Welcome to Fukuoka
Touch down in Fukuoka! After making your own way to the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the vibrant Hakata area. Ease into Japan at your own pace.
Meals: none
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Product Code: MT-2202
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Uncover the soulful south of Japan in this immersive journey through the diverse regions of Kyushu, Okinawa, and finishing in vibrant Osaka.
Book By 30 September 2025
Uncover the soulful south of Japan in this immersive journey through the diverse regions of Kyushu, Okinawa, and finishing in vibrant Osaka.
Your adventure begins in the port city of Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu’s cultural heartbeat. Head south to the historically significant city of Nagasaki and scenic Kumamoto Castle. Discover volcanic landscapes, samurai gardens and picturesque shrines in Kagoshima. Then fly south to the famed island of Okinawa, Japan’s “blue zone” jewel where unique colourful island traditions, culture and hospitality await you. Your Southern Soul adventure will conclude with a few days to experience incredible Osaka, Japan’s fun-loving food capital. Enjoy neon-lit nights, modern architecture and a free day to explore at your pace. From island culture to dynamic urban energy, this is the ultimate Southern Japan escape. Crafted for those eager to discover the path less travelled, filled with unforgettable experiences every step of the way.
Tour Inclusions
Tour Highlights
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Touch down in Fukuoka! After making your own way to the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the vibrant Hakata area. Ease into Japan at your own pace.
Meals: none
Your guided Kyushu journey begins! Explore serene Ohori Park, wander the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, and discover contemporary creativity at the Asian Art Museum. After visiting the sacred Kushida Shrine, get hands-on with Hakata’s traditions at the Machiya Folk Museum. The evening is yours to enjoy on your own. Why not sample some local street eats at the famed Hakata Yatai food stalls along the river. Discover why Fukuoka really is a renowned foodie’s paradise.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning you’ll depart Fukuoka and travel south to Nagasaki. Here, the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum offer moments of reflection. Step into history at Dejima, the Dutch trading post, and stroll through the picturesque Glover Garden with its hillside Western mansions.
Meals: Breakfast
Start your day with a scenic ferry crossing over Ariake Bay, offering peaceful views of the coastline as you journey toward Kumamoto, one of Kyushu’s most culturally rich cities. Upon arrival, step into Japan’s feudal past with a visit to the imposing Kumamoto Castle which is one of the nation’s most iconic and historically significant strongholds. Originally built in the early 1600s by the famed daimyo Kato Kiyomasa, the castle is renowned for its massive stone walls, curved defensive features, and black-and-white watchtowers that seem to rise dramatically from the landscape. After taking in the castle’s grandeur, slow down with a serene stroll through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a perfectly
manicured landscape garden designed to mimic the famous sights of the old Tokaido Road—the historic route that once linked Kyoto to Tokyo. The garden features a miniature replica of Mt. Fuji, charming arched bridges, and a tranquil pond fed by natural spring water from nearby Mt. Aso, creating an atmosphere of timeless beauty and reflection.
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day with a scenic ride aboard the shinkansen bullet train, gliding down the coast to the southern city of Kagoshima. Known for its picturesque bay setting and mild climate. Step into the beautifully preserved Sengan-en Garden, once the stately home of the Shimadzu clan, where manicured landscapes, elegant teahouses, and koi-filled ponds frame panoramic views of Sakurajima, the city’s iconic active volcano.
Continue south to the charming hot spring town of Ibusuki for one of Japan’s most unique wellness experiences: the natural sand bath. Buried up to your neck in naturally heated, mineral-rich sand, you’ll feel the gentle warmth seep into your muscles—a centuries-old tradition said to promote relaxation and revitalisation. The day offers the perfect blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and indulgent local healing rituals.
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to Kirishima Shrine, a sacred site nestled in forested mountains and steeped in Japanese mythology. Surrounded by ancient trees, the shrine offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Continue through the striking landscapes of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. End the day at Aoshima Shrine, perched on a small island encircled by the unique “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations—a beautiful blend of nature and legend.
Meals: Breakfast
Travel through the dramatic heart of Kyushu to Takachiho Gorge, a place of natural beauty and deep mythology. Sheer basalt cliffs, lush greenery, and the cascading Manai Falls create a mystical atmosphere tied to ancient Shinto legends. Enjoy a scenic walk or a peaceful boat ride through the gorge before sitting down to a Western-style lunch. In the afternoon, journey to Mount Aso, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn about the region’s volcanic power, then head up to Daikanbo Peak for sweeping panoramic views of the vast crater and surrounding peaks. Tonight you will enjoy a “kaiseki” dining experience with the group at the hotel. A Kaiseki dinner is a traditional, multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and refined presentation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Fukuoka Airport for your flight to Japan’s tropical Okinawa! Your main luggage is forwarded to the hotel in Osaka, so pack light for the 3 island days ahead. Arrive and unwind in Naha, the vibrant capital.
Preparation: Pack a smaller bag for the next three nights in Okinawa. Your main luggage will be forwarded by an included luggage courier service to your hotel in Osaka to await your arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Start your day at Shuri Castle, a vibrant symbol of Okinawa’s unique cultural heritage and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the castle blends Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, reflecting Okinawa’s historical role as a hub of international trade and diplomacy.
Next, head to lively Kokusai Street, the beating heart of Naha. This bustling avenue is lined with souvenir shops, local boutiques, cafés, and market stalls offering everything from Okinawan crafts to tropical snacks.
Afterwards, step into the quieter, artistic charm of the Tsuboya pottery district, where Okinawa’s long-standing ceramic traditions come to life. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with kilns, galleries, and studios showcasing Yachimun—a distinctive style of Okinawan pottery known for its earthy tones and playful designs.
Meals: Breakfast
View the underwater wonders of Okinawa’s famed Churaumi Aquarium, where you’ll come face-to-face with majestic whale sharks, graceful manta rays, and a dazzling array of marine life from the surrounding coral-rich seas. After a relaxing lunch, take in the breathtaking views from Cape Manzamo; a dramatic cliffside shaped like an elephant’s trunk, perched above the turquoise waters of the East China Sea. Later, step back in time at Ryukyu Village, an open-air museum where you can immerse yourself in traditional Okinawan culture.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Fly to Osaka, Japan’s buzzing food capital, known for its bold flavors, energetic spirit, and street food culture. Upon arrival, head to the striking Umeda Sky Building, one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Ascend to its Floating Garden Observatory for sweeping panoramic views of the urban sprawl below, stretching as far as the eye can see. As evening falls, dive into Osaka’s legendary food scene with a guided walking tour through the neon-drenched streets of Dotonbori.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Osaka. Shop in Shinsaibashi, visit Osaka Castle or check out the Kuromon fresh food Markets 170 stalls. The origins of this food market date back to Japan’s Edo Period. Perhaps a day spent at Universal Studio’s Osaka is more your thing. Whatever you choose to do, you’re going to love this town.=
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out and make your own way to Kansai International Airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of Kyushu’s culture, Okinawa’s warmth, and Osaka’s urban flair.
Meals: Breakfast included
Price based on tours starting:
Extra charges apply for:
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Itinerary
Our multi-stop Southern Soul of Japan with Kyushu and Okinawa tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture, and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.
Pace & Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. The tour covers several areas of Japan and can involve some early starts and long travel days – see the day-by-day itinerary for more details. Please note you are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating uneven terrain and footpaths. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Japan for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
Visa details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included on this tour.
Meals
Included breakfasts offered by the accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For other meals included in the itinerary, we
aim to cater to a wide range of tastes, providing food that is not too spicy or unusual but still represents the delicious local cuisine. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.
Baggage
Each guest is allowed one bag up to 20kg for the tour. Due to internal flight limits, your main luggage will be securely forwarded to your Osaka hotel. Please pack a small bag with clothing and essentials for 3 nights to take with you to Okinawa and back to Osaka.
Group Size
On a tour you will meet like-minded travellers and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 people and a maximum group size of approximately 34 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or an alternative date.
While you may not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star local rating. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 Queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as nonsmoking.
Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ, and a final hotel list will be provided in your Final Documents, sent no later than 30 days prior to departure.
A single supplement from $1200*pp is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Exclusions
Meals not stated, drinks on meals, travel insurance (strongly recommended), optional tours, visas, tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly listed under inclusions are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation for this tour is available.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation, or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Change & Cancellation Fees
Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:
Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Japan for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
Visa details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Pace
The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several areas of Japan and can involve some early starts and long travel days – see the day-by-day itinerary for more details. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense).
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations, and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, larger walking aids or facilities for disabled guests. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.
Meals
Included breakfasts offered by the accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For other meals included in the itinerary, we
aim to cater to a wide range of tastes, providing food that is not too spicy or unusual but still represents the delicious local cuisine. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.
Tipping
Tipping for guides and drivers is discretionary and recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided. It is customary to tip the tour leader and driver at the end of the tour at a suggested amount of AUD$5 per person per day should you feel satisfied by their service.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This tour will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 34 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional,’ ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must always remain with the tour group and not leave unless written approval is given before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban,
pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-2202
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