12-Day Old Town Japan Tour

12 days
2,844 USD〜/per person
Kyoto, Kurashiki, Matsuyama, Beppu, Hakata

Discover Japan’s Old Towns and Onsen Traditions in 12 Days

This 12-day journey is designed for travelers who want to step beyond Japan’s best-known cities and into the quiet beauty of its historic towns and hot spring districts. From the temple lanes of Kyoto to the canal quarter of Kurashiki, the onsen towns of Shikoku and Kyushu, and the merchant streets of Hita, the itinerary follows a gentle route through the Japan of an earlier age.

Begin in Kyoto with Ginkaku-ji, the Philosopher’s Path, and a traditional tea ceremony, then wander the stone-paved lanes of Sannenzaka and the lantern-lit streets of Gion. Travel west to Kurashiki’s willow-lined Bikan Historical Quarter, soak in the timeless atmosphere of Dogo Onsen Honkan, and ride the ropeway to Matsuyama Castle. Cross the Seto Inland Sea by ferry to Beppu for the vividly colored Hells and a warming sand bath, explore the Edo-period townscape of Mamedamachi in Hita, and pay your respects at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine before finishing with a lively evening in Osaka.

With a dedicated English-speaking guide, two nights in a traditional onsen ryokan with kaiseki dinners, and a thoughtfully paced route by bullet train, limited express, ferry, and private vehicle, this tour offers a seamless and comfortable way to experience a side of Japan that most visitors never see — ideal for returning travelers, or for first-timers who want more than the usual highlights.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Travel through six distinct regions — Kyoto, Kurashiki, Dogo, Beppu, Hita, and Osaka — in one seamless journey.
Stay two nights in a traditional onsen ryokan in Dogo, complete with kaiseki dinners and yukata strolls.
Explore beautifully preserved old towns and historic quarters that lie far from the usual tourist trail.
A perfect choice for returning visitors, or for travelers seeking a deeper, slower look at traditional Japan.

Tour Pricing

Group Size	Price (Per Person)
2	JPY 700,000 (USD 4,375)
4	JPY 515,000 (USD 3,219)
6	JPY 455,000 (USD 2,844)

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Kyoto

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 2 | Kyoto

Visit Ginkaku-ji
Walk the Philosopher’s Path
Visit Nanzenji Temple
Traditional tea ceremony experience

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 3 | Kyoto

Visit Kiyomizu-dera
Explore Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Explore Gion and Yasaka Shrine

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 4 | Kurashiki

Bullet train and local train from Kyoto to Kurashiki
Explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki river boat ride (subject to availability)
Visit Kurashiki Denim Street

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kurashiki

Day 5 | Dogo Onsen

Visit the Ohara Museum of Art
Local train and limited express from Kurashiki to Matsuyama
Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan
Yukata stroll through the onsen town
Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Dogo

Day 6 | Dogo Onsen

Visit Matsuyama Castle
Ride the Botchan Train
Visit Isaniwa Shrine
Free time for onsen hopping (e.g. Asuka-no-Yu)
Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Dogo

Day 7 | Beppu

Limited express from Matsuyama to Yawatahama Port
Ferry from Yawatahama to Beppu across the Seto Inland Sea
Beppu sand bath experience

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Beppu

Day 8 | Beppu

Visit the Hells of Beppu / Jigoku Meguri (e.g. seven vividly colored volcanic hot springs, from a cobalt-blue pond to bubbling red mud)
Stroll through the Kannawa Onsen District
Jigoku-mushi steam cooking experience

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Beppu

Day 9 | Hakata

Private transfer from Beppu to Hita
Explore the Mamedamachi Historic Quarter
Visit Sake Brewery
Private transfer from Hita to Hakata

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Hakata

Day 10 | Hakata

Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Explore Hakata Old Town

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Hakata

Day 11 | Osaka

Bullet train from Hakata to Osaka
Shopping and evening stroll in Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 12 | Osaka

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

Private tour
Dedicated English-speaking guide
12 days itinerary
11 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation and onsen ryokan
Breakfast everyday
2 kaiseki dinners at the onsen ryokan in Dogo
Traditional tea ceremony experience in Kyoto
Beppu sand bath experience
Public transportation, ferry crossing, and private transfers as specified
All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
Bottle of water per person per day
Ride the shinkansen bullet train

Exclusions

International airfares
Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
Visas
Tipping
Optional activities
Personal expenses
Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
Travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

The Kurashiki river boat ride is subject to availability and weather conditions. Please also note that the ferry crossing from Yawatahama to Beppu may be adjusted in the event of rough seas.