Maybe you have been to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and come home loving Japan but feeling you have missed the natural beauty and any sense of the real Japan away from tourist attractions. Or maybe, you have always wanted to visit but don’t like crowds and regimented itineraries. If so, this trip is for you.
We explored a quieter area of Japan at ground level, on buses, trams, local and fast trains, ferry and yes, on foot and by bicycle. Some days were challenging, so it’s definitely for those who love an active life. But other days were fascinating, charming and awe-inspiring as we walked in the footsteps of princesses and warriors (wear socks!) and saw Mother Nature’s raw volcanic power up close (bring sturdy shoes).
There’s a lot of travelling on this trip, but the landscapes are so lovely I finally understood the old maxim – better to travel than to arrive.

Jill Marsh Japan Adventure: Kyushu & Shikoku

Some exceptionally beautiful views and friendly people made this trip a memorable experience. Paths winding around rice fields and through bamboo forests, being led by local guides – very different to the walks I do back home! The warmth of the people we met, some of whom laid on delicious lunches along the hikes, added to the experience. And the cruise around Lan Ha Bay was a pleasant way to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Iain Caddell Hiking in Northern Vietnam

Of all 27 trips which I have done with Exodus, this one packs in the most in terms of the variety of scenery and experiences of any I have done ! There is everything from the large cities, such as Casablanca and Rabat, the medinas of Fes, and Marrakesh and Meknes, the Sahara desert camps, walking and taking camel rises over the dunes, two nights in the High Atlas with a hike in the mountains, experiencing a hammam at the local village where we stayed in the mountains, the lovely costal city of Essaouira as well as meeting local people (including lunch with a local family in their home). There are some long days travelling in the bus but there are lots of stops for coffee/lunch and to see things on the way. Seeing the variety of scenery on the way made it really worth it.

Kara Brown Highlights of Morocco

This was one of the best tours I have been on. The itinerary was fantastic… Travelling through the Japanese islands and doing activities like hiking or cycling and visiting small villages was amazing. Our tour leader Ayako was delightful… always attentive and ensuring everyone was having a good time and able to complete the activities. She had to ensure that we always arrived on time for the trains, trams or buses, and also guide us through different sites with full explanations. She had done her to research ahead of time and as well versed at every site. Our group bonded well and we had lots of laughs.
All in all… 5 stars! ⭐️

Jenny Papavassiliou Japan Adventure: Kyushu & Shikoku

Dorian and Kit enjoyed a mixture of fast trains, buses, hill-walking, cycling, exploring countryside and visiting historic castles, small towns as well as cities. Action-packed, but with time to chill out and absorb Japanese culture and the way of life, especially the intriguing local food. With raw fish often on the menu even at breakfast, it’s not for the conservative taste, but we loved the variety on offer. However, the hotel breakfasts included western staples such as toast and scrambled eggs for the unadventurous. The hotels provided comfy beds, and even futons in one traditional place. We learned to respect the Japanese way of life, for example not to be noisy on a local bus where we annoyed the driver!

Dorian Moss Japan Adventure: Kyushu & Shikoku

Excellent guide. Good food. Varied forms of travel. Good accomodation. A variety of activities and experiences and cities and towns. Good value overall.

Donall Donaghy Japan Adventure: Kyushu & Shikoku