Southern Japan Discovery

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step off the beaten path and explore 2 of Japan's beautiful southern islands - Shikoku and Kyushu
• Explore Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu on a sightseeing tour
• Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines
• Marvel at the canals of Yanagawa, known as the 'Venice of Kyushu' because of its 930 kilometres of waterways
• Visit Kumamoto Castle, which is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Japan
• Visit Mount Aso, home to one of the largest ancient calderas in the world
• Explore the beautiful onsen town of Yufuin at leisure
• Visit the beautifully restored Garyu Sanso teahouse in Ozu City which overlooks the Hijikawa River below
• Marvel at the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, previously the longest suspension bridge in the world
• Enjoy a boat ride around the many bridges and islands of the Kurushima Strait
• Cruise past the Hatohama Shipyards which are the largest ship-building yards in all of Japan
• Tour the 17th century Kochi’s castle - the only one in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep remain intact
• Walk along the ancient Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley which is built out of tree vines
• Visit Konpira Grand Theater, Japan’s oldest surviving complete kabuki theater
• Visit Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, the largest cultural property garden in all of Japan
• Enjoy some time at leisure in Osaka's famous Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district

FLIGHTS

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), surcharges may apply

ACCOMMODATION

• 10 nights of quality hotel accommodation

DINING

• Enjoy daily breakfast

ESSENTIALS

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

TRANSPORT

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
• One-way ferry from Kyushu to Shikoku

TRANSFERS

• Return airport transfers

UPGRADES AVAILABLE

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 60 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 60 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location (see checkout for details)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (booked on tour directly with the guide)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
• Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline (see checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details

Day 1 Australia (or New Zealand) - Fukuoka, Japan

Day 2 Fukuoka Sightseeing Tour - Free Afternoon

Day 3 Fukuoka to Kumamoto

Day 4 Kumamoto Free Day

Day 5 Kumamoto to Oita/Beppu

Day 6 Beppu/Oita to Matsuyama

Day 7 Matsuyama to Kochi

Day 8 Kochi - Iya Valley - Takamatsu

Day 9 Takamatsu Free Day

Day 10 Takamatsu to Osaka

Day 11 Osaka to Australia

Day 12 Arrive in Australia (or New Zealand)

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 25th March 2026.

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Departure Dates & Surcharges
Please see checkout for live dates and availability.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $950 applies.
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Departure Cities
Sydney, *Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, Perth, *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges
• Melbourne: $100 per person
• Brisbane: $200 per person
• Adelaide: $300 per person
• Auckland: $450 per person

International Full Service Flight(s)
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note:
• If purchasing the Taiwan extension, low cost carriers may be used for the Osaka to Taipei flight, and meals and entertainment are not guaranteed.
• We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.

Baggage Allowance
1 x 20kg of checked baggage
1 x 7kg of carry on baggage

Preferred Airline Surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Singapore Airlines : $315 per person
Please note:
• Preferred airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Preferred airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.

Arrive Early & Stay Behind Options
Arrive Early
Fukuoka, Japan - From $300 per person, subject to availability.
Tokyo, Japan - From $300 per person, subject to availability (only available for purchase over the phone).

Stay Behind
Osaka, Japan - From $300 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If you select to Arrive Early or Stay Behind in a city other than the one where the tour starts or ends, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly team at the time of purchase. Please note that the cost does not change when you choose to forfeit your connecting flight.
• Flight booking changes or cancellations after air tickets have been issued are not guaranteed and may incur additional fees and fare difference, subject to the airline cancellation and change policies.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high-season Arrive Early or Stay Behind can be purchased for an additional charge, subject to availability. For pricing, please refer to the cart.
• An Arrive Early or Stay Behind can only be booked up to 60 days prior to your package’s start date, or after your package's end date. Should you wish to arrive earlier or stay behind for more than 60 days, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
28 March 2025 - 27 April 2025
16 June 2025 - 20 July 2025
15 September 2025 - 12 October 2025
1 December 2025 - 31 January 2026
3 April 2026 - 20 April 2026
26 June 2026 - 17 July 2026
18 September 2026 - 9 October 2026
12 December 2026 - 26 January 2027

Stopover Packages
• Hong Kong
Includes:
• 2, 3 or 5 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers
For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
Hong Kong Rugby 7's: 27th March 2025 to 01 April 2025
Christmas and New Years Eve: 22nd December 2025 to 2nd January 2026

Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed

Missed Flights
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Accommodation Used
3-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Fukuouka: U-BELL Hotel or similar
• Kumamoto: Hotel Route Inn or similar
• Beppu/Oita Area: Amanek Hotel or similar
• Matsuyama: Comfort Hotel or similar
• Kochi: Orient Hotel or similar
• Takamatsu: Hotel Route Inn or similar
• Osaka: The Premium Hotel Rinku or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights
Not available.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.

Triple Share
Not available.

Bedding Configuration
Twin or double (subject to availability).

• Day 4: Nagasaki Day Tour - 14,000 JPY per person
• Day 9: Naoshima Art Island - 20,000 JPY per person

Please note:

• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
• Additional optional tours may be offered directly by the guide on tour depending on timing and availability.
• Some tours or shore excursions require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping
• Optional activities/tours
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation
• Gratuities/tipping
  Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is 5 euro per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
  Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

A tourist visa is not required for Australian or New Zealand citizens visiting Japan for stays of up to 90 days.

Important:

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules are subject to change. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination/s you are visiting once you receive your travel documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

Includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking + additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

If the incorrect name has been advised to TWAC, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TWAC has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If TWAC cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.

Planning your next adventure is thrilling! While we hope for smooth travels, preparing for the unexpected is always smart. We highly recommend getting travel insurance when you book. Whether it's a medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, ensure you're covered. For more info and advice, please visit: www.twac.com.au/travel-insurance or talk to your TWAC travel consultant.

Although you should read all of the terms and conditions, the following is a summary of the most important:

• Our travel package is non-refundable, however you will receive a travel credit to be applied to our travel services.
• You, as our client, agree to check all documentation immediately for errors. Travel With A Cause (TWAC) does not take responsibility for incorrect dates or names supplied.
• Prices, including, in some cases, of confirmed bookings, may be subject to change. ​
• Some confirmed bookings are non-refundable if cancelled by you and it is your responsibility to check if this applies.
• We will be entitled to retain our service fees even if a booking is cancelled or does not proceed for any reason which is not our fault.
• It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of all information relevant to your travel plans, including but not limited to visa requirements and health precautions.
• There may be some additional fees or other incentives from Suppliers.
• We are not liable for the recent updates of any published Supplier content including websites and brochures

CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TWAC website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TWAC, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
 
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).