Day 1:

Kyoto

Arrive Osaka and be transferred to your Kyoto Accommodation. For the next 3 nights you will be staying at one of the beautiful and family friendly Mimaru Hotels with flexible bedding configurations, kitchen facilities and plenty of space for your family.

Day 2

Kyoto

This morning your private guide will meet you at your hotel for a 4 hour orientation and city sights walking tour of stunning Kyoto. From learning how the metro and transport works, core customs and social expectations to be aware of and visting key temples and shirnes, this first day will have your family feeling comfortable and ready to explore more!

Day 3:

Kyoto

This morning you’ll enjoy a family friendly Japaense cooking class, learning to 5 japanese dishes and then enjoy as your lunch! Your afternoon is free to explore Kyoto before tomorrow’s adventure to Matsuyama!

Day 4:

Kyoto to Omishima

Today you will catch the Shinkansen train independently from Kyoto to Onomichi, where you’ll meet the WAKKA team and begin the cycling portion of your journey. Your luggage is transferred ahead to your accommodation, allowing you to ride unencumbered. From Onomichi, enjoy a scenic 40km cycle at a relaxed pace across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea – Mukai-shima, Inno-shima, and Ikuchi-jima – passing coastal views and quiet island communities along the way. The day concludes in Omishima.

Day 5

Omishima to Matsuyama

Begin the day with a self-guided visit to Rabbit Island, a unique and playful experience on Omishima that’s especially memorable for families. From here, continue cycling approximately 35km at a relaxed pace towards Imabari, enjoying coastal scenery and island landscapes along the way. At Imabari Station, meet the WAKKA team before travelling by train to Matsuyama, followed by a short taxi ride to your hotel, where you’ll check in and unwind for the evening.

Day 6:

Matsuyama

Depart the hotel on foot for Matsuyama Castle, reaching the summit by ropeway or lift before enjoying time to explore the grounds and views. From here, travel by tram to the historic Dogo Onsen district, where you’ll wander the shopping arcade, visit Ishiteji Temple, and pause at a local café to sample fresh mandarin juice (drink not included). The day culminates with a traditional bathing experience at Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan’s oldest and most atmospheric bathhouses, before returning to the hotel by tram.

Day 7:

Matsuyama to Beppu

After transferring your luggage, travel by road to the beautifully preserved town of Uchiko, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed stroll and an early lunch. Continue on to Yawatahama Ferry Terminal to board the Uwajima Ferry for a scenic sea crossing to Kyushu. On arrival in Beppu, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel, checking in and settling into Japan’s renowned hot-spring town.

Please note there are some independent transport costs on this day.

Day 8:

Beppu

Depart the hotel by local bus to the Beppu Ropeway, ascending Mt. Tsurumi for sweeping views across Beppu and the surrounding coastline. Descend and travel on to the Kannawa district, where an optional guided walking tour explores Beppu’s famous geothermal “hells,” including a traditional Jigoku-Mushi steamed-cooking lunch. Return to Beppu Station for lunch, before continuing by local bus to Shonin Park for a deeply relaxing sand bath experience. The afternoon concludes with a return to the hotel and time to unwind.

Please note there are some independent transport costs on this day.

Day 9:

Beppu to Osaka

Meet your guide at Beppu Station for an optional Become a Local walking tour, offering an insider’s view of daily life as you stroll downtown streets, meet local craftspeople, and discover places rarely found in guidebooks. An optional hands-on cooking class follows, where you’ll learn to prepare Dango Noodle Soup, a regional Oita speciality. Enjoy free time in Beppu before transferring to the ferry terminal for your overnight Sunflower Ferry, departing Beppu in the evening and marking the final chapter of your journey.

Day 10:

Osaka

Arrive into Osaka in the morning, bringing your family journey through Japan to a gentle close. After days of cycling, cultural discovery, and time to slow down together, this final arrival offers a moment to reflect on shared experiences and memories made, from ancient cities and quiet islands to hot springs and local encounters, before continuing onward or returning home.