Explore Southern Japan
11 days, Osaka to Kyoto
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See a side of Japan that few experience with this 11-day tour that takes you off the main trails into landscapes and artistic hubs that inspire this country's unique culture. Spend time among the contemporary art galleries and public installations on Naoshima Island (including a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin), wander through an ancient moss forest reminiscent of a fairytale, and learn more about the important history of Nagasaki. The tour begins in Osaka and ends in Kyoto, allowing you time to explore these energetic cities and round off your experience in Japan.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12.
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
11 days
Osaka to Kyoto
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
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Ripple Score
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Itinerary Notes
Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 2Osaka to Okayama
Enjoy a free morning to explore energetic Osaka, one of the nation's culinary centres. In the afternoon, travel to Okayama.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Naoshima
Spend the day exploring Naoshima, a picturesque island dotted with impressive contemporary art museums and installations. After a brief orientation walk, enjoy free time to discover this unique island at leisure. In the evening, return back to Okayama.
Day 4Okayama to Nagasaki
Travel southwest to the island of Kyushu. After arriving in the city of Nagasaki, explore with some free time. Don't miss out on the delicious local seafood!
Day 5Nagasaki
Visit Nagasaki's Peace Park with your CEO and learn more about the historic events of 1945. Explore more of this port city with some free time.
Day 6Nagasaki to Yakushima
Today is a long travel day – via train and ferry – to the southernmost tip of Kyushu island and beyond! After arriving on Yakushima, settle in and get some rest for tomorrow's excursion.
Day 7Yakushima
Experience the magic of Yakushima with a hike through the island's mossy ancient forest. This lush subtropical island is home to impressive cedar trees, several of which are thousands of years old.
Day 8Yakushima
Enjoy free day on beautiful Yakushima. Go for a hike, check out the beach, or relax at an oceanside onsen.
Day 9Yakushima/Osaka
Today is a busy travel day. Start with a boat ride to Kagoshima before boarding an overnight ferry bound for Osaka. The ferry features a restaurant, onsen spa, and shop. Settle in and enjoy this unique journey across Japan's Inland Sea.
Day 10Osaka/Kyoto
Arrive at the port in the morning and continue to historic Kyoto. Enjoy a free day to explore this cultural hub. Opt for a final meal with the group.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Kyoto
Depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Kyoto
- Full day trip to Naoshima Art Island
- CEO-led orientation walk of Naoshima port
- Benesse House Museum visit (Naoshima)
- CEO-led Peace Park visit with museum entrance (Nagasaki)
- Shiratani Unsuikyo hiking excursion (Yakushima)
- Japan Rail (JR) Pass (7 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotel/guesthouses (9 nts), overnight ferry (1nt, multi-share).
Meals
2 breakfasts
Allow USD555-725 for meals not included.
Transportation
Train, ferry, speedboat, public bus, hiking, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.