Explore Japan on foot
Discover the rich culture of Japan
Bike around the country
Our Land of Fire tour starts in Kyoto, former imperial capital and repository of much of Japan's cultural heritage. We visit Asuka, where Japan's early Emperors are buried, then a boat journey through the Inland Sea brings us to the southern island of Kyushu. Known as the cradle of Japanese civilization, several locations are connected with the Japanese creation myths which inspired the Yokagura dances in Takachiho. Kyushu is also known for its numerous active volcanoes, as well as the spectacular island of Yakushima to the south, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Unique flora and fauna can be admired here, including giant Yakusugi cedars, Yakushima yakushika deer and yakuzaru macaques. A natural by-product of the volcanoes is onsen hot-springs and we will enjoy relaxing dips in their soothing waters, as well as the unforgettable hot sand baths at Yamakawa where we are buried in hot sand. View Mount Aso with the world’s largest volcanic caldera and visit the vibrant city of Nagasaki. Stay at traditional inns and guest-houses, enjoying dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Our tour ends amidst the crowds and neon of Osaka, Japan's second city and culinary capital.
| Small Group tour | |
| Departure dates:
April 7, 2021 May 10, 2021 September 21, 2021 October 24, 2021 Dates subject to change without notice. |
|
| 14 days | |
| Maximum: 13 guests Minimum: 5 guests | |
| Tour price includes all transportation between destinations, accommodation, entrance fees, full-time services of a tour leader, all breakfasts and 10 evening meals. Contact for Single supplement. | |
| Breakfasts: 14 Lunches: 0 Dinners: 10 | |
| Full time services of Japanese-speaking British tour leader plus local Japanese guides at certain destinations. | |
| Guided tour to Japan's southern island of Kyushu. Accommodation in family-run minshuku, traditional ryokan, mountain lodges and hotels. |
Kyoto
Meet your guide and other group members at the tour hotel in central Kyoto in the evening. There will be a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Kyoto
We have a full day to discover the ancient capital of Kyoto. We first visit Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, then walk along the Philosopher’s Path to Nanzen-ji Temple. After lunch, we see Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns in the 17th century. Built in the Momoyama style, the building has 'nightingale' wooden floors which creak when walked on - a security measure against intruders. We then head to Nishiki market, known as 'Kyoto's kitchen' and gaze at the fabulous array of seafood, pickles, tea, sweets and other foodstuffs on display.
Meals: Breakfast
We take a short train ride from Kyoto south to Asuka, Japan's first permanent capital. On the southern edge of the Yamato Plain, Asuka is home to some of the first Buddhist temples in Japan. The town is also dotted with burial mounds, said to be those of the first Emperors. From Asuka, we make our way to Osaka port and catch the overnight ferry through the Seto Inland Sea to Beppu. On board we have private cabins and can even enjoy a Japanese bath! Walking distance: 5.3km / 3.3 miles Time required: About 1.5 hours Meals: Breakfast
Kurokawa Onsen
From Kurokawa Onsen we travel by private chartered coach to Takachiho. We can hope for views of Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the biggest in the world; the peaks of Taka-dake and Naka-dake dominate the Aso skyline. We pause at Shirakawa Springs, the source of the Shirakawa River which flows through Kumamoto city, and the best-known of the natural springs in the Minami Aso area. Join locals and visitors sampling some of the most highly-regarded mineral water in Japan! We are based in Takachiho for two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Takachiho
We head further south this morning by train along Kagoshima Bay to the seaside town of Ibusuki. Here thermally-heated mineral water bubbles up through the black volcanic sand on the beach. Locals mix the sand to ensure a steady temperature and we will don cotton yukata robes to be buried in the warm sand. Very relaxing! Return to Kagoshima for dinner.
Walking distance: 6.3km / 4 miles
Time required: about 1.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Takachiho
From Kagoshima we travel by ferry to Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The small population lives around the coast of this mountainous island, while the interior is almost totally undeveloped. Giant cedar – yakusugi – stand tall in the moss-laden forest, some of them are thousands of years old. Around the coast are stunning beaches, and hot springs. We will stay at a local guesthouse to enjoy the local hospitality and evening meals prepared from the day’s catch.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Kagoshima
Leaving Takachiho, we travel to Kumamoto to visit Suizen-ji Garden, a traditional landscape garden which includes a miniature Mount Fuji. After lunch we continue south to the city of Kagoshima, dramatically situated on Kagoshima Bay opposite Sakurajima, an active volcano. We visit Sengan-en, the lovely villa and gardens of the the Shimazu Clan. Kagoshima has a culture and cuisine distinct from other parts of Japan. Shochu, a spirit usually made from sweet potato is favoured over sake, and slow-baked ‘kurobuta’ (a breed of Berkshire pig) as well as grilled bonito (skipjack tuna) are two typical local dishes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ibusuki
We head further south this morning by train along Kagoshima Bay to the seaside town of Ibusuki. Here thermally-heated mineral water bubbles up through the black volcanic sand on the beach. Locals mix the sand to ensure a steady temperature and we will don cotton yukata robes to be buried in the warm sand. Very relaxing! Return to Kagoshima for dinner.
Walking distance: 5km / 3 miles
Time required: about 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Yakushima
From Kagoshima we travel by ferry to Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The small population lives around the coast of this mountainous island, while the interior is almost totally undeveloped. Giant cedar – yakusugi – stand tall in the moss-laden forest, some of them are thousands of years old. Around the coast are stunning beaches, and hot springs. We will stay at a local guesthouse to enjoy the local hospitality and evening meals prepared from the day’s catch.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Yakushima
We have a full day on Yakushima. We hike into the interior, walking amongst the giant yakusugi trees, and if we are lucky spot some of the macaques. The centre of the island is a temperate rain-forest, and the highest peak on Yakushima is the tallest mountain in the south of Japan. It’s a unique ecosystem and has escaped any significant development. We return by bus to our guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast
Yakushima
Our third day on Yakushima is spent visiting a lovely beach and one of the most spectacular hot springs in Japan, built into the rocks lapped by the waves. After lunch, we enjoy a short walk to on the trail to a charming hidden waterfall.
Meals: Breakfast
Nagasaki
Leaving Yakushima by ferry, we board the shinkansen Bullet Train in Kagoshima and travel to Nagasaki. After centuries as an international port, Nagasaki is today a vibrant, modern city. The city never forgets its past, however, and there are important memorials to its history. We check-in to our hotel and there will be free time before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
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Nagasaki
This morning we visit Dejima, the site of the former Dutch trading colony in Nagasaki. Dejima used to be an island and Dutch traders were not allowed to live on the mainland. Dejima has been restored and you can see replicas of some of the original buildings. We then visit Sofuku-ji temple, built by Chinese settlers in the 17th century. We have free time to relax and perhaps shop for souvenirs in the afternoon, or to visit the atomic bomb memorial.
Meals: Breakfast
Osaka
We visit the Glover Garden this morning. The mansion and gardens, with wonderful views over Nagasaki, were built for Thomas Glover, a Scottish entrepreneur who helped modernize Japan's shipbuilding and mining industries. The location is associated with Puccini's opera 'Madame Butterfly'. After lunch we board the shinkansen Bullet Train for our journey to Osaka. There will be free time to relax and perhaps shop for souvenirs and in the evening there will be a Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Our tour ends today after breakfast at the hotel in Osaka. Your guide will be on hand to offer assistance and advice for travelling to the airport if you have homeward flights, or on onward travel if you are extending your stay in Japan. Meals: Breakfast
