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Explore Southern Japan
11 days, Osaka to Kyoto
Itinerary Notes
Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Osaka
Arrive at any time.
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this lively city.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Osaka to Okayama
Enjoy a free morning to explore energetic Osaka, one of the nation's culinary centres. In the afternoon, travel to Okayama.
Osaka has heaps to offer including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street and Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try "takoyaki" the city's famous octopus snack. Osaka is a unique culinary destination – opt for a meal of "kushikatsu".
In the afternoon, travel to Okayama, known around Japan as the "The Land Of Sunshine". Spend free time wandering through gardens, exploring castles, and tasting the outstanding food of this charming city.
Free Time
Check out lively Namba and be sure to stop for a photo on the Dotombori Bridge.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of flight (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Free Time
Discover the city known as "The Land Of Sunshine", and be sure to sample some local dishes.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Korakuen Garden Visit
400JPY per personGet out and explore this stunning garden, ranked one of the top three in Japan. With a rice field and tea plantation, expansive lawns, ponds, teahouses and Edo period buildings, there's lots to see here in every season.
Okayama Castle
300-800JPY per personNicknamed “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior, Okayama Castle sits across the river from the Korakuen Garden. Built in 1597, after 8 years of construction, the original castle was destroyed after World War II and reconstructed in 1966.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Naoshima
Spend the day exploring Naoshima, a picturesque island dotted with impressive contemporary art museums and installations. After a brief orientation walk, enjoy free time to discover this unique island at leisure. In the evening, return back to Okayama.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Naoshima Orientation Walk
With your CEO, get a feel for the island that has transformed into a cradle of modern and contemporary art. Snap a photo of Yayoi Kusama's iconic red pumpkin before heading off to explore the modern art and beautiful architecture of the Benesse House Museum.
Benesse Art Site
Designed by architect Ando Tadao, this famous museum displays artwork inspired by the natural surroundings of Naoshima. Be sure not to miss the many art pieces found along the shore and cliffs below the museum.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute— start exploring.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 4Okayama to Nagasaki
Travel southwest to the island of Kyushu. After arriving in the city of Nagasaki, explore with some free time. Don't miss out on the delicious local seafood!
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of flight (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore this historic city.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Ōura Catholic Church
Learn about the about the history of Christianity in Japan as you wander through Oura Cathedral, also known as "The Church of 26 Martyrs". Dedicated to the 26 Christians executed for their religious beliefs in 1597, this is the oldest standing Christian church in Japan and one of 14 locations designated a World Heritage site.
Glover Garden
Enjoy the gorgeous views of Nagasaki Port from Glover Garden, named after Scottish merchant, Thomas Glover. A prominent figure in the modernization of Japan, Glover played a key role in the settlement of Nagasaki. Take time to wander through the former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan.
Hashima Island
Wander around the post apocalyptic landscape of this spooky island which is now a ghost town. Commonly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) due to its appearance, this was once the most densely populated place on earth.
Day 5Nagasaki
Visit Nagasaki's Peace Park with your CEO and learn more about the historic events of 1945. Explore more of this port city with some free time.
Nagasaki Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum Visit
Standing as an international symbol of peace, the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, commemorates the bombing of the city on August 9, 1945. Many of the statues and monuments, donated from countries all over the world, are in support of the city’s prayer for peace, and the vow that such atrocities will never occur again.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Ōura Catholic Church
Learn about the about the history of Christianity in Japan as you wander through Oura Cathedral, also known as "The Church of 26 Martyrs". Dedicated to the 26 Christians executed for their religious beliefs in 1597, this is the oldest standing Christian church in Japan and one of 14 locations designated a World Heritage site.
Glover Garden
Enjoy the gorgeous views of Nagasaki Port from Glover Garden, named after Scottish merchant, Thomas Glover. A prominent figure in the modernization of Japan, Glover played a key role in the settlement of Nagasaki. Take time to wander through the former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan.
Hashima Island
Wander around the post apocalyptic landscape of this spooky island which is now a ghost town. Commonly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) due to its appearance, this was once the most densely populated place on earth.
Day 6Nagasaki to Yakushima
Today is a long travel day – via train and ferry – to the southernmost tip of Kyushu island and beyond! After arriving on Yakushima, settle in and get some rest for tomorrow's excursion.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of flight (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of flight (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient high-speed ferry boat.
Day 7Yakushima
Experience the magic of Yakushima with a hike through the island's mossy ancient forest. This lush subtropical island is home to impressive cedar trees, several of which are thousands of years old.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Hike
Put on your hiking shoes and set off on a journey through a real-life enchanted forest, home to some of the oldest cedar trees on the planet. With these awe-inspiring views, it's no wonder this mystical place was the inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki’s famous animated film "Princess Mononoke".
Day 8Yakushima
Enjoy free day on beautiful Yakushima. Go for a hike, check out the beach, or relax at an oceanside onsen.
Free Time
Use free time to enjoy the area. Opt to hike, relax or spend some time on the beach.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Jōmon Sugi Hike
Set off early to hike to Japan's oldest tree, Jomonsugi, which is thought to be 2000-7200 years old. Discovered hundreds of years ago, it escaped logging due to it's unique shape, and is now protected as part of the national park. Along the trail there are other famous trees to see, including the Meotosugi, a pair of trees that resemble a husband and wife embracing, and the great king cedar, Daiosugi, which is one of the largest trees on the island.
Day 9Yakushima/Osaka
Today is a busy travel day. Start with a boat ride to Kagoshima before boarding an overnight ferry bound for Osaka. The ferry features a restaurant, onsen spa, and shop. Settle in and enjoy this unique journey across Japan's Inland Sea.
Please note the overnight ferry is multi-share accommodation.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient high-speed ferry boat.
Shuttle
Grab a seat and enjoy the ride.
Ferry
Boarding an overnight ferry for your journey across Japan's Inland Sea.
Day 10Osaka/Kyoto
Arrive at the port in the morning and continue to historic Kyoto. Enjoy a free day to explore this cultural hub. Opt for a final meal with the group.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Kyoto, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, taking part in a traditional costume photoshoot, and enjoying a tea ceremony. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Gion Walk
FreeWalk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.
Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji
500JPY per personThe Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit
500JPY per personExplore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Kyoto
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this historic city.
For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), please find the public transit options below (please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours)
1) By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited express "Haruka" Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30.
2) By bus - departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10.
Timetable Reference: http://www.hyperdia.com