Discover Unknown Japan 12 Days
Discover Unknown Japan 12 Days Fully Escorted Tour| Kyushu Sumo, Himeji Castle, Mount Aso & Cultural Experiences | JTB Travel
Guided Itinerary
- Date: 21st November 2027
- Minimum 8 persons for the tour to operate, maximum (approx.) 10 people
- Single Supplement: AUD 2,000.00
- Save AUD 500.00 – Early Bird Discount Available
🇯🇵🗾 Explore Beyond the Golden Route
Experience a captivating blend of ancient traditions, spectacular landscapes, iconic cultural events, and authentic local encounters on this unforgettable journey through Western Japan. From historic castles and sacred shrines to active volcanoes, renowned hot springs, and vibrant culinary traditions, discover a side of Japan that many travellers never see.
✨Highlights:Fukuoka Tatai, Himeji Castle, Nagasaki Peace Park, Takachiho Gorge, Mt. Aso Caldera, Beppu Onsen, Sumo Experience (Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament viewing or Sumo experience), Okayama Korakuen, Yanagawa, Kimono Experience and much more!
🏯✨Cultural Experience: Fukuoka's famous Yatai food stalls Bamboo weaving Traditional candle making Arita Porcelain Kimono dressing Local sake and soy sauce breweries.
Your tour will be accompanied by an experienced JTB Tour Escort, together with local guides where applicable. They will provide assistance throughout the journey, including sightseeing, dining, shopping and transportation. Travel will be by private coach, local trains and buses as part of the touring experience.
Day 1: DAY 1 – Sunday, 21st November: Welcome to Osaka
🌆 Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Osaka. Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers before enjoying a special welcome dinner, offering the perfect opportunity to get acquainted and learn more about the exciting adventure ahead. Meals: Dinner |
DAY 2 – Monday, 22nd November: Himeji Castle & Okayama’s Elegant Gardens
🏯 Today, visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, Japan's most iconic samurai castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its striking white exterior and learn about the history of Japan's feudal era. Continue to Okayama and stroll through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, where tranquil ponds, seasonal flowers, and beautifully landscaped grounds showcase the elegance of traditional Japanese design. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Okayama.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar (Okayama city)
Luggage Transfer: Osaka to Fukuoka. Travel with an overnight bag for 1 night 2 days.
DAY 3 – Tuesday, 23rd November: Historic Kurashiki & Ride the Bullet Train
🚄Step into the charming historic quarter of Kurashiki, where traditional warehouses line picturesque canals. This beautifully preserved merchant town offers a glimpse into Japan's Edo-period heritage, along with boutique shops, museums, and cafés. Later, experience one of Japan's greatest modern achievements as you board the world-famous Shinkansen bullet train bound for Fukuoka. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore Kyushu's largest city at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nishitetsu Solaria Hotel or similar (Fukuoka city)
DAY 4 – Wednesday, 24th November: Fukuoka Cultural & Grand Sumo Experience
⛩️Discover the cultural heart of Fukuoka with a choice of sightseeing experiences, including the ancient Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine or the historic Kushida Shrine area. In the afternoon, enjoy either the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament or an immersive sumo cultural experience, offering a unique insight into Japan's national sport and centuries-old traditions. In the evening, savour dinner among Fukuoka's famous yatai food stalls, a beloved local tradition.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Nishitetsu Solaria Hotel or similar (Fukuoka city)
DAY 5 – Thursday, 25th November: Beppu’s Hot Springs & Traditional Crafts
♨️Travel to Beppu, one of Japan's most famous hot spring destinations. Enjoy a unique jigoku-mushi lunch, where ingredients are naturally cooked using geothermal steam. Gain insight into local craftsmanship during a bamboo weaving workshop before exploring Beppu's colourful "Hells", dramatic geothermal hot spring pools known for their striking colours and otherworldly landscapes. End the day with a relaxing soak in a traditional onsen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amane Resort Seikai or similar (Beppu city)
DAY 6 – Friday, 26th November: Volcanic Wonders of Mt. Aso & Kumamoto
🌋Journey through the spectacular landscapes of central Kyushu to Mt. Aso, home to one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. Enjoy breathtaking views of the active crater and the sweeping grasslands of Kusasenri. Continue to Kumamoto, where you'll visit the impressive Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most important and historically significant castles. The day offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and Japanese history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai or similar (Kumamoto City)
DAY 7 – Saturday, 27th November: Myths & Legends of Takachinho
⛩️Today's adventure takes you to the mystical town of Takachiho, considered one of Japan's most sacred regions. Walk alongside the dramatic cliffs of Takachiho Gorge, carved over thousands of years by volcanic activity and flowing rivers. Visit Amano Iwato Shrine and Amanoyasukawara, sites deeply connected to Japanese mythology and the legends of the Shinto gods. Surrounded by nature and spirituality, Takachiho offers one of Japan's most memorable cultural experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai or similar (Kumamoto City)
DAY 8 – Sunday, 28th November: Shimabara Traditions & Nagasaki History
🏯Cross the Ariake Sea by ferry to the historic Shimabara Peninsula. Participate in a traditional Japanese candle-making experience and learn about a craft that has been passed down through generations. Continue to Nagasaki, a city shaped by centuries of international exchange and resilience. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum before enjoying a dinner featuring a special performance. Conclude the evening with panoramic night views from Mount Inasa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street or similar (Nagasaki city)
DAY 9 – Monday, 29th November: Nagasaki’s International Heritage
⛪Explore the rich multicultural history of Nagasaki, Japan's historic gateway to the world. Visit Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral, landmarks that reflect the city's unique blend of Japanese and Western influences. Enjoy a hands-on traditional kite-making experience before free time in the city. Guests may also join an optional cruise to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), a UNESCO-listed industrial heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rapid modernization. Alternatively, guests who prefer not to join the cruise can enjoy an extended afternoon at leisure, exploring Nagasaki's vibrant waterfront, historic neighbourhoods, museums, and local culinary scene.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street or similar (Nagasaki city)
DAY 10 – Tuesday, 30th November: Porcelain, Hot Springs & Yanagawa Elegance
🏺Discover the renowned pottery town of Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, where centuries of craftsmanship continue to thrive. Visit historic kiln districts and browse beautifully handcrafted ceramics before continuing to Takeo, known for its iconic hot spring gate and charming atmosphere. Later, arrive in Yanagawa, often called the "Venice of Kyushu," and enjoy a leisurely river cruise through its picturesque network of canals. Afterwards, dress in a traditional kimono and explore the elegant surroundings of the historic Ohana estate, creating unforgettable photo opportunities. Conclude the day with a special dinner at Ohana, a former feudal lord's residence that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan Ohana (Yanagawa, Fukuoka city), Japanese style room
DAY 11 – Wednesday, 01st December: Kyushu Flavours, Traditional Craftsmanship & Farewell Celebration
🍜Discover two of Japan's most iconic culinary traditions with visits to a local sake brewery and soy sauce brewery, where generations of craftsmanship have been passed down through the centuries. Learn about the production processes behind these essential ingredients, gain insight into their cultural significance, and enjoy tastings of regional specialties.
After some free time in Fukuoka, gather for a memorable Farewell Dinner celebrating the highlights of your Kyushu journey. Enjoy an array of authentic Fukuoka and Hakata specialties and regional delicacies. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on your experiences, share memories with fellow travellers, and toast an unforgettable adventure through Japan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Miyako Hotel or similar (Fukuoka city)
DAY 12 – Thursday, 02nd December:
🧳Your tour finishes today after breakfast. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to Hakata Station or Fukuoka Airport. As your journey comes to an end, take home unforgettable memories of Kyushu's stunning landscapes, rich cultural traditions, world-class cuisine, and warm hospitality. We hope the experiences and connections made along the way will inspire future travels throughout Japan.
Meals: Breakfast
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- JTB tour escort for the entire tour. Local guide where applicable
- 11 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast
- 6 lunches, 6 dinners
- Travel by coach where applicable
- Okayama to Fukuoka bullet train (standard class)
- Overnight luggage transfer (day 2, Osaka to Fukuoka)
- Nimoca card (3,000YEN)
- 1 day tram pass in Nagasaki
- Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament ticket or an immersive sumo cultural experience (day 4)
- Entrance fees/experiences: Himeji Castle, Okayama Korakuen, Bamboo craft experience, Beppu Jigoku Hell onsen ticket, Aso shuttle bus, Kumamoto castle, Candle craft experience, Nagaski Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki Inasayama slope car, Glover Garden, Oura cathedral, Kite craft experience, Kimono experience, Yanagawa river cruise, Suginoya sake brewery.
Optional add on: Gunkanjima tour (extra cost)
NOT INCLUDED:
- International and domestic flights
- Meals costs where not stated included
- Pre/post accommodation
- Transfers to/from airport
- Travel Insurance
Please read the booking remarks and conditions carefully as they incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by JTB Australia.
TOUR REMARKS
Airfares & Travel Insurance:
- Airfares are not included in the tour price and must be arranged by the traveller and or travel agent.
- Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Clients are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking and are responsible for arranging their own cover.
Accommodation & Meals:
- Hotels/Ryokan accommodation is subject to change at any stage. The same category accommodation will be confirmed if there are any changes.
- Accommodation throughout the tour is in well-appointed 4-star properties.
- Double rooms are not guaranteed, request base only. Request at time of booking.
- Please note that if you are a single traveller, room type is single room use (not twin room single use).
- The tour includes traditional ryokan accommodation, where guests sleep on comfortable futon bedding arranged on tatami flooring for an authentic Japanese cultural experience.
- Non-smoking rooms may not be available at some properties, in which case the rooms will be deodorised.
- Please note that meal venues and dining locations are subject to change and not confirmed until closer to departure.
- Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to accommodate requests, some properties and restaurants may have limited ability to cater to special dietary needs.
- JTB can arrange pre/post arrangements for the tour. Request at time of booking.
- Where meals and local transport is not included, guests will require approximately $100 per day.
Sightseeing, Transport & Luggage:
- This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing throughout the day, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- Daily schedule is subject to change due to weather, transport or any other unforeseen circumstances.
- Luggage transfers as per tour itinerary are recommended by JTB as there is limited space on local transport. The Japan hotel luggage transfer service is very reliable; your large luggage will be safe when you send it on to the next city.
- If you have an early flight departure and or transfer on the last day, breakfast may be forfeited.
- JTB will make every effort to secure tickets to the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament. In the event that tournament tickets are unavailable, guests will instead participate in an immersive and interactive sumo cultural experience.
- JTB welcomes travellers of all abilities. Please note, however, that the destinations and attractions visited on this fully escorted tour may involve significant walking, uneven surfaces, and stair climbing. Travellers who require personal assistance are encouraged to travel with a companion who can provide the support they may need throughout the journey. As JTB's fully escorted tours do not include personal care or specialist assistance services, participation may be assessed to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all guests. For travellers with specific accessibility requirements, JTB would be pleased to discuss alternative travel arrangements or tailor-made independent travel options.
TOUR STATUS & GROUP SIZE
- This tour requires a minimum of 8 guests to operate.
- The maximum group size is approximately 10 guests.
- If the minimum number of guests is not reached, a final decision on tour operation will be made by 01 August 2027. Clients will be notified earlier if the tour reaches the minimum numbers.
-- DEPOSIT & PAYMENT--
Deposit
- A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required within 7 days of booking to secure your place on the tour.
Final Payment
- Full payment for the tour is due no later than 15 July 2027.
- Alternative payment deadlines may apply for pre- or post-tour arrangements where required. Any such deadlines will be advised at the time of booking.
-- CANCELLATION POLICY--
Cancellation by Traveller
- After confirmation 20% plus any supplier charges. 10% of the booking will be charged as a cancelation fee, 10% will be held in credit for future travel of up to 12 months. Please note that any credits are strictly non-transferrable and cannot be used by other travellers.
- Cancellations made 100 days or less prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fees.
If JTB Cancels the Tour
If the minimum of 8 guests is not reached by 01 August 2027 and JTB cancels the tour:
- JTB will provide a full refund of all payments made towards the escorted tour, including any deposit and/or final payment received.
- JTB cannot be held responsible for any independently arranged travel services, including airfares, accommodation, insurance, or other travel arrangements purchased outside of the tour booking.
Amendments
- Any changes made after booking may incur additional supplier fees and charges.
