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Tour Code: GTA3756061

Kyushu Walking & Hiking Tour: Cherry Blossoms
1 Reviews
15 days 14 nights

fromUSD $6035.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

currency

Single Supplement: USD $950.00

More Details
Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

A small-group guided walking & hiking tour to the land of fire Kyushu with short hikes of 1-3 hours.

Kyushu, Japan's third largest island, is known for its volcanic activity and many hot springs. With stunning scenery, historical sites, and amazing cultural experiences, this tour is great for those looking to explore more rural Japan and travel off the beaten path. Your English-speaking guide will provide valuable insight into each of your destinations and guide you through rural Japan. During the spring time, the cherry blossoms may also be in bloom, providing an unforgettable scenic route as you traverse through the land of the rising sun. Join All Japan Tours, as we take you on an expedition through Japan's southernmost main island.

Our tour begins with the historic city of Kyoto that was spared from air raids and saved from the atomic bomb during World War II for its cultural and historical value. We will also visit the nearby town of Asuka, one of Japan’s earliest capital before sailing through the Seto Inland see to venture deeper into the cradle of Japanese civilization. As though formed over fire, Kyushu is known for its many active volcanoes and hot springs. You will as visit Mt. Aso, one of the world’s oldest calderas as well as several hot spring towns that are natural by-products from the volcanoes. We will also visit the rock formations that make the Takachiho Gorge, another by-product of the volcanoes. While there, we will learn a little about ancient Japanese mythology by watching a Yokugura Dance. At some point, we will spend a day further relaxing and having the unique experience of being buried in hot sand in Yamakawa. Hike through the lush forests at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Yakushima, where you will find giant cedar trees that are said to be thousands of years old. Spend time in the historic city of Nagasaki, known for not only its devastating past in WWII but for being one of the first places that opened trade to the world. We end our tour in Japan’s other metropolis of Osaka, home to neon lights and street food.

Note: this is an intense rated hiking trip with some steady steep ascents and hikes over 4 hours.

Activity Level: Intense
Our Intense tours generally have dedicated days of trail walking, with some days of over four hours and with some ascent and/or descent.

Who is an Intense tour designed for?
- We recommend our Intense tours for anyone who does regular walking or hiking, and is comfortable walking a full day with some climbing and descending.
- If you do not exercise regularly, please practice walking for three to four hours, about three to six months prior to the tour in order to get the most out of your trip.

Accommodations
This itinerary contains overnight stays at Western Hotels, Ryokans, and Minshukus. Ryokans and Minshukus are more traditional accommodations, with a more casual hospitality than you will find at a hotel. At both a Ryokan and a Minshuku, you will stay in a simply furnished room and sleep on a futon, which is laid on a tatami mat.
Some Ryokans may have private bathrooms attached to your room, but others only have public bathrooms used by all the guests. Minshukus usually offer only a public bathroom – meaning either a smaller bathroom used one guest at a time, or larger bathrooms separated by gender (male & female), and designed to be used by multiple guests at once.

Tour Information

Dates & Price

2025

Start Date	End Date	Twin/Triple	Start City	End City	Style	Save	Status
Thu. Apr 3, 2025	Thu. Apr 17, 2025	USD $6035.00 Small Group Limited to 13 passengers	Kyoto	Osaka	Active		Guarantee / Book Now

Please Note:

All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

Deposit

A 20% deposit is required to hold the space at time of booking and final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. At least 4 passengers minimum are required to guarantee the tour’s departure. Booked passengers will be informed 3 months before the starting date if the tour is not guaranteed, and they will have the option to either cancel and refund the amount already paid, or transfer the payment to another tour.

What's included

• 14 nights in hotels and Japanese-style inns (Ryokan and Minshuku)
• All transportation between tour locations
• Forwarding of one item of luggage on 3 occasions
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 8 dinners

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Airport transfers
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. The Single Supplement for this tour only applies to Western-style hotels. For Ryokan / Minshuku / Temple Lodging, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.

Additional Information

Transport

Public transportation

Arrival Departure Airports

For arrivals at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX), this tour starts in Kyoto and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.

Meet and Greet

Airport meet and greet and arrival airport transfer are NOT included, but we will provide with full instructions in advance.

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Meet in Kyoto
Day2 Sightseeing in Kyoto
Day3 Asuka & ferry to Kyushu
Day4 Beppu and Kurokawa Onsen
Day5 Mount Aso & Takachiho
Day6 Takachiho Gorge
Day7 Kumamoto & Kagoshima
Day8 Ibusuki & Hot Sand Baths
Day9 Yakushima Island
Day10 Yakushima Island
Day11 Yakushima Island
Day12 Transfer to Nagasaki
Day13 Nagasaki
Day14 Bullet Train to Osaka
Day15 Tour Ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Meet in Kyoto

Welcome to Kyoto! Meet at the tour hotel in central Kyoto in the evening. There will be a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Welcome Dinner

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day2

Sightseeing in Kyoto

We begin our tour of the historic city of Kyoto at Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple modeled after the Golden Pavilion. This was built as a retirement residence for Ashikaga Yoshimasa and filled with beautiful moss gardens and varies temple structures. Next, we will stroll along the Philosopher’s Path which runs along a water canal lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees. We then reach Nanzenji Temple, a famous Zen temple converted from the retirement villa belonging to Emperor Kameyama, we can enjoy the views and unique architectural traits of ancient Japan. After lunch, we continue to explore Kyoto, traveling to Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan. Lastly, we will visit the Nishiki Market. This narrow shopping street, commonly referred to as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' is filled with more than 100 restaurants and shops showcasing Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Breakfast

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day3

Asuka & ferry to Kyushu

In the morning, we make our way to Asuka by local train. Asuka is an integral part of Japanese history as the town is one of Japan’s first capitals in early civilization and where Buddhism was introduced from Korea. We then make our way to Osaka port where we embark on an overnight ferry to Beppu through the Seto Inland Sea. As we calmly drift pass the thousands of small islands that are spread across this body of water, you can enjoy your own private cabin and relax in a Japanese hot bath.

Walking distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 miles
Time required: About 1.5 hours

Breakfast

Overnight Ferry

Day4

Beppu and Kurokawa Onsen

Beppu is considered a bather's paradise as it is a celebrated hot spring resort destination. One of Beppu's most celebrated attractions, the Jigoku Meguri, or "Boiling Hells" hot springs are ideal for viewing rather than bathing. The springs earned their name because it was said that these mysterious, steamy attractions resembled a scene from hell ("jigoku" means "hell"). From Beppu, we make our way by bus to Kurokawa Onsen where we spend the night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, or traveler’s inn. In the evening, relax in the natural onsen hot spring and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.

Breakfast / Dinner

Sanga Ryokan or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)

Day5

Mount Aso & Takachiho

After breakfast, we make for Takachiho by private charter bus. Along the way, we will pass by Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano. The Five Peaks of Mt. Aso is said to resemble a sleeping Bhudda hence being given the name “Reclining Buddha”. We continue to the southern part of the mountain range and stop in Shirakawa Springs where we will be spending the night. While the natural hot springs are a treasure to the area, we will also have the pleasure of sampling the renowned mineral water with some of the locals.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Shikimi or similar class (Ryokan)

Day6

Takachiho Gorge

In the morning, we continue towards Takachiho and first make a visit to the Amano Iwato Shrine. The shrine was built near the cave where Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess, is said to have hidden herself. We then head to the Takachiho Gorge, a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. The nearly sheer cliffs lining the gorge are made of slow forming volcanic basalt columns, which resemble the scales of a dragon where the stone twisted and flowed as it was formed. After our evening dinner at our Ryokan, we make our way to the Takachiho Shrine to witness a Yokagura Dance Performance. An outrageously ribald dance that supposedly caused Amaterasu to leave the cave to see what all the fun was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.

Walking distance: 6 km / 3.75 miles
Time required: About 2 hour

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Shikimi or similar class (Ryokan)

Day7

Kumamoto & Kagoshima

Today, we continue our journey from Takachiho to Kumamoto and visit the Suizen-ji Garden. This Japanese-style landscape garden pays tribute to the Tokaido, one of the five important routes of the Edo Period which connected Kyoto to Edo (Modern Day Tokyo). There is even a miniature version of Mt. Fuji! We then continue to the city of Kagoshima, rich in culture and cuisine that is distinctly unique from other places in Japan such as local dishes like Kurobuta and Grilled Bonito. Shochu rivals Sake as drink of choice in these parts as well.

Breakfast

Kagoshima Tokyu REI Hotel or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day8

Ibusuki and Hot Sand Baths

On this day, we take a relaxing day-trip from Kagoshima to Ibusuki, an onsen town particularly famous for not its hot spring baths but for the sand baths. Visitors are provided with a yukata robe can spend 10-20 minutes buried in the volcanic black sand. The sand is naturally heated by steam coming from below. We return back to Kagoshima in the evening for dinner.

Walking distance: 6.3 km / 4 miles
Time required: about 1.5 hours

Breakfast

Kagoshima Tokyu REI Hotel or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day9

Yakushima Island

Today we hop on another ferry ride to our next destination, UNESCO World Heritage site, Yakushima Island. The island is home to thousands of giant cedar trees like Jomonsugi, which name comes from Jomon (a period of Ancient Japan) and Sugi (Japanese for Cedar) and is estimated to be 2,000 to 7,500 years old. Tonight, we stay at a family-run guesthouse called minshuku and be treated to a meal using locally grown ingredients and the day’s fresh catch.

Breakfast / Dinner

Guesthouse Manmaru or similar class (Minshuku)

Day10

Yakushima Island

On our second day in Yakushima, we spend the day hiking through the lush green forest of giant cedar trees on one of the many trails. One trail leads to Shiratani Unsuikyo, famous for being the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli Film Princess Mononoke. At the end of the day, we return back to your Minshuku by bus.

Walking distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Time required: about 3 hours

Breakfast / Dinner

Guesthouse Manmaru or similar class (Minshuku)

Day11

Yakushima Island

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 on the trail to a charming hidden waterfall.

Breakfast / Dinner

Guesthouse Manmaru or similar class (Minshuku)

Day12

Transfer to Nagasaki

In the morning, we return to Kagoshima by ferry and board a bullet train to Nagasaki. Originally an international port, the city played an important role in foreign trade between mainland China, Korea, and exclusively with some Western countries during Japan’s period of isolation. Nagasaki is a melting pot of cultures as it is said that this is where Buddhism and Catholicism were introduced to Japan. You can also see this in the architecture of some buildings in temples and churches. The city also shares a grim past with Hiroshima as it was the second city to be hit by an atomic bomb during WW2 and serves as a reminder to promote peace.

Breakfast

ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day13

Nagasaki

Today, we visit the man-made island of Dejima in the port of Nagasaki. This island was once used to segregate Portuguese merchants from the Japanese population to limit their missionary activities. Next, we visit Sofuku-ji Temple, originally built for Chinese settlers in Nagasaki and now belongs to the Obaku School of Zen Buddhism. What sets Sofuku-ji apart from other Japanese temples is that its architecture is built in a more Chinese style. Afterwards, you will have the option to relax and do some last minute shopping or pay a visit to the A-bomb Museum, built in remembrance to the events of August 9th, 1945. The goal of this museum is to promote peace so that horrific events such as these never occur again.

Breakfast

ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day14

Bullet Train to Osaka

In the morning, we visit Glover Garden – an open-air museum where you can see a fine collection of historic mansions of former residents of Nagasaki who moved there from the western world. After lunch, we make our way to Osaka by bullet train. Upon arrival, you are free for leisure to relax or explore the area for some shopping and site seeing one your own. In the evening, enjoy your last night in Japan with your travel group at the Farewell Dinner.

Breakfast / Farewell Dinner

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar class (Western Hotel)

Day15

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be happy to offer assistance and advice for your journey to the airport or onward travel in Japan.

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.

Destinations

Kyoto / Asuka / Beppu / Kurokawa Onsen / Mount Aso / Takachiho / Kumamoto / Kagoshima / Ibusuki / Yakushima / Nagasaki / Osaka

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Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

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Kyushu Walking & Hiking Tour: Cherry Blossoms 1 Reviews 15 days 14 nights fromUSD $6035.00 (Limit to 13 guests) currency Single Supplement: USD $950.00

A small-group guided walking & hiking tour to the land of fire Kyushu with short hikes of 1-3 hours.

Tour Information

Dates & Price

Deposit

What's included

What's NOT included

Additional Information

Itinerary In Brief

Day1

Meet in Kyoto

Welcome Dinner

Day2

Sightseeing in Kyoto

Breakfast

Day3

Asuka & ferry to Kyushu

Breakfast

Day4

Beppu and Kurokawa Onsen

Breakfast / Dinner

Day5

Mount Aso & Takachiho

Breakfast / Dinner

Day6

Takachiho Gorge

Breakfast / Dinner

Day7

Kumamoto & Kagoshima

Breakfast

Day8

Ibusuki and Hot Sand Baths

Breakfast

Day9

Yakushima Island

Breakfast / Dinner

Day10

Yakushima Island

Breakfast / Dinner

Day11

Yakushima Island

Breakfast / Dinner

Day12

Transfer to Nagasaki

Breakfast

Day13

Nagasaki

Breakfast

Day14

Bullet Train to Osaka

Breakfast / Farewell Dinner

Day15

Tour Ends

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

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Kyushu Walking & Hiking Tour: Cherry Blossoms
1 Reviews
15 days 14 nights

fromUSD $6035.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

currency

Single Supplement: USD $950.00

Why Travel on Our
Group Tours