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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

Japan & the Scenic South

14 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence

Japan & the Scenic South

Uncover the beauty of the lesser-known island of Kyushu, renowned for its active volcanoes, hot springs and stunning beaches, before exploring the must-see sights of Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo on the largest island of Honshu.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 11 , Lunches: 10 , Dinners: 11
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    11 nights in 3+ star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1
    A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
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Classic Group Tour
14 DAYS
From $11,880PP
Fukuoka (3N) Kumamoto (1N) Mt Aso Beppu (1N) Hiroshima (2N) Himeji Kyoto (2N) Mt Fuji Tokyo (2N)
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Tour Highlights

Our Japan & the Scenic South tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Fukuoka (3N) - Kumamoto (1N) - Mt Aso - Beppu (1N) - Hiroshima (2N) - Himeji - Kyoto (2N) - Mt Fuji - Tokyo (2N)
  • Days 1-2
    Fly Overnight To Fukuoka
    Dinner
    DAYS 1-2: Fly Overnight To Fukuoka

    Fly overnight to the charming city of Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore Fukuoka
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 3: Explore Fukuoka

    The lovely Fukuoka is at the heart of an area considered a cradle of culture – the city’s position facing Korea and China across the sea means it’s long been a channel of outside influence. This morning take a stroll to the traditional Rakusuien Garden and visit the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of academic achievement. Later, take a relaxed cruise on the Yanagawa River, passing through a National Site of Scenic Beauty on a small ‘donkobune’.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Discover Kumamoto
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 4: Discover Kumamoto

    Transfer to Kumamoto, a city famous for its majestic castle, one of Japan’s largest and most complete. You’ll see the castle as part of your full day city tour, as well as Suizenji Garden. A traditional-style garden built in the 17th century, the garden recreates in miniature the important road that linked Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, including a mini Mount Fuji.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Visit Mount Aso & Beppu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 5: Visit Mount Aso & Beppu

    Travel from Kumamoto to Mount Aso, an active volcano at the centre of Kyushu island. Aso’s crater is one of the world’s largest; with a circumference of over 100km it encompasses a number of other active peaks, which you’ll be able to see (weather dependent). Continue to Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts – your hotel for the night has onsen facilities for you to make the most of the steamy waters.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Explore Beppu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 6: Explore Beppu

    Venture out into Beppu, starting the day with a jigoku meguri, a hell tour! Here you’ll find all sorts of volcanic features, including thermal mud and hot springs that have bubbled from the ground here for a millennium. Pop over to Yufuin, another hot spring resort that is home to a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques and is a delight to explore. This afternoon transfer back to Fukuoka.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Travel To Hiroshima
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 7: Travel To Hiroshima

    Depart Fukuoka for Hiroshima. Stop en route to explore the city of Yamaguchi, spending some time at Rurikoji, a Buddhist temple that boasts a spectacular national treasure – a five-storey pagoda built in 1442. Continue to Iwakuni for a lunch stop and then to the Kintaikyo Bridge, an elegant wooden bridge that crosses the Nishiki River. Arrive in Hiroshima.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Discover Hiroshima
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 8: Discover Hiroshima

    Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Take a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine before enjoying some time at leisure. Back in the city, reflect on Hiroshima’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Admire Himeji Castle
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 9: Admire Himeji Castle

    Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping in Himeji en route to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal era forts, and stroll through Kokoen, an Edo-style garden just across the castle moat. Drop in on a sake brewery to learn about the process of this traditional Japanese spirit and enjoy some tasters, before arriving in Kyoto.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Explore Kyoto
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 10: Explore Kyoto

    Capital for 1,000 years, until 1879, today Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Start the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 vermillion torii gate-lined pathways and impressive Nijo Castle. This afternoon gaze on the famous Kinkakuji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ before a stroll around the Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha district and centre of the city’s traditional arts.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Visit Hakone
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 11: Visit Hakone

    Transfer to Kyoto station, board a bullet train to Atami and transfer to Hakone by road. Discover the mountainous beauty and rich culture of the Hakone area, before travelling to Lake Ashi for a cruise that will allow you to take in the spectacular panoramas of the area, including the iconic, snow-capped silhouette of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Next, fly high over the thick forest on the Hakone Ropeway, passing the volcanic Owakudani Valley with its hot springs and steam vents. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Tour Tokyo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 12: Tour Tokyo

    As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon façade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Experience both sides of the city, ascending the soaring Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, for panoramic views, and wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop at Sensoji, Tokyo’s most beloved temple. You will also drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and see the world’s most famous road crossing at Shibuya.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 13-14
    Depart Tokyo Arrive Australia
    Breakfast
    Days 13-14: Depart Tokyo Arrive Australia

    This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home, arriving the next day.

    Breakfast
Japan & the Scenic South map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

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When to go

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • -1
    9
    4
  • 39
  • Hiroshima
  • 2
    10
    6
  • 45
  • Kumamoto
  • 1
    10
    6
  • 60
  • Kyoto
  • 1
    9
    5
  • 50
  • Tokyo
  • 1
    10
    5
  • 65
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 0
    9
    4
  • 51
  • Hiroshima
  • 2
    11
    6
  • 67
  • Kumamoto
  • 2
    12
    7
  • 83
  • Kyoto
  • 1
    10
    6
  • 68
  • Tokyo
  • 2
    10
    6
  • 58
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 2
    12
    7
  • 87
  • Hiroshima
  • 5
    14
    9
  • 124
  • Kumamoto
  • 6
    16
    11
  • 138
  • Kyoto
  • 4
    13
    9
  • 113
  • Tokyo
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 77
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 8
    18
    13
  • 131
  • Hiroshima
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 142
  • Kumamoto
  • 10
    21
    16
  • 146
  • Kyoto
  • 9
    20
    14
  • 116
  • Tokyo
  • 9
    19
    14
  • 118
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 12
    23
    17
  • 140
  • Hiroshima
  • 15
    24
    19
  • 178
  • Kumamoto
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 196
  • Kyoto
  • 14
    25
    19
  • 161
  • Tokyo
  • 14
    23
    18
  • 145
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 18
    26
    22
  • 209
  • Hiroshima
  • 19
    27
    23
  • 247
  • Kumamoto
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 405
  • Kyoto
  • 19
    28
    23
  • 214
  • Tokyo
  • 18
    26
    22
  • 135
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 162
  • Hiroshima
  • 24
    31
    27
  • 259
  • Kumamoto
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 401
  • Kyoto
  • 23
    32
    27
  • 220
  • Tokyo
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 81
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 23
    32
    27
  • 101
  • Hiroshima
  • 25
    32
    29
  • 111
  • Kumamoto
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 174
  • Kyoto
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 132
  • Tokyo
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 113
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 19
    27
    23
  • 200
  • Hiroshima
  • 21
    29
    25
  • 170
  • Kumamoto
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 170
  • Kyoto
  • 20
    29
    25
  • 176
  • Tokyo
  • 20
    27
    23
  • 131
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 12
    22
    17
  • 104
  • Hiroshima
  • 14
    23
    19
  • 88
  • Kumamoto
  • 14
    25
    19
  • 79
  • Kyoto
  • 14
    23
    18
  • 121
  • Tokyo
  • 14
    22
    18
  • 132
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 6
    17
    11
  • 61
  • Hiroshima
  • 8
    17
    13
  • 68
  • Kumamoto
  • 8
    18
    13
  • 81
  • Kyoto
  • 8
    17
    12
  • 71
  • Tokyo
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 128
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Himeji
  • 1
    11
    6
  • 32
  • Hiroshima
  • 4
    12
    8
  • 41
  • Kumamoto
  • 3
    13
    8
  • 54
  • Kyoto
  • 3
    12
    7
  • 48
  • Tokyo
  • 4
    12
    8
  • 109

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

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  • Departure: All
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  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
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    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
    • Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
    • All Meals (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • 3 – 4 star accommodation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    What our Customers Say

    Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 5421 reviews

    Review for Japan & the Scenic South
    The holiday took on a varied and exciting range of sites. The accommodation was excellent. We had a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. The extension to the tour was extra special.
    Oct 28, 2024
    Booking Experience for Japan & the Scenic South - HN
    The two people I spoke to were very helpful. I wanted information on a particular tour and upgrading the flight and this was efficiently provided.
    Jul 24, 2024
    Review for Japan & the Scenic South
    This tour is superb. The pace is very easy, so suitable for slower walkers! The food is very varied, a few western cuisine meals but more Japanese ( local) meals, a lot of variety. I love Japanese food, so was very happy. Visiting Kyushu ( the southern island) is a rare destination on most Japanese tours and indeed we did not see any foreign tourist there. When we crossed to Hiroshima and headed to Kyoto and Tokyo, we saw other foreign tourist groups. The sights are both inspiring and even awesome and I would highly recommend this tour.
    Oct 23, 2023

    Our Award-Winning Guides

    Meet Yoko
    Meet Yoko

    I always treat my tour groups like a family, making sure that everyone is happy throughout the tour. I am very passionate about Japanese history. If anyone is interested in learning about Samurai or the Meiji Restoration, you'll have to come to Japan and ask me!

    A special thank you to Yoko our National Escort, whose friendly, professional and organised approach to the holiday made sure everything ran smoothly and made the trip to Japan so memorable.
    Mr Degville
    Meet Takako
    Meet Takako

    It is great being able to explore my own country with different people who can offer a different perspective. I ensure my groups experience our culture as much as possible, because travel isn't just about the things that you see, it's also about the things you do.

    Our National Escort Takako Kaneko made the holiday. She was excellent, informative, hardworking and had obviously researched information for us.
    Mr Mcintosh
    Meet Michiyo O
    Meet Michiyo O

    I love sharing the culture of my country with visitors, that's why I become a tour guide! From noodles and sake to classical gardens and temples, learning about our culture is surely the best way to understand more about Japan as a whole.

    Our National Escort Michiyo 'made' this holiday with her charm, knowledge, lots of interesting details and her send of humour.
    Mrs Brownridge
    Meet Michiyo H
    Meet Michiyo H

    It's such a pleasure to introduce Japan to people from all over the world and explore its culture, history and traditions, as well as its unique cuisine. Along with this, I enjoy taking care of each and every member of the tour group, which is why I love being a tour guide.

    Michiyo was fantastic and went out of her way to make it a memorable experience. We would absolutely use Wendy Wu Tours again.

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