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Self-Guided Adventure
West Honshu Wonders
from US$7098 per person (twin share)
12 Nights Trip Code: WHW
Discover Japan's west: a cultural adventure from Tokyo to Kyushu, blending iconic sights, rural charm, artisan traditions and soul‑stirring experiences you'll remember long after you return home. Read more >
Embark on a journey through Japan that blends iconic highlights with immersive cultural experiences and lesser?known gems of the West part of the island of Honshu.
Beginning in Tokyo, you'll dive into the vibrant heart of Japan's capital with a private guide, uncovering neighbourhoods where ancient temples sit alongside cutting?edge design. High?speed shinkansen travel then carries you to Kyoto, the cultural soul of Japan, where atmospheric backstreets, UNESCO?listed temples, and an exclusive audience with a Kyoto maiko offer an intimate look into the country's living traditions.
Your adventure continues west to Hiroshima, a city that combines poignant history with warm hospitality. Explore the Peace Park and Museum, wander historic gardens, and enjoy a lively Hiroshima street?food tour, tasting local okonomiyaki and regional dishes that celebrate the flavours of western Japan. From here, you journey into the rural landscapes of Tsuwano, a beautifully preserved castle town framed by lush valleys, vermilion torii gates, and waterways filled with colourful carp?an idyllic base for scenic hiking, traditional crafts, and slow?paced exploration.
Following in the footsteps of samurai, you'll next discover Hagi, a UNESCO?recognised castle town famed for its Edo?period streets and Hagi?yaki pottery. After all this exploration, you can take time to unwind in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, one of Yamaguchi's oldest hot?spring towns, where riverside paths and refined ryokan hospitality create a restorative retreat. A guided visit to the historic Fukagawa kilns adds deeper insight into Japan's ceramic heritage before you travel onward to Fukuoka, a modern and welcoming coastal hub. With a private guide to help unlock the city's highlights?from street?side yatai stalls to lively cultural districts?your journey ends with a final taste of Kyushu's vibrant spirit.
Designed for travellers seeking an enriching mix of culture, heritage, nature, and authentic local encounters, this Japan itinerary delivers unforgettable moments from start to finish. It's an inspiring route through western Japan?perfect for those looking to experience both the country's iconic sights and its most atmospheric, undiscovered corners.
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
Wifi 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: + 44 117 244 3470
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. It's an easy, comfortable start, giving you time to settle in, adjust, and take in your first views of the city. Whether you pop out to explore or simply enjoy a quiet evening after your flight, Tokyo is a great place to start your adventure.
The next day, you'll explore the city with a local guide who helps make sense of this huge, fascinating place. 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. It's a relaxed, friendly start to your adventure and an easy way to experience Japan's day‑to‑day rhythm.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 wander charming backstreets, the day is yours to shape. Your guide helps you navigate, offers local insights, and makes sure you get the best out of the city—without needing to rush.
Later, you'll enjoy a rare chance to meet a maiko. This gentle, low‑key experience gives you a closer look into Kyoto's traditional arts, with a dance performance and time to chat and ask questions. It's simple, authentic, and a lovely way to end your time in Japan's most storied city.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 relaxed pace that surprises many. You'll have time to visit the Peace Park and Museum, a moving and important place to experience, then afterwards enjoy the lighter side of the city, from cosy cafés to peaceful gardens and riverside paths.
In the evening, you'll join a small-group 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 bring a warm, human side to Hiroshima's story.
The next morning, you continue north towards quieter countryside, ready for a change of scenery.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. 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.
Tsuwano has a calm, unhurried feel to it. 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.Overnight: Tsuwano Machiya Stay Ebisucho
-
Day 8-10
A coastal town where samurai history, pottery, and the Meiji Restoration converge
Your next stop, Hagi, is just an hour away by private car and offers another beautifully preserved castle town—but with a seaside twist. You'll stay in a cosy ryokan with hot spring baths and warm hospitality, an easy base for exploring the area.
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 relaxed and slow, with good meals and plenty of time to enjoy the baths.Overnight: Hagi Honjin
-
Day 10-11
A hidden hot spring town perfect for relaxing and recharging.
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.
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. It's a simple, interesting experience that gives you a feel for the local community and its long traditions.
The rest of your time is all about relaxing—hot spring baths, gentle walks, or simply enjoying 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 bustling hub of Kyushu. The city feels modern and welcoming, with great food, open spaces, and plenty to explore within walking distance of your hotel. It's a nice contrast to the countryside you've just left with new memories in tow.
With a private guide, you'll discover Fukuoka's mix of culture and everyday life—from historic temples to modern districts like Canal City. You can enjoy an easygoing day that gives you a relaxed overview of the city and plenty of ideas for your final evening.
Fukuoka is famous for its food stalls, so finishing your trip with a simple bowl of Hakata ramen or a snack from a riverside yatai feels just right. It's a cheerful, laid‑back end to your time in Japan. 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. It's an easy, comfortable start, giving you time to settle in, adjust, and take in your first views of the city. Whether you pop out to explore or simply enjoy a quiet evening after your flight, Tokyo is a great place to start your adventure.
The next day, you'll explore the city with a local guide who helps make sense of this huge, fascinating place. 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. It's a relaxed, friendly start to your adventure and an easy way to experience Japan's day‑to‑day rhythm.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 wander charming backstreets, the day is yours to shape. Your guide helps you navigate, offers local insights, and makes sure you get the best out of the city—without needing to rush.
Later, you'll enjoy a rare chance to meet a maiko. This gentle, low‑key experience gives you a closer look into Kyoto's traditional arts, with a dance performance and time to chat and ask questions. It's simple, authentic, and a lovely way to end your time in Japan's most storied city.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 relaxed pace that surprises many. You'll have time to visit the Peace Park and Museum, a moving and important place to experience, then afterwards enjoy the lighter side of the city, from cosy cafés to peaceful gardens and riverside paths.
In the evening, you'll join a small-group 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 bring a warm, human side to Hiroshima's story.
The next morning, you continue north towards quieter countryside, ready for a change of scenery.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. 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.
Tsuwano has a calm, unhurried feel to it. 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.Overnight: Tsuwano Machiya Stay Ebisucho
-
Day 8-10
A coastal town where samurai history, pottery, and the Meiji Restoration converge
Your next stop, Hagi, is just an hour away by private car and offers another beautifully preserved castle town—but with a seaside twist. You'll stay in a cosy ryokan with hot spring baths and warm hospitality, an easy base for exploring the area.
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 relaxed and slow, with good meals and plenty of time to enjoy the baths.Overnight: Hagi Honjin
-
Day 10-11
A hidden hot spring town perfect for relaxing and recharging.
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.
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. It's a simple, interesting experience that gives you a feel for the local community and its long traditions.
The rest of your time is all about relaxing—hot spring baths, gentle walks, or simply enjoying 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 bustling hub of Kyushu. The city feels modern and welcoming, with great food, open spaces, and plenty to explore within walking distance of your hotel. It's a nice contrast to the countryside you've just left with new memories in tow.
With a private guide, you'll discover Fukuoka's mix of culture and everyday life—from historic temples to modern districts like Canal City. You can enjoy an easygoing day that gives you a relaxed overview of the city and plenty of ideas for your final evening.
Fukuoka is famous for its food stalls, so finishing your trip with a simple bowl of Hakata ramen or a snack from a riverside yatai feels just right. It's a cheerful, laid‑back end to your time in Japan. 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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