A rewarding and extensive insight into Japan's fascinating islands of Kyushu and Shikoku awaits. Spend 17 glorious days exploring 'off the tourist trail' landscapes, landmarks, cultures and architectural wonders with the help of expert guides and friendly locals. Begin your journey in Kyoto before heading south through the quaint and charming city of Nagasaki to ascend Mount Aso, home to the world's largest crater. Surrounded by stunning landscape, Mt Aso is also home to some of Japan's most famous hot springs. To reach these notorious springs guests take the train along the caldera wall on a remarkable journey to Beppu on Kyushu's east coast.

Then it's off to Hiroshima to catch the ferry on to Miyajima Island, home to the iconic Floating Torii Gate. The island is small enough to explore on foot or on a bike. Stay in traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation and dine on superb cuisine before relaxing in an onsen. We then take some time to explore the city of Hiroshima. Famous for being the target of an atomic bomb during the Second World War, it is now a charming, eclectic and fascinating city. We then continue through Kotohira, taking some time to visit Kompirisan on the slopes of Mt Zozu. Then it's off to Tokushima and the charismatic Osaka to soak up the buzz of Japan's third largest city. Discover why Osaka is know as "Japan's kitchen", by taking a wander through Dotonbori, a former pleasure district turned restaurant mecca where amongst other things you can sample fugu (poisonous puffer fish) and takoyaki (octopus balls). Take the chance to visit local shops before finally departing from Kansai airport.

Welcomed by our representative before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Explore Kyoto with a visit to Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavillion), then Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex. After lunch visit Kiyomizu (Pure Water Temple) and Daisen-in sub temple, home to one of Japan's best Zen rock gardens, perfect for a spot of zazen meditation after a busy morning.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Travel to Nara, Japan's capital in the 8th Century. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building. End the day by wandering through Nara Park to see the large population of tame deer that live there.

Overnight in Nara.

Head to Nagasaki on Kyushu Island. Characterized by terraced slopes, a deep U-shaped harbour and intricate small streets, it has a welcoming charm. With its distinctive neighbourhoods and stunning houses perched on the hillsides it is seen as one of the most beautiful towns in Japan.

Overnight in Nagasaki.

Spend a full day sightseeing in Nagasaki. Nagasaki played an important role in Japan's history of international relations. Many of Nagasaki's sights are tied to this history, from Christian churches to Confucian Temples.

Overnight in Nagasaki.

Head further south on the Limited Express train to Kumamoto and see the imposing Kumamoto Castle. Also visit Suizenji-Jojuen, a superbly designed Japanese garden. The garden reproduces the 53 post stations of the Tokaido, the important road, which connected Edo with Kyoto during the Edo Period, in miniature form, including a small Mt. Fuji. 

Overnight in Kumamoto.

Take a-70min train ride to the centre of Kyushu to marvel at the sparsely populated grasslands and mountain peaks, offering some of the country's best natural scenery. Here you can view the Aso caldera, the world's largest crater. Tonight you stay in a modern ryokan.

Overnight in Aso.

Head up to the top of the Aso Caldera that measures 18km east-west and 24km north-south, giving a circumference of over 120km! Within, the crater is a seething grey lake emitting turbulent, sulphurous clouds of steam.  Also visit the Aso Volcano Museum while for the adventure minded there are a number of fantastic trekking routes.

Overnight in Aso

Embark on a fascinating train journey as you ride the caldera wall on its way to Beppu on Kyushu's East Coast. Beppu is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. The "hells" (jigoku) of Beppu are nine spectacular hot springs for viewing rather than bathing.  With names such as 'golden dragon hell' and other equally fearsome titles, the springs have become somewhat of a tourist mecca but can't be missed out.

Overnight in Beppu

Take the train back to the main island of Honshu to reach Hiroshima, a short ferry ride will then take you to Miyajima Island, a small island located in the Inland Sea and home to The Floating Torii Gate. Explore the island and its many shrines before dining on a multi course kaiseki dinner.

Overnight in Miyajima

Head back to the mainland to explore Hiroshima, famous for the target of an atomic bomb in 1945. Now a thriving cosmopolitan city, we make our way to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. You can then choose to visit the beautiful Shukkien Garden or Hiroshima Castle.

Overnight in Miyajima

Take the ferry to the lesser visited Shikoku Island, home to Matsuyama-jo, a stunning castle. Enjoy the breath-taking views of the city below and on a clear day catch a glimpse of the Seto Inland Sea.

Overnight in Matsuyama 

Continue sightseeing in Matsuyama before taking the afternoon train to Kotohira, a small town in Kagawa Prefecture. Here you will find Kompirasan, Shikoku's most popular shrine. Tonight your ryokan style accommodation has some of the most amazing outdoor baths in Japan with views of Kompira.

Overnight in Kotohira.

Those that want to can climb 1,368 stone steps to reach Komparisan on the wooded slope of Mt Zozu. The journey is an enlightening walk along a paved and forested path.

Overnight in Kotohira

Head to Tokushima, located on the eastern end of Shikoku. Tonight you will stay in traditional temple lodgings. Tatsue-ji is temple number 19 of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage of Shikoku, and you will be sharing your lodgings with 'henro', or pilgrims who are walking the 1,200 km course.

Overnight in Tokushima

Return to Honshu and make your way by train to Osaka, a vibrant, fun-loving town with friendly people and superb cuisine. Spend the afternoon shopping or taking in some of Osaka's sights, such as Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium.

Overnight in Osaka.

Free until your included transfer by train to Kansai Airport