Led by experienced Japan guide Phil Colley, this comprehensive tour seeks out the ‘real’ Japan by visiting the rural hinterlands of Kyushu, the temples and gardens of Kyoto and Nara and the home of the modern Japanese dream - Tokyo. Travelling through a country that remains simultaneously ancient and modern, Phil's expertise will ensure you get the absolute most out of your trip.

After three days exploring and relaxing amidst the fine temples, gardens and parks of Kyoto and its imperial neighbour, Nara, we head south to the beguiling island of Miyajima. Set in the beautiful inland sea, this small island is home to the vermilion Itsukushima shrine - which, with a full tide and setting sun, is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful sights.

From the nearby port city of Hiroshima we cross to Kyushu, Japan's third largest island and home to myths and legends, natural wonders and a distinctly slower pace of life. Here, in the Bay of Beppu, the Japanese enthusiasm for onsen (hot springs) can be seen in all its playful, and often bizarre, glory. You’ll have plenty of time here for a soak in some hot spring baths and to check out the bubbling lava-pits known as the “Jigoku” or hells.

Further inland is the awe-inspiring, volcanic region of Mt. Aso, the largest 'caldera' in the world and source of much of this area’s geothermal activity. You’ll no doubt enjoy the ropeways and walks that lead right into the heart of this volcanic terrain before heading for a night’s rest at our small family run Japanese style inn.

The tour continues through wooded hills and rural hamlets, via the gardens of Kumamoto, to the delightfully cosmopolitan city of Nagasaki with its hillside gardens and fine natural harbour. The train journey here is considered one of Japan’s best, with stops at tiny rural hamlets for farmers and other locals dropping off and picking up produce and stunning views of the countryside. You’ll spend two nights in Nagasaki, time to explore the Glover gardens and allow ourselves to be eased back into modern Japan.

With the chance for a classic glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen (bullet train) window, you’ll finish up this thirteen-night adventure with a three-night stay in Tokyo, Japan’s invigorating and unmissable capital city.

This 13 night adventure is a true odyssey, taking you to the heart of Japanese life both rural and urban, ancient and modern. All in all, the trip of a lifetime!

Phil Colley

Already proficient in Mandarin from a university year in China in the mid-eighties Phil first landed in Tokyo in 1997 in order to research and set up one of the UK's first adventure tours of Japan. Since then he has lead
over 40 groups across the length and breadth of the archipelago and now has the addition of Japanese to his linguistic bow. An inveterate traveller Phil has been leading tours and treks throughout Asia, and in particular the Himalayas, since 1992 but of all the places he has visited on his travels he still considers Japan to be the most enduringly fascinating. Phil's offbeat sense of humour and genuine attitude of care ensure that all those in his groups are made to feel relaxed and welcome. He is particularly adept at
making the complexities of Japanese culture accessible and clearly understandable to the first time visitor - and he also has a certain acumen for seeking out the choicest sake establishments in town! Phil set up travel company The Oriental Caravan in 2000 and has been working closely with Inside Japan Tours ever since.

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Important Practical Information

Gardens: As well as the smaller gardens in Kyoto this tour also visits the classic gardens of Koraku-en in Okayama and Suizen-ji in Kumamoto. Also recommended on free days are optional visits to Glover Garden in Nagasaki and Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo.

Walking: Although by no means compulsory, there are, for those who wish, plenty of opportunities for short walks in addition to the published itinerary. These will generally be escorted by the tour leader although most can be taken unguided. Of particular interest are hikes around Daimon-ji Yama in Kyoto, Yufu Dake in Beppu and the ascent of Mt. Misen on Miyajima island. Details of these walks, none of which are particularly strenuous, can be found in Lonely Planet’s excellent ‘Hiking in Japan’.

Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. You will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag or best of all, a rucksack, are most appropriate for this tour.

Accommodation: In Kyoto and Beppu the hotels are comfortable four star standard. In Nagasaki and Tokyo we stay in a comfortable three star hotels, centrally located. In Miyaji we stay in a traditional, family run minshuku and on Miyajima Island we stay in a characterful Japanese style guesthouse. Twin share basis. Single supplement may be applicable as a single traveller you are not happy to share with someone of the same sex.

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Your Tour leader Phil Colley