Explore Matsuyama & Beppu 7 Days

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A short tram ride from the center of town is the famous Dogo Onsen, which is Japan’s oldest hot spring resort with a history over 3,000 years. Explore the Dogo Onsen district with your own private guide who can help to give greater context for this historical site, including the nearby Ishiteji Temple (a temple in the Buddhist Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage). After admiring the beautiful Dogo Onsen building (an inspiration for the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away), consider taking a soak inside and admire the beautiful public baths.

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Take a short day trip to one of the beautiful destinations that Ehime has to offer. History lovers will love Ozu, a small riverside township with a beautiful villa, reconstructed castle overlooking the township and nostalgic old town district. Outdoor enthusiasts should consider cycling the Shimanami Kaido – a cycling route through the Seto Inland Sea from Imabari. If arts and crafts are more of your style, consider exploring Uchiko – a small town with a preserved historical district, Kabuki theatre and wax production museum – here you can even see local traditional candle makers at work.

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Today it is time to cross the Seto Inland Sea to Beppu on the Island of Kyushu. Take the train to the port town of Yawatahama to catch a short ferry ride across to Beppu – admire the panorama of green islands spanning the sea as you cut across to Beppu. Be sure to take in the beautiful landscape as the ferry pulls into Beppu Bay! Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure; consider exploring downtown Beppu on foot, take in the surroundings from Beppu Ropeway or soak in a nearby hot spring. Spend the night at a hotel in downtown Beppu, home to hidden alleyways and nostalgic charm. 

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Start the morning with a small group walking tour of downtown Beppu and see what local life is like in Japan’s hot spring capital including a visit to a bamboo craft factory. The afternoon is free to explore Beppu at your leisure or consider a side trip to one of the many beautiful towns easily accessed by train from Beppu Station including Yufuin – an artesian hillside town with a beautiful lake that is growing in popularity. Instead consider visiting the quaint castle towns of Kitsuki or Usuki and step back in time to escape the crowds as the only tourist in town.

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Beppu is the onsen capital of Japan, home to more geothermal activity than anywhere else in the country and that means hot springs! Visit the Beppu Jigoku Onsen Museum for an interactive experience that teaches you about the wonders of the hot springs before exploring the famous Beppu Jigoku “Hells” – a collection of spectacularly coloured hot spring ponds. This evening, spend the night at a traditional Japanese ryokan in the Kannawa Onsen district of Beppu city, to fully enjoy the hot spring experience – including a traditional dinner and breakfast to end out the trip (option to remain at previous accommodation in downtown Beppu).

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After a traditional breakfast at your accommodation, sadly it’s time to leave Beppu behind via train back to Osaka/ Kyoto or your next destination. B = Breakfast provided, D = Dinner provided Please note: alternative routes from other destinations such as Hiroshima, Kyoto or Fukuoka are also available from a separate price. Looking to get the most out of your next Japan trip but want to avoid the crowds? Matsuyama and Beppu offers travellers an insight into the real Japan free from endless lines so you can spend your time diving deeper into the cultural and historical wonders that Japan can offer.