Travel with Jason James OBE, the Director General of the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, through Japan's fascinating history as you travel through its north and far south islands in Hokkaido and Kyushu.
The four main islands of Japan - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu – encompass enormous diversity in geography, culture and food. This diversity is at its richest between the wild, thickly forested, wintry wonderland of Hokkaido and the volcanic island of Kyushu, bubbling with its famous onsens amidst lush, subtropical landscapes. To give some European geographical context – if Japan was overlaid on Europe, Hokkaido would be in Scandinavia while Kyushu would overlay Portugal.
Hokkaidō is the Japan of wide-open spaces, with 20% of the country's land area but only 5% of its population. There are large swathes of wilderness here, with primeval forests, tropical-blue caldera lakes, fields of alpine wildflowers and bubbling, natural hot springs. In the summer, all this (plus the cooler, drier weather) draws hikers, cyclists and strollers. It is famous for its beautiful wilderness, world class powder snow, delicious seafood and fascinating indigenous culture. Japan’s first peoples are the Aiwa, and they are still present in Hokkaido.
Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu, is famous for its tonkotsu ramen, varied hot springs, dramatic mountains, and peaceful beaches. While the startup hub of Fukuoka bubbles with international attention, the volcanic terrain to the south has created a craggy wonderland of eight steaming hot spring areas, known collectively as Beppu Onsen, as well as soaring mountains. Offering a taste of both cutting-edge modernity and slow-paced living, the spectacular nature, culture and cuisine of Kyushu is best explored at a leisurely pace.
Travel in Autumn, when Hokkaido’s leaves will be turning their famously vivid hues, and Kyushu will still be experiencing warmer days and evenings. Learn about the rich history and delicious and distinctive local cuisines of both islands in the company of Japan expert, Jason James.
Travel through Japanese culture and history as you journey from its northernmost island, Hokkaido, to lush Kyushu in the south.
The Ainu people of Hokkaido are the first people of Japan and their culture is still present today. Visit an Ainu cultural centre to learn more about this fascinating and ancient culture.
Cruise to the ruins of historic Gunkanjima Island, the most densely populated area ever recorded.
Experience the stunning Autumn foliage in Hokkaido, where the surrounding valleys turn to brilliant yellows and reds.
Visit the ‘Hells of Beppu’. These geothermal hot spring sites are not for bathing but for viewing — each one has a unique colour and feature, from boiling mud to vibrant cobalt-blue.
Longer and fuller days. More walking and longer distances require more energy, good fitness, and mobility.
If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.
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