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Japan - Kyushu - Mt Sakurajima

Our Bite-Sized Kyushu & Shikoku Trips

Create your own ideal holiday

Kyushu is famous for being home to the impressive volcanoes Aso and Sakurajima, but also for no less than 8 hot springs areas and truly dramatic scenery. Relax in the famous hot springs of Beppu, immerse yourself in historical samurai culture in Kagoshima or sample the fine cuisine of Fukuoka’s lively yatai street stalls.

For paths less visited, head to Shikoku where you can walk one of Japan’s most sacred pilgrimages, the 88-temple pilgrimage route, explore the serene Iya Valley and be immersed in traditional Japanese culture.

Explore our bite-size trips below or discover our Japan itineraries, or if you’d prefer our help to put together your perfect Japan itinerary, just get in touch with our Japan Specialists.

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Speak to our Japan specialist, Miles

“I love the retro-futuristic vibes of Tokyo, not to mention the tasty donburi! Staying in a traditional ryokan and bathing in the natural hot springs (onsen) are particular highlights for me.”

Miles in Japan

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Kyushu & Shikoku bite-sized trips

Habour in Takamatsu, Japan

Takamatsu: Gateway to Shikoku

Itinerary:
Takamatsu
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 265.- per person (excluding flights)

Discover the treasures in and around Takamatsu in the north of Shikoku Island. Stroll through Ritsurin-koen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, explore the Seto Inland Sea by boat with its artificial islands and authentic island life, and enjoy the sunset at Temple No. 84 on the 88-temple pilgrimage route.

Discover the treasures in and around Takamatsu in the north of Shikoku Island. Stroll through Ritsurin-koen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, explore the Seto Inland Sea by boat with its artificial islands and authentic island life, and enjoy the sunset at Temple No. 84 on the 88-temple pilgrimage route.

Habour in Takamatsu, Japan

Yokoo Museum on Teshima, Japan

Rest on Teshima

Itinerary:
Teshima Art Island
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 89.- per person (excluding flights)

Let yourself be captivated by the beauty and charm of Teshima. As you wander through this peaceful island, you’ll discover an array of art installations, carefully scattered across the island to create a fascinating contrast with the natural surroundings. Here, life moves at a slower pace, and you’ll find yourself relaxing effortlessly. Teshima is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in a more peaceful way of life.

Let yourself be captivated by the beauty and charm of Teshima. As you wander through this peaceful island, you’ll discover an array of art installations, carefully scattered across the island to create a fascinating contrast with the natural surroundings. Here, life moves at a slower pace, and you’ll find yourself relaxing effortlessly. Teshima is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in a more peaceful way of life.

Yokoo Museum on Teshima, Japan

Rope bridge in the Iya Valley, Shikoko, Japan

Mountains in the Iya Valley

Itinerary:
Iya Valley
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 440.- per person (excluding flights)

Nestled in the heart of Shikoku lies the enchanting Iya Valley, a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the bustling cities of Japan. This secluded region is defined by its dramatic landscapes and rugged mountains, as well as dense forests stretching as far as the eye can see and wild rivers that carve their way through the valleys.

Nestled in the heart of Shikoku lies the enchanting Iya Valley, a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the bustling cities of Japan. This secluded region is defined by its dramatic landscapes and rugged mountains, as well as dense forests stretching as far as the eye can see and wild rivers that carve their way through the valleys.

Rope bridge in the Iya Valley, Shikoko, Japan

Viewpoint in Matsuyama, Japan

Matsuyama: The origin of the Onsen

Itinerary:
Matsuyama
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 118.- per person (excluding flights)

Relax in one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot springs in Matsuyama. The Dogo Onsen has been welcoming visitors for centuries and its baths are said to have healing properties. Afterwards, head to Matsuyama Castle and the Ishite-ji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, where you can reflect and learn more about the ancient pilgrimage route.

Relax in one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot springs in Matsuyama. The Dogo Onsen has been welcoming visitors for centuries and its baths are said to have healing properties. Afterwards, head to Matsuyama Castle and the Ishite-ji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, where you can reflect and learn more about the ancient pilgrimage route.

Viewpoint in Matsuyama, Japan

Kayak on the Niyodo river, Shikoku Japan

Kayaks & Castles in Kochi

Itinerary:
Kochi
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 198.- per person (excluding flights)

Venture further off the beaten path in Shikoku and discover the blue wonder of the Niyodo River. Take a boat ride along the river or enjoy a peaceful walk through the scenic trails, allowing yourself to truly appreciate the serenity and natural beauty of this hidden gem.

Venture further off the beaten path in Shikoku and discover the blue wonder of the Niyodo River. Take a boat ride along the river or enjoy a peaceful walk through the scenic trails, allowing yourself to truly appreciate the serenity and natural beauty of this hidden gem.

Kayak on the Niyodo river, Shikoku Japan

Fukuoka street food in Japan

Welcome to Fukuoka!

Itinerary:
Fukuoka
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 198.- per person (excluding flights)

Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu Island. Despite its modern atmosphere, the city has a rich history with a vibrant metropolis that beautifully blends modern development with historical landmarks.

Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu Island. Despite its modern atmosphere, the city has a rich history with a vibrant metropolis that beautifully blends modern development with historical landmarks.

Fukuoka street food in Japan

Nagasaki: A Touch of Europe

Itinerary:
Nagasaki
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 425.- per person (excluding flights)

Nagasaki is a city with a fascinating, yet turbulent history. Here you will learn about the tragic events and the aftermath of the atomic bomb, whilst also discovering the European influence on Japanese culture. With its location on the river and positive atmosphere, Nagasaki is now a city with a vibrant and charming atmosphere. Wander through the city, visit colourful temples and taste the delicious food.

Nagasaki is a city with a fascinating, yet turbulent history. Here you will learn about the tragic events and the aftermath of the atomic bomb, whilst also discovering the European influence on Japanese culture. With its location on the river and positive atmosphere, Nagasaki is now a city with a vibrant and charming atmosphere. Wander through the city, visit colourful temples and taste the delicious food.

Aso volcano in Japan

Kumamoto & the Aso Volcano

Itinerary:
Kumamoto - Mount Aso - Kumamoto
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 410.- per person (excluding flights)

In the heart of Kyushu Island lies the massive and still-active Aso-san, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. From Kumamoto, you can take a day trip to the Aso region, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to get up close to this powerful volcano. Explore the surrounding landscape, with its lush grasslands and dramatic volcanic views, and witness the awe-inspiring activity of Aso-san.

In the heart of Kyushu Island lies the massive and still-active Aso-san, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. From Kumamoto, you can take a day trip to the Aso region, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to get up close to this powerful volcano. Explore the surrounding landscape, with its lush grasslands and dramatic volcanic views, and witness the awe-inspiring activity of Aso-san.

Aso volcano in Japan

kagoshima zandbad

Kagoshima & the mighty Sakurajima

Itinerary:
Kagoshima
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 243.- per person (excluding flights)

Nestled in the heart of southern Kyushu is the welcoming city of Kagoshima. Its framed by the awe-inspiring Sakurajima volcano. Explore its rugged beauty, venturing close to its volcanic landscapes and enjoying the breathtaking views it offers. Afterward, indulge in a unique and rejuvenating experience with a hot volcanic sand bath at Ibusuki.

Nestled in the heart of southern Kyushu is the welcoming city of Kagoshima. Its framed by the awe-inspiring Sakurajima volcano. Explore its rugged beauty, venturing close to its volcanic landscapes and enjoying the breathtaking views it offers. Afterward, indulge in a unique and rejuvenating experience with a hot volcanic sand bath at Ibusuki.

kagoshima zandbad

Onsen in Japan

Relax in a Japanese Onsen

Itinerary:
Yunohira / Yufuin
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 249.- per person (excluding flights)

Yunohira is the perfect spot to relax and recharge during your trip to Japan. Embrace the Japanese tradition of hopping between onsens to unwind in the soothing warm waters. You’ll stay in a traditional ryokan, where your hosts will treat you to delicious, home-cooked meals, offering a true taste of Japanese culture.

Yunohira is the perfect spot to relax and recharge during your trip to Japan. Embrace the Japanese tradition of hopping between onsens to unwind in the soothing warm waters. You’ll stay in a traditional ryokan, where your hosts will treat you to delicious, home-cooked meals, offering a true taste of Japanese culture.

Onsen in Japan