The Kyushu Expedition is a new tour starting in 2010. It is an 8-day, 7-night tour that takes us from the giant cedars and towering peaks of Yakushima, through the volcano-sculpted landscapes of Kirishima and Aso before following a dramatic "Road through the Mountains", to our final destination of Yufuin. Not only does the "living geology" of Kyushu offer unique insights into the formation of the Japanese islands; southern Kyushu's relatively mild climate has also been associated with the emergence of early Japanese culture and civilisation, with many Japanese viewing it as their nation's birthplace. In more recent historical times, while the rest of Japan maintained a policy of isolation, the relative independence of Kyushu's ruling families enabled the establishment of links with China and Europe, starting a tradition of international exchange that remains strong today.
As always, this tour is the product of extensive research by Walk Japan to bring you the very best in walking, accommodation, and local Japanese food. Your tour leader is a highly experienced walker, with the Japanese language fluency and local knowledge necessary to ensure you have the best possible holiday experience.
Our initial destination will be Kirishima, a compact volcanic area of spectacular natural beauty, associated with some of Japan's earliest creation myths. A circuit of Lake Onami is followed by a traverse of the Kirishima highlands, before returning to our lodgings, a superb hotel with Onsen attached. Day 3 sees us transfer to Ibusuki, a hot spring resort celebrated in Japan for its excellent inns and hotels. Our day's walk will be an ascent of the conical Kaimon-Dake, with breath-taking views over the bay of Kagoshima and the outlying islands.
Days 4 and 5 will be spent exploring the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of Yaku-shima Island. On arrival, we head for Shiratani Unsuiko, an impressive area of ancient cedar trees and fast flowing streams. The following day, weather permitting, we will ascend Miya-no-Ura, Kyushu's highest peak at 1935m, before making the return trek to our lodgings for a well-earned rest.
After returning to Kagoshima via high speed jetfoil on the morning of Day 6, we make our way to Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan where, ably assisted by cable car, we walk a circuit of the craters. After spending the night at one of Aso's many excellent hot springs, we use the scenic Yamanami Highway to make our way to our final destination, Yufuin, via Mt Kuju, another active volcano and the highest point in mainland Kyushu.
In summary, the Kyushu expedition covers a good deal of ground in a week, and would be suited to someone of a reasonable level of fitness, interested in the spectacular scenery that Southern Japan has to offer. The walking is described in more detail in the Itinerary, but bear in mind that lighter / non-walking alternatives can almost always be arranged in cases of inclement weather or fatigue!
The small, intimate nature of the inns makes the maximum group size 14 people.
Price: US$3240 per person. Single room supplement USD110 (Please see below).
What is included and not included? Local travel from tour meeting point to finishing point, accommodation, six breakfasts, two lunches and all evening meals, baggage transfers, and entrance fees are included. Not included are flights, five lunches, one breakfast and drinks with meals.
Single room supplement: The single room supplement is US$110 per person and guarantees a single room in hotels on two nights. Please note that while we cannot guarantee to do so we will endeavour to provide single accommodation on the nights we stay in traditional Japanese accommodation. No additional charge is made for any single accommodation provided in traditional inns.
Group size: The small, intimate nature of the inns makes the maximum group size 14 people. We have no minimum size. If we accept a booking we guarantee to run the tour.
Please see the Itinerary for this tour and Tour Dates for dates and availability. These tours start on a Friday and finish on a Friday.
*SPECIAL OFFER* The Kyushu Expedition tour complements Walk Japan's Kunisaki Trek tour. The scheduled dates from 2010 for both these tours run in succession for an easy combination of the two tours. If you wish to book both tours the combined price is USD$5650, including transport between the end point and start point of two consecutive tours.
Please contact
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for more information and to book this tour.
This itinerary is "ground only", beginning in Kagoshima and ending in Yufuin. Instructions will be provided in English and Japanese for getting to the meeting point in Kagoshima.
Day 1
The tour meets at Kagoshima Chuo Railway Station at 4pm before proceeding to our first nights lodgings in a nearby hotel for a briefing and equipment check. While the terrain on the Kyushu Expedition is never too demanding, mountain weather can be unpredictable and it's a good idea to check everyones equipment before setting off on our journey.
After the check and tour briefing, we head out into town for dinner at a local Izakaya, a lively eating and drinking establishment where there's sure to be food for everyones tastes.
Dinner provided.
Day 2
After breakfast at our hotel we board the train for Kirishima Jingu. A taxi takes us to the start of todays walk high up in Kirishima-Yaku National Park. Soon after starting our walk we have grand views over Lake Onami, a large crater lake, and the mountains of Kirishima. According to legend, a dragon resides in the Lake and at one point took the form of a beautiful maiden, living amongst local villagers for a while before returning home beneath the waters. We continue onwards to the top of Mt. Karakuni Dake, the highest point in Kirishima at 1,700 metres (5,577ft). Clear weather will provide good views of neighbouring Mount Takachiho, the surrounding National Park and the rest of our route for the day. A steady descent takes us through seasonal flowers and woodlands before a short climb to Mt. Shinmoedake, a scene of increased volcanic activity since last erupting in Spring 2010. We descend to catch a local bus back to Kirishima Jingu, the impressive Shinto Shrine that gives its name to the area. Our nearby lodgings, housing a soothing thermal hot spring bath, is also where we enjoy a delicious meal of locally sourced produce. Total walking time, 6 hours. Total ascent approx. 900m (2,953ft).
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 3
An early start today, as we travel by train alogside Kagoshima Bay with spectacular views of the active Sakurajima volcano to Ibusuki. We head for nearby Mt. Kaimon Dake, also known as the "Fuji of Satsuma" because of its striking similarity to it's famous counterpart. Satsuma was the original name of the Kagoshima region. In good weather, even those who elect not to proceed to the summit at 924m (3,031ft) will be rewarded with great views over the surrounding farmland and over the sea to the island of Yakushima, our destination for tomorrow.
Covered with wildflowers during the warmer months, Mt. Kaimon Dake also has a historical significance. For many members of the Special Attack, or Kamikaze, Corps, charged with crash-landing their explosives-laden planes on US battleships during the final stages of the Pacific War, the mountain was the last view of their homeland allowed them as they embarked on their missions. Total walking time, 4.5 hours. Total vertical ascent approx. 800m (2,625ft).
Optional non-guided alternative: An excursion to Chiran, visiting the Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots and picturesque samurai quarter. The museum, built on the site of a Kamikaze airbase, provides a moving insight into the lives of the young men before they set off on their fateful missions. The surrounding tea fields provide a delightful backdrop to this interesting town.
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 4It's a short distance from our lodgings in Ibusuki to the port, where we catch an early morning, high-speed jetfoil to Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will be staying here for the next two nights. Shiratani Unsuikyo, a spectacular gorge, provides the backdrop for today's walking. This will be our first taste of Yakushima, a truly spectacular natural environment with climatic zones ranging from sub-tropical around the coast to frigid temperatures atop the island's highest peaks. Not surprisingly a huge variety of flora and fauna find their homes here.
While our tour has been timed to coincide with one of the drier periods of the year, it would be unwise to forget your waterproofs. Yakushima is officially one of the wettest places on earth with upwards of 4,000mm (158in) of rainfall recorded annually. Rain, though, should not impair our enjoyment of our time here. On the contrary, it adds to the atmosphere of our trek through the primeval forest, which includes giant, moss-covered cedars that are some of the oldest trees in the world, wild deer and monkeys. Hayao Miyazaki, the Oscar-winning animator, found inspiration here for the scenery in Princess Mononoke, one of his most celebrated films. Weather and energy permitting, we'll take the trail as far as Taiko-iwa, a giant viewing rock offering excellent views of the island's interior and high peaks. We descend to our lodgings, where we enjoy a sumptuous dinner of some fine local fish. Total walking time, 5 hours. Total ascent approx. 500m (1,968ft).
Breakfast and dinner provided.
Day 5
Today's plans will be largely weather dependent, but a fine day will see us attempting an ascent of Mt. Kuromi Dake, a granite peak of 1,831m (6,007ft). This will necessitate an early start, but keep your eyes open as we take the winding mountain road up from the port of Anbo - it's worth it for the views back towards the coast. The well maintained trail to the top passes though a variety of cedar forest, high moorland and grassland. Total walking time, 6-8 hours. Total ascent approx. 700m (2,296ft).
Light walking alternative: Depending on the weather and cloud level, a number of options are possible. These include an ascent of Mt. Mocchomu-dake (970m, 3,182ft)) via a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Senpironotaki Falls; and a hike in Yakusugi Land, another area of impressive giant cedars and fast flowing rivers.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
Day 6
A more leisurely day. The morning will be spent travelling, first back to Kagoshima on the high-speed jetfoil, followed by Japan's newest Shinkansen Bullet train and local trains to the giant Aso caldera, one of the largest in the world. Here, after lunch at a local restaurant, a short taxi ride will take us to the start of our walk.
Today's focus is Mt. Aso, Japan's largest active volcano and, to make things easier, we'll use a cable car to transport us quickly to the top before walking a circuit of the craters of Naka-dake. Those with the energy might wish to make a short detour to take in the view from Taka-dake, Aso's highest point at 1592m (5,223ft). The smell of sulphur is ever-present, and on some days, access to Naka-dake's active crater and volcanic crater lake is restricted. Our circuit finishes at the main visitor's centre, and another cable car takes us back down the mountain towards our lodgings for the evening, an excellent local hotel with hot spring baths. Total walking time, 2.5 hours. Total ascent approx. 250m (820ft).
Lunch and dinner provided.
Day 7
After breakfast we board the Yamanami Mountain Highway express bus to our destination of Yufuin, but stop along the way for our final climb, Mt. Kuju (1,791m or 5,876ft). This mountain is the highest point on mainland Kyushu but a good path to the summit starting from the highest point on the Highway will enable a quick ascent. In good weather the views from the summit over the whole of the Kuju Mountain range to the Aso caldera are superb, and a fitting end to the our week's walking.
We spend the night in an excellent ryokan, Japanese inn, in Yufuin, with onsen hot spring thermal baths and enjoy a celebratory dinner together, reviewing the highlights of the tour. Total walking time, 4 hours. Total ascent approximately 600m (1,968ft).
Optional non-guided alternative: Continue directly on to Yufuin by express bus to spend the rest of the day exploring this picturesque thermal hot spring resort town. Pleasant cafes, local craft shops and art galleries provide for a leisurely time.
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Day 8
The tour ends after a Japanese breakfast. Travel to Fukuoka Airport by direct express coach from Yufuin, or onward travel elsewhere in Japan by air and rail is easily accomplished.
Breakfast provided.
Walk Japan Ltd. is happy to provide information and advice about places to visit for those wanting to extend their stay in Japan beyond Day 8.
This itinerary is subject to change.
Please see Tour Dates for scheduled tours and their availability. Contact
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The following travel tips are intended to be helpful advice for our Kyushu Expedition tour. In addition, please refer to your own past experiences and make adjustments or amendments as necessary. If you require any further advice please contact us.
Weather and Clothing
Early spring temperatures fluctuate from warm during the day to cool/cold at night. In late spring and late autumn, days will be warm to hot are hot and evenings warm. It is advisable to bring a variety of layers ranging from t-shirts to a top with long sleeves and a sweater/fleece.
Mountain environments are particularly susceptible to sudden fluctuations in weather and temperature, and we occasionally hike in remote areas, so proper clothing is essential. This includes quality hiking boots / shoes (please make sure these are worn-in before the tour), spare laces and socks, packable waterproof and wind-resistant jacket with hood, packable waterproof over-trousers, gloves, hat, comfortable hiking backpack with waterproof cover, water bottle, and walking poles. Other items you should consider are some high-energy food, pocketknife, insect repellent and a small torch.
Shorts are acceptable in Japan for both men and women. However, we recommend long trousers for most, if not all, of the trekking itself. You may also like to bring some comfortable casual shoes - sneakers, sandals, etc. - for use in town. The sun's rays can be strong and we recommend a sun hat, sun screen, etc. Some individuals find Japanese pillows uncomfortable and you may like to bring your own inflatable pillow. Yukata, evening gowns for sleeping in, are provided at each lodging. However, we recommend leggings, a top, etc. to wear underneath. This will provide a degree of modesty and help ward off any cold air. Laundry facilities are limited.
Food and drink
On longer hikes during the day we will each carry our own food for lunch and snacks and drinks. These will provided at the beginning of the day. (Food of a variety of kinds - fruit, breads, meats, salads, etc. or a bento lunch box will be made available by the guide or our lodging.)
Please also make sure that you carry water with you. 1-2 litres should ensure that you remain comfortable. Dinner in the Japanese inns is Japanese style, though breakfast may be more Western in style. Tap water is nearly always drinkable your guide will advise.
Medicines and cosmetics
Some medicines and cosmetics with which you are familiar may not be available in Japan, although there are usually similar products. Prescription medicines in Japan may differ from foreign medicines in minor, but possibly unacceptable, ways. If you require a specific medicine or cosmetic, either for health or comfort, please bring sufficient quantities with you.
Access to cash
Exchanging cash or travellers' cheques in major currencies can be a time-consuming exercise in Japan. Instead, we recommend alternatives including arriving in Japan with some Japanese currency, using credit cards, and withdrawing cash from ATMs. Japan is still a society based on cash payments. Given that the crime rate is quite low, there is not a great deal of risk in carrying around relatively large amounts of cash.
Credit card payments are sometimes possible, but do not rely on it as credit cards are not universally acceptable in Japan, particularly in rural areas. ATMs at Japanese post offices, which are ubiquitous in Japan, and Seven-Eleven stores provide cash against the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club International, PLUS, Maestro, Cirrus and JCB. Most Japanese bank ATMs, though, do not accept debit cards or provide access to foreign bank accounts.
International telephoning, cell phones and the internet
Making international telephone calls and using the internet outside of major urban areas can be difficult or impossible. Please bring a telephone charge card issued by your local telephone company, such as AT&T, BT and Telstar. These can be used almost anywhere.
The Japanese cell, or mobile, phone system uses a specialized CDMA technology which is incompatible with most overseas systems. Some G3, Blackberry smartphones and iPhones operate in Japan. However, please confirm with your provider whether your phone set will work. If your phone does not work in Japan you may like to rent a cell phone from providers such as NTT Docomo, Cellhire, Mobalrental, Worldroam, Vodafone, etc.
For further information please contact
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The following is an indication of what level of activity to expect on our tours. The itineraries for all our tours provide specific details of each day's walking.
Please note that one person's expectations of what is easy or hard can be very different. Whilst age, physical ability and fitness are factors in deciding what a person is capable of, often a seemingly less fit person completes our tours with no problem. Another factor to consider is the weather, which can affect people differently.
Since 1992 we have taken many thousands of people of many nationalities, all ages and abilities on tour in Japan. We have good experience and knowledge about what most, if not all, people can achieve so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information and advice related to your abilities.
Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk less than 1 km a day. Travel will be almost entirely by public transport, taxi and private hire bus.
Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk up to 5 km a day on mainly even ground.
Participants must be in reasonable health, mobile and able to participate in 4~6 hours of walking at a moderate 2kph to 4kph pace. The terrain is mainly even ground, with occasional short but steep climbs.
Participants must be in reasonable health, mobile and able to participate in 4~6 hours of walking at a 2 kph to 4 kph pace. The terrain includes more uneven ground than Level 2 with some short, occasionally longer, steep climbs.
Participants must be in good health, mobile and used to a reasonably active lifestyle. Walking may require up to six hours of moderate-paced activity per day, at a 2 kph to 4 kph pace over varied terrain. Ascents and descents can sometimes be steep, necessitating the use of arms for support.
Participants must be in good health, have a good level of physical fitness and used to an active lifestyle. Walking may require up to eight hours of moderate-paced activity per day, at a 2 kph to 4kph pace over varied, mountainous terrain including some long ascents and descents.
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This is a Level 4 tour, suitable for reasonably fit people who can walk comfortably for 5-6 hours a day. The routes are on well-defined mountain and forest trails, but will include a few lengthy ascents and descents. Walking poles are recommended. Read more on Tour levels below.
