Model Course

Touch the Soul of Japan: A 13-Day Journey Through Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka

Via the classic route of Tokyo, Himeji, Hiroshima, and Miyajima, arrive in Yamaguchi City. Experience Yuda Onsen, the Hagi Kaido, and Akiyoshido / Akiyoshidai, then continue to Fukuoka, Yanagawa, and Osaka — a journey deep into the culture and food of western Japan.

13 Days / 12 NightsTokyo → Hiroshima → Yamaguchi → Fukuoka → OsakaYear-roundActivity Level: Moderate
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Model Course

Placing Yamaguchi, a "next Japan," among the famous sightseeing spots.

Yamaguchi City is a place where the five-story pagoda of Rurikoji Temple, Yuda Onsen, traditional culture, and food all come together. The source page introduces it as a notable destination selected by The New York Times for its “52 Places to Go in 2024.”

From Hiroshima and Miyajima, enter Yamaguchi, then continue to the Hagi Kaido and Akiyoshido / Akiyoshidai. Beyond the glamorous, well-known sights, this journey goes deeper into history, hot springs, food, and local culture.

An image of a journey to touch the soul of Japan in Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka
Experiences

What Awaits You on This Journey

Yamaguchi City and Yuda Onsen

The five-story pagoda of Rurikoji Temple and hot springs. Savor Yamaguchi City through both culture and your stay.

The Hagi Kaido

Walk the old road once traveled by samurai and feel history with your own body.

Akiyoshido and Akiyoshidai

An underground limestone cave and an above-ground karst plateau — a landscape unique to Yamaguchi.

The Food of Yanagawa and Fukuoka

A boat ride through the waterways, the historic Ohana estate, and Hakata's yatai food stalls — the life and flavors of Kyushu.

Itinerary

13-Day Itinerary

The itinerary below is a model plan. The content and order can be adjusted to match your interests, fitness level, travel companions, and preferred pace.

DAY1

Arrival in Tokyo

After arriving at Narita or Haneda Airport, transfer to your hotel. Rest freely on the first day.

Tokyo
DAY2

Tokyo — Private Guided Sightseeing

Visit Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, and more, tailored to your interests.

TokyoPrivate Guide
DAY3

Tokyo — Free Time

Choose freely from teamLab, a sushi-making experience, Tokyo Skytree, a Sumida River cruise, and more.

Free DayCustomizable
DAY4

Via Himeji Castle to Hiroshima

Travel by shinkansen to Himeji. After visiting the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, move on to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Himeji CastleHiroshimaWorld Heritage Site
DAY5

Miyajima — A Sacred Site Floating on the Sea

Visit Miyajima with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy Itsukushima Shrine, a walk through town, and Mt. Misen if you wish.

MiyajimaItsukushima ShrineMt. Misen
DAY6

On to Yamaguchi City and Yuda Onsen

Enter Yamaguchi City to visit the five-story pagoda of Rurikoji Temple and Yuda Onsen. Experience local culture during a relaxed stay.

Rurikoji TempleYuda Onsen
DAY7

The Hagi Kaido — The Samurai Road and Cultural Experiences

Walk the old Hagi Kaido road. Samurai armor experiences, waterfall meditation training, uiro-making, the SL Yamaguchi steam train, and more can be added.

Hagi KaidoSamurai ArmorUiroCultural Experience
DAY8

From Akiyoshido and Akiyoshidai to Fukuoka

Visit Akiyoshido, one of Japan's leading limestone caves, and the Akiyoshidai karst plateau, then move on to Fukuoka.

AkiyoshidoAkiyoshidaiFukuoka
DAY9

Fukuoka — Shrines and Food Stalls

Enjoy the highlights of Fukuoka, and in the evening, savor local flavors such as Hakata ramen and yakitori at the yatai stalls of Nakasu.

FukuokaFood Stalls
DAY10

Yanagawa — Time Among the Waterways

Take a small boat through the canals of Yanagawa, and enjoy a seasonal lunch at Ohana, the former residence of the Tachibana clan, lords of the Yanagawa domain.

YanagawaBoat RideOhana
DAY11

Fukuoka to Osaka

Travel to Osaka by shinkansen. Freely enjoy Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and more.

OsakaFood
DAY12

A Day Trip to Kyoto or Nara

Based in Osaka, choose a day of sightseeing in either Kyoto or Nara. A private car and English-speaking guide can also be arranged.

Kyoto / NaraYour Choice
DAY13

The End of the Journey

Travel to Kansai International Airport for your departure. An extended stay or onward travel can also be arranged.

End of Tour
Hotels

Accommodation

Tokyo

Daiichi Hotel Tokyo or an equivalent-class property

Hiroshima

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or an equivalent-class property

Yamaguchi / Yuda Onsen

Matsudaya Hotel or an equivalent-class property

Fukuoka

Grand Hyatt Fukuoka or an equivalent-class property

Osaka

Zentis Osaka or an equivalent-class property

Notes

13 days, 12 nights, year-round, with a moderate activity level. On the source page, pricing is available on request. The cultural experiences and content of the Hagi Kaido can be adjusted depending on the season, departure date, and your preferences.

Plan Your Trip

Make Yamaguchi not a stop along the way, but the centerpiece of your travel memories.

Hot springs, old roads, history, and nature. We combine experiences found only in this region to give you a reason to visit Yamaguchi.

Talk to Us About Your Trip