Guided walks and treks in Japan :: Land of Fire Kyushu tour

Land of Fire
14 days Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Kyushu

Imperial Kyoto and Nara – Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes – Aya castle and crafts centre – Samurai houses and castle at Obi – Traditional Yokagura dances at Takachiho – Hot sand baths on the beach – Accommodation in traditional ryokan – natural hot spring baths – gentle walks along country paths – Ultra-modern Tokyo

We will travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara, to see two former imperial capitals and repositories of much of Japan's cultural heritage. Our journey will then continue to Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. Kyushu is considered the cradle of Japanese civilization, and several locations connected with the Japanese creation myths feature on our journey. Kyushu is also known for its numerous active volcanoes, and we will explore the Kuju, Aso, and Kirishima ranges. A natural by-product of the volcanoes are 'onsen', or hot springs, and we will enjoy many relaxing dips in their soothing waters. At Kuju the Miyama Kirishima tsutsuji, a variety of Pink Azalea, covers the mountainsides forming a lovely backdrop for our remote natural hot spring lodge. Mount Aso, the world’s largest volcanic caldera with some lovely walking comes next. At Takachiho, the yokagura dances performed at the shrine enact the Japanese creation myth. After some gentle cycling in the countryside, we will try our hand at aizomeorimono (indigo-dyed fabric) and pottery at Aya, a lovely farming town. Following a visit to the samurai houses of Obi, our journey continues to the Kirishima volcanoes for some thrilling
walking. At Kagoshima we will visit the Iso tei-en gardens and take the ferry to Mount Sakurajima.
We will enjoy a hot sand bath near Kaimondake before flying back to Tokyo.

Walking Level: easy/moderate

There will be easy to moderate level walking and hiking on 6 days out of the 14 days of this trip. Walks will range from 1 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some moderate ascents.

Note: For those not wishing to walk, we will be happy to make alternative arrangements. Please contact us for details.

Day 1 Meet in Tokyo

Meet at Narita International Airport and transfer by train to Tokyo. Evening welcome meal. Overnight city-centre hotel.

Day 2 Bullet train to Kyoto

By Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, followed by a walking tour to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera temple along the Philosopher's path. Overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan (inn).

Day 3 Kyoto

A full day in Kyoto today. Visit the rock garden at Ryoan-ji and the Arashiyama district on the western edge of the city. Overnight in traditional Japanese ryokan (inn).

Day 4 Kuju

Travel by bullet train and then road to the Kuju range of volcanoes which include the highest peaks in Kyushu. Hike into a secluded hot spring lodge (2.5 hour hike).

Day 5 - 6 Mount Aso

Two days in the Aso area, the largest active volcano in Japan, staying in former temple lodgings.

Day 7 Takachiho

Walking in Takachiho gorge and town, Yokagura traditional dances, and leisurely cycling and picnics in the countryside nearby, natural hot spring baths.

Day 8 Aya

Gentle strolls through small villages and amongst rice fields, visit Aya castle, nearby winery, microbrewery and saké distillery.

Day 9 Aya to Obi

Try Japanese pottery, weaving, and aizomeorimono (indigo-dyed fabric) at Aya International Crafts Centre and then visit the well-preserved samurai houses (17-18th centuries) of Obi.

Day 10 Kirishima

Climb Takachiho-no-mine peak and stroll near the volcanic vents. Natural hot spring bath.

Day 11 Kagoshima

In Kagoshima visit Sangen-en, villa and gardens of the Shimazu clan. Free time in the afternoon to explore Kagoshima.

Day 12 Kaimondake

Samurai houses and gardens of Chiran, open-air natural hot sand baths on Yamakawa Beach. Fly to Tokyo from Kagoshima.

Day 13 Tokyo

A free day to take in the vibrant city of Tokyo. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner.

Day 14 Tokyo

Transfer to Narita International Airport. Tour ends.

When we receive your booking we send you a dossier, which contains a suggested gear and clothing list. If you do have queries at this initial stage do contact us and we will be pleased to offer advice.

TOKYO, KAGOSHIMA : Comfortable, modern, downtown hotels. KYOTO, ASO, TAKACHIHO, AYA, OBI, KIRISHIMA: Traditional Japanese inns (ryokan and minshuku) KUJU: Mountain lodge
Please note that single rooms are normally only available in hotels – where a single room supplement may apply. Single travellers may be asked to share a room (same sex).

Facilities vary by location, and some of the minshuku and ryokan do not have en suite bathrooms.

Breakfasts and 10 evening meals are included. Lunches and evening meals in Fukuoka and Kagoshima are not included for reasons of choice and convenience, but your guide will be available to help with recommendations and ordering.

Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but we cannot make absolute guarantees! Changes to the itinerary will normally be to introduce an improvement. Weather conditions, road and transport conditions, and the health of walkers can all contribute to changes. The guide will ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy-going nature is an asset!

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