Southern Japan Enchantment [6 nights]

Travelling by bus, train, and ferry, with a mix of Western style hotels and Japanese ryokan, and with fantastic Japanese cuisine included, Southern Japan Enchantment is a genuinely unique tour. It will provide you with a breathtaking experience of Japan's stunning natural, urban, and cultural diversity.

Japan Package - Southern Japan Enchantment
Price : From AUD2,498 Days :7 Days Tour Start Date :Tour Schedule 2011 / 12
Cities : Osaka / Takamatsu / Matsuyama / Beppu / Kumamoto / Mt. Aso / Nagasaki / Yamaguchi / Hakata / Hiroshima / Himeji
Include : ► 6 nights accommodation ► All ground transportation ► Breakfast every day ► 3 dinners and 5 lunches ► All admission fees ► Ferry boat between Shikoku and Kyushu ► Bullet train ride experience ► Mt. Aso Ropeway ► Miyajima Island ► Ritsurin Garden ► Full time service of English speaking tour guide ► Local Tax and Gratuities

General Description :

Japan Package - Golden Route of Japan Kyushu, the birthplace of Japanese civilization, is Japan's third largest island, and is found far the the west of Tokyo ; it is a world away from the nonstop hive of activities that are found on the eastern coastline. For centuries, Kyushu was Japan's only gateway to Asia and the rest of the world. Therefore, it developed a unique character of its own.

Southern Japan Enchantment is dramatic journey to the Island of Kyushu, a land of earth, fire, and water. We will take a ferry from Shikoku to the hot spring centre of Beppu, famous for its bubbling "hell" and amazing variety of onsen spas.

Venture through the precincts of the striking Samurai castle in Himeji, soak away your cares at Japan's oldest hot spring baths in Matsuyama, or explore the beautiful Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa. You will visit the historic port city of Nagasaki via the green slopes of Mt. Aso's huge calderas.

With stops in Hiroshima to visit the Atomic War Museum and Peace Park, yet just off the coast on Miyajima Island, the tranquil floating torii gate of Itsukushima shrine offers a place of quiet reflection and timeless beauty. Southern Japan Enchantment tour takes you from the present to show you glimpse of the past. A truly unforgettable experience of a unique country.

Tour Start Date 2011 :

March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

Tour Start Date 2012 :

March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
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Accommodation :

CityHotel NameRoom Type / Overview
[Day 1&6] Osaka Sheraton Miyako Osaka Hotel

Sheraton Miyako Osaka Hotel1 Sheraton Miyako Osaka Hotel2

Western-style Room /
The only hotel on the Kansai International Airport Island. We are directly connected to the airport and the railway station. In addition, as a resort hotel, we are popular.

Hotel Facilities : Pool, Laundry service, Restaurants & Bars

[Day 2] Matsuyama Mielparque Matsuyama

Mielparque Matsuyama1 Mielparque Matsuyama2

Western-style Room /
The spacious rooms are among the top reasons many choose the Mielparque Matsuyama. The hotel also features a large communal bath for guests.

Hotel Facilities : Restaurants, Hot springs bath

[Day 3] Aso Aso Plaza Hotel

Aso Plaza Hotel1 Aso Plaza Hotel2

Japanese-Style Room /
The magnificent views of the Asogogaku mountains from the multiple bathing spots leave guests in awe as they relax in the steaming waters.

Hotel Facilities : Large shared baths communal baths available, Open-air baths outdoor baths available, Other facilities sauna, family-size baths Bar

[Day 4] Hakata Hakata Miyako Hotel

Hakata Miyako Hotel1 Hakata Miyako Hotel2

Western-style Room /
At the front of the JR Hakata Station Shinkansen Exit, we are convenient for business and sightseeing. All the rooms have high-speed Internet and a trouser press.

Hotel Facilities : Restaurants, Bar

[Day 5] Hiroshima Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima

Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima1 Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima2

Western-style Room /
Surrounded by the sea, guests can expect a resort-like experience. Yet, the city is only 15 minutes away, and Miyajima, a World Heritage Site, is only 26 minutes by a high speed ferry from the pier in front of the hotel.

Hotel Facilities : Exercise facilities outdoor pool, pool (seasonal use), fitness center Entertainment facilities karaoke, game center Shops convenience store. Sauna. Japanese, Chinese, European, and Bar

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Tour Itinerary :

Day1Event / VisitMealHotel
1 Arrival Osaka / Osaka Itami Airport

Welcome to Osaka, you are greeted by a tour guide who will escort you to the hotel.

Breakfast : X
Lunch : X
Dinner : X
Osaka
2 To Shikoku Island

Morning - Ritsurin Garden
Afternoon - Ishiteji Temple
Evening - Dogo Onsen / Hotel

To get our trip off to the best possible start, we will begin from Ritsurin Garden, built during the Edo Period. The garden is considered the best in Japan. Ritsurin Garden was awarded "3 stars" by "Le Guide Vert", the sightseeing guidebook by Michelin guide.

In Matsuyama, we will visit Ishiteji Temple. The name literally meaning "stone hand temple" due to a local legend, is number 51 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is also Matsuyama's most famous temple, located near Dogo Onsen.

Then, we will visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse, dating from 1894. It is said to have served as an inspiration for Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away". And of course, the tour would not be complete without a long, relaxing soak in the Onsen (spa) that have rejuvenated the Japanese people for many centuries. Here, guests can try wearing the Yukata (Japanese robe) and enjoy the Kaiseki dinner.

Breakfast : O
Lunch : O
Dinner : O
Matsuyama
3 To Kyushu

Morning - Yawatahama / Beppu
Afternoon - The Tour of Hell (Sea Hell / Blood Pond Hell / Tornado Hell)
Evening - Hotel

Today, we will take a three hour ferry ride to Beppu, Kyushu, renowned for being a spa heaven and famous spa resort in Japan.

The "Hells" (Jigoku) of Beppu are nine spectacular hot springs suited for viewing rather than bathing. Seven of the hells are located in the Kannawa district and are very popular tourist spots in Beppu. We will visit Umi-jigoku (sea hell), made up of bright cobalt blue hot water, the Chi-no-ike-jigoku (blood pond hell) where hot water containing red melted clay gushes out, and the Tatsumaki-Jigoku (tornado hell).

Later we will head to Aso city for over night.

Breakfast : O
Lunch : O
Dinner : O
Aso
4 Mt. Aso & Nagasaki

Morning - [Kumamoto] Mt. Aso / Port of Kumamoto / [Nagasaki] Shimabara
Afternoon - Nagasaki Peace Park / Glover Garden / Oura Catholic Church
Evening - Hotel

This morning, we will take a Ropeway to enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Aso, an active volcano and its ancient caldera ranks among the world's largest, with a diameter of up to 15miles and a circumference of over 60miles.

Nagasaki, one of Japan's closest ports to the Asian mainland, has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries and was the only port opened to foreign traders during Japan's period of isolation. Nagasaki is also known as the home of Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christian), a Japanese Roman Catholic Church that went underground for over 200 years due to the persecution of Christianity in 1,630. In more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city destroyed by an atomic bomb. Our Nagasaki tour includes Glover Garden, a garden with the story of Madame Butterfly, Oura Tenshudo, the oldest standing Christian church in Japan, and Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park.

Breakfast : O
Lunch : O
Dinner : X
Hakata
5 Yamaguchi & Hiroshima

Morning - Hakata Station / Yamaguchi] Shin-Shimonoseki Station / Mohri Garden & Museum
Afternoon - Kintai Bridge
Evening - Hotel

Today, we will experience a ride on the "Bullet Train" to Shin-Shimonoseki.

At Mohri Museum and Gardens, we will see the beautiful Zen garden and its displays including Japanese paintings, armory, textiles, pottery, Japanese lacquer ware, antique books and documents that belonged to the Mohri family of Choshu. Mohri is the feudal daimyo domain located in Yamaguchi. In 1,866, samurai from Choshu and Satsuma (Kagoshima) allied to fight the Tokugawa shogun’s armies and establish the Meiji Restoration.

Then we will visit the Kintai-Kyo Bridge, which was completely made of wood and without the use of any nails in 1,673. This bridge makes five bold arches over the Nishiki River.

Breakfast : O
Lunch : O
Dinner : O
Hiroshima
6 Miyajima, Himeji & Osaka

Morning - [Hiroshima] Miyajimaguchi Port / Miyajima / Hiroshima Peace Park
Afternoon - [Himeji] Himeji Castle
Evening - Hotel

Today, we will take a morning tour of Hiroshima. Our first stop is Miyajima, a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima. Miyajima is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on top of the water. While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine-island". Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water. Enjoy the beautiful sight ranked as one of Japan's three best views. Then we will visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum.

We will continue our journey to the East, Himeji Castle, considered Japan's most beautiful castle which was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and it keeps its original form. It is a national treasure of Japan and a UNESCO world heritage site.

In the evening we will arrive at Osaka and enjoy the last evening of the tour.

Breakfast : O
Lunch : O
Dinner : X
Osaka
7 Departure Tokyo

This is the last day of your Japan tour. Free at your leisure until departure, then transfer to Narita Airport by limousine bus (no tour guide attend) or enjoy your extended stay.

Breakfast : O
Lunch : X
Dinner : X
N/A
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Travel Condition :

Tour Operator :
Your Tour Guide :
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Transport :
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International Flight :
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Highlight :

  • Takamatsu - Ritsurin Park
    Takamatsu - Ritsurin Park
  • Matuyama - Ishiteji Temple
    Matuyama - Ishiteji Temple
  • Matuyama - Dogo Onsen
    Matuyama - Dogo Onsen
  • Beppu - The Tour of Hell
    Beppu - The Tour of Hell
  • Kumamoto - Mt. Aso
    Kumamoto - Mt. Aso
  • Nagasaki - Peace Park
    Nagasaki - Peace Park
  • Nagasaki - Glover Garden
    Nagasaki - Glover Garden
  • Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church
    Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church
  • Yamaguchi - Kintai Bridge
    Yamaguchi - Kintai Bridge
  • Hiroshima - Miyajima
    Hiroshima - Miyajima
  • Hiroshima - A-bomb dome
    Hiroshima - A-bomb dome
  • Hyogo - Himeji Castle
    Hyogo - Himeji Castle
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