Deeper Japan
8 days | Blend of Independent & guided
Deeper Japan
This thoughtfully designed journey combines Japan’s cultural icons with its lesser-known onsen regions, offering a balanced mix of guided experiences, scenic travel and time to explore independently.
Ideal for couples who want depth and variety without an exhausting pace, the itinerary moves smoothly from historic cities to coastal landscapes and volcanic hot spring towns, balancing guided and self guided elements.
Itinerary at a Glance
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts & 2 dinners
- 2 x food tours in Kyoto & Beppu
- Guided Kyoto ebike experience
- Matsuyama Castle visit
- Steam bath experience
- Sand bath experience at Shonin Park
- English-speaking guide where specified
- Private vehicle transfers and transport modes where specified
Optional Extras
- Kannawa Walking Tour
Click to view Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1:
Kyoto
Arrive by train at JR Kyoto Station or Kansai Airport and be transferred to your accommodation. For the next 3 nights you will be staying at a modern but Japanese inspired hotel centrally located in Kyoto. Tonight enjoy a walking food tour of Gion and Pontocho, experiencing the sights of these stunning enclaves of Kyoto and sampling up to 13 dishes along the way! A great evening to get your Kyoto experience started.
Day 2
Kyoto
Today it’s time to explore Kyoto but get a little active! Exploring Kyoto by e-bike with a qualified English speaking guide is the best way to soak up the picturesque streets and historical insights.
Day 3:
Kyoto
Today is a free day to explore Kyoto at your leisure. Maybe walk the famous Philosopher’s way, take a day trip to the Bamboo forest or just enjoy exploring the backstreets and beauty of this amazing city
Day 4:
Kyoto to Matsuyama
Today you will catch the Shinkansen train independently from Kyoto to Matsuyama where you will meet with your guide who will transfer you to your Onsen accommodation.
After settling into your hotel, step out to explore the historic Dōgo Onsen area, where narrow streets, wooden façades and gentle steam set the tone for the afternoon. Wander through the Dōgo Shopping Arcade, stopping in at Minakuchi Brewery to sample local flavours and get a taste of Ehime’s regional character.
Later, take a scenic tram ride to Matsuyama Castle, ascending by cable car before a short walk to the castle grounds. From the top, enjoy panoramic views across the city and surrounding landscape. Return to your hotel by tram in the early evening, with time to unwind and enjoy the onsen.
Day 5
Matsuyama
Today is free for you to explore on your own. It’s a great day to get active and you could choose to add either:
A stunning cycling tour along the Shimanami Trail
or
Walk a section of the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail
Day 6:
Matsuyama to Beppu
This morning, travel by private vehicle to Uchiko, a beautifully preserved town known for its traditional merchant houses and relaxed rural atmosphere. Enjoy time to stroll the historic streets before stopping for an early, casual lunch.
Continue on to Yawatahama, where you’ll board a scenic ferry across the Seto Inland Sea. The crossing offers a peaceful change of pace and a chance to take in coastal views as you journey from Shikoku to Kyushu.
On arrival in Beppu, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the evening is yours to unwind before enjoying dinner at the hotel, a welcome introduction to Beppu’s onsen-town hospitality.
Day 7:
Beppu
Today offers a deeper look into Beppu’s geothermal culture, with time to explore the Kannawa area and its unique relationship with hot springs. For those interested, there is an optional walking tour, including a steam-cooking experience, where local ingredients are prepared using natural geothermal heat (additional cost).
Later, enjoy a traditional steam bath experience, a relaxing and distinctly local way to unwind. Return to the hotel to refresh before meeting your guide in the evening for a guided foodie walk, introducing Beppu’s local dining scene and flavours. After dinner, return to the hotel for the night.
Please note there are some independent transport costs on this day.
Day 8:
Beppu to Fukuoka
Meet your guide this morning and enjoy a sand bath experience at Shōnin Park, a traditional Beppu ritual where naturally heated sand gently warms the body.
From here, travel by rapid bus to Yufuin, a picturesque town set against a mountain backdrop. Enjoy lunch in Yufuin before spending the afternoon exploring at your own pace, wander Yunotsubo Street, browse small galleries and cafés, and stroll around the tranquil Kinrin Lake.
Later in the afternoon, continue onward by train to Fukuoka. On arrival, make your own way to the hotel and settle in for the evening.
Please note there are some independent transport costs on this day.
Day 9:
Fukuoka
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Fukuoka, with time to explore at your own pace before departure. You may choose to wander the neighbourhood around Hakata, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or enjoy one final meal in a city renowned for its food culture.
At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport for your onward journey, bringing this richly varied exploration of Japan to a close.
Pricing
We can also assist with international airfares, travel insurance and pre and post tour accommodation or trip extensions.
For a full breakdown of the package, including guided & self guided elements, please contact us.
Pricing Per Person From $4,195pp twin share
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts & 2 dinners
- x2 food tours in Kyoto & Beppu
- Guided Kyoto ebike experience
- Matsuyama Castle visit
- Steam bath experience
- Sand bath experience at Shonin Park
- English-speaking guide where specified
- Private vehicle transfers and ferry crossing where specified
Handpicked Experiences
Cycle Japan
To learn more about our Cycle experiences, please contact us.
Walking Japan
A pilgrimage through the scenic vistas of the sacred, UNESCO Kii Mountain range.
Spring in Japan
To learn more about our Spring in Japan experiences, please contact us.
Less Travelled Family Japan
This journey blends culture, gentle adventure, and restoration for families seeking a deeper way to experience Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m looking for a custom itinerary and someone to manage my trip. Do you offer traditional travel agent services?
Answer: Absolutely. This is where we started. Planning any sort of travel, particularly international, can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Travel shouldn’t add to any daily stressors! It’s to be enjoyed. And that’s where we come in. Our dedicated team of truly passionate travel experts is here to handle every detail, ensuring your travel is seamless and stress-free. From booking flights and accommodation to organising guided tours, hosts and activities, we take care of everything so you can focus on making memories.
What makes Mind and Body different to traditional travel agents?
Answer: We specialise in meaningful journeys, where we spend time getting to know you and what you really need out of your time away. Going that little bit deeper to truly understand you as a person and as a traveler. To us, there are far more important questions than “where to?” and “how long for?”. Travel is an incredible opportunity to not just see something different, but to feel something different. Better even. Feel revived, refreshed and inspired.
I’m pretty easy, and like what you’re about. Do you have package holidays I can choose from?
Answer: Definitely. We’ve taken our same approach to planning personalised journeys and applied it to creating meaningful pre-arranged packages for you to take you pick. All you have to decide is where (though we can help you with this too). Every element of our package holidays has been carefully selected keeping in mind our purpose for travel – creating experiences to leave you more inspired and feeling well. As well as ensuring the destinations we travel to are cared for as well. Considered approach at every step.
Be Inspired today
Let us plan your Escape
Planning a family adventure can be overwhelming, but with Mind and Body Travel, it doesn’t have to be.
Our dedicated team of travel experts is here to handle every detail, ensuring your Japan Family Adventure is seamless and stress-free. From booking flights and accommodations to organising guided tours and activities, we take care of everything so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
