Citing unprecedented demand for travel to Japan, while at the same time cognizant of the demands of overtourism, Goway is expanding its product line in the Asian destination with off- the-beaten-path experiences on the southern island of Kyushu and Shizuoka region near Mt. Fuji.
Goway says its bookings to the destination spiked 41% in the past calendar year, while the Japan National Tourism Organization counted 4 million international visitors through Oct. 2025, up 17% year over year.
With this in mind, Goway has introduced new travel packages focused on regions of Japan that traditionally see far fewer international visitors, while still showcasing the nation’s cultural traditions, historic attractions, and gorgeous natural environments, including cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
Kyushu
Goway’s two new travel packages to Kyushu showcase the island’s mix of exceptional cuisine, ancient cedar forests, stunning coastal views, and an unparalleled variety of hot spring experiences:
- Highlights of Southern Japan: Undiscovered Kyushu showcases the best of the island by train, from Fukuoka to Beppu and Takachiho Gorge
- Japan Road Trip: Kyushu Edition equips travellers with a rental car to explore from Yakushima’s cedar forests to Miyazaki’s costal cliffs.
“I recently visited Kyushu and it delivered on every level,” says Moira Smith, VP of Asia at Goway. “This is an ideal place for everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned Japan travel veterans. It’s stunningly diverse, has gorgeous onsen experiences throughout, and some of the best food I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy. This is Japan at its best and without the crowds. Travellers should seek it out before it catches on.”
Shizuoka
Meanwhile, Goway also features a new package to Shizuoka prefecture, a smaller region between Tokyo and Osaka on the Pacific coast. Shizuoka features gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji from green tea fields and along the coast at Suruga Bay.
- Essential Tokyo & Kyoto: The Fuji Coastline Route features time exploring the Izu Peninsula, relaxing in the onsen waters of Shuzenji Onsen town, and Mt. Fuji viewing experiences from Suruga Bay.
“Shizuoka is an excellent option for first timers going to Japan for a short stay,” says Brittany Banks, Commercial Manager for Asia at Goway. “It’s not as busy as Hakone and easy to access as it’s on the bullet train line from Tokyo to Kyoto. It also lets you see the cherry blossoms before the massive crowds sweep over Japan. If you visit in February, you can see the blossoms in Kawazu town six weeks before the trees bloom on other parts of the mainland.”
Goway says the new tours are a perfect opportunity (or compliment) for the increasing number of clients enquiring about opportunities beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
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