Bike, hike, and kayak your way from Fukuoka to Nagasaki on this multi-active tour of Japan
Explore the scenic wonders of Japan by bike, foot and kayak. From Fukuoka’s vibrant streets to Yufuin’s hot springs, embark on a journey that takes you through mountains, rivers, and historic towns. Unwind in Nagasaki, home to delightful local treats and a captivating history. This multi-active tour of Japan is the ideal blend of activities, relaxation and exploration! The perfect way to experience the subtropical island of Kyushu in the country’s southwest.
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Highlights
7
Itinerary idea in detail
Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
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1
Our adventure begins at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, where our group will gather. After a quick safety briefing, we’ll mount our bikes and set out to explore Hakata, a picturesque port town blending ancient traditions with modern attractions. Here, you’ll find Japan’s oldest Zen temple, the grandest festival, and renowned ramen.
Following a traditional lunch, we’ll board an express train bound for Kai Beppu, famed for its hot springs. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and unwind amidst stunning ocean vistas. A relaxing soak in one of the onsens awaits, preparing us for the exciting days ahead.
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2
After breakfast, we’ll prepare for an unforgettable 25-kilometer cycling excursion through Beppu, Japan’s famed hot spring town. As you pedal, you’ll be enveloped by rising steam from the nearby hot springs, with breathtaking coastal vistas adding to the scenic experience.
Enjoy an authentic local lunch and relax in the distinctive mud onsen, one of Beppu’s rare and thrilling hot springs. As the day draws to a close, we’ll come together to indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner, followed by the soothing melodies of the Toji Jug Band.
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3
Today, we swap our bikes for hiking boots. After breakfast, we’ll catch a bus to the Yufudake Trailhead to begin our 8-kilometer trek up Mt. Yufu.
Rising to 1,583.3 meters (5,195 feet), Mount Yufu, known locally as “Oita’s Mt. Fuji,” is a majestic volcano on the border of Yufu and Beppu towns. The three-hour round-trip hike to the summit offers stunning views of the Yufuin Basin, adorned with hot springs. We’ll pause along the way for a delightful picnic lunch.
After the hike, relax in the tranquil atmosphere of Yufuin, known for its harmonious blend of nature and rejuvenating hot springs. Our Japanese-style rooms feature Mt. Yufu as a picturesque backdrop, showcasing today’s conquest.
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4
Today’s hike may be gentler compared to yesterday’s, but it still promises adventure! After breakfast, we’ll board a bus to the Kuju Visitor Center, where our trek to Kuju Mountain begins.
The Kuju Mountain Range, a stunning sight on Kyushu Island in southern Japan, is celebrated as one of the country’s 100 famous mountains. Its natural beauty enchants all who explore its scenic trails.
Our journey entails a 10km hike up the mountain, lasting about 5 hours. A highlight is our scenic picnic lunch, surrounded by nature’s beauty. In spring, you can admire the enchanting Miyamakirishima flowers (May to June), while fall offers a stunning display of golden foliage.
As we leisurely walk to our hotel, reflecting on the day’s adventures, we’ll conclude with a delicious and well-deserved dinner.
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5
Today, we’re back on our bikes for a picturesque 50-kilometer loop ride, soaking in the stunning scenery of Daikanbo. As we pedal, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll among the outer rim mountains, relishing the tranquil landscapes.
After a delightful lunch break, we’ll return to our hotel, where you’ll have the afternoon free to relax and unwind at your leisure.
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6
After breakfast, we’ll check out and begin a scenic 2-2.5-hour journey to Kumamoto, setting the stage for a picturesque ferry ride to Shimabara.
The day continues with a cycling adventure along the coastline, discovering the fascinating Mt. Unzen eruption preservation park and tackling a challenging hill climb to reach the peaks of Unzen National Park.
As the day draws to a close, indulge in relaxation at the Unzen Onsen. Here, you’ll unwind in the comforting warmth of natural hot springs, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of active volcanic activity, for an evening of pure serenity and rejuvenation.
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7
We’ll kickstart our morning with a satisfying breakfast, check out, and hop on a 2-hour bus ride to Nagasaki, priming ourselves for a day packed with adventure.
Nagasaki, steeped in history, holds significance as one of the few Japanese ports open to foreign influence during the country’s isolation period. Notably, it bears the tragic legacy of being one of the two cities targeted by atomic bombings during World War II.
Our exploration begins with a scenic kayaking trip on the Nakashima River, followed by a dive into the treasures of Dejima Island. This historical landmark, once a Dutch trading post, now stands as an open-air museum, showcasing Nagasaki’s international connections.
After lunch, we’ll wander through China Town and visit the iconic Oura Church. Wrapping up the day, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in town.
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8
We’ll share our final breakfast together before bidding farewell to this thrilling Japan adventure. As you wrap up your journey, you have the option to visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, both bearing witness to the profound historical significance of the region.
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum offers a solemn yet crucial exploration of the impact of atomic warfare, shedding light on the human cost and the city’s resilience.
Peace Park, a symbol of hope and resilience, offers a serene space dedicated to promoting peace and understanding. With various monuments, sculptures, and the iconic Peace Statue, it emphasizes the importance of a world free from nuclear weapons.
Accommodation options
While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Booking Policy
- All accommodation
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners & 7 lunches
- All transport, activities, and entrance fees
- Snacks and refreshments during activities
- English-speaking local guides
- Bike mechanic services and a support van
- All Bikes, helmet, and equipment
We'll help plan your trip based on you like and want to do. We know a lot about the place you're gomg. so we can give you good advice. WIIether you're into history, food, or culture, ue'll make sure your trip is just right for you. With us. your travel will be easy and fun!
We carefully choose our expert guides and travel concierges to make sure you have an authentic experience. They're passionate about their work and will bring your destination to life with care and enthusiasm.
We design our luxury trips with responsible travel principles in mind. This means we prioritize experiences that benefit both you and the planet.
It is easy to customize your Highlights of Vietnam tours with us
What our clients say about us
Eriberto P
16 March 2024 ★★★★★We had an amazing time with Flipside! The easy riders were fantastic and made us feel so safe over the 3 days. The food and home stays were lovely over the trip and there were plenty of stops along the way. The evenings were so much fun with the group and easy riders! Everyone was so accommodating and friendly and made the experience unforgettable. We cannot wait to come again and highly recommend Flipside
Jeremy
28 April 2024 ★★★★★Flip side honestly exceeded my expectations! Of course the views of Ha Giang were amazing but the staff were absolutely incredible and the easy riders were amazing! I felt so safe on the back of Truong’s bike the whole time. We had a small group of 6 people, 4 of us with easy riders and my boyfriend and our friend drove themselves. The drivers were steady and kept a good, safe pace for the guys riding (we saw and heard how fast the other tour’s went and how many injuries they have). Every night was super fun and our riders had such a laugh with us. Flip side take you off the beaten track and we saw some amazing views and swam in some gorgeous waterfalls that we hiked down too, it was so special. The main highlight was day 4, where we met Thiên and Truong’s families. We had the best day wild swimming with them, swimming inside a hidden cave, and drinking too much happy water while teaching everyone Scottish country dancing. Special thanks to Duc Anh, Thiên and especially Truong. Amazing people that made the four days so special!!! Flip side really feels like a family and social enterprise and really supports the staff & the villages in the mountains, it was amazing to see and hear about from a tour company! 10/10
Steven
23 April 2024 ★★★★★I had a good time and I am Glad, that I decided me to book this tour I can recommed it, it was nice and uncomplicated to book We had a really good time
Naad
16 April 2024 ★★★★★We just returned from a 14 day trip to Vietnam with FLIPSIDE. The trip was perfect, thanks to Mr. Kevin and his team, who took care of every detail of the organization and were attentive throughout, ensuring that our experience was excellent. They even provided us with tips on some great hotels in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. During our trip, we visited Hanoi, Halong Bay (two night by boat, highly recommended for a full experience), did the Ha Giang Loop for 4 days, explored Hoi An and went on a 3-day bike tour in the Mekong Delta. The guides spoke good English and took excellent care of us in each city: Tony in Hanoi and Halong Bay, Nghia in Ha Giang and Tom in the Mekong Delta, all of whom helped us enjoy the journey more. Vietnam is a wonderful country with delicious food and the people are charming. I absolutely recommend it. Many thanks to Mr. Kevin and Flipside Adventure Travel for their excellent work.
Sures M
3 April 2024 ★★★★★The flipside Ha Giang loop tour was a absolutely incredible experience which left us both completely speechless until now! Diving into the heart of the loop and being given a real experience of the life in which the local people live here was truly amazing. The company puts real emphasis into helping local communities within the loop. You are able to make donations, if you wish, to local families in need and the experience visiting the family really does change your perspective on things. Furthermore, you are taken off the main tracks and see parts of the loop no one else does. However, you still see the incredible scenery and pass through the loops most popular tracks so don’t miss out in incredible views. The easy riders ensure you make plenty of stops for delicious coffee/drinks and have the chance to take plenty of photos and videos to capture the moment! Me & my girlfriend had Ǎn and Dukang (I hope I’ve spelt that correctly) as our easy riders and they were genuinely amazing people. You connect with them over the three/four days and make a real friendship with them! They’re fantastic drivers and go above & beyond to make sure you have a brilliant time. Food was delicious and we never felt hungry as there was so much! The homestays were great too, couples on our tour were given private rooms when possible (which was both nights for us). The flipside team do an amazing job and deserve the most recognition possible! I hope one day to return & do the loop again. It was truly amazing. Thank you to everyone at Flipside, with particular thanks to Ǎn & Dukang! Legends!!
Stolecki G
10 April 2024 ★★★★★We just completed a 26 day tour of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Giang Loop Tour by motorbike, Halong Bay cruise, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong cycle tour. We arrived by boat in the Cambodian capital and from there, we went to Siem Reap to visit the temples of Angkor. Finally, we traveled to Bangkok, visiting the city's temples, floating markets and parks. We were met for all the transfers, including 4 internal flights, a boat transfer and the cruise. Everything was perfectly organized by Kevin. All tour guides were excellent and very attentive, and the drivers and vehicles were also great. Despite choosing budget hotels, they were good quality. We felt safe and secure throughout the trip. The only accommodation that felt a bit out of place was the one in Bangkok. Flipside Adventure Travel is an agency we highly recommend as they organize tailored tours with half board, diverse activities and at a reasonable price. This experience was particularly special as it was our first trip to Asia.
Armer S
12 June 2024 ★★★★★Flipside Adventure Travel organized a fabulous 3-week trip for us to Vietnam and Cambodia. We visited Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, traveled by boat on the Mekong River with a bike tour and explored Saigon, Hoi An, Halong Bay and the Ha Giang Loop. A choice was perfectly offered in different hotels and accommodations, allowing everyone to manage their desires and budget. Our travel consultant, Stephen was always ready to answer us on WhatsApp when we needed it. We were really taken care of! Also, when bad weather made us cancel our scuba diving, Stephen quickly found us another plan. The guides were nice and spoke English well; the drivers were good and we loved our trip. Highly recommend Flipside Adventure Travel!
Vernola S
18 January 2024 ★★★★★Our trip to Vietnam was fantastic, one of the best I've ever had. Flipside Adventure Travel was very well organized throughout. We were fortunate to have a wonderful guide, Tony, who was incredibly helpful, kind and patient. The group of fellow travelers were also great. They ranged in age from about 30 to 50 years old and were easy to get along with and friendly. We always made stops at clean restrooms, dined at wonderful restaurants, and stayed in excellent hotels. The itinerary struck a good balance between sightseeing, shopping, downtime, group activities, communal meals, and individual dining choices. I particularly enjoyed visiting Halong Bay, Ha Giang Loop, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, trying Vietnamese cuisine, watching water puppetry and more. I would definitely travel with them again and highly recommend this company.