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Route: Osaka - Beppu - Mt Kuju - Kurokawa Onsen - Mt Aso - Takachiho Gorge - Gokanosho - Kagoshima - Ibusuki
A ultimate journey from Osaka through the Seto Inland Sea to Kyushu. Traverse the majestic volcanic wonderland of Kyushu from volcano ridgeline to Takachiho Gorge, venture into hidden mountain villages where the first Samurai clan warriors lived secluded, you'll witness some of the world's rarest natural spectacles and enjoy the unique black volcanic sand bathing as well as witness Yokagura folklore dances at the sacred Takachiho shrine. Dine and relax each night at the best hotels/ryokans hand-picked along the route. Exotic scenery, fantastic geothermal wonders, gourmet food, and luxurious accommodation are all in one place on this incredible nine day luxury adventure.
Start your journey from the vibrant neon city ...
Start your journey from the vibrant neon city of Osaka, ride an overnight ferry through the Inland Sea to Kyushu Island. Our local guide will meet and greet you at the ferry terminal and take you on a remarkable private tour to explore the mighty land of Kyushu. The hand-crafted itinerary incorporates some of the best hikes on Kyushu including:
- Hiking Mt Kuju - one of Japan's "100 famous mountains" and also the highest peak on the island of Kyushu;
- Mt Aso loop walk - Japan's most active volcano and one of the world’s largest caldera volcanoes;
- Takachiho Gorge - walk to its famous waterfall, as well as overhanging rocks and sheer walls, formed over 120,000 years ago by a double volcanic eruption;
- Hiking around Onamiike - the highest crater lake in Japan;
- and trekking in the hidden wooded mountains where some of the "Heike" (the first Samurai clan) lived secluded from the outside world.
You'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the history and culture of the island full of myths and transitions. Watch the sacred Yokagura dances at Takachiho shrine, and visit Japanese houses and mountain villages to mingle with the locals. You'll also have a unique opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scene exclusive visit of Moritaka Hamono, a world-famous Japanese kitchen knife workshop, who normally doesn’t allow any visitors.
The majestic volcanic wonderland of Kyushu not only creates dramatic landscapes and sceneries, but also offers many high quality onsen hot springs for you to relax after each day's adventure. You'll enjoy relaxing dips in their soothing waters, as well as the unique sensory experience of hot sand bathing where you are buried in black volcanic sand.
The luxurious accommodation is hand picked for this package, including some of the best 5 star hotels and boutique Japanese ryokans. You'll be impressive by the natural settings of each accommodation.
Most meals are included for the duration of the tour. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine. Please refer to the itinerary for the meal inclusion.
The tour includes 8 nights accommodation, ferry from Osaka to Kyushu, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, an English speaking private guide, return transfers to the airports, private car touring on Kyushu island, and all tickets.
This is the ultimate luxury discovery of Kyushu and you will be inspired by its scale, natural beauty and depth of history. You'll return invigorated and inspired with memories that will last a lifetime.
Departure Dates
Departs daily on request
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
Luggage Transfers
This is a private guided tour from Beppu. Your luggages will be transferred by private car once you arrive at Beppu ferry terminal.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Arrive in Osaka. Upon arrival at Kansai Airport, our local representative will greet you and escort you to your private car. Your driver will transfer you to your accommodation.
Located in the Osaka Bay Area, the Hyatt Regency Osaka neighbours popular local attractions such as the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Universal Studios Japan, and more. Additionally, the hotel offers a free shuttle into the city centre, convenient for travellers who wish to visit Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, and other spectacular destinations in Western Japan.
Dinner is at your own arrangement.
Room Style: Western Style
Bed Type: King/Twin beds
Bath: Ensuite bath
Toilet: Ensuite Western style
After breakfast, you have option to do a half day private tour (cost is not included). We can arrange different tours to suit your interests.
Sample itinerary for your half day private tour Your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a half day tour of Osaka by private car. Start your day visiting the magnificent Osaka Castle. The castle is one of Japan's most famous and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. It has been completely rebuilt, faithful to the original appearance, after its destruction during World War II. The inside is modern and functional and serves as a museum of Osaka history. Next stop is the Umeda Sky Building. The 173 meters tall building has an observatory on the 40th floor and offers a great view of the city. Hop on the underground for today's last stop - the hustling district of Dotonbori, a former pleasure district turned restaurant mecca. You can sample the famous Takoyaki (octopus dumpling), Osaka's most famous street food. Drop off at your hotel.
Then you make your own way to the ferry terminal (500 meters away from your hotel). Your ferry will depart at approx. 7.05 pm (Sun - Thu) and 7.55 pm (Fri-Sat). You'll cruise through the Seto Inland Sea, the body of water separating Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The waterway connects the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan. Almost 3,000 islands are located in the Seto Inland Sea.
Overnight on the ferry in a deluxe cabin with private ensuite.
Bed Type: Twin shared
Total walking distance: 9.6 km, 3 - 4 hours; Moderate Grade
Upon arrival at Beppu ferry terminal, your private guide will greet you and take you to embark on a hike of Mt Kuju.
Located in Aso-kuju national park in Oita prefecture, Kyushu, the Kuju mountain range is one of Japan's "100 famous mountains" and also the highest peak on the island of Kyushu. The majestic volcanic wonderland is filled with luscious greenery, steaming gas vents, and hidden serene lakes. Mt Kuju boasts stellar views from the actual summit. From there, you can enjoy unparalleled views of one of Japan's prettiest islands with an unbroken string of mountains, including south to Mt Aso and northeast to Mt Yufu. There's no better place to feel on top of the world.
After the magnificent hike, you will be transferred to Kurokawa Onsen for an onsen and relaxation.
Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan's prettiest hot-spring villages and has won top onsen honours year after year. Tucked away in the hills of Oguni north of Aso, a therapeutic and relaxing atmosphere can be found here. The history of the village stretches back over 300 years to when the Daimyos (feudal lords) used the place as a rest stop and the onsen to recuperate when travelling between Hita and Taketa in Oita.
Your accommodation tonight is at Yamamizuki, one of the best Ryokan and onsen in the Kurokawa Onsen. Surrounded by a beautiful natural mountain stream and lush trees, you’ll enjoy the ultimate relaxation at the famous outdoor hot springs.
Room Style: Japanese/Western Style
Bed Type: Futon/Twin beds
Bath: Indoor/outdoor onsen
Walking distance: approx. 10-15 km, 6 hours
Mt Aso loop walk on the ridgeline: Taka-dake, Naka-dake, and Sunasenri-ga-hama.
Mt Aso is Japan's most active volcano and one of the world’s largest caldera volcanoes in the center of Kyushu. Mt Aso is a collection of five peaks cutting jagged lines across a rugged, scrubby landscape. You'll hike along the ridgeline up to the closest peak Naka-dake. This hike takes you on a track through volcanic desolation to the summit, which provides superb views of the crater and surrounding caldera floor.
Your accommodation tonight is at Sozankyo. Gazing at the view of the changing seasons of Aso-Gogaku, Uchinomaki, Sozankyo is a ryokan afloat in elegance. There are a few hot springs and a foot bath at the hotel for you to relax after today’s challenging hike. The water at Uchinomaki Onsen has the reputation of being therapeutic for athletes competing for world events, draining their fatigue and healing their bodies.
Enjoy Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan and taste the famous Kyshu wagyu beef.
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
In the morning, your guide will take you to visit Takachiho Gorge, The magnificent Takachiho Gorge, and its famous waterfall, as well as overhanging rocks and sheer walls, were formed over 120,000 years ago by a double volcanic eruption.
Gokase-gawa flows in the middle of the basalt columns, offering the chance to row down the river and get the chance to see a close up view of the surrounding cliffs and the 17m high Minai Falls.
Enjoy a short walk on the paved pathways along the edge of the gorge and visit the 1900 year-old Takachiho-jinja Shrine. According to myths, Takachiho is the place where Amaterasu-omikami, the queen of gods, descended. Pay a visit to "Couple cedar" - two giant trees with their trunks fused together and look like a husband and wife. It is said that if you walk around the trees three times, hand in hand with your friend, family member or lover, you will be blessed with prosperity of descendants and safety in your family.
Tonight, enjoy watching 'Takachiho Kagura Dance' at Takachiho Shrine.
You will stay at Ryokan Shinsen tonight. The lovely ryokan is nestled serenely in the rolling hills on the flanks of Mt Aso. With its mix of tradition and modern world luxuries, Shinsen offers a taste of old Japan and is a hideaway imbued with the fantastic atmosphere of the sacred land of Takachiho. Each room has its own unique style and personality, presented with flair, and fitted with the highest quality furnishings and decorated with beautiful art, traditional ceramics and other crafts.
Enjoy Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan.
After breakfast, farewell to Takachiho and head to Gokanosho. This is a wonder land for a nature enthusiast who's looking for a secluded and scenic spot to experience Japan’s sublime autumn foliage.
Drive on the long, narrow, sinuous road snaking through the wooded mountains. The journey seems to last an eternity. Finally, you arrive at Gokanosho, a set of five tiny villages with only 300 inhabitants and nestled in the heart of the wooded mountains at an altitude of more than 1700 meters. There are traditional thatched private houses and a gorge surrounded by deep mountains.
The legend says that when "Heike", the first Samurai clan was defeated by their rival Samurai clan "Genji" in the late 12th century, some of Heike clan warriors fled to this area, where they lived secluded from the outside world. This is a mysterious region, little known, where an authentic Japan is hidden, far from the big cities teeming with technology. It was only in 1959 that the area was made accessible by road and electricity arrived only a few years later.
You'll visit Nihon-sugi Pass observatory and overlook the entire Northern Kumamoto area. Visit Heike-no-sato museum and learn about the mysterious history. Then hike to the famous 70 meters high Sendan-Todoro waterfall and twin suspension bridges of Momigi Heike-so, built to allow access across the Momigi River to Heike-no-Sato folk village. The 70 meters long "upper" bridge, called the ayatori-bashi (Cat's Cradle bridge), is about 35 meters above the river. The 59 meters long "lower" bridge, called the shakunage-bashi (Alpine Rose bridge), is about 17 meters above the river.
Overnight is at Heike-so minshuku, a traditional family-run guest house, which serves hand-cut soba and locally-grown mountain vegetables and mushrooms as well as locally-sourced meals of mountain trout, wild boar, and raw deer. If you're especially adventurous, you can try basashi (horse sashimi), Kumamoto's specialty.
Room Style: Japanese Style
Bed Type: Futon
Bath: Shared bath
Today you have two options:
Option 1 Mountain Trek (for adventurous hikers)Embark a mountain trek which Heike Samurai clan might have walked to get to Gokanosho to survive. There are mountain trails ranging over 160 km. Your local professional guide will work with you to find a trail suitable to your fitness and help show you to the top of the mountain.
Option 2 Behind-the-scene Knife Workshop Visit & private Japanese House Visit (no walk)Visit Moritaka Hamono, a well known Japanese kitchen knife shop who are shipping knives to 60 countries in the world. This is a behind-the-scene exclusive visit to the workshop which normally doesn’t allow any visitors.
After visiting Moritaka Hamono, you’ll visit a private Japanese house to mingle with locals and see how Tatami mats are made.
Then you’ll be transferred to Kirishima, a national park shared between Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures.
Your accommodation tonight is Wasure no Sato Gajoen, tucked away in Myoken Onsen, a quiet hot springs town in Kagoshima prefecture. It offers traditional scenery of the Japanese countryside and allows you to relax both your mind and body.
As a member of Relais & Châteaux, Wasure no Sato Gajoen offers you an authentic, delicate and subtly aromatic dinner, prepared from vegetables straight from the kitchen garden.
Its hard to say goodbye to your charming accommodation at Wasure no Sato Gajoen, but an amazing hike waits you today.
Onamiike is the highest crater lake in Japan, located in the southeast of Mt. Karakunidake. The round-shaped Onamiike lake is surrounded by the forest, and the transparent bottom of the lake can be seen because of its high acidity. You'll be rewarded with the view from the mountaintop with the grandeur.
After the hike, you will be visiting Senganen Garden, a beautiful Japanese landscape garden with a striking view over the bay and Sakurajima, that were used as a borrowed landscape for the garden. Next to the garden lies the Shuseikan Industrial Complex as well as the Ijinkan, a former residence of foreign engineers, that are both part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" World Heritage site.
Finally, you will be transferred to Ibusuki to enjoy the unique Sunamushi hot sand bathing, a Ibusuki speciality.
Your hotel tonight is Ibusuki Hakusuikan, situated in the midst of the rich greenery of pine trees and the deep blue ocean, overlooking Kagoshima Bay. The resort Hakusuikan boasts an outdoor pool and a variety of spacious indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths, including a Sunamushi sand bathing. You can look forward to relaxing in the high quality natural hot spring spa and indulging in the refined cuisine at this peaceful holiday resort.
Room Style: Japanese/western Style
Bed Type: Futon/twin shared
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will be transferred to Kagoshima Airport to meet your departing flight.
Daily departure on request. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people. Single supplement is available on request
- The departure point is Osaka- The finish point is Kagoshima. JAL, ANA, Skymark, Solaseed and Jetstar are operating frequent flights from Kagoshima. Kagoshima Airport is a 40-60 minute drive outside of the city center. Kagoshima's main train stations are Kagoshima Chuo Station and Kagoshima Station and serve Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen trains. There are four separate ferry terminals across the Kagoshima Port area for ferries to Sakurajima, Yakushima and Okinawa.
Day 1: Arrived in OsakaDay 2: Guided half day tour in Osaka & aboard overnight ferryDay 3: Guided walk Mt Kuju approx. 9.6 km, 3 - 4 hoursDay 4: Guided walk Mr Aso approx. 10 - 15 km loop walkDay 5: Guided boat rowing & walk Takachiho Gorge approx. 2 kmDay 6: Guided private coach to GokanoshoDay 7: Guided tour option 1: Adventurous hikers, option 2: visit knife & tatami workshop (no walk)Day 8: Guided walk OnamiikeDay 9: Depart to your next destination
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.