Highlights

Accommodation in traditional ryokan · natural hot spring baths ·gentle walks along country paths · Mount Aso, one of the world's largest active volcanoes · Aya Castle and crafts centre · Samurai houses and castle at Obi · Traditional Yokagura dances at Takachiho · Hot sand baths on the beach

Guide - Matt Malcomson

Matt travelled to Japan at the age of 18 and has been exploring the archipelago ever since. He lived in Nara, Miyazaki, and Tokyo for 10 years, working for an international magazine and leading outdoor trips. He is a travel writer. Matt has been based in the UK since 2005.

Style of tour
European leader, small-group walking and hiking. Accommodation in traditional ryokan, hotels, mountain lodge.

Dates
Monday 7 April – Sunday 20 April 2008
Monday 12 May – Sunday 25 May 2008

Price for 2008
£2,000

Duration
13 days

Hiking days
7 days

Grade
Gentle/Moderate

Group size
Maximum: 8 Clients Minimum: 5 Client

Includes:
All domestic transport, accommodation, meals, guides, entrance and activity fees

Does not include:
International Flights, drinks with meals

Booking

www.hikejapan.com

info@hikejapan.com

Hike Japan Ltd.
Registered office
89 Fleet Street London EC4Y 1DH

Phone:

Japan : ++81 (0)3 5226 1169 (tel & fax)
              ++81 (0)80 3445 1130 (mob)

UK :       ++44 (0)207 353 2363

North America :

INTRODUCTION

Hita · Mount Kuju · Mount Aso · Takachiho · Aya · Miyazaki · Kirishima volcanic range · Kagoshima · Ibusuki

We will travel from the north to the south of Japan 's southern island of Kyushu , stopping at towns and villages rarely visited by foreigners. Kyushu is considered the cradle of Japanese civilization, and several locations connected with the Japanese creation myths feature on our journey. Kyushu is also known for its numerous active volcanoes, and we will explore the Kuju, Aso, and Kirishima ranges. A natural by-product of the volcanoes are 'onsen', or hot springs , and we will enjoy many relaxing dips in their soothing waters.

At Kuju the Miyama Kirishima tsutsuji , a variety of Pink Azalea, covers the mountainsides forming a lovely backdrop for our remote natural hot spring lodge. We will travel to the top of the Mount Aso volcanoes by cable car, and after walking along the rim of craters and the fields of lava in between will relax at former temple lodgings. At Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture you will be entertained by locals perform the Yokagura dances which tell the story of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu plunging the world into darkness by hiding in a cave after the wicked antics of her brother the Storm God Susano-o.

At Aya, an organic farming town in Miyazaki Prefecture , there will be a chance to try your hand at Japanese pottery, weaving, and aizomeorimono (indigo-dyed fabric). Short walks will take us through quiet villages and rice fields. Further south we stop at Obi, a well-preserved town with Edo period - 17 th and 18 th century- samurai houses. . Colourful carp swim in the culverts that line the streets.

Throughout our journey we will enjoy fresh local cuisine. Traveling south you will notice that it changes; saké is replaced by shochu (a spirit distilled from sweet potatoes, sugar cane, barley or rice), and hyuga-natsu (a local variety of orange) make an appearance. Every area and many towns have their own special dishes, which you will have the opportunity of sampling at our overnight stops.

Forming an imposing natural border between the former feudal enemies of the Ito clan ( Miyazaki ) and the Shimazu ( Kagoshima ), the Kirishima Range of volcanoes affords spectacular views over Kagoshima Bay and Mount Sakurajima (height?). You will visit the mountain-top shrine where myth and tradition locate the Sun Goddess Amaterasu's grand-son Ninigi-no-mikoto's descent to Earth to found the Japanese Imperial line which continues to this day.

In Kagoshima City , on a bay and with a beautiful view of Mount Sakurajima , you will visit Sangen-en, the lovely residence and garden of the Shimazu clan. Kaimondake at the southern tip of Kyushu with its natural hot sand baths will provide the last stop on our journey.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 MEET IN KYOTO

Meet at Kansai International Ai rport and transfer by train to Kyoto . There will be a leisurely walk around central Kyoto , and later a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the center of the city.

Overnight at small ryokan (Japanese-style inn).

DAY 2 TRANSFER TO HITA

We will board the Shinkansen (bullet train) and travel to Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu . From there we will travel by road to Hita,known for its production of geta (wooden clogs) and located on the banks of the Mikuma river. In the autumn it is possible to see the bamboo fish traps which are placed on the Mikuma River to catch Ayu (river fish). In the spring the river banks are prime spots for viewing the cherry blossoms. We will stay at a ryokan (traveler's Inn ) with an onsen (hot spring bath).

DAY 3 DRIVE TO KUJU AND HIKE TO HOKKEIN ONSEN (Walking 3.5 miles: 2 hours 360 metres ascent, 145 metres descent)

In the morning after a leisurely stroll through Mameda-machi in the old town of Hita , we will visit a soy sauce and miso factory. In the afternoon we will travel by road to the Kuju range of volcanoes which include the highest peaks in Kyushu . We will hike for 2 hours to a hot spring lodge nestled in the heart of the mountains. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 4 DRIVE TO MOUNT ASO (Walking 3.5 miles: 2 hours, 270 metres ascent, 485 metres descent)

Leaving the mountain lodge we will follow a different path, passing nearby Kuju-dake peak and Naka-dake peak and arriving back at our transport. We will then continue by road to Kurokawa hot spring village where we will visit the Shinmeikan ryokan and its atmospheric hot spring baths including one that has pools in a small cave. Following a relaxing soak, we will continue on by road to the Aso area. Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan , and one of the largest in the world. The caldera, which was formed around 300,000 years ago in a cataclysmic eruption, is around 25km in diameter. The peaks of Taka-dake and Naka-dake punctuate this massive highland area and offer excellent walks and hikes.

We will check in to our lodgings for the next two nights, a beautiful former temple guesthouse in a quiet village. Dinner and overnight at guesthouse.

DAY 5 HIKING TO TAKA-DAKE (10 miles walking: approximately 6 hours, 600 metres ascent, 750 metres descent)

After breakfast we travel by car part of the way up the volcano and then take the Sensuikyou cable car to the top. There will be an easy hike through fields of lava rock and along the craters edge. Passing brightly coloured volcanic rocks, we will briefly stop at the summits of Taka-dake and Naka-dake with views of the surrounding countryside and nearby mountains. Coming down from the volcano we will travel back by bus to Aso station and then walk to the minshuku (family inn). Dinner and overnight at minshuku.

DAY 6 DRIVE TO TAKACHIHO (5.5 miles walking: approximately 3 hours, 270 metres ascent, 330 metres descent)

We will travel by road today on the Aso Panorama highway which runs over) the top of the Aso volcanoes with spectacular views of the surrounding caldera. From the highway, a leisurely stroll will take us through the lovely countryside of south Aso past small villages and rice fields. (3.5 miles walking: approximately 2 hours, 90 metres ascent, 140 metres descent). We will continue on by road and arrive at the small town of Takachiho for lunch. The town sits astride the Takachiho gorge whose strange and beautiful rock formations created by volcanic activity have become part of local folklore and the Japanese national creation myth. You will take a short walk along the gorge, and have a lunch of sansai (mountain vegetables), grilled rainbow trout and grilled chicken accompanied by shochu, a spirit made from sweet potato and heated inside bamboo beakers at a small teahouse.

Dinner will be at the ryokan, followed by a visit to Takachiho shrine to see the Yokagura, sacred dances which tell the mythical story of Japan 's creation.

DAY 7 CYCLING NEAR TAKACHIHO

In the morning we propose a leisurely cycle along the peaceful lanes in the countryside near Takachiho, stopping at small shrines and passing through small villages. Following a picnic lunch another cycle route will take us back to Takachiho. We will then travel by road to neighbouring Hi-no-de town and on to the Ishigaki-no-mura, a village where all the houses are made of stone – quite a rarity in Japan where wood is the normal construction material. Lastly we will visit the local hot spring for a relaxing soak after the day's activities, with azuki bean and sweet potato dumplings waiting for us afterwards. Dinner and overnight at the ryokan.

DAY 8 DRIVE TO AYA (5.5 miles walking: approximately 2 hours, 150 metres ascent, 150 metres descent)

Leaving Takachiho, we will travel by road to central Miyazaki Prefecture , stopping in the wooded countryside north of Miyazaki city for a gentle stroll amongst the rice fields and very picturesque small villages. We will then visit Aya, an organic farming town, once a base for the Ito Clan in their struggles against the Shimazu Clan of Kagoshima . A short walk will take us to the Teruha suspension bridge, 140 metres above the Aya river. (In spring this is a wonderful place to see the cherry blossoms on the surrounding mountains) A nearby winery, microbrewery and saké distillery will be our final stop – with ample time for tasting!

Dinner and overnight at ryokan.

DAY 9 AYA CRAFTS CENTRE, DRIVE TO OBI

In the morning, we will visit the castle followed by the Crafts Centre, where you will have the opportunity to try your hand at Japanese pottery, weaving, and aizomeorimono (indigo-dyed fabric). After lunch at a café serving locally produced organic food, we will drive to the historic town of Obi south of Miyazaki city. Along the way you will see the spectacular coastline and stop at the Udo-jingu shrine which is totally enclosed within a cave.

Obi, once the site of an important castle built by the Ito clan, is now a well-preserved town with Edo period samurai houses lining its main street and colourful carp swimming in the culverts . You will visit the former residence of the Ito clan, and wander the backstreets stopping in a small teashop to enjoy green tea and traditional Japanese sweets. Dinner and overnight in ryokan.

DAY 10 TRAVEL TO KIRISHIMA VOLCANO RANGE (7 miles walking: approximately 3.5 hours, 870 metres ascent, 870 metres descent)

We will take a short stroll around Obi this morning, then travel by road to the Kirishima volcanic range, on the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. Rising up from the plains to the west of Miyazaki , the active volcanic peaks are significant in Japanese mythology. The many volcanic fumaroles spewing forth steam create a dramatic landscape, and show that the volcanoes are indeed alive. We will climb to the top of Takachiho-no-mine peak for stunning views over the surrounding countryside. After descending, we will travel by road to the Ebino-kogen area and stroll near the volcanic vents. A visit to Shiratori hot spring nearby will give us a chance to enjoy an outdoor mineral bath with a panoramic view over the countryside below. Dinner and overnight at hotel with hot spring.

DAY 11 TRAVEL TO KAGOSHIMA (3 miles walking: approximately 1.5 hours, 45 metres ascent, 45 metres descent)

Leaving Kirishima, we will travel to the city of Kagoshima , dramatically situated on Kagoshima Bay opposite Sakurajima, an active volcano. Kagoshima used to be the home of the Shimazu clan, southern Kyushu 's most powerful feudal family, and we will visit Sangen-en, their lovely villa and gardens which has Sakurajima across the bay as an impressive backdrop. After lunch, we will take the ferry across to Sakurajima, and walk along the coastline through lava fields. Returning to Kagoshima , dinner will be at a sushi restaurant in the centre of the city. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 12 KAIMONDAKE AND HOT SAND BATH

You will travel south this morning, stopping first at Chiran, a well preserved town with many Samurai houses and their gardens. Chiran is also home to a museum about the Kamikaze pilots of World War II, as this was the air base used by the young pilots on their doomed missions. Lunch will be home-made soba and udon noodles in a local restaurant housed inside a thatched building. Next you will travel to the sandy beaches at the very southernmost tip of Kagoshima prefecture, and the small volcano of Kaimondake. You will visit Yamakawa beach, where thermally-heated mineral water bubbles to the surface. Locals mix the sand to ensure a steady temperature, and you will be able to wear a cotton yukata robe to sit in the warm sand and be covered. Very relaxing! We will then return by road to Kagoshima for our flight to Tokyo. Overnight city centre hotel.

DAY 13 TOKYO

There will be a free day today in Tokyo so you can shop for souvenirs or presents, visit a museum, or simply wander through the city. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner.

DAY 14 TOUR ENDS

On our final day we say farewell. Your guide will help you transfer to Tokyo's Narita airport for your flight home, or you may like to stay a few days longer.

TRIP NOTES

Equipment & Clothing

When we receive your booking we send you a dossier, which contains a suggested gear and clothing list. If you have any queries at this initial stage do ring us and we will be pleased to offer advice.

Accommodation

TOKYO , KYOTO , KAGOSHIMA : Comfortable, modern, downtown hotels. ASO, TAKACHIHO, AYA, OBI:
Traditional Japanese inns (ryokan and minshuku) KUJU: Mountain lodge
Please note that single rooms are normally only available in hotels – where a single room supplement may apply.

Meal Plan

Breakfasts and 10 evening meals are included. Lunches and evening meals in Fukuoka and Kagoshima are not included for reasons of choice and convenience, but your guide will be available to help with recommendations and ordering.

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but we cannot make absolute guarantees! Changes to the itinerary will normally be made to introduce an improvement. Weather conditions, road and transport conditions, and the health of walkers, can all contribute to changes. The guide will ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy-going nature is an asset!