Southern Japan Journey

Welcome to Osaka, Japan’s lively hub of gourmet flavors, rich traditions, and fascinating history. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a full-day exploration of Osaka.

Your first stop is the Umeda Sky Building, an impressive high-rise made up of two towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. From here, enjoy panoramic city views through wide windows or from the open-air deck.

Next, visit Osaka Castle, originally constructed in 1583 under the Toyotomi rule as the center of a unified Japan. At the time, it was the largest castle in the country. Your guide will share its fascinating history, including its destruction and multiple reconstructions.

Following some time for lunch, continue to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most famous shopping district with a history of nearly 400 years. Lined with countless shops, local specialty stores, charming cafes, and inviting restaurants, it’s a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors.

After enjoying free time to browse and explore, return to your hotel for the evening at leisure.

After breakfast and check-out, your private driver will transfer you to the train station, where you will board a train bound for Hiroshima.

Welcome to Hiroshima - a city that embodies resilience, peace, and beauty.

Upon arrival, your private driver will take you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide for a captivating full-day tour of Hiroshima. Begin with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located in what was once the city’s political and commercial hub before the atomic bombing. The park’s main highlight is the Peace Memorial Museum, which presents a powerful and moving exhibition on the events of August 6 - the dropping of the bomb - and its devastating human impact, serving as a solemn reminder of the importance of peace.

Next, see the A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Once the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it was one of the few buildings left standing after the explosion. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a poignant symbol of the city’s resilience and a tangible link to its unique past.

After a lunch break, take a ferry with your guide to Miyajima Island, officially named Itsukushima but more famously known as “shrine island.” Here, you will visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a centuries-old Shinto treasure renowned for its striking torii gate and shrine buildings that appear to float on the sea during high tide.

Following your exploration, return to your hotel in Hiroshima for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for a transfer to the airport or train station, depending on your onward travel plans.

Welcome to Fukuoka, a vibrant city where modern energy meets rich historical heritage.

Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you prefer exploring the city independently or joining optional activities.

After breakfast, meet your private guide and begin your exploration of Fukuoka. Start in the heart of the city with a visit to Yusentei, a serene Japanese-style garden that once served as the villa of the Kuroda feudal family until the mid-19th century. Stroll through its peaceful paths, taking in the seasonal beauty of its pond, trees, and traditional architecture.

Next, enjoy a taste of local flavor with a bowl of Nagahama ramen, one of the most beloved ramen varieties among Fukuoka residents.

In the afternoon, head to the Hakata district on the eastern side of the city to visit two of Fukuoka’s most significant spiritual sites. At Tochoji Temple, marvel at the Fukuoka Daibutsu - the largest seated wooden Buddha in Japan. Continue to Kushida Shrine, the guardian shrine of Hakata merchants since the 8th century, known for granting blessings of prosperous business, long life, and youthfulness.

After the tour, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Embark on a meaningful day trip from Fukuoka to discover the history, resilience, and unique cultural heritage of Nagasaki. Begin your journey with a scenic drive through Kyushu’s landscapes, arriving in a city that has long been a crossroads of Eastern and Western influence.

Your first stop is the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the events of August 9, 1945, and pay tribute to the lives lost. The memorials and exhibits serve as powerful reminders of the importance of peace.

Continue to Glover Garden, an open-air museum showcasing preserved Western-style residences from the Meiji era, offering panoramic views over the city and harbor. Explore Dejima, once a Dutch trading post during Japan’s period of isolation, and learn about the cultural exchanges that shaped Nagasaki’s identity.

Visit Oura Church, Japan’s oldest existing Christian church, and see the iconic Megane Bridge, named for its resemblance to a pair of spectacles reflected in the water.

After a day filled with moving historical moments and captivating cultural discoveries, return to Fukuoka carrying a deeper appreciation for Nagasaki’s enduring spirit.

After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to the airport, where you will board your onward flight, bidding farewell to Fukuoka and the memories made during your journey.