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Tailor-made
Self-Guided Adventure
West Honshu Wonders
from AU$10140 per person (twin share)
12 Nights Trip Code: WHW
West Honshu Wonders is a classic Japan trip with a westward twist – mixing major cities with quieter places that many people skip. This trip idea combines Japan's biggest cities, ancient samurai districts, onsen hot springs, pottery kilns and countryside walks into one. Read more >
Start with our take on the Golden Route, but keep moving west through the quieter, lesser-visited side of Honshu. You’ll be welcomed warmly into some of Japan’s most characterful, under-visited corners. It takes a little extra planning, but you’ll be rewarded with a Japan journey that feels personal and full of those small moments that make you glad you kept going.
Explore Tokyo with a private guide who knows the shortcuts to the biggest sights and the stories behind more locally-known spots. From big temple to quieter neighbourhood izakaya bars. Hop on the high-speed Shinkansen train to Kyoto for UNESCO-listed temples, tiny traditional backstreets and an exclusive audience with a Kyoto maiko (trainee geisha).Your adventure continues west to Hiroshima, a city with a poignant history and warm hospitality. Explore the Peace Park and Museum, wander historic gardens, and taste local okonomiyaki (savoury pancake).
But it’s from here, where other golden route tourists turn around, that you keep going.
Journey to rural Tsuwano, a beautifully preserved castle town framed by lush valleys, vermilion torii gates, and waterways teeming with colourful carp. It’s an idyllic base for slow-paced hiking, local museums, and a stay in a simple machiya townhouse.
Following in the footsteps of samurai, you'll discover Hagi, a UNESCO-recognised castle town famed for its Edo period streets and Hagi-yaki pottery. Unwind in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, one of Yamaguchi's oldest hot spring towns.
Your final stop is Fukuoka, Kyushu’s modern and welcoming coastal city. A private local guide will help you lead you to the city's highlights, from street-side yatai hot food stalls to temples and the modern Canal City district.
West Honshu Wonders rewards travellers that are prepared to go just that little bit further to reach some of Japan’s most atmospheric and underappreciated corners. This is the Japan most golden route travellers miss – and you won’t.
What's included
12 nights' accommodation
Breakfast every day except self-catered machiya
All transport between destinations
Airport transfers
Eight-hour private guide service in Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka
An evening food tour in Hiroshima
A morning hike in Tsuwano
Afternoon with a maiko in Kyoto
Wi-Fi device for your entire trip
What's NOT included:
International flights
Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination unless otherwise specified
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 2104 5561
What, where, when and how...
West Honshu Wonders - 13 Days
West Honshu Wonders - 13 Days - Day by Day
West Honshu Wonders - 13 Days - Accommodation
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Day 1-3
A gentle introduction to Japan's biggest and brightest city.
Your trip begins in Tokyo, where a private driver whisks you from the airport straight to your hotel.
The next day, you'll explore the city with a local guide who helps make sense of the city. Together, you might visit classic sights like Asakusa, wander peaceful gardens, or see the more colourful neighbourhoods such as Shibuya or Harajuku. Along the way, your guide shares tips, stories, and suggestions that make navigating Tokyo much more enjoyable for the rest of your stay.
By Day 3, you'll feel much more at ease with city life. A quick local train ride brings you to the Shinkansen, ready for the smooth, speedy journey to the old capital Kyoto.Overnight: Park Hotel Tokyo
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Day 3-5
Tradition, temples, and an easy pace in Japan's cultural capital.
After checking into your hotel, you'll drop your bags and head straight into something completely different – a visit to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, one of the city's newest digital art installations. It's immersive, playful, and a fun contrast to the temples and traditional culture Kyoto is famous for.
Your full day with a private guide gives you time to see Kyoto in a relaxed way. Whether you explore peaceful gardens, stroll between shrines, or explore the smaller backstreets, your guide will shape the day around your interests and pace. They'll help you navigate, offer their personal, local insights, and makes sure you get the best out of the city.
Later, you'll have a rare chance to meet a maiko (trainee geisha). They'll perform dance and music, with time to chat and ask questions over tea. Your guide will be on hand to help translate – it's a relaxed way to get to know more about one of Japan's best known traditions.Overnight: Celestine Kyoto Gion
-
Day 5-6
A warm, welcoming city with a powerful story
Your journey continues to Hiroshima, a smooth ride on the Shinkansen. The city is friendly and easy to explore, with a positive feel despite its tragic history. You'll have time to visit the Peace Park and Museum, a moving and important place to experience. Come afternoon, spend time in cosy cafés and peaceful gardens, or take a walk along the riverside path.
In the evening, you'll join fellow travellers on a food tour that introduces you to local flavours. Expect Hiroshima‑style okonomiyaki, simple bar snacks, and maybe a glass of local sake. It's a relaxed, social way to get to know the city and the guides and locals you meet along the way.
The next morning, you continue north towards quieter countryside.Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima
-
Day 6-8
Slow down in a quiet valley town full of charm and history.
A couple of easy train connections bring you into Tsuwano, a small, peaceful town surrounded by mountains. It's the kind of place where you can stop for a coffee, watch the town go by, and enjoy a quieter, more local side of Japan. Here you'll stay in a machiya townhouse – simple, traditional, and full of character. It's a great place to unwind after the cities and settle into a slower way of travelling.
You'll spend a day exploring Tsuwano's highlights at your own pace. The old samurai district, with its white‑walled streets and carp‑filled canals, is perfect for wandering. If you're feeling active, you can climb through rows of red torii gates to Taikodani Inari Shrine for a lovely view over the valley. There are also quiet temples, small museums, and gentle walks, all close enough to enjoy without rushing.
Overnight: Tsuwano Machiya Stay Ebisucho
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Day 8-10
A coastal town ofsamurai history, pottery, and the Meiji Restoration
Your next stop, Hagi, is just an hour away – a beautifully preserved castle town with a seaside twist. You'll stay in a cosy ryokan inn with hot spring baths and warm hospitality.
A guided walking tour takes you through Hagi's old streets, where samurai homes and earthen walls look much the same as they did hundreds of years ago. It's an accessible, easy walk, and your guide brings the history to life with stories of the people who once lived here. You'll also see the town's unique “kaimagari” corners – right‑angled bends designed to slow down intruders.
Beyond the historic centre, Hagi is known for its pottery, coastline and simple, delicious local food. Evenings at your ryokan are slow, with multi-course kaiseki dinners and plenty of time to relax in the baths.Overnight: Hagi Honjin
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Day 10-11
Relax and recharge in a quiet hot spring town
A short transfer brings you to Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a small riverside hot spring town surrounded by forested hills. Lantern‑lit paths, wooden bridges, and the gentle sound of the river make it an easy place to settle into a slower rhythm of life.
You'll have the chance to visit the nearby Fukagawa pottery area with a local guide, learning about Hagi‑yaki ceramics and the artists who still craft them today.
The rest of your time is all about relaxing –hot spring baths and gentle walks in the calm atmosphere of the valley before your final city stop.Overnight: Bettei Otozure Ryokan
-
Day 11-13
The food‑loving gateway to Kyushu and beyond
Your final leg is a short Shinkansen ride to Fukuoka. The city is the modern, welcoming hub of Kyushu, with great food, open spaces, and plenty to explore within walking distance of your hotel.
With a private guide, you'll discover Fukuoka's mix of culture and everyday life – from historic temples to modern districts like Canal City. It's an easy-going overview of the city.
Fukuoka is famous for its streetside hot food stalls, so finishing your trip with a simple bowl of Hakata ramen or a snack from a riverside yatai cart feels just right. From Fukuoka, it's easy to head back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen, or even jump on a ferry over to Busan in neighbouring South Korea!Overnight: The Gate Hotel Fukuoka by HULIC
-
Day 1-3
A gentle introduction to Japan's biggest and brightest city.
Your trip begins in Tokyo, where a private driver whisks you from the airport straight to your hotel.
The next day, you'll explore the city with a local guide who helps make sense of the city. Together, you might visit classic sights like Asakusa, wander peaceful gardens, or see the more colourful neighbourhoods such as Shibuya or Harajuku. Along the way, your guide shares tips, stories, and suggestions that make navigating Tokyo much more enjoyable for the rest of your stay.
By Day 3, you'll feel much more at ease with city life. A quick local train ride brings you to the Shinkansen, ready for the smooth, speedy journey to the old capital Kyoto.Overnight: Park Hotel Tokyo
-
Day 3-5
Tradition, temples, and an easy pace in Japan's cultural capital.
After checking into your hotel, you'll drop your bags and head straight into something completely different – a visit to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, one of the city's newest digital art installations. It's immersive, playful, and a fun contrast to the temples and traditional culture Kyoto is famous for.
Your full day with a private guide gives you time to see Kyoto in a relaxed way. Whether you explore peaceful gardens, stroll between shrines, or explore the smaller backstreets, your guide will shape the day around your interests and pace. They'll help you navigate, offer their personal, local insights, and makes sure you get the best out of the city.
Later, you'll have a rare chance to meet a maiko (trainee geisha). They'll perform dance and music, with time to chat and ask questions over tea. Your guide will be on hand to help translate – it's a relaxed way to get to know more about one of Japan's best known traditions.Overnight: Celestine Kyoto Gion
-
Day 5-6
A warm, welcoming city with a powerful story
Your journey continues to Hiroshima, a smooth ride on the Shinkansen. The city is friendly and easy to explore, with a positive feel despite its tragic history. You'll have time to visit the Peace Park and Museum, a moving and important place to experience. Come afternoon, spend time in cosy cafés and peaceful gardens, or take a walk along the riverside path.
In the evening, you'll join fellow travellers on a food tour that introduces you to local flavours. Expect Hiroshima‑style okonomiyaki, simple bar snacks, and maybe a glass of local sake. It's a relaxed, social way to get to know the city and the guides and locals you meet along the way.
The next morning, you continue north towards quieter countryside.Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima
-
Day 6-8
Slow down in a quiet valley town full of charm and history.
A couple of easy train connections bring you into Tsuwano, a small, peaceful town surrounded by mountains. It's the kind of place where you can stop for a coffee, watch the town go by, and enjoy a quieter, more local side of Japan. Here you'll stay in a machiya townhouse – simple, traditional, and full of character. It's a great place to unwind after the cities and settle into a slower way of travelling.
You'll spend a day exploring Tsuwano's highlights at your own pace. The old samurai district, with its white‑walled streets and carp‑filled canals, is perfect for wandering. If you're feeling active, you can climb through rows of red torii gates to Taikodani Inari Shrine for a lovely view over the valley. There are also quiet temples, small museums, and gentle walks, all close enough to enjoy without rushing.
Overnight: Tsuwano Machiya Stay Ebisucho
-
Day 8-10
A coastal town ofsamurai history, pottery, and the Meiji Restoration
Your next stop, Hagi, is just an hour away – a beautifully preserved castle town with a seaside twist. You'll stay in a cosy ryokan inn with hot spring baths and warm hospitality.
A guided walking tour takes you through Hagi's old streets, where samurai homes and earthen walls look much the same as they did hundreds of years ago. It's an accessible, easy walk, and your guide brings the history to life with stories of the people who once lived here. You'll also see the town's unique “kaimagari” corners – right‑angled bends designed to slow down intruders.
Beyond the historic centre, Hagi is known for its pottery, coastline and simple, delicious local food. Evenings at your ryokan are slow, with multi-course kaiseki dinners and plenty of time to relax in the baths.Overnight: Hagi Honjin
-
Day 10-11
Relax and recharge in a quiet hot spring town
A short transfer brings you to Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a small riverside hot spring town surrounded by forested hills. Lantern‑lit paths, wooden bridges, and the gentle sound of the river make it an easy place to settle into a slower rhythm of life.
You'll have the chance to visit the nearby Fukagawa pottery area with a local guide, learning about Hagi‑yaki ceramics and the artists who still craft them today.
The rest of your time is all about relaxing –hot spring baths and gentle walks in the calm atmosphere of the valley before your final city stop.Overnight: Bettei Otozure Ryokan
-
Day 11-13
The food‑loving gateway to Kyushu and beyond
Your final leg is a short Shinkansen ride to Fukuoka. The city is the modern, welcoming hub of Kyushu, with great food, open spaces, and plenty to explore within walking distance of your hotel.
With a private guide, you'll discover Fukuoka's mix of culture and everyday life – from historic temples to modern districts like Canal City. It's an easy-going overview of the city.
Fukuoka is famous for its streetside hot food stalls, so finishing your trip with a simple bowl of Hakata ramen or a snack from a riverside yatai cart feels just right. From Fukuoka, it's easy to head back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen, or even jump on a ferry over to Busan in neighbouring South Korea!Overnight: The Gate Hotel Fukuoka by HULIC
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