Magical Miyajima Tour 2026
Touch serenity and experience Miyajima after dark
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Itsukushima, commonly known as “Miyajima” or “Shrine Island”, is a place like no other in Japan, most famous for its striking torii gate rising out of the sea. Filled with roaming deer and even glimpses of wild monkeys amongst the trees, each evening this sacred spot empties of visitors and a mystical, serene silence descends. Come experience the rare chance to spend two nights in this magical space, including premium kaiseki meals!
In addition, you’ll experience two fascinating events in Kyushu: the wondrous Saga International Balloon Festival, where giant hot air balloons compete while soaring through the sky, and the Karatsu Kunchi Autumn Harvest festival, featuring massive, lacquered floats called hikiyama. This region has been holding a similar autumn festival since the Edo period, and the impressive floats have even been designated as designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage item. And these unique spectacles are just the beginning!
Destination Highlights for the Magical Miyajima Tour
Fukuoka – Saga – Shimonoseki – Iwakuni – Miyajima – Hiroshima – Kurashiki – Osaka – and more!
A special highlight of this tour is two nights on Miyajima Island. While a popular destination during the day, there are only a few ryokan on the island, so it becomes a completely different, mystical location after the visitors depart each evening. You’ll get to stay two nights in this quiet space, relaxing and appreciating all that this one-of-a-kind area has to offer. You’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace so there is no need to worry about rushing to see the sights! Plus, the premium kaiseki cuisine is filled with the bounty of the surrounding Seto Inland Sea, including the region’s famous oysters, and changes to showcase different seasonal ingredients with each day. Lean into the silence and discover the not-to-be-missed opportunity of a luxurious stay on Miyajima.
Ready to discover the serene hush of Miyajima after dark? You’ll also experience hands-on activities like making your own maneki neko “beckoning cat” figurines, and picking fresh, juicy oranges right off the tree at a local orchard. Slip into steaming onsen, linger over mouthwatering meals, step through the floating torii gate and discover an enchanting Japan far beyond the ordinary.
What’s included on the Magical Miyajima Tour:
- Comfortable, smooth flights with Japan Airlines (Full Package only)
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic cultural activities like making maneki neko, picking exquisite oranges fresh off the tree, sake tasting, a scenic river cruise in Yanagawa, and more!
- Relaxing stays at exceptional hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 22 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including multiple kaiseki dinners!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Stay two magical nights on Miyajima Island, find your peace amidst evening tranquility, and discover a side of the island rarely seen by visitors.
- Witness majestic hot air balloons drifting overhead at the Saga International Balloon Festival. These giant vehicles come in a myriad of different shapes and colors, and they are quite the sight, whether flying through the air or at rest at their moorings. Check out the official video from last year’s festival here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LdtEELmMe8
- Pick exceptionally sweet oranges (mikan) right off the tree at a local orchard. The Seto Inland Sea region is famous for citrus, and you’ll find all manner of scrumptious omiyage as you travel through this area.
- Take in the marvelous Karatsu Kunchi Autumn Festival, featuring larger-than-life hikiyama lacquered floats. This UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival has been taking place since the Edo period!
- Take a river cruise through historic Yanagawa, called “Kyushu’s Little Venice” for its picturesque canals lined with swooping willow trees. The traditional boats are poled along by expert drivers, who may even regale you with song as you glide along the calm waters.
- Savor specialty seasonal and regional cuisine with 22 included exceptional meals, including multiple premium kaiseki-style dinners. Seasonal ingredients
- Feel the richness of the country’s culture through hands-on activities that let you meet local residents and learn from experienced artisans. Make your own “beckoning cat” maneki neko and try a sake tasting experience at a specialty brewery in Hiroshima’s historic Saijo brewing district.
- Relax with a full free day in Osaka to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy certain foods you’ve always wanted to try, all at your own pace! You can also add an optional day tour if you’d prefer. Ask us for suggestions!
Tour Itinerary
9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS IN JAPAN
Click here to see the full tour schedule!
**Hotels subject to change in case of unexpected circumstances
Day 0 – October 31 (Saturday): Departure from Honolulu
- Begin your journey with excitement as you meet your fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport. Relax before your flight to Japan with Japan Airlines (JAL), known for their outstanding in-flight service.
Day 1 – November 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Japan
- Transit through Haneda Airport and take a short domestic flight to Kyushu. Arrive in metropolitan Fukuoka and settle into your comfortable hotel. Rest and get ready for your upcoming journey!
- Hotel: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the international flight
Day 2 – November 2 (Monday): Saga Spectacle
- Start your day with sightseeing and shopping around Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, then spend the afternoon at the fascinating Saga International Balloon Festival, where giant hot air balloons of all shapes and colors soar through the sky in exciting competition.
- Hotel: Hotel New Otani Saga
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – November 3 (Tuesday): Exploring Karatsu
- Begin with a festive celebration at the Karatsu Kunchi Festival, featuring massive, lacquered floats. Stroll around Yobuko Port before departing on a exciting Nanatsugama Sea Cave Cruise. Later, check out Karatsu Castle and finish the day shopping at Marine Center Michi no Eki roadside station for local goods.
- Hotel: Hotel New Otani Saga
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – November 4 (Wednesday): To Shimonoseki
- The day begins with relaxation – Enjoy a Yanagawa River Cruise followed by a stroll through Yanagawa Old Town, the 400 year old Tachibana Residence, and a picturesque Japanese garden. In the afternoon, try your hand at picking oranges fresh off the tree. Yum!
- Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Risonare Shimonoseki
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – November 5 (Thursday): Scenes of the Seto Inland Sea
- Begin at the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, followed by a visit to Daishoin Temple. Wander the island with free time to explore Miyajima at your own pace. Meet with the group in the afternoon for a scenic ropeway ride up to Shishiiwa Observatory, followed by a visit to Momijidani Park, renowned for its fall foliage.
- Hotel: Hotel Miyarikyu ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – November 6 (Friday): Miyajima Magic
- Begin at the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, followed by a visit to Daishoin Temple. Wander the island with free time to explore Miyajima at your own pace. Meet with the group in the afternoon for a scenic ropeway ride up to Shishiiwa Observatory, followed by a visit to Momijidani Park, renowned for its fall foliage.
- Hotel: Hotel Miyarikyu ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 7 – November 7 (Saturday): Hiroshima Heritage
- Take a quick ferry to the mainland and stroll around Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. Tour the Saijo Sake Brewing District, complete with a sake tasting! Check out the Shinshoji Zen Museum, Gardens, and Art Pavillion. Enjoy views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge from the hotel, plus a nice dip in the onsen!
- Hotel: Washu Blue Resort ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – November 8 (Sunday): Kurashiki to Osaka
- Walk through buildings preserved from the Edo period at the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Visit the Maneki Neko Museum and get inspired to make your own in a Maneki Neko craft activity! Arrive in Osaka and celebrate with a deluxe farewell dinner.
- Hotel: Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 – November 9 (Monday): Free day in Osaka
- Explore Osaka at your own pace! Dine, shop, or just relax. Need other ideas? Ask us for suggestions or optional day tours.
- Hotel: Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – November 10 (Tuesday): Osaka Morning and Return to Hawaii
- Explore the city at your own pace this morning and afternoon. Late check out included: use your room all the way up until departure! Move to Kansai International Airport and board your flight back to Honolulu on JAL. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the flight
This serene autumn journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s quiet beauty, plus cultural experiences, gourmet cuisine, and comforting onsen (hot springs) retreats.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,290.00*
$4,290.00 **
$1,300.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Early November in this region is usually comfortable and pleasant. Average high temperatures for Osaka would be in the mid-60s during the day, with a low in the mid-50s at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Osaka.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 22 exceptional meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu to Japan, plus the short flight down to Fukuoka, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
