Highlights
Experience Tokyo’s fascinating blend of tradition and modern life on a guided half-day tour
Enjoy free time to explore Tokyo at your own pace
Visit the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to learning and tradition
Cruise the tranquil canals of Yanagawa on a traditional riverboat
Discover Okawachiyama, the “Village of Secret Kilns,” famed for its porcelain heritage
Explore Nagasaki, a city shaped by history and cultural exchange
Relax in the natural hot springs of Mt Unzen
Visit the iconic Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal past
Journey up Mt Aso to see the volcanic crater (weather permitting)
Journey to Mount Aso to view its dramatic volcanic crater (weather permitting)
Stay in Beppu, Japan’s famous hot spring town
Traditional kimono dress up in the historic samurai town of Kitsuki
Indulge in relaxing spa treatments in Beppu
Inclusions
Fully escorted by a Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess who is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Return economy airfares ex Melbourne, including taxes (other departure cities available on request)
English-speaking tour guides
All transportation as per the itinerary
Meals as per itinerary (B, L, D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Quality accommodation with private facilities, with king or twin bedding (rooms may be smaller than you are used to)
All sightseeing as per the itinerary
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet and Greet prior to departure via Zoom
Notice
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and for longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings, please click here
Important Note - Japanese hotel rooms, especially in cities like Tokyo, are smaller than Western standards.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 18 November 2026
Melbourne - Narita (in-flight meals)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the designated departure point at Melbourne Airport for our flight to Tokyo. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.
Upon arrival at Narita Airport, an English-speaking guide will meet us at the customs exit. We will be assisted in boarding a chartered coach transfer to our hotel in Tokyo.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, a city with 12 million residents and 3 million commuters from neighbouring cities each day, for a total of 15 million people on most days. Famous for its spectacular architecture, futuristic displays, upmarket shopping and unique fashion sense, plenty of free time is allowed here to explore on your own.
A light dinner will be served at the hotel upon our arrival.
Overnight - The Blossom Hibiya, Tokyo (or similar)
Day 2 - Thursday 19 November 2026
Tokyo Sightseeing (B, L, D)
Today, we ease into the magic of Tokyo with a relaxed half-day sightseeing tour. Wander through the tranquil beauty of Rikugi-en Garden, where autumn leaves paint the landscape in rich seasonal hues, before visiting the serene forested sanctuary of Meiji Jingu Shrine. We’ll enjoy lunch nearby, soaking up the rhythm of local life.
The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—perhaps browse the vibrant streets and iconic crossings of Shibuya, indulge in a bit of shopping, or people-watch with a coffee in hand.
This evening, we come together for a welcome dinner at our hotel, raising a glass to new friendships and the exciting journey ahead.
Overnight - The Blossom Hibiya, Tokyo (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 20 November 2026
Tokyo - Fukuoka (B, L, D)
This morning, we farewell Tokyo and take a short flight to Fukuoka, the lively gateway to our Kyushu adventure. Upon arrival, we settle in with lunch at a local restaurant before stepping into one of the region’s most revered spiritual sites, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine— a place long visited by scholars and students seeking wisdom, success, and inspiration.
Our afternoon continues at the impressive Kyushu National Museum, where history comes to life through beautifully curated exhibitions that trace Japan’s cultural journey and Kyushu’s unique role within it.
This evening, we experience Fukuoka as the locals do, dining at a traditional Yatai food stall. Pull up a stool, sample delicious regional specialties, and enjoy the warm, convivial atmosphere—an unforgettable introduction to Kyushu’s food culture and friendly spirit.
Overnight - The Blossom Hakata Premier , Fukuoka (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 21 November 2026
Fukuoka - Yanagawa (B, L, D)
After breakfast and checkout this morning, we delve into the cultural heart of Fukuoka with a visit to the historic Kawabata Street. Here, we learn about the city’s vibrant festival traditions and the delicate craft of traditional paper lantern making, with time to browse for meaningful souvenirs. Just nearby, we pause at the atmospheric Kushida Shrine, a spiritual cornerstone of the city and home to the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
After lunch, we journey south to the charming riverside town of Yanagawa, often called the “Venice of Kyushu.” Here, a private chartered boat awaits, gently punting us along the tranquil Yanagawa River, past willow-lined canals and traditional scenery.
This evening, we arrive at our exceptional accommodation, the historic Ryokan Ohana. Once a grand mansion, this remarkable ryokan is still lovingly run by descendants of feudal lords—an unforgettable stay that offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s aristocratic past and timeless hospitality.
Dinner tonight at our accommodation.
Overnight - Ryokan Ohana,(Japanese rooms with Western bedding), Yanagawa (or similar)
Day 5 - Sunday 22 November 2026
Yanagawa - Okawachiyama - Nagasaki (B, L)
Today, we travel west toward Saga prefecture, most renowned for its porcelainware. We’ll be visiting the quaint village of Okawachiyama today, also known as the “Village of Secret Kilns, to see some of the creation process and possibly take part in some porcelain painting.
Later, we’ll be heading up north to see the coastal hilltop castle of Karatsu (with lunch on the way), before making our way south to Nagasaki for the evening.
Dinner will be own arrangements this evening in Nagasaki.
Overnight: The Global View Nagasaki, Nagasaki (or similar)
Day 6 - Monday 23 November 2026
Nagasaki (B, L, D)
Nagasaki is a fascinating city with a rich multicultural history. It served as Japan’s only port of trade during a period of total closure from the outside world, and so has Dutch, Chinese and Christian influences in all facets of the city, from its architecture to its dining. It also has the tragic history of being one of the sites of atomic bombings in 1945.
We’ll be visiting Oura Cathedral, Glover Garden, the preserved buildings of Dejima Island, and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
Lunch and dinner will be included today, and before returning to our hotel this evening, we’ll be headed up Mt Inasa to take in one of Japan’s three best night views.
Overnight: The Global View Nagasaki, Nagasaki (or similar)
Day 7 - Tuesday 24 November 2026
Nagasaki - Mt Unzen (B, L, D)
This morning, before departing Nagasaki, we’ll make a brief trip to Nagasaki’s famous Chinatown district, and we’ll enjoy the local specialty of Champon Noodles for lunch.
Then we drive toward Mt. Unzen for our traditional hot spring experience!
We’ll be staying in a deluxe resort hot spring hotel. Those wanting to see the beautiful night sky can opt for a short walking tour after dinner!
Overnight: Unzen Fukudaya, Mt Unzen (or similar)
Day 8 - Wednesday 25 November 2026
Mt Unzen - Shimeiso - Kumamoto (B, L)
Today, we’ll be travelling down the mountain east side this morning, toward the Koi town of Shimabara, where the drains are so clean you’ll see koi carp swimming in them. We’ll stop by Spring Water Garden Shimeiso for a relaxing break, before boarding a ferry across to Kumamoto city this afternoon.
We’ll enjoy lunch in Kumamoto City, then visit Kumamoto Castle, which was freshly restored after a devastating earthquake in 2016. We’ll have plenty of free time to explore Kumamoto city for dinner this evening.
Overnight: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto, Kumamoto (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 26 November 2026
Kumomoto - Mt Aso - Beppu (B, L, D)
This morning, we’ll be journeying up famous Mt. Aso to see plateaus of wide open fields, and if conditions permit, we can see the volcanic crater here!
This will be on our way to the hot spring town of Beppu. We’ll stop for lunch in Mt. Aso along the way.
When we reach Beppu, we’ll visit a local Bamboo factory and try our hand at making our own chopsticks!
Overnight: Beppu Suginoi Hotel, Beppu (or similar)
Day 10 - Friday 27 November 2026
Beppu (B, L, D)
This morning, we’ll be visiting the famous Hells of Beppu, unique-looking hot springs, only seen in this town. We’ll enjoy “Jigokumushi” dining for lunch, where we steam our own food with hot springs.
This afternoon, we’ll be driving to the samurai town of Kitsuki, where we will be fitted out in Kimono for a stroll through town and visiting various samurai houses!
Overnight: Beppu Suginoi Hotel, Beppu (or similar)
Day 11 - Saturday 28 November 2026
Beppu (B, D)
Today we'll have a day of relaxation in Beppu, with a sand bath experience booked for the group and individual 150-minute massage/facial sessions.
What a wonderful way to finish up our trip!
Overnight: Beppu Suginoi Hotel, Beppu (or similar)
Day 12 - Sunday 29 November 2026
Beppu - Tokyo - Melbourne (B, in-flight meals)
On the final day of our Kyushu adventure, we’ll transfer to Oita Airport to board our late morning domestic flight to connect with Tokyo and depart Japan.
Day 13 - Monday 30 November 2026
Welcome home!
Welcome home!
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you to your next adventure.