Southern Japan Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Southern Japan tour packages
- What people love about Southern Japan Tours
- Travel Southern Japan your way
- Best tour companies for Southern Japan tours
- Popular Southern Japan Cruise Ships
- Discover Southern Japan tours for every budget
- Southern Japan tours for every type of group
- Top Southern Japan travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern Japan
- Contact our Southern Japan travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern Japan Tours & Trips
The best Southern Japan tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern Japan travel expert at TourRadar
Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima 2025-2026
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour, covering key cities and highlights. Good hotels, lovely food and a great guide.”
margaret, traveled in April
Duration 10 days Destinations Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tomato Travel From
- NZ$4,091+$668 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Unzen, Hiroshima, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,350
25% Off- NZ$2,512You save $838
Tokyo's Shibuya district marks the start of this cultural adventure to Osaka's vibrant streets. A Shibuya food tour and historic site visits via hop-on-hop-off buses showcase local life.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,349
Japan Express
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The choices of cities was fantastic, and there was a lot of interesting places to see.”
William, traveled in May
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,000
20% Off- NZ$3,200You save $800
The spiritual essence of Shikoku unfolds through undeveloped landscapes, connecting 88 Buddhist temples. The path leads from Temple 1 Ryozen-ji to Temple 62 Hoju-ji, with stays at authentic Shukubo lodgings and Dogo Onsen ryokans. Traditional vegetarian cuisine and sacred morning rituals enhance the experience.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kotohira, Matsuyama Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% Off- NZ$7,325
What people love about Southern Japan Tours
- Japan: Castles & Cuisine
Izumi was the perfect CEO! She went above and beyond to make the tour the perfect experience.
- Contrasts of Japan end Tokyo
Tokyo leg very fast. It was very hot too. All party taken to ‘photo opportunity of tower’. Could have had meeting point and those that wanted photo take walk. Food at restaurant on Sunday was very poor. Need to change venue!! Guide in Tokyo mediocre. Lady on bus tour excellent. Francesco on tour excellent. Ken was fantastic. Lots of information. Good to have ‘free time’ to do things at own pace. Overall thought tour was well designed and varied but fast pace. Many thanks.
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
Overall the tour was good. The first day was a little rocky due to both me meeting up after spending a few prior days in Tokyo and also most of the group at that time was Spanish speaking. This resulted in the tour guides for that first day trying their best to remember to translate to English but missing the mark at some points. The rest of the tour after we split into English and Spanish speaking groups was good. The main guide for the tour, Rei was very knowledgeable regarding Japanese history and mythology which kept the tour interesting. He was fun to talk to and a great guide overall. There were a few opinions he shared which even though I did not mind, it did bother some of the other tourists in our group. I'm glad I booked this tour, it covered a lot of the main areas of Japan one should visit for a first trip and the main tour guide made the tour great as well.
Travel Southern Japan your way
For those seeking to really discover southern Japan, several explorer-focused tours stand out based on our travelers' experiences. The most popular route starts in Tokyo before heading south, spending time in both Osaka and Kyoto while mixing major sites with local experiences. Our customers particularly love the temple stay in Koyasan where you'll join morning prayers and try traditional vegetarian cuisine prepared by monks. Another excellent option focuses on Kyushu island, starting in Fukuoka and including overnight stays in rural towns - past travelers highlight the authentic local interactions and peaceful countryside settings. The routes through Shikoku offer a perfect blend of coastal views and mountain trails, with many tours including stays in traditional ryokans and visits to craft workshops where you can try paper-making and other traditional arts.
Select from our extensive range of 81 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Southern Japan with our expert guides leading the way.
Cultural immersion opportunities abound through well-crafted tours in southern Japan, starting with an overnight stay at Mount Koya's temples, where you'll join morning prayers and sample Buddhist vegetarian dishes crafted by the monks themselves. Our travelers especially connect with the Kyoto experiences, which include intimate tea ceremonies in Gion, personal calligraphy workshops, and also guided explorations of tucked-away temples. Tokyo shifts focus to hands-on activities - you'll learn sushi preparation from skilled chefs, visit Tsukiji fish market with local experts and join food walks through Shibuya's hidden streets, where our veteran guide Jane shares the stories woven into each local specialty. The 14-day itineraries open up space for discovering rural craftsmanship, with stops at pottery studios, paper-making workshops and also sword-forging demonstrations. These cultural journeys stand out by weaving together major landmarks with genuine local encounters - exploring renowned temples while meeting artisans, staying at family ryokans and learning regional customs from community elders who've practiced them for generations.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Southern Japan. We have 58 adventures that vary from 3 days to 19 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southern Japan tours
Based on the tour reviews, Intrepid Travel's Japan Express stands out for giving travelers what they actually want - a good mix of guided experiences and free time to explore on their own. TruTravels has some strong points with their Philippines programs and guide Marion knows her stuff in Japan, but customers mention feeling a bit restricted by the fixed schedule and having to rely too much on public transport. Europamundo sits somewhere in the middle - David Munoz and Francisco get high marks as guides and their itineraries are solid, but the "Wonders of Japan End Osaka" tour moves too quickly through destinations. The food quality isn't consistent either, which is particularly tough for vegetarian travelers who already have limited options.What's interesting is how the flexibility factor keeps coming up in reviews. Our travelers clearly value having some independence built into their schedules, which might explain why Intrepid's more balanced approach resonates well. They've figured out that sweet spot between structure and freedom that many Japan visitors are looking for.
View operators
Popular Southern Japan Cruise Ships
Discover Southern Japan tours for every budget
For budget-conscious travelers exploring southern Japan, several well-organized tours stand out. The most popular 8-day routes include express train rides between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with hop-on-hop-off bus passes in each city. Our customers particularly love the Shibuya food tours where local guides take you to hidden spots for regional specialties and also traditional desserts. While accommodation tends to be simple, locations are well-chosen near transport hubs. These tours work best for independent travelers who don't mind navigating between included activities. Many guests mention enjoying the flexibility to explore at their own pace while having key transport and activities pre-arranged.Our luxury tours through southern Japan blend exceptional stays with unique local access. Travelers love the Park Prince Tower Hotel in Tokyo and the Chinzanso's traditional gardens - you'll often see guests spending extra time photographing the seasonal changes. Local horticulture experts guide private garden tours, sharing stories about design principles and plant symbolism. The routes mix famous spots with hidden gems: private tea ceremonies in Kyoto's Gion district with maiko, exclusive evening access to Naoshima's art installations and also nights at ryokans where kaiseki dinners showcase regional specialties. It's particularly good for travelers wanting deeper cultural insights with expert guidance.
Southern Japan budget tours
Southern Japan tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
107 tours in Southern JapanExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern Japan. We have 107 adventures that vary from 3 days to 26 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
63 tours in Southern JapanThe most effective small-group tours of southern Japan run for 11 or 12 days, giving you time to truly explore the region's depth. Popular routes begin in Tokyo before flowing south to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond, where morning activities like sushi-making classes and meditation sessions help our guests connect with local traditions. Many of our travelers mention how much they appreciate the intimate group sizes, which allow them to join temple stays, practice calligraphy, and participate in traditional cooking workshops. The Kyushu island circuit spans 12 days, taking visitors through quieter corners like Usuki's historic sake breweries, the distinctive hot spring dining of Beppu, and also the dramatic terrain near Mount Aso. For those traveling with children, the Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto route mixes cultural elements with engaging activities - from baseball batting cages to modern digital art spaces and traditional clothing experiences. What sets these journeys apart is their smart scheduling, combining guided morning activities with independent afternoon exploration, while maintaining small enough numbers to access authentic local experiences that larger groups simply cannot manage.
Private / Personalized
51 tours in Southern JapanPrivate tours offer complete flexibility while maintaining professional guidance throughout southern Japan. Popular routes include customized days in Tokyo where you'll learn sushi-making from master chefs, explore the Tsukiji fish market and also join food tours through local neighborhoods. In Kyoto, private guides take you through the backstreets of Gion, explaining the history of geisha culture and traditional arts. Many tours include a dedicated driver for countryside exploration, letting you visit remote temples, craft workshops and also rural villages at your own pace. Our travelers especially value the ability to adjust schedules based on interests while having consistent expert support.
Top Southern Japan travel itineraries to fit your plans
The week-long southern Japan tours really shine when exploring Kyushu's lesser-known spots. You'll hop on trains from Osaka down to Beppu, where you can actually cook your own food using natural hot springs - it's pretty unique. Our customers keep telling us how much they love exploring Yufuin, this lovely little town where you can wander through craft villages and soak in mineral-rich onsen baths. The trip takes you on to Fukuoka, and the food there is something else - especially the local Hakata ramen you'll find in busy market streets. If you're looking to see a different side of Japan away from the usual spots, these tours hit the mark. Getting around is easy with the rail passes and you've got plenty of time to explore on your own terms.
The 10-day Japan routes give you a solid mix of the must-sees and local experiences. Whether you start in Tokyo or Osaka, you'll cover spots like Mount Fuji - our travelers particularly love taking in the views from the 5th station and cruising on Lake Ashi. Kyoto's really special; you'll visit UNESCO sites and get hands-on with local culture. The tea ceremonies and walks in the bamboo forests are always highlights according to past guests. You'll spend meaningful time at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and see Miyajima's torii gate floating on the water. Some trips mix in cool extras like sake tasting in Himeji or food tours through Osaka's lively streets. It's perfect if you're visiting Japan for the first time and want to see the main sites while still discovering some hidden spots.
Having two full weeks lets you really get under the skin of southern Japan's culture. Sure, you'll spend good time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but it's often the smaller places that stick with people longest. The overnight temple stay at Mount Koya is a real highlight - our travelers love joining morning prayers and trying authentic Buddhist vegetarian meals. Art lovers get proper time to explore Naoshima Island with its galleries and outdoor art pieces scattered around. Some routes head into Shimane prefecture where Japan's oldest castle stands surrounded by beautiful gardens. You get a nice balance of guided activities and free time, which works well if you like exploring independently but still want local knowledge for those deeper cultural experiences.
Demographics
Solo travelers find great satisfaction in our compact Japanese adventures, particularly the 6-day express routes combining Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. These tours excel at mixing guided experiences with free time - perfect for meeting other travelers while maintaining independence. You'll join group activities like exploring Kyoto's temples and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, then have evenings free to discover local food scenes. Many solo guests highlight the practical aspects: hotels are well-located near transport hubs, local guides help navigate train systems and also fellow travelers often team up for optional activities. The tours include enough structure to feel supported while leaving room for personal exploration.Couples seeking romantic Japanese experiences favor our multi-city southern routes combining cultural depth with memorable moments. The itineraries blend peaceful temple visits, like watching sunrise prayers at Mount Koya, with active adventures such as cycling through Hiroshima's historic districts. Many couples mention loving the mix of traditional and modern: you'll explore ancient shrines, wander through bamboo forests and also experience the energy of Osaka's food markets. The accommodations are particularly well-chosen, mixing city hotels with traditional ryokans where you can enjoy private onsen baths and kaiseki dinners. These tours work especially well for pairs wanting to share unique experiences while having logistics handled professionally.Our younger travelers love the energy of these Japanese tours - they're packed with both cultural experiences and city life. You'll learn proper sake brewing from experts, cook with local chefs and dive into anime culture in Akihabara. The pace keeps things interesting: one day you're walking Kyoto's hidden streets, the next you're hiking mountain paths or biking between islands on the inland sea. We've got the schedule figured out nicely - guided activities in the morning leave your afternoons open to check out cool neighborhoods, try street food or shop in fashion districts. You'll sleep in a mix of old-school ryokans and modern hotels, getting the full Japanese experience.Our older travelers really connect with the southern Japan tours that give you time to take it all in. There's no rushing through Kyoto's temples - you get proper time to explore, enjoy quiet gardens and learn about tea ceremonies from local hosts. People who've taken these tours tell us they love finding places that aren't in guidebooks, like small pottery studios and family kitchens where you can learn traditional cooking. While there's plenty of walking involved, we've planned everything smartly - hotels are in convenient spots, we handle your luggage separately and your guide knows all the best shortcuts and alternatives. It's perfect if you want to dig deep into Japanese culture with someone handling all the details.For families exploring southern Japan, several tours stand out for their blend of education and entertainment. Our travelers particularly praise the 12-day routes that include hands-on experiences like sushi-making classes with master chefs and calligraphy lessons from Japanese masters. Parents appreciate how the tours balance cultural immersion with fun activities - think baseball batting cages in Tokyo and feeding deer in Nara Park. The itineraries include plenty of variety: you'll ride pirate ships across Lake Ashi, take cable cars with views of Mount Fuji and also explore teamLab's digital art installations. Many families mention loving the traditional ryokan stays where kids can experience Japanese futons and onsen baths. Just note these tours involve considerable walking, so they work best for families with children who can handle active days.
- Solo Travelers110 tours
- Couples120 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)9 tours
- Seniors (50+)44 tours
Best time to visit Southern Japan
- Fall / Autumn 2025
The autumn colors really transform southern Japan's temple gardens and mountain paths - it's when our cultural tours work best. The routes through Kyoto combine visits to the golden pavilions with peaceful walks in Arashiyama's red maple groves. Our clients love starting their days at Takayama's markets, where fall brings an amazing variety of local harvests. You can then use these seasonal ingredients in traditional cooking workshops. The longer trips head out to the quieter Inland Sea islands once the summer crowds leave and the weather cools down. Many tours include nights at traditional inns where you'll try local delicacies like matsutake mushrooms, fresh fish and also seasonal vegetables. Walking tours through Kyoto's temple areas are particularly nice in fall - the expert guides explain the garden designs while you take photos of the colorful leaves.
- 74 tours
- popular 108 tours
- 106 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours through southern Japan offer unique experiences and good value, with fewer tourists at major sites. Several well-planned routes combine cultural highlights with seasonal specialties. The longer 12-14 day tours let you explore at a comfortable pace, using heated trains between cities and warm onsens to counter the cold. Our travelers particularly enjoy the morning fish markets in Tokyo when winter brings the best tuna, followed by hands-on sushi making classes with expert chefs. The temple stays in Mount Koya become extra special in winter - you'll join monks for morning prayers while snow blankets the ancient cemetery paths. Some tours focus on urban exploration with cozy stops at specialty coffee shops and local izakayas, while others head into the countryside where you'll soak in outdoor hot springs with views of snow-capped Mount Fuji.
- 78 tours
- 64 tours
- popular 89 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours through Japan's southern regions blend cultural immersion with perfect timing for cherry blossom season. Our travelers tell us they love experiencing traditional temple stays at Mount Koya, hands-on sushi classes in Tokyo, and also intimate tea ceremonies in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Tours running 12-14 days give you space to absorb both famous landmarks and lesser-known gems at an unhurried pace, where you'll start your mornings meditating with monks, wander through Naoshima's art installations, and also pedal along peaceful countryside paths. Many spring departures include extras like guided walks through Ritsurin's Edo-period gardens, plus exclusive evening visits to temples when cherry blossoms glow under night lighting. Family itineraries weave in master-led calligraphy sessions and teamLab's digital art spaces, while cultural-focused departures highlight traditional performances and artisan workshops. These spring routes stand out for their thoughtful balance, mixing scheduled activities with time to explore places like Arashiyama's bamboo groves or join local guides through Osaka's bustling market streets.
- popular 117 tours
- 97 tours
- 101 tours
- Summer 2026
The summer tours through southern Japan blend smart ways to stay cool while discovering the region's best spots. Our family trips mix digital art museums, traditional cooking classes and also early morning temple visits before the heat kicks in. E-bikes make the cycling routes a breeze even in warm weather, as you pedal past fragrant citrus groves and along breezy coastal paths. The tours strike a nice balance between cultural sites and natural escapes, with morning bamboo forest walks, afternoon museum visits and also peaceful garden strolls. Traditional accommodations earn particular praise from our guests, especially those featuring private onsen baths for post-activity soaking. While summer temperatures can climb high, our guides adapt the schedule to hit outdoor locations in cooler hours and seamlessly integrate indoor experiences. The Kyushu routes work especially well in warmer months, combining refreshing mountain spots like Takachiho Gorge with urban explorations through Fukuoka's covered shopping streets, local markets and also air-conditioned galleries.
- 86 tours
- popular 88 tours
- 84 tours
Contact our Southern Japan travel experts
Rebecca
Expert in Southern Japan at TourRadar
Rebecca is one of our seasoned Southern Japan Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern Japan tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern Japan Tours & Trips
What can I try food-wise in Southern Japan and where should I go?
You'll find amazing regional dishes all across Southern Japan's prefectures. In Fukuoka you've got to try the Hakata ramen - head to the Yatai food stalls near Canal City where Nagahama No.1 serves it 24/7. Kumamoto does this fantastic ramen with garlic chips and black mayu oil and Kokutei near the castle really nails it. When you're in Nagasaki check out Chinatown where champon noodles blend Chinese and Japanese flavors perfectly - make sure to visit Shikairo they actually invented the dish. For serious sake lovers Dassai Brewery in Yamaguchi does exclusive tastings of their incredible 23% polished rice sake. Oh and don't skip the black eggs at Owakudani Valley locals swear eating one adds 7 years to your life just don't have more than two they're pretty high in sulfur.
What natural areas should I explore outside the cities and how do I get there?
Aso-Kuju National Park is absolutely stunning it spreads across 72678 hectares in Kumamoto and Oita you can get there easily on the JR Hohi Line to Aso Station. Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for amazing fall colors. Takachiho Gorge lets you rent rowboats under these incredible 80-meter basalt cliffs but go early to avoid the crowds. If you're up for something special take the ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima Island - 2 hours by hydrofoil or 4 on the regular ferry to see thousand-year-old cedars that inspired Princess Mononoke. The Shiratani Unsuikyo trail takes 3-4 hours and shows you the best of the ancient forest.
What are some hidden gems when it comes to trails and routes and why do people love them?
The Shimanami Kaido is this amazing cycling route connecting six islands with dedicated paths and you can grab e-bikes right at Onomichi Station. If you're looking for something more traditional try the Kohechi route on the Kumano Kodo it's way less crowded than the main pilgrimage trail and takes you through these fantastic remote mountain villages with traditional minshuku stays. The Iya Valley in Tokushima has these incredible vine bridges called kazurabashi that they rebuild every three years using old techniques. You can catch local buses from major stations to reach these spots and the Iya Valley's best accessed from JR Oboke Station. Start Shimanami Kaido early the morning mist over the Seto Inland Sea is absolutely worth it.
Which places are actually worth visiting even though they're not super touristy?
Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu shows off the best of Edo-period landscaping and they do these beautiful evening light-ups in autumn. Dogo Onsen which inspired Spirited Away has these exclusive Imperial bathing rooms if you book ahead. The Kunisaki Peninsula is incredible with over 60 ancient temples linked by pilgrim trails and at Futagoji Temple you can actually stay overnight in Buddhist lodging. These places stay authentic because they're off the main tourist path but that's what makes them special you get real cultural experiences and unique events like the Kunisaki Art Project in fall.
How do I get around Southern Japan what's running when and where?
The Shinkansen runs all the way to Kagoshima with Sakura trains every 30 minutes at peak times super convenient. You'll love the JR Hisatsu Orange Railway along Kyushu's coast they run these cool historic trains with huge windows. Local buses are everywhere and the Miyazaki Kotsu Bus Pass gives you 3 days of unlimited travel pretty good deal. Renting a car makes sense especially on Kyushu's east coast where trains are limited. Ferries run between major ports every couple hours during the day and the Naoshima Ferry is actually decorated with art. Most places take IC cards SUGOCA works pretty much everywhere in the region.