Land of Fire Tour

Kyushu is considered the cradle of Japanese civilization; several locations featured in our tour are connected with the Japanese creation myths. The island is is also known for its numerous active volcanoes and onsen or hot springs.

The Land of Fire walking tour shows you remote villages with ancient samurai houses in Kyushu; Mount Aso, the world’s largest volcanic caldera featuring some lovely walking and traditional yokagura dances enacting the Japanese creation myth in Takachiho.

Apart from walking, other tour activities include some gentle cycling in the countryside, making aizomeorimono (indigo-dyed fabric) and pottery at Aya, and soaking in a hot sand bath at Kaimondake.

Destinations:
Kyoto - Imperial Japan in a city founded in 794 AD with 17 World Heritage Sites,
Yamanobe-no-michi -
Kuju - Kuju range of volcanoes which include the highest peaks in Kyushu,
Mt Aso - the largest active volcano in Japan, staying in former temple lodgings,
Takachiho - Yokagura traditional dances, picnics in the countryside and, natural hot spring baths,
Obi - Try Japanese pottery, weaving, and aizomeorimono (indigo-dyed fabric) and well-preserved samurai houses,
Kagoshima - Sangen-en, villa and gardens of the Shimazu-clan with free time to explore,
Yakushima - a beautiful island off the southern coast of Kyushu,
Hiroshima - site of the first atomic bombing but now a vibrant city, and
Osaka - the merchant capital of Japan.

Land of Fire is a 15-day walking tour leading from Imperial Kyoto – Samurai houses and castle at Obi – Traditional Yokagura dances at Takachiho – Yakushima Island UNESCO World Heritage site - Hot sand baths on the beach – Hiroshima - Accommodation in traditional ryokan – natural hot spring baths – gentle walks along country paths - Osaka

The price is US$ 4,600 per person, including all transportation between destinations, accommodations, full time tour guide, all breakfasts, and 10 evening meals. Other meals are not included for variety sake.

I hope the above has peaked your interest in this tour. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for a tour please Contact Us.

Day 1 – Kyoto - (Western Hotel)
Arrive at Kansai International Airport, meet your tour leader, and transfer to Kyoto. There will be a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the centre of the city.

Day 2 - Kyoto - (Western Hotel)
A full day to discover the ancient capital of Kyoto. We begin with a walk along the Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji Temple and then continue to Nijo Castle, originally the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa Shoguns in the 17th century.

Day 3 – Yamanobe-no-michi
We take a short train ride from Kyoto to Tenri shrine near Nara, and then walk along the ‘Yamanobe-no-michi’, literally the ‘path beside the mountain’. This leads between small villages and farming land along the edge of the Yamato Plain where it meets low hills. The path is mostly level with a few slopes. In the evening we take an overnight ferry (1st class cabin) for the journey through the Seto Inland Sea to Beppu, on the southern island of Kyushu.

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 – Mount Aso to Takahicho
Easy walking south of Mount Aso, and by bus to the town of Takachiho

Day 6 – Takachiho
Walking in Takachiho gorge and town, Yokagura traditional dances, and leisurely cycling and picnics in the countryside nearby, natural hot spring baths.

Day 7 – Obi
By train along the Miyazaki coast to Obi, with its old houses and former castle of the Ito lords.

Day 8 - Kagoshima
We transfer to the city of Kagoshima, on the lovely Kagoshima bay. Visit the Sengen-en garden, with its famous 'borrowed scenery' from the nearby Mount Sakurajima volcano. Overnight at city centre hotel.

Day 9 - Hot Sand Baths
Walk along the sandy beaches of the Sastuma peninsula south of Kagoshima, and get 'buried' in hot volcanic sand on the beach!

Day 10, 11 & 12 - Yakushima
Three days on the island of Yakushima, south of Kyushu. This UNESCO World Heritage site has some stuning walks in the interior forest, with many endemic species (deer, monkeys) and the famous Yakusugi, a type of Japanese cedar tree that are some of the largest trees in the world.

Day 13 - Hiroshima
Leave Yakushima and ride the bullet train to Hiroshima.

Day 14 - Osaka
A morning of sightseeing in Hiroshima and then a short train ride to Osaka for your last night and farewell dinner.

Day 15 - Tour Endds
Your tour ends this morning, and you can depart from the nearby Kansai Airport, or stay for a few days longer.

Tour Accommodation
Throughout the tour you will have a chance to stay at a mountain lodge, a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), and Western style hotels. By carefully choosing such a variety of accommodations, Japan Roads aims to give you a deeper insight into life in Japan. The intimate accommodation will allow you to have close personal contact with the owners and staff of these places. 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 gender). Facilities vary by location, and some of the minshuku and ryokan do not have en suite bathrooms.

Cuisine:
To make sure you get the most of your Japan experience, Japan Road tours offer a wide variety of Japanese cuisine to enjoy. You will have the chance to eat local specialties in small Japanese diners and sample some of the more 'refined' Japanese cuisine. 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.