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Home -> Walking Tours -> West Japan Explorer

West Japan Explorer
Tour Itinerary Details

West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours

West Japan Explorer is a 15-day walking tour leading from Japan's southern island of Kyushu through Hiroshima and Matsue to Kyoto.

Lion Dance at Izumo Taisha - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours

This tour takes you to Yakushima, a mountainous island covered in ancient Japanese Cedar (sugi) forests. You will also visit the small town of Usuki, famous for its stone Buddhas, and enjoy a hot sand bath in Beppu. Mount Aso, also featured on this tour, is the world’s largest volcanic caldera and is a lovely place for walking.

Leaving Kyushu, the journey continues on to Honshu, the main island of Japan. Here, the tour will take you to famous sites like the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Yakushima - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tourswhich commemorates the destructive atomic bombings of 1945, the remote hot spring village of Kinosaki, and Kyoto, the ancient capital and cultural center of Japan.

By combining major sightseeing destinations, remote and unique hiking spots, and hot spring villages, this walking tour offers you a chance to truly experience Japan's diverse culture and natural beauty. And of course, there will be time to relax, learn a bit about the people and customs of western Japan and sample some delicious local cuisine.

If you have any questions about the West Japan Explorer Tour,
please feel free to Contact Us.

Tour Itinerary Details of the West Japan Explorer Tour.

Izumo Taisha - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours

Dates 2010
November 14 to November 29, 2009

The above dates are subject to change

Price 2010
US$ 4,850 per person.

Tour price includes all domestic transportation, accommodation, entrance and activity fees, guides, meals. Drinks at meals must be purchased separately.

Duration
15 days.

Guidance
Bob first visited Japan more than 30 Years ago. After graduating from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies in 1980, he worked in Japan as an English teacher in state schools for three years. He has spent most of the last fifteen years in the UK working as a Japanese translator and interpreter. After doing a Mountain Leader training course, Bob started to offer tours of Japan. He now spends much of his time guiding small group adventure tours with his network of expert local guides throughout Japan.
Highlights
Kagoshima, hiking on Yakushima, climbing Mount Aso, ancient stone Buddhas in Usuki, Hiroshima Peace Park, Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima, Izumo Grand Shrine, Matsue castle, Kinosaki hot spring town, imperial Kyoto, delicious food (particularly mountain vegetables and local seafood specialties).
Walking Level
Moderate/Vigorous - 5 hiking days.
Mode of Travel
plane, trains ('Shinkansen' bullet train and local trains), ferry, bus and on foot.
Group Size
5 to 9 participants.
Age Restrictions
Participants should be at least 12 years old. Everyone younger than 20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 
Destinations of Your Tour:
Yakushima - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Yakushima - A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, this mountainous island is covered in ancient cedar trees. Deer and monkeys thrive here and the numerous trails crossing the island make Yakushima ideal for hiking.
Kagoshima - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Kagoshima - Dramatically situated on Kagoshima Bay opposite Sakurajima, the city used to be the home of the Shimazu clan, one of the most powerful feudal families in Kyushu. Their lovely villa and gardens is one of the main attractions of the city.
Mt. Aso - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Mount Aso - The world's largest volcanic caldera. Inside the caldera are five volcanic peaks, with one of them, Nakadake, still active and regularly emitting smoke and ash. The rest of the landscape inside the caldera is green and grassy.
Usuki - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Usuki - The coastal town of Usuki is famous for its Buddhist statues. These were carved into rock faces between the 12th and 14th century and are designated National Treasures.
Hiroshima - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours

Hiroshima - This city is widely known for being the first atomic bombing victim in 1945, but it was also an important castle town in times past. Now, it has rebuilt and grown into a bustling metropolis and popular tourist destination.

Matsue - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Matsue- This beautiful town, surrounded by water is best known for its well-preserved castle and its famous former resident, writer/scholar Lafcadio Hearn.
Kinosaki - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Kinosaki - This famous hot spring town offers 7 outdoor hot spring baths. Kinosaki is also known for its delicious crab meals.
Kyoto - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours Kyoto - The former imperial capital of Japan. It is in this city that the Japanese 'high arts' like tea ceremony, calligraphy and poetry flourished.

Tour Accommodation: Accommodation in family-run minshuku, ryokan, hotel.

'Floating' Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

Miyajima as Seen From Isoteien

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.
All meals are included in the tour price.

Tajima Pottery Near Kinosaki - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours

Hiroshima Peace Park - West Japan Explorer Tour - Japan Roads Tours

Tour Guidance: Full time services of a Japanese/English-speaking tour leader.

Tour Itinerary Details of the West Japan Explorer Tour.

West Japan Explorer Tour Map

Map of West Japan Explorer - Japan Roads Walking Tour

The above dates are subject to change.
This 15 day tour begins and ends in Japan.


If you have any questions about the tour, please feel free to Contact Us.

Tour itinerary is subject to change.

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