Southern Japan: Ancient Forests, Mountain Shrines & the Spirit of the Samurai 2026

Day 1: Monday 13 April, Arrive Kyoto

• Tour commences at the Kyoto hotel at 10.00am
• Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum
• Kondo Museum
• Kiyomozu Dera Temple
• Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant

Meeting Point: The tour commences at 10.00am in the foyer of our Kyoto Hotel.

After a brief introductory meeting we board our coach to visit three lovely and lesser-known sites the city has to offer. We first visit the Mirei Shigmori Garden Museum, a beautiful 20^th century garden surrounding a beautiful Machi-ya (traditional town house) from the 18^th century Edo period. Within the garden Shigemori included two tea pavilions where screens open to reveal tranquil moss slopes with gravel paths, mature trees and rock configurations.

The Kondo Museum is housed in another Machi-ya, the former home of ceramic master Yuzo Kondo who became a National Living Treasure. The building now houses some of his sometsuke masterpieces (blue and white wares), as well as works by his sons and grandson. Behind the gallery space is a reproduction of Kondo’s studio, displaying his cherished tools.

Kiyimozu Dera Temple is located nearby, and a short walk will take us up to its terrace where views over Kyoto can be enjoyed. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall which still forms an important part of the complex.

This evening we gather to enjoy a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant. (Overnight Kyoto) D

Day 2: Tuesday 14 April, Kyoto – Kibune – Kurama – Kyoto

• Kibune to Kurama walk, including historic villages and shrines
• Myoshin-ji Temple, and Taizo-in
• Okochi Sanso Villa Garden

This morning we travel to the hills surrounding Kyoto and embark on a nature hike that will take us through the stunning mountain landscape between the historic towns of Kibune and Kumara. Along the way we pass picturesque shines and temples tucked into the forest, and encounter the kinone-sando – the ‘tree root path’ where the roots of great cedar trees protrude from the ground in a display of nature’s might.

North-west of Kyoto is Myoshin-ji Temple, a large complex with many sub-temples, each with their own gardens. The most famous sub-temple is Taizo-in. Here we find a rock garden designed in the 15^th century by the painter Kano Motonobu, and also a beautiful pond garden from the Showa Period (1926-1989).

We conclude the day with a visit to the Okochi Sanso Villa, once the home of film actor Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962). The spacious home in the hills overlooking Kyoto is a fine example of traditional Japanese residential architecture, surrounded by a charming garden. Paths lead to a moss garden, tea house, Buddhist shrine, a small temple hall (Daijokaku) and a Meiji era Jibutso-do where Denjiro would come to meditate. Our visit concludes with a traditional Japanese sweet and cup of green tea. (Overnight Kyoto) B

Day 3: Wednesday 15 April, Kyoto – Ashiya – Osaka – Okayama

• Asahi Beer Villa Oyamazaki Villa Museum
• Yodoko Guest House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Ashiya
• Shinkansen (bullet train) Osaka to Okayama

In the hills outside Kyoto is the Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, built in the early 20th century as a British-style mountain villa for businessman Shotaro Kaga. This historic home serves as the main building of the museum. Two annexes – the Underground Jewellery box and the Dream Box – were later designed by Tadao Ando when the villa was being saved from demolition by the Asahi Beer company. The collection of artworks include fine paintings by Claude Monet, including several Waterlilies, ceramics by Kanjiro Kawai and a sculpture by Henry Moore. Ando’s annexes serve to unite the spaces of the museum and are partly submerged and covered with greenery in order for them to maintain harmony with the surrounding mountainside.

We continue our journey to Ashiya, where we find one of the handful of remaining structures and the only surviving residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright during his time in Japan. This was built as a Summer home for Tazaemon Yamamura, a wealthy sake brewer. Wright took advantage of the superb views the site enjoys over the Bay of Osaka by stepping the house into the slope of the hillside, while his Japanese collaborator Arata Endo, added three tatami-mat rooms and narrow clerestory windows in the saloon that can be opened to allow cross-breezes.

After our visit we drive to Osaka station and take the shinkansen to Okayama. (Overnight Okayama) BL

Day 4: Thursday 16 April, Okayama – Takamatsu – Okayama

• Ritsurin koen Garden
• Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum

Today we drive south over the Seto Ohashi and Kita Bisanseto bridges to Shikoku Island. Here we visit Ritsurin koen garden, one of the largest and most beautiful stroll gardens in Japan. It was built during the edo period for the local feudal lords, evolving and expanding over the course of 300 years until it was opened to the public in 1875. It features six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills, with a backdrop provided by Mt Shiun. Paths lead visitors past rock arrangements, seasonal flower plantings and carefully maintained trees, all designed to create changes from one season to the next.

Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) was an important Japanese sculptor of international renown, who also designed gardens, landscaped projects, furniture, stage sets and lighting fixtures. This afternoon we visit the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, his former home and studio that is now an extension of the Noguchi Museum in New York (Queens). His sculptures, many unfinished and some on loan from New York, are displayed throughout the garden and studio. (Overnight Okayama) BLD

Day 5: Friday 17 April, Okayama – Bitchu-Takahashi – Okayama

• Rakiyuji Temple
• Bitchu-Takahashi historic mountain village

In the mountains overlooking Okayama is the historic Bitchu-Takahashi village, once a thriving town at the base of Matsuyama Castle. We will walk the well-preserved streets near the castle and visit the restored houses once inhabited by merchants, craftsmen and samurai.

Of particular importance is the Zen Buddhist temple Rakiyuji. This was once the residence of Korori Enshu (1579-1647), a local feudal lord, garden designer, architect and tea ceremony master. He created the dry garden we see today at Rakiyuji, using many of the elements typical of his work, particularly the use of borrowed scenery and the creation of ‘island’ representing a crane and turtle. (Overnight Okayama) BL

Day 6: Saturday 18 April, Okayama – Hiroshima

• Korakuen Garden, Okayama
• Shinkansen Okayama – Hiroshima
• Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum

This morning we visit Kouraku-en, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’. This garden dates from the Edo period when the daimyo (feudal lord) Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered its construction in 1687. Completed in 1700, it has retained its overall appearance with only a few minor changes made over the centuries. The garden was used for entertaining guests and as a retreat for the daimyo.

We then travel to Hiroshima by Shinkansen. On arrival we visit the very moving Hiroshima Peace Park, constructed on the site where the world’s first atomic bomb used in war was dropped on an unsuspecting population, causing catastrophic damage to the city and an unthinkable death toll. The park is situated on what was once Hiroshima’s commercial and political centre. Soon after the war it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped, but instead dedicated to a peace memorial.

The Peace Memorial Museum documents the development of the atomic bomb alongside the history of Hiroshima, and a sober narrative of the events of 6 August 1945, and the impact the event had on the lives of the city’s population. The other building in the Park is the A-Bomb Dome, the iconic skeleton of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall that was one of the few buildings that was left standing after the explosion and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Peace Park we also see two bridges by Isamu Noguchi called ‘Tsukuru’ and ‘Yuku’. (Overnight Hiroshima) B

Day 7: Sunday 19 April, Hiroshima – Miyajima Island – Hiroshima

• Ferry to Miyajima Island
• Itsukushima Shrine
• Mount Misan Ropeway (time and weather permitting)
• Ferry back to Hiroshima

This morning we travel by ferry across the Onoseto Strait to Miyajima Island, a place with a long history as a holy Shinto site. On arrival we visit the Shinto Itsukushima Shrine, a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earliest known shrine was dedicated in 593. In 1168, during the Heian Period, the powerful Taira no Kiyomori selected the island as the place for a family shrine. It is familiarly called the ‘Floating Shrine’ as at high tide the shrine and the dramatic vermilion torii seem to float on the water. The multiple buildings that make up the shrine (payer hall, main hall, noh theatre stage) are built on piers and are connected by walkways over the sea.

If time and weather permit, we will take a ropeway cable car up Mount Misen, the island’s highest peak to enjoy the views over Hiroshima Bay. (Overnight Hiroshima) B

Day 8: Monday 20 April, Hiroshima – Fukuoka – Yoshinogari – Nagasaki

• Shinkansen Hiroshima – Fukuoka
• Komyozen-ji Temple
• Yoshinogari Historical Park

This morning we travel by Shinkansen south to Fukuoka on Kyushu, Japan’s southwestern island. A short drive from the town centre is Komyozen-ji Temple, a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, it was founded in the 12^th century. It has two very beautiful gardens. The front dry garden is formed with raked pebbles surrounding 15 rocks positioned to form the Japanese character for ‘light’. The rear moss garden is designed to be viewed form the temple’s main building. Here, in contrast to the verdant plants, stones and pebbles are used to create an abstract representation of water and land.

We continue out of Fukuoka to the fascinating Yoshinogari Historical Park to encounter the Yayoi Period (300BC to 300AD). Here archaeologists uncovered a series of sprawling settlements, excavating pit dwellings, elevated storehouses, moats and tombs. Within the site are careful reconstructions of settlements and fortifications, along with displays of artifacts, allow visitors a glimpse into Ancient Japan.

In the late afternoon we continue south to Nagasaki. (Overnight Nagasaki) BD

Day 9: Tuesday 21 April, Nagasaki

• Atomic Bomb Museum
• Hypocentre Park and Nagasaki Peace Park
• Mihara Gardens
• Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum
• Dejima (Dutch Island)

On 9 August, three days after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a B-29 bomber dropped a second bomb on Nagasaki. Cloud cover meant the pilots had limited visibility and the bomb exploded to the northwest of the city centre. As a result, the southeastern industrial and government districts were comparatively unscathed. However, 40 percent of the city was destroyed and the loss of civilian life was catastrophic. Emperor Hirohito set aside the tradition of imperial non-intervention and declared his support for the acceptance of terms of the Potsdam Declaration, and the following day the government issued its surrender.

As in Hiroshima, the hypocentre of the explosion was transformed into a place of peace and beauty. The Atomic Bomb Museum tells the story of this dark day in Nagasaki’s history and its displays include many ordinary objects that were affected by the blast. Emerging from the museum, we walk through the Hypocentre Park and Nagasaki Peace Park, places of reflection that highlight the importance of peace and the resilience of the citizens.

We then visit Mihara Garden designed by world-renown designer Kazuyuki Ishihama. On a hill overlooking the city, this is a sanctuary of calm and beauty. Paths lead past ponds and garden beds planted to provide interest throughout the year, whether it is the sculptural forms of bare winter trees, delicate spring blossoms, the vibrance of summer flowers, or magnificent autumn foliage.

We continue to the Nagasaki waterfront to visit the Prefectural Art Museum, designed by Kuma Kengo and opened in 2005. It houses a fascinating and unexpected collection of Spanish art, collected by Suma Yakichiro who was a special envoy to Spain during the Second World War.

Portuguese merchants arrived in Japan in the 16^th century, bringing with them new technologies, Christianity and trade. They were allowed to live in Nagasaki to develop the city and trade network. In 1634 the fan-shaped artificial island of Dejima was built to house the Europeans and control the spread of their religion, but they were expelled in 1639 following a Christian uprising. This expulsion caused an economic downturn in the city and in 1640 the Dutch merchants were forced to move from their trading centre at Hirado and move to Nagasaki. From this point the only ships allowed to come to Japan were Dutch and Chinese, and Nagasakai was the only harbour they were allowed to visit.

Our day concludes with a walk around Dejima, where the restoration of the European buildings is underway. Although the land between the island and the city has been reclaimed, there are plans to return this to being an island. (Overnight Nagasaki) B

Day 10: Wednesday 22 April, Nagasaki – Kurokawa Onsen

• Ferry Across the Ariake Sea (Taira to Nagatsu)
• Afternoon at leisure at Kurokawa Onsen

Today we depart Nagasaki and travel to the heart of Kyushu to the mountain village Kurokawa Onsen. This is one of Japan’s most attractive hot spring towns, where the traditional atmosphere of a mountain retreat has been preserved. Cobbled laneways meander through the village, lined with public onsen (hot spring bath houses), shops, café and shrines.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the village and, if you wish, partake in a soothing hot bath. (Overnight Kurokawa Onsen) BD

Day 11: Thursday 23 April, Kurokawa Onsen – Kitsuki – Usuki – Kurokawa Onsen

• Kitsuki historic village, including Kitsuki Castle and Samurai Houses
• Usuki historic village, including Samurai Houses
• Stone Buddhas, Usuki

On the east coast of Kyushu we find two fascinating villages steeped in history with well-preserved samurai districts. At Kitsuki we find a rare example of two samurai districts to the north and south, with a narrow commercial district between and the castle at the eastern end. The town’s historic character is preserved by ensuring modern ‘distractions’ such as powerlines do not impinge on the vista. Several of the Samurai Residences have been restored and now serve as museums.

Stone alleyways also lead through Usuki, principally the Nioza Historical Road, lined with temples, houses and little shops. The main place of interest is a little out of town – the Usuki Stone Buddhas. Designated as National Treasures in a country where Buddha statues are more commonly made of wood or metal, these statue date to the late Heian Period (794-1185). The 61 statues, some retaining their painted decoration, are carved into a cliff-face and set in four clusters linked by a path. (Overnight Kurokawa Onsen) BD

Day 12: Friday 24 April, Kurokawa Onsen – Aso Kuju National Park – Kumamoto – Kagoshima

• Scenic Drive through Mount Aso National Park
• Suizenji Jojuen
• Shinkansen Kumamoto to Kagoshima
• Chiran Peace Museum

This morning we drive through the beautiful Mount Aso National Park to Kumamoto. On the eastern side of the town is Suizenji Jojuen, a charming Edo period stroll garden built around a pond. A striking feature of the garden is the conical artificial mountain that evokes Mount Fuji.

We then travel to the very southern end of Kyushu. Before we embark on the last stage of our journey south we will visit the beautifully presented and poignant Chiran Peace Museum. Located on the Satsuma Peninsula, this was once the Chiran airbase which served as the departure point for kamikaze sorties in the final months of World War Two. The kamikaze are one of the most potent symbols of the war in Japan – young men with patriotic valour who were asked to sacrifice their lives to destroy the enemy. They were celebrated as cherry blossoms – a brief, fleeting existence marked by exquisite beauty. The buttons on the kamikaze uniforms were embossed with a blossom. (Overnight Kagoshima) BD

Day 13: Saturday 25 April, Kagoshima – Yakushima

• Early morning ferry Kagoshima to Yakushima Island
• Coach tour around Yakushima Island, visiting waterfalls, beaches, villages and shrines

This morning we travel by ferry to Yakushima, an island famed for its towering mountains, lush vegetation and ancient forests of Japanese cedar. The island is home to hundreds of endemic flowers, shrubs and trees, and is a spawning ground for loggerhead turtles. In 1993 it was declared a World Heritage Site of Natural Beauty.

Archaeologists have found traces of human habitation of the island that can be traced back 6000 years, and the island is mentioned in records from the 8^th century. Yakushima was heavily logged during the Edo period, a time when a great number of castles, temples and monuments were built throughout the country, and the valuable lumber industry was established under the control of the powerful Shimazu clan. Fishing and agriculture were other important industries for the islanders.

We will follow the 100km long coastal road around the island. We visit waterfalls, beaches, villages and shrines, such as the Yahazudake Shrine on Cape Yahazu, with a red torii gate marking the entrance to a vast cave, believed to be the home of the gods of fishing and marriage. (Overnight Yakushima) BLD

Day 14: Sunday 26 April, Yakushima

• Morning program of walking the island trails to explore the ancient cedar forests
• Afternoon at leisure on Yakushima Island

This morning we take a guided walk into the forest to encounter the ancient Yakusugi (Japanese cedar) trees. The most accessible place to visit these moss-covered giants is along the boardwwalks and walking trails of a nature park called Yakusugi Land. In addition to the spectacular plant life, the forests are also home to Japanese macaques, Sika deer, Tanuki (Japanese raccoons) and Japanese weasels.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax after the morning walk. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (Overnight Yakushima) BLD

Day 15: Monday 27 April, Depart Yakushima

• Tour ends in Yakushima

The tour ends in Yakushima. After a leisurely morning we transfer to the airport at 10.00am for the flight to Fukuoka, from where there are regular flights to Tokyo. B