Discover · YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
South Japan Express
Discover southern Japan on a 6-day guided tour through Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Matsuyama, Takamatsu and Kobe. Explore magnificent Japanese castles, peaceful gardens, historic temples, traditional hot springs and spectacular coastal scenery. Enjoy ferry journeys between Japan's beautiful islands and experience the country's fascinating culture and history with South Japan Express.
Osaka → OsakaOsaka – Himeji – Okayama – Kurashiki – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Matsuyama – Kotohira – Takamatsu – Naruto – Kobe – Osaka
A CLOSER LOOK
Your journey, at a glance.
Experience the beauty of southern Japan with the South Japan Express, a fascinating 6-day journey through historic cities, traditional temples, spectacular gardens and breathtaking island landscapes.
Starting and ending in Osaka, this guided tour takes you to some of Japan’s most remarkable destinations. Discover the magnificent Himeji Castle, stroll through the beautiful Korakuen and Ritsurin gardens, and explore the charming historic streets of Kurashiki.
Continue to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum before crossing the sea to Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic Great Torii Gate. Travel by ferry to Shikoku Island and discover Matsuyama Castle, the beautiful Ishiteji Buddhist temple and the historic Dogo Onsen hot spring.
The journey continues through Kotohira, Takamatsu and Naruto, where you can admire spectacular sea views and the famous whirlpools beneath the Naruto Bridge. Finish your Japanese adventure in Kobe before returning to Osaka.
The South Japan Express combines cultural discoveries, historic landmarks, island crossings and unforgettable scenery, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want to explore a different side of Japan.
DAY BY DAY
Moments along the way.
01DAY 1Arrival in Osaka+
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Osaka, enjoy your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon, you will receive information about the beginning of your tour.
02DAY 2Osaka, Himeji and Okayama+
Depart Osaka and travel towards Himeji, where you will visit the magnificent Himeji Castle complex. Admire its impressive architecture and discover one of Japan's most celebrated historic fortifications. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Okayama. Visit Korakuen Garden, renowned for its lakes, waterfalls, traditional teahouses and beautifully landscaped grounds. You will also have the opportunity to view Okayama Castle from outside. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city.
03DAY 3Kurashiki, Hiroshima and Miyajima+
Begin the day in Kurashiki, a charming historic town famous for its beautifully preserved streets and traditional architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk through its picturesque historic quarter. Continue to Hiroshima, where you will visit Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum. Discover the city's tragic history and inspiring message of peace. Later, take a ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for the magnificent Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima. Enjoy free time to explore the island, visit Itsukushima Shrine and have lunch. Return to Hiroshima in the evening, where dinner is included.
04DAY 4Hiroshima to Matsuyama+
Travel by ferry across the beautiful Seto Inland Sea to Shikoku Island. Enjoy approximately two and a half hours of scenic island and coastal views. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, take a cable car or chairlift to visit the impressive Matsuyama Castle. Continue to Ishiteji Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage destination. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Later, discover Dogo Onsen, a historic Japanese bathhouse dating back to the nineteenth century, where you can experience an important part of traditional Japanese bathing culture.
05DAY 5Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, Naruto and Kobe+
Depart Matsuyama and travel to Kotohira, a picturesque pilgrimage town at the foot of Mount Zozu. Discover its famous staircase of 785 steps leading to Konpira-san Shrine, a historic religious site dedicated to the protection of sailors. Continue to Takamatsu to visit Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful traditional gardens. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, travel to Naruto and discover its impressive bridge crossing the sea. Walk along the glass-floor observation area and admire the famous Naruto whirlpools from approximately 45 metres above the water, depending on tides and operating conditions. Continue along scenic bridges connecting the islands before arriving in Kobe.
06DAY 6Kobe to Osaka – Tour Ends+
After breakfast, visit Kobe's Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to remembering the devastating earthquake of 1995 and highlighting the city's remarkable reconstruction. On certain departures, the museum visit may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or Kobe Tower. Continue to Osaka, arriving at approximately 11:15 a.m. Your South Japan Express journey comes to an end, leaving you with wonderful memories of Japan's southern islands, historic landmarks and cultural experiences.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The details that matter.
Included
- 5 nights of hotel accommodation according to the itinerary.
- Arrival transfer to the hotel in Osaka.
- Transportation by scheduled tour vehicle.
- Ferry crossing from Hiroshima to Matsuyama.
- Ferry crossing to Miyajima Island.
- Admission to Himeji Castle.
- Visit to Korakuen Garden.
- Admission to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
- Admission to Dogo Onsen.
- Cable car or chairlift to Matsuyama Castle.
- Visit to Ishiteji Buddhist Temple.
- Visit to Ritsurin Garden.
- Visit to Naruto Bridge and its glass-floor observation area.
- Visit to Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum, subject to operational changes.
- Included lunch in Himeji.
- Included dinner in Hiroshima.
- Included lunch in Matsuyama.
- Included lunch in Takamatsu.
- Professional tour guide services according to the departure.
Not included
- International flights to and from Japan.
- Departure transfer from Osaka hotel to the airport.
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned as included.
- Personal expenses and shopping.
- Travel insurance unless separately purchased.
- Visa fees and passport-related expenses.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Additional hotel nights before or after the tour.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Admission to Okayama Castle interior.
- Additional services not specified in the confirmed itinerary.
Good to know
The tour lasts 6 days and starts and ends in Osaka.
Scheduled departures operate on Mondays and Thursdays.
The itinerary includes travel by ferry between Japanese islands.
Accommodation may be in Okayama, Fukuyama or Kurashiki depending on the departure.
The order of visits in Hiroshima may change.
The Naruto whirlpools depend on the tide and operating schedule.
The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum may be replaced by another attraction on certain dates.
The Dogo Onsen experience follows traditional Japanese bathing customs.
Some hot springs may restrict entry for visitors with tattoos.
The tour involves walking and some steep steps.
The final transfer to Osaka airport is not included.
Prices and availability are subject to confirmation.