Example Itinerary

A Japanese Adventure: Volcanos, Valleys, Shrines, & Spas

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Wellbeing, Post-Covid Wellness, National Parks
Destinations
Japan

How can you hit the city, the coast, the volcano and the valley in just two weeks? With this carefully-curated two-week Japan itinerary focused on the remote areas of Kyushu and Shikoku, it’s more than possible. Your trip will start and end in bustling Osaka, and bring you to the Natural World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island, the  Takachiho Gorge and Shrine, Mount Aso, an active volcano, and the incredible landscape of the Iya Valley. From city nights to mountain treks, you’ll experience the cultural charm and natural beauty of remote Japan, without surrendering luxury! 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Spirituality: Explore Mikurodo Cave, a significant Buddhist site where Kukai the monk attained enlightenment.
  • Iya Valley: The majestic Iya Valley is known for its steep, forested slopes, vine bridges and thatched-roof farmhouses.
  • Natural Heritage: Some of the oldest trees in the world can be found in Kirishima-Yaku National Park - a testament to Japan's immense respect for nature.
  • Mount Aso: Ride an aerial tramway up Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest in the world.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Osaka

Your exciting Japanese adventure begins in the cosmopolitan city of Osaka, home to 19 million people. You will arrive in the afternoon and be transferred to your hotel where you may rest for the evening or refresh yourself for a night on the town.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated in the heart of Kita, one of Osaka's two main city centers, there is no shortage of tourist attractions, shopping destinations, and sights to see that are all easily accessible from the Conrad Osaka.

Dining: Osaka has a reputation as a city of foodies, and the dining options at the Conrad Osaka live up to this reputation with everything from traditional Japanese dishes to cloud-like gourmet cakes available.

Comfort: Beds are comfortable and inviting, bathrooms come with indulgent bathtubs and luxury amenities, and the expansive views set one’s mind at ease.

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Conrad Osaka Preferred Hotel
About

In the heart of Osaka's Midosuji area lies the St. Regis Osaka, an elegant five-star hotel composed of 160 guest rooms and suites over 12 categories.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

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Yakushima Island

After an optional morning tour of Osaka, you will fly to Yakushima Island, located off the southern tip of the mainland. Settle into the Sankara Hotel & Spa and soak up the sea views before enjoying a local-style dinner.

Hotel Options
About

Yakushima Island, on the southernmost tip of Japan’s toes, is a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Nestled between its mountains and cedar forests, still within close proximity of the ocean, is the Sankara Hotel & Spa.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Yakushima Island
Yakushima Island

Day 3

Map

Yakushima Island

Spend the day touring the incredible Yakushima Island, most of which is covered by the Kirishima-Yaku National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rainforest, where you will see some of the oldest trees in the world, as well as a wide array of flora and fauna.

Day 4

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Yakushima Island

Enjoy one more day on Yakushima Island: today, you’ll hike through the rainforest - designated a Natural World Heritage Site – and view an incredible waterfall up-close before returning to the Sankara Hotel & Spa for one more night.

Day 5

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Kurokawa

After a free morning to soak up the island, you’ll leave Yakushima and fly to Fukuoka, where you’ll be picked up and transferred to Kurokawa Onsen, a town best-known for its incredible natural hot springs. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the town before relaxing for the night at a local guesthouse.

Hotel Options
About

This cozy, homey hotel feels almost like a private residence - with only eight rooms, it possesses an intimate atmosphere that blends perfectly with the serene natural surroundings. Each room has its own private hot spring bath attached.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located in a secluded forest along a mountain stream, Ryokan Sanga is the perfect getaway for travelers looking for peace and relaxation. Featuring 16 traditional Japanese-style rooms, each accommodation is equipped with tatami flooring, a low table and chairs, a flat-screen TV and a mini kitchenette.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This ryokan sits on an expansive property 32 acres wide, on which bamboo groves grow amidst many varieties of lush greenery. A natural hot spring makes up its centerpiece, which boasts healing waters for guests to enjoy.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kurokawa
Kurokawa

Day 6

Map

Kurokawa

Today, enjoy a day of touring local sites, including the Takachiho Gorge, an incredible natural landscape formed by volcanic lava, the Takachiho Shrine, an ancient Shinto shrine, and Kunimi Hill, the perfect spot for mid-afternoon hike. After your full day, you’ll return to your guesthouse to relax for the evening, ahead of the second-half of your journey.

Day 7

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Kurokawa

For a full day excursion, you’ll head to Mount Aso, an active volcano. If available, board the aerial tramway to ascend to the incredible volcanic vent viewing spot and take in panoramic views from several different hiking trails. If the tram is deactivated due to volcanic activity, embark on a half day hike to the cusp of the vent or visit the Kurokawa hot spring for a dip in a volcanic onsen. 

Day 8

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Uwajima

This morning, you’ll drive to the city of Beppu, located 2 hours away in Oita Prefecture,and visit Beppu’s Eight Hells – multicolored volcanic pits filled with boiling water and mud with menacing names like Blood Pond Hell and Shaven Monkey’s Head Hell. From Beppu, you’ll enjoy a ferry ride to the city of Uwajima, where you will check into a local ryokan and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Hotel Options
About

This traditional Japanese-style ryokan in Uwajima is a beautifully presented two-story wooden building providing comfortable accommodation, delicious local cuisine and luxurious natural hot spring baths. After closing in 1995, it was left untouched for several years before being brought back to life in the spring of 2012, thanks to a makeover by the famous Japanese architect Yuko Nakayama.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Uwajima
Uwajima

Day 9

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Uwajima

Spend the morning exploring Uwajima, from the Warei Shrine to the Date Museum, the Uwajima Castle to the Doi Pearls. After lunch, take a hike along the coast for beautiful views. If the dates line up, you may be able to see a bullfighting event before spending an evening under the twinkling lights of the city.

Day 10

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Muroto

After a leisurely morning, you’ll drive 4.5 hours to the small city of Muroto. Check into the luxurious Hoshino UTOCO Auberge & Spa, settle in to your new surroundings, and enjoy your evening overlooking the ocean from the expansive patio.

Hotel Options
About

On the very tip of Muroto in Kochi, surrounded by the rugged and dramatic landscape on the very edge of the ‘black sea’,  the UTOCO Auberge is a truly unique retreat. The super-modern resort resembles a sleek, white, circular spaceship, amidst the craggy rocks of Muroto geopark and its mysterious caves.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Muroto
Muroto

Day 11

Map

Muroto

This morning you’ll explore Muroto, visiting tourist destinations such as the Ransho Promenade and Global Geopark. You’ll also venture to the Mikurodo Cave, famous for being the place where the revered Buddhist monk Kukai became enlightened. End the day with a bang by taking a thrilling hike along the coast before returning to your luxury hotel.

Day 12

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Iya Valley

Today, you’ll spend a full day touring: first driving to Iya Valley, deep between the mountains of the Tokushima Prefecture. Here, you’ll board a cable car to ascend into the mountains for some hiking before retiring to the Iya Onsen Hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Hotel Options
About

The unexplored beauty of Iya Valley attracts intrepid visitors with its green terraces and soaring mountains dotted with rural hamlets. Nature has protected this small corner of Shikoku Island and it remains largely untouched.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

Map

Iya Valley

After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore Iya Valley: trek through the incredible landscape, over historic vine bridges and traditional mountainside villages for a true glimpse into valley life. Return to the Iya Onsen Hotel for your last night.

Iya Valley
Iya Valley

Day 14

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Departure

Today, your Japanese adventure comes to an end – but not before one last bout of sightseeing. You’ll drive to Takamatsu where you can squeeze in a visit to the Ritsurin Garden & Tea House and the Yashima-ji temple, and perhaps even a hike in Shikoku Mura Park. Afterward, you’ll board a train for Osaka, where you’ll catch your flight home or onto your next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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