Japan First-Timer’s Journey: From Tokyo to Kyushu(19 days, 18 nights)

Who is this for?

• First-time visitors to Japan who want to experience the country’s must-see destinations in one trip
• Travelers who want more than the Golden Route, combining iconic cities with Japan’s local charm and hidden gems
• Culture and history lovers interested in temples, shrines, traditional towns, castles, and historic sites
• Nature and scenery seekers who want to experience Mt. Fuji, the Japanese countryside, scenic coastlines, mountains, and hot springs
• Food and local experience enthusiasts looking to discover regional cuisine, traditional crafts, and authentic local experiences
• Travelers with 3 weeks in Japan who want a comprehensive journey from Tokyo to Kyushu, rather than focusing on just one region

- This trip can be tailored according to their preferences. Please feel free to inquire about any specific requests ahead of time. 

Physical Activity: Low - Medium
Length of Trip:  19 days, 18 nights
Capacity:  2 - 30 people

Itinerary:

TOKYO    |    3 nights
Day 1: Your First Day in Japan — Free Day
Included meals:  None
Arrive in Japan and enjoy your first day at your own pace. Take some time to settle into your new surroundings, explore the local area, or simply relax after your journey. It’s the perfect opportunity to ease into your three-week adventure and experience Japan in your own way.

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights — From Tradition to Modern Japan
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Start your Japan journey with some of Tokyo’s most iconic sights. Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, then experience the peaceful atmosphere of Meiji Jingu. Continue to Takeshita Street in Harajuku before heading to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing. In the evening, enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel and relax after a full day of exploring Tokyo.

Day 3: Explore Tokyo Your Way — Free Day
Included meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Tokyo and discover the city at your own pace. Explore more of the places that caught your interest, go shopping, try local food, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Tokyo. With a free day, travelers can create their own Tokyo experience.

 
FUJI AREA  |     1 night
Day 4: Discover Mt. Fuji — Scenic Views & Traditional Villages
Included meals: Breakfast

A day of culture and nature: Begin with Kamakura’s Giant Buddha, then enjoy a scenic Lake Ashi cruise in Hakone. On clear days, glimpses of Mt.Fuji can be seen here. Finish with a majestic view of Mt. Fuji from Kawaguchi Lake. Settle into around Kawaguchi Lake for the night. 

KYOTO |     2 night
Day 5: From Mt. Fuji to Kyoto — Discover Kyoto’s Timeless Charm
Included meals: Breakfast

Travel from the Mt. Fuji area to Kyoto by Shinkansen. Upon arrival in Kyoto, head first to Arashiyama to explore the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy scenic views from Togetsu Bridge. Continue to Yasaka Shrine and stroll through the historic streets of Gion, experiencing the timeless charm of Kyoto and its traditional atmosphere.s. 

Day 6: Discover Kyoto Your Way — Free Day
Included meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day in Kyoto and explore the city at your own pace. Visit temples and shrines, discover hidden streets, enjoy local cuisine, or take time to shop and relax. With a free day, travelers can experience Kyoto beyond the main highlights and create their own memorable moments.

NARA & OSAKA　|     2 night
Day 7: From Kyoto to Osaka — Temples, Deer & City Lights
Included meals: Breakfast

Start the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Continue to Nara and visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, followed by free time in Nara Park, where you can encounter the park’s friendly deer. In the evening, head to Osaka and explore the lively streets of Dotonbori, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local food.

Day 8: Discover Osaka Your Way — Free Day
Included meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day in Osaka and explore the city at your own pace. Discover local food, go shopping, visit places of interest, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of Osaka. With a free day, travelers can choose how they want to experience this vibrant city.

KURASHIKI & HIROSHIMA  |  2 night

Day 9: From Osaka to Hiroshima — A Journey Through Historic Japan
Included meals: Breakfast

Leave Osaka and travel to Kurashiki, a charming historic town known for its beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter. Enjoy free time to stroll along the traditional streets, explore local shops, and take in the atmosphere of old Japan. Continue to Hiroshima and settle in for the next chapter of your journey through western Japan.

Day 10: Explore Hiroshima Your Way — Free Time & Optional Tours
Included meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Hiroshima and explore the city at your own pace. Travelers can choose how they would like to spend their day, from discovering Hiroshima’s historic and cultural highlights to joining an optional tour to Miyajima or other nearby attractions. It’s a flexible opportunity to experience Hiroshima based on individual interests.

MATSUYAMA　|     2 night

Day 11: From Hiroshima to Matsuyama — Across the Seto Inland Sea
Included meals: Breakfast

Travel from Hiroshima to Matsuyama via the scenic Shimanami Kaido, crossing the Seto Inland Sea and enjoying beautiful views along the way. Stop at Kirosan Observatory Park for panoramic views of the islands and Kurushima Strait. After some free time at a service area, continue to Matsuyama.

Day 12: Discover Matsuyama — Castle, Hot Springs & Local Culture
Included meals: Breakfast,  Lunch

Start the day with a visit to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive original castles, with a scenic ropeway ride to the castle grounds. After lunch, enjoy free time around Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring areas. End the day with a visit to a local sake brewery and discover a taste of Matsuyama’s traditional food and drink culture.

OITA |     2 night
Day 13: From Matsuyama to Beppu — Historic Towns & a Scenic Ferry Ride
Included meals: Breakfast
Leave Matsuyama and travel through the historic town of Uchiko, visiting Kamihaga Residence and the Wood Wax Museum before strolling through the traditional streets of Yokaichi Old Town. Continue to Ozu to visit Ozu Castle, then head to Yawatahama Port. From there, take a scenic ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to Beppu, arriving in one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations.

Day 14: Beppu & Yufuin — Hot Springs & Scenic Japan
Included meals: Breakfast

Discover the unique charm of Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations, with a visit to Umi Jigoku, one of the city’s striking “hell” hot springs. Continue to Yufuin and enjoy free time around Kinrinko Lake, exploring the charming streets and local shops at your own pace. Take in the peaceful scenery and relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque hot spring town.

KUMAMOTO  |     1 night

Day 15: From Beppu to Kumamoto — Discover Kyushu’s Natural Beauty

Included meals: Breakfast

Travel from Beppu to Kumamoto along the scenic Yamanami Highway, taking in the vast landscapes of the Aso region. Enjoy views of Tadewara Marshland and stop at Daikanbo Observatory for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After lunch in Taketa, visit the impressive Harajiri Falls before continuing to Kumamoto.

NAGASAKI |     1 night

Day 16: From Kumamoto to Nagasaki — A Journey Across the Sea

Included meals: Breakfast

Leave Kumamoto and take a ferry across the sea to Nagasaki. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Nagasaki Chinatown before exploring some of the city’s historic highlights, including Dejima, Megane Bridge, and the traditional streets of Teramachi. Discover Nagasaki’s unique blend of Japanese history and international influences as you explore this fascinating port city.

SAGA & FUKUOKA |     2 night

Day 17: From Nagasaki to Fukuoka — Discover Japan’s Ceramic Heritage

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave Nagasaki and travel to Arita and Imari, areas renowned for their long history of traditional Japanese ceramics. Visit Tozan Shrine and Kouraku Kiln to learn more about the region’s distinctive pottery culture and craftsmanship. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore before continuing to Fukuoka, the final destination of the day.

Day 18: From Nagasaki to Fukuoka — Discover Japan’s Ceramic Heritage

Included meals: Breakfast

Explore some of Fukuoka’s cultural highlights, starting with Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the region’s most important shrines. Continue to Kushida Shrine in the heart of Hakata, then experience local craftsmanship with a traditional Hakata painting workshop at Hakata Machiya Furusatokan. Enjoy a final day discovering Fukuoka’s rich history, culture, and traditional crafts.

Day 19: Farewell to Japan — Departure Day

Included meals: Breakfast

After three weeks of exploring Japan, it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy your final morning in Fukuoka before making your own way to the airport for your departure flight. Take home unforgettable memories of Japan, from iconic cities and historic landmarks to beautiful countryside, local culture, and unique regional experiences.

OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP!

Add another trip of ours on top of this journey and we will be happy to send you off.