Tour overview

This 12-day journey explores the less-visited islands of Shikoku and Kyushu. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than twelve, by train, ferry and private transfer. You stay eleven nights in hotels, a countryside homestay and a traditional inn, with a few meals included.

From Osaka you travel to Takamatsu and take the ferry to Naoshima, an island of contemporary art. You continue to Matsuyama, one of Japan's oldest spa towns, then cross to Kyushu for a night with a family in the countryside near Usuki.

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In Beppu you try a lunch steamed in hot-spring vapour and have a free day for its many onsen, then stay at a Japanese inn near the vast volcanic caldera of Mount Aso. Two nights in Nagasaki include the Peace Park before a bullet train back to Osaka.

The physical rating is low. This trip suits travellers who want to see a quieter, more traditional side of Japan.

Trip highlights

  • Naoshima art island (Day 3)
  • Matsuyama (Day 4)
  • A homestay in Usuki (Day 5)
  • An onsen-steamed lunch in Beppu (Day 6)
  • Mount Aso (Day 8)
  • Nagasaki (Days 9–10)

Your route

9 stops from Osaka to Osaka

12-day route: Osaka – Takamatsu – Naoshima – Matsuyama – Usuki – Beppu – Mount Aso – Nagasaki – Osaka
  1. Osaka Day 1
  2. Takamatsu Days 2–3
  3. Naoshima Day 3
  4. Matsuyama Day 4
  5. Usuki Day 5
  6. Beppu Days 6–7
  7. Mount Aso Day 8
  8. Nagasaki Days 9–10
  9. Osaka Days 11–12

Why choose this tour

Japan's quieter southern islands. A homestay and a traditional inn.

Best suited to

  • Returning visitors to Japan
  • Art and culture lovers
  • Solo travellers
  • Hot-spring fans
The yellow pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima

Day-by-day itinerary

12 days from Osaka, Japan to Osaka, Japan

  1. Day 1 · Osaka Osaka

    A welcome meeting.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Takamatsu Takamatsu

    To Shikoku.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  3. Day 3 · Naoshima Naoshima

    An art island.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  4. Day 4 · Matsuyama Matsuyama

    An old spa town.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  5. Day 5 · Usuki Usuki

    A countryside homestay.

    Hotel
    Homestay
    Meals
    Dinner
  6. Day 6 · Beppu Beppu

    A steamed lunch.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  7. Day 7 · Beppu Beppu

    A free day.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  8. Day 8 · Mount Aso Mount Aso

    A volcanic caldera.

    Hotel
    Japanese inn
    Meals
    Dinner
  9. Day 9 · Nagasaki Nagasaki

    To Nagasaki.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Day 10 · Nagasaki Peace Park Nagasaki

    A moving visit.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  11. Day 11 · Osaka Osaka

    By bullet train.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  12. Day 12 · Osaka Osaka

    The trip ends.

A red hot spring in Beppu

Where you stay

  • Osaka (1 night) Hotel
  • Takamatsu (2 nights) Hotel
  • Matsuyama (1 night) Hotel
  • Usuki (1 night) Homestay
  • Beppu (2 nights) Hotel
  • Mount Aso (1 night) Japanese inn
  • Nagasaki (2 nights) Hotel
  • Osaka (1 night) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 11 nights in hotels, a homestay and an inn
  • Meals 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Trains, ferries and a private transfer
  • Naoshima day trip
  • Countryside homestay with dinner
  • Nagasaki Peace Park
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights and airport transfers
  • Meals not included 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
A Catholic church in Nagasaki

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want the classic Kyoto and Tokyo route
  • You want most meals included
  • You want luxury hotels
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 6 and 9 · Lunch: Day 6 · Dinner: Days 5 and 8
Nagasaki harbour lit up at night

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £3,930 per person, twin share, tour only. 70 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Do I need a visa for Japan?

No, UK citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days.

What is the homestay like?

A night with a family in the countryside, with a home-cooked dinner and breakfast.

What are ryokan and minshuku like?

Traditional Japanese inns with futon bedding on tatami floors, often with shared or communal hot-spring baths.

Are airport transfers included?

No, they are not offered.

Can I have my own room?

A single supplement is available, except at the homestay.

How many people travel together?

No more than twelve travellers, with a local leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary
From £3,930
See dates & prices