58 tours
Contact our Southern Japan travel experts
Claire
Expert in Southern Japan at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Southern Japan Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern Japan tours answered!
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