Journey from Tokyo to Osaka via the lesser-visited island of Kyushu on this 13-day group tour of Japan. Begin in the capital with a guided visit to Senso-ji and the Shibuya Crossing, plus cruise the Sumida River. In Kanazawa, visit the stunning garden of Kenrokuen, spend two nights in ancient Kyoto and then head south on the bullet train to Kyushu. Spend time in Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Beppu, with a chance to relax in hot springs. End in Osaka, with a guided visit to Osaka Castle and a traditional dinner at an izakaya.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Tokyo
Upon arrival at either Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our assistant guide at the arrival gate. From there, board your included airport bus transfer (shared) into the city, followed by a short walk of less than 10 minutes to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to settle in or head out and start exploring the Japanese capital.
Overnight: Tokyo
Exploring Tokyo
Our Tokyo exploration begins with a 9:00 meeting in the hotel lobby for a short briefing with our guide. We then head out to visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple and enjoy a wander along vibrant Nakamise Street.
Next, we enjoy a 35-minute Sumida River cruise, offering unique views of the city (ticket included). Continue with a walk through the Edo-period Hamarikyu Garden (ticket included). There's free time for lunch before we head to the world's busiest pedestrian crossing: Shibuya. We get back to the hotel at around 17:00 and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Tokyo | Breakfast
Tokyo to Kanazawa
Tokyo - Kanazawa. We meet at 9:15 in the lobby to depart for Kanazawa. Your luggage will be sent on ahead, and you will need to pack an overnight bag for tonight.
We head to the train station to catch the bullet train to Kanazawa, arriving at lunchtime (ticket included). Upon arrival, enjoy free time at Omicho Market, where you can sample fresh seafood for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we visit the serene D.T. Suzuki Museum (ticket included), before checking into our hotel around 17:30 - the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Kanazawa | Breakfast
Exploring Kanazawa
Meet with our guide this morning for a full day of exploring Kanazawa’s rich history and culture. Start with Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens (ticket included). We also visit the Shima Old Geisha House (ticket included), then there's free time for you to wander the Higashi Chaya Geisha District and have lunch at your leisure.
In the afternoon, we visit the Samurai Residence and Kurando Terashima's House, before returning to the hotel at around 16:00. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Kanazawa | Breakfast
Kanazawa to Kyoto
Kanazawa - Kyoto. After breakfast this morning, we transfer from Kanazawa to Kyoto by bullet train to Tsuruga and onward train to Kyoto, arriving around midday.
Drop off your bags at the hotel before we head straight to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Explore the iconic torii gates and browse the shops and food stalls along Sando Street before we return to the hotel at around 16:00 for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Exploring Kyoto
Today begins with a visit to the impressive Kiyomizu Temple (ticket included). Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the picturesque streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you can stop for lunch at a traditional tea house.
In the afternoon, we continue with a stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, then head to the historic Gion District. Visit Kenninji Temple (ticket included) before returning to the hotel by 17:00. The evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Kyoto to Fukuoka
Kyoto - Fukuoka. We meet our guide at 8:30 and walk to Kyoto Station to catch the bullet train to Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island. Your luggage will be sent ahead to Beppu, so bring an overnight bag for Fukuoka and Kumamoto (2 nights).
Arriving just after midday, we visit the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum (ticket included) and explore nearby Kushida Shrine. We then make our way to the hotel to check in and freshen up before heading out to the Yatai food stalls, where your guide will help you sample local delicacies (not included).
Overnight: Fukuoka | Breakfast
Fukuoka to Kumamoto
Fukuoka - Kumamoto. This morning we catch the bullet train south to Kumamoto, arriving just after 10:00. From the station, we continue to Mt Aso and take in the spectacular views at the Mt Aso View Point (ticket included). Afterwards, we return to Kumamoto to visit the impressive Kumamoto Castle (ticket included), before heading to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Kumamoto | Breakfast
Kumamoto to Beppu
Kumamoto - Beppu. At 9:00, we depart with our guide to Takachiho Gorge, where you’ll have time to explore the scenic gorge and enjoy lunch at your own pace (not included). Afterwards, we visit Amano Iwato Shrine and, if time permits, continue to Amano Yasukawara Cave. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to Beppu, arriving at the hotel around 18:30 - here you'll be reunited with your luggage!
Overnight: Beppu | Breakfast
Exploring Beppu & Onsen Experience
Today we discover Beppu’s renowned hot springs and geothermal wonders. Begin with a scenic ride on the Mt. Tsurumi Ropeway, offering stunning panoramic views of the region (ticket included).
In the early afternoon, we join an onsen steam cooking class and enjoy a unique lunch prepared using natural geothermal steam (ticket included). In the afternoon, we visit the Jigoku Onsen Museum and the striking Umijigoku, or Sea Blue Hell, hot spring (tickets included). This hot spring is renowned for its vibrant cobalt blue water. After a dip, we return to the hotel for free time to unwind with a relaxing soak in the onsen.
Overnight: Beppu | Breakfast, Lunch
Beppu at Leisure & Overnight Ferry to Osaka
Beppu - Osaka. Enjoy a free day in Beppu to explore at your own pace. You might soak in more onsen, visit the charming town of Yufuin, or take part in hands-on activities at Space Beppu. Your main luggage will be transferred ahead to Osaka, arriving the following day.
Meet our guide at approximately 16:45 for a local bus transfer to the port, where you’ll board the ferry for our overnight cruise back to Japan's main island of Honshu and Osaka. Dinner is available onboard (not included).
Overnight: Osaka | Breakfast
Exploring Osaka & Izakaya Dinner
We arrive in Osaka early, at around 6:35. We transfer to the hotel to drop our bags and freshen up, or enjoy a coffee. At around 9:00, we visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful gardens (ticket included). We then continue to the Umeda Sky Building Observatory (ticket included) for panoramic city views. After some downtime at the hotel in the afternoon, make your way to Dotonbori in the early evening for an included farewell dinner at a traditional izakaya.
Overnight: Osaka | Breakfast, Dinner
Osaka
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. Make your way to the airport or your next destination independently. Safe travels!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku is a modern 4-star hotel in Tokyo’s Nishi-Shinjuku district, just a short walk from Nishi-Shinjuku and Tocho-mae stations, with easy access to Shinjuku Station. The hotel offers 280 comfortable rooms with air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Simmons beds. Facilities include a restaurant serving Japanese and Western breakfast, laundry services, vending machines, and 24-hour convenience store. Its location provides great access to key Tokyo attractions like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, making it an ideal base for group travellers exploring the city.
Shinjuku Washington Hotel , Tokyo
The Shinjuku Washington Hotel is a colossal property located in the heart of one of Tokyo's most popular areas. The rooms are simple and practical, offering guests a comfortable, no-frills stay. While there are plenty of eateries within walking distance of the property, guests aren't likely to want to go anywhere once they see what's on offer within the hotel complex. Visitors can choose from a Chinese or Japanese buffet breakfast followed by dinner in the steak house or American-style restaurant. The hotel is just a 15 minute walk from the Shinjuku railway station.
Hotel Kanazawa, Kanazawa
Hotel Kanazawa is a relaxed 4‑star city-centre hotel located directly beside JR Kanazawa Station, offering excellent transport links to Kenroku‑en Garden, Omicho Market and the Higashi Chaya district. The 165 rooms are spacious by Japanese standards, with en‑suite bathrooms featuring both bath and shower, plus flat‑screen TV, fridge, electric kettle and free Wi‑Fi. Guests can unwind in the welcoming cocktail lounge and on‑site Japanese seafood restaurant, or enjoy the public bath available until late evening. With its practical amenities and prime location, it’s a comfortable and convenient base for group travellers exploring Kanazawa.
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, Kyoto
Conveniently located right in front of Kyoto Station, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo offers air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi. The hotel provides a range of amenities including a beauty salon, a convenience shop, and an array of 6 dining options. These air-conditioned rooms are outfitted with a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. En suite bathrooms offer a combination of a shower, bathtub, and essential toiletries. Additionally, room service is available for added convenience. International dishes are served at the buffet restaurant Le Plaisir, while Shisen specializes in Chinese Sichuan cuisine. With a history of over 100 years, Restaurant Kyoyamatoya offers Japanese seasonal dishes.
The Blossom Hakata, Fukuoka
The Blossom Hakata is ideally situated in central Fukuoka, just a short walk from Hakata Station, making it perfect for exploring the city. Canal City, Kushida Shrine, and the lively Nakasu district are all nearby. The hotel features a relaxing public bath, modern lounge spaces, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable, with calming décor and practical amenities. It’s an excellent base for discovering Fukuoka’s culture, shopping, and food scene with ease.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto Ginza Dori Premier, Kumamoto
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto Ginza Dori Premier is centrally located in Kumamoto, just steps from the lively shopping and dining of Ginza Dori and a short walk to Kumamoto Castle. Ideal for group explorations, the hotel offers a welcoming lounge, coin laundry facilities, and an on-site restaurant. Rooms are well-appointed with modern comforts and spacious layouts. Its prime location makes it easy to enjoy the city’s attractions, local eateries, and tram access for further sightseeing.
Amanek Beppu Yula-Re, Beppu
Amanek Beppu Yula-Re is located in the heart of Beppu, just a short stroll from the main station and close to the city's famous hot springs. The hotel features a rooftop onsen with panoramic sea and mountain views, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Rooms are compact yet stylish, offering comfort and efficiency. With easy access to local attractions like the “hells” of Beppu and traditional bathhouses, this hotel provides a comfortable and convenient stay for group travellers exploring Japan’s onsen culture.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Midosuji Honmachi , Osaka
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Sakaisuji Honmachi is a sleek 4-star city-centre hotel just a minute’s walk from Sakaisuji-Hommachi station and under ten minutes from Honmachi station, offering excellent access to attractions like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Namba. The hotel features 272 spacious, air-conditioned rooms with separate bath and toilet, USB ports, safes, tea/coffee making facilities, fridges, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Guests can start the day with breakfast in the coffee shop, then unwind in the elegant lobby lounge. With its modern comfort, great transport links and welcoming service, it’s a smart base for group travellers exploring Osaka.
At a Glance
