Day 1
Takayama - Hiroshima
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of your day is at leisure
This tour offers you a fascinating variety of destinations and experiences – the moving memorials to war in Hiroshima, a chance to visit gorgeous Miyajimi Island and a rejuvenating hot spring (onsen) immersion.
Join us to experience the best of Japan.
Day 2
Hiroshima
This morning visit Hiroshima Castle, faithfully rebuilt to its 16th century glory.
Enjoy a local Hiroshima experience – lunch at Okonomiyaki village. (Okonomiyaki is a Japanese version of a pizza, cooked in front of you).
After lunch, spend the afternoon at the Peace Memorial Park, a large, leafy area dotted with memorials including the cenotaph which frames the Flame of Peace at one end of the pond and the Atomic Bomb Dome across the river at the other. See the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by an 11 year old girl. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum, gut wrenching, but a must-see.
Day 3
Miyajima
Today catch the ferry to Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, which has long been regarded as the Island of Gods, a holy Shinto site since the 6th century. Wander through the peaceful gardens to discover the harmoniously arranged shrines and temples. You may well be approached by tame deer. Enjoy lunch on your own. You can take the cable car to the top of the mountain for spectacular views.
Day 4
Hiroshima- Beppu
Travel by bullet train and then coach to one of Japan’s best hot spring resort towns, Beppu. You’ll know you are there because you’ll see the steam rising from various vents around the city. You may wish to indulge in a relaxing onsen and massage after your day of travel.
Day 5
Beppu
Today discover some of the “hells” of Beppu. There is Sea Hell – a stunningly beautiful blue pond covered in white steam. The greenhouse garden nearby is worth a visit and the giant lotus flowers in another clear-water pond create a peaceful atmosphere. Spout Hell is a natural hot geyser which erupts spectacularly once every 30-40 minutes. And Blood Hell which, bizzarely, has red water.
This afternoon relax at the hotel in the most Japanese of ways – yes, the onsen.
Day 6
Beppu - Fukuoka
Today step into the future with a visit to a robotics laboratory. Arrive in Fukuoka which has a trading history stretching back some 2000 years. Among Japanese, the city is famed for its ‘Hakata bijin’ (beautiful women), SoftBank Hawks baseball team and hearty Hakata rāmen (egg noodles). Take a tour of the city’s highlights.
Day 7
Fukuoka to Australia
Take a late afternoon flight via Tokyo, arriving in Australia on Monday.
Itinerary and prices subject to change