Depart

Hiroshima

Onomichi Senkouji Temple

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Overnight Stay

Start the first day in the little town of Onomichi, which faces the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture. Founded in 806, the principal object of worship at the Onomichi Senkouji Temple is an image of the Saharabhuja bodhisattva that is kept hidden from public view. The Kyo-onro bell in the temple bell tower was selected as one of the 100 best soundscapes of Japan by the Environment Agency in 1996. The view overlooking Onomichi Port from the temple halfway down the mountainside of Mount Taihozan is said to be the most beautiful in all of Japan. Also be sure to see the Path of Literature promenade that is lined with stones upon which are engraved the works of writers affiliated with Onomichi.

Hiroshima

Miyajima

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Yamaguchi

Kintaikyo Bridge

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Overnight Stay

Start the second day on Miyajima, a small island in the Hiroshima area. Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as though it is floating on the sea, is staggeringly beautiful, from the main shrine to the Marodo-jinja Shrine and its cloisters, and especially the large shrine archway and noh stage that are registered as important cultural properties. On Miyajima island, you can also look forward to encountering deer that are said to be messengers for the gods. In the Yamaguchi area, see one of the top three bridges in Japan, Kintaikyo Bridge. This arch bridge consists of five connected arches spanning the Nishiki River. It is 193.3 meters long, 5 meters wide, and has supports that are 7.2 meters tall. Constructed in 1673, this bridge utilizes a wooden frame and has been designated a place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. Stay overnight at the Nagato-Yumoto hot spring, one of the Yamaguchi area’s most prominent locales. This hot spring town has 600 years of history and is sprinkled with large and small hotels on both sides of the Otozure River around the Onto day-visit hot spring resort. In addition to accommodations, there are fashionable cafes and shops, as well as light displays and events that are only run for a limited time.

Yamaguchi

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

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Yamaguchi

Hagi Castle Town

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Overnight Stay

On the third day, tour various famous sightseeing spots in the Yamaguchi area. Motonosumi Shrine is known for its many types of blessings, including prosperity in commerce, good catches at sea, maritime safety, matchmaking, childbirth, protection from evil, happiness and prosperity, traffic safety, academic success, and the fulfillment of wishes. The sight of 123 red torii archways extending 100 meters across the backdrop of the ocean and seaside cliffs is an impressive one. Hagi Castle Town was a bustling town for 260 years beginning in 1604. The town is full of sites to see, from the high-ranking warriors’ residences in the Horiuchi area to the Kikuya residence, the former residence of noble Kido Takayoshi who was active in the infancy of modern Japan, and the birthplace of samurai Takasugi Shinsaku. This is included among the “Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution” registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. At night, stay in the town of Tsuwano in the Shimane area. This elegant townscape includes rare buildings from eras ranging from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods as well. In 2014, it was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. If you are interested in experiencing the elegance of these buildings in more depth, we recommend a “townhouse stay” activity in which you can stay overnight in a traditional wooden townhouse.

Shimane

Taikodani Inari Shrine

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Shimane

Matsue Castle

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Shimane

Adachi Museum of Art

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Overnight Stay

On the fourth day, tour the sightseeing spots of the Shimane area. Listed as one of the five greatest Inari shrines in Japan, Taikodani Inari Shrine has been a site of worship for the god of prosperity in commerce since the Edo period and is known for blessings including the fulfillment of wishes and discovery of misplaced items. Be enchanted by the magical sight of around 1,000 vermillion-lacquered torii archways that stretch along such that they almost form a tunnel. Matsue Castle, the symbol of the Matsue castle town, was built by Matsue Shogunate forefather Horio Yoshiharu over a period of five years beginning in 1607. The castle’s towers are compound-style with connecting towers and reach heights of 30 meters, with four exterior layers and six internal stories (including the basement). With black-painted clapboard siding walls, arrow slits, machicolations for dropping rocks, and rice storage and a well in the basement, the castle is built in an unaffected way to be prepared for real battle and effectively conveys the essence of Momoyama architecture. At the very top is a lookout-style tower that provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the surroundings. You will also want to be sure to visit the Adachi Museum of Art, where you can find Japan’s top Japanese-style garden and modern Nihonga paintings. Created by founder Zenko Adachi, who said “a garden is a painting in itself,” this garden is 165,000 square meters in area and well worth seeing. At night, stay at the famous Kaike Onsen hot spring. Soaking in the hot spring waters on the ocean’s coast while looking out over Mount Daisen will provide great relief to weary travelers.

Tottori

Tottori Prefectural
Flower Park

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Okayama

Okayama Castle/Korakuen

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Return

On the fifth day, visit magnificant scenic spots from Tottori to the Okayama area. The Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is a roughly 50-ha park with Mount Daisen looming in the background. The flowers here can be enjoyed in a variety of ways from season to season, including large glass greenhouses, flower domes, flowerbeds on water, and a European beer garden. Although only available for a limited period, the light display here is also popular. Okayama Castle was built by Ukita Hideie around the year 1597. The castle tower that exists today was rebuilt in 1966 and underwent a major renovation in November 2022. The interactive exhibits and projection mapping are also well liked. Behind the castle is Korakuen, a traditional Japanese-style garden ordered by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the second lord of the Okayama Domain, and built over a period of 14 years. It is recommended to take a walk around the park beginning with Sawanoike Pond. Capture the scenic spots across the park in photos to go with your memories of the trip.

Depart

Okayama

Kurashiki Bikan
Historical Quarter

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Overnight Stay

On the first day, head to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, one of the most prominent sites of the Okayama area. Traditional wooden townhouses with white walls and latticed windows line the area, with rows of willow trees along the river for townscape scenes full of atmosphere. In 1979, this area was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. After sunset, you can enjoy romantic views under nighttime lighting produced by international lighting designer Motoko Ishii. There are also some key cultural spots nearby, including the Ohara Museum of Art. Given the many hotels and Japanese-style inns, you are sure to be able to find accommodations that have a classically Japanese “wa” elegance distinctive of Kurashiki.

Hiroshima

Saijo Sake Brewery Street

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Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park

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Overnight Stay

On the second day, head out to the Hiroshima area and visit inn towns along the Sanyo-do Road that prospered in the Edo period. Even today, there are still seven sake breweries around JR Nishijo Station, making this a famous sake-producing area on par with Nada and Fushimi. This is a popular spot with direct sales outlets for brewers, tour rooms, fashionable cafes, and other places to drop in to. Of course, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a must-see. Created at the site of a direct impact by an atomic bomb, this park was created as a tribute to hopes for everlasting world peace. The park contains the Atomic Bomb Dome (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Peace Fountain, and other monuments to peace sent by countries from around the world that prompt visitors to think about matters of war and peace. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located in the city of Hiroshima, which offers a wide selection of accommodations ranging from reasonably priced hotels to luxury hotels.

HirosimaEhime

Shimanami Kaido

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Ehime

Matsuyama Castle

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Ehime

Stroll around Uchiko

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Overnight Stay

On the third day, cross the Shimanami Kaido route that connected Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. Other than the Shin-Onomichi Bridge, the bridges here are equipped with special paths for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorized bicycles. Enjoy refreshing cycling (rental cycles, electric available) while looking out over the beauty woven from the scattered islets and islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Matsuyama Castle, the symbol of Matsuyama City, is located at the top of Mount Katsuyama at an elevation of 132 meters and is one of Japan’s most prominent castles built on a hill in the plains. With the inner citadel built on the hill’s summit, the outer citadel at the foot of the hill, and the towers as the outermost wall, this is said to be the last full castle structure in Japan. The 360-degree panoramic view from the top floor is also a highlight, providing an extensive view of Matsuyama Plain and the Seto Inland Sea. After enjoying the Castle, take a stroll through town to enjoy the elegant townscape. Uchiko is a former merchant town that prospered in the late Edo through Meiji periods through Japanese washi papermaking and vegetable wax. Merchant houses and storehouses with thick white plaster outer walls line the streets. The Uchikoza playhouse built in 1916 and restored in 1985 is a must-see. Many of the inns are set up in old Japanese-style houses so visitors can travel back in time to enjoy the historic townscape whenever they stay overnight.

Kochi

Cape Ashizuri

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Kochi

Sada Subsidence Bridge

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Kochi

Chikurinji Temple

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Overnight Stay

On the fourth day, tour various famous spots in the Kochi area. First head to Cape Ashizuri, a beautiful scenic spot at the very southern tip of Shikoku. Look out over the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck. Visit the many landmarks including the 18-meter-tall Cape Ashizuri Lighthouse built in 1914, Kongofuku-ji Temple that is associated with renowned monk Kobo Daishi, and Hakusan Cave. On the natural promenade located around the cape, Japanese camellia flowers bloom around February in a typical year. Sada (Imanari) Subsidence Bridge was built in 1972 at the very end of the Shimanto River downstream. It is 291.6 meters long and 4.2 meters wide. A popular sightseeing spot in the Hata area of Kochi Prefecture, it is bustling with many tourists during the tourism season. Renowned monk Kobo Daishi also stayed at Chikurinji Temple for training from 806 to 810, and it later became the 31st fudasho (stop) on The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgramage. In the Edo period, the temple thrived for its association with scholarship, and its beautiful garden is said to have been worked on by famous garden designer and monk Muso Kokushi. There are many hotels and hot spring inns in Kochi City, so be sure to take a break to relax from your travels.

Kagawa

Chichibugahama Beach

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Kagawa

Zentsuji Temple

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Return

On the fifth day, start with beautiful scenic spots in the Kagawa area! Then head to Chichibugahama Beach, which is popular because visitors can take photos similar to those from Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia in South America. On a long, 1-km beach running along Setouchi, if the conditions line up just right so that it’s low tide and the water surface is still with no wind, you can take fantastical photos that reflect the sky above like a mirror. After taking in the scenery, let’s head to some historical spots. Zentsuji Temple was built in 807 by the monk Kukai over a period of six years. This is also the birthplace of Kukai, posthumously called Kobo Daishi, and the western side of the temple is the former residence of the Saeki family where Kukai was born. The temple grounds are designated as a historic Sanuki pilgrimage route, the 75th fudasho (stop) on The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgramage that was followed by Kobo Daishi during his training. Draw your power from this spot where a great person was born and then head back on your return journey.

Depart

Hyogo

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

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Tokushima

Naruto Whirlpools

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Overnight Stay

On the first day, cross the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge that runs from Kobe to Awaji Island. You will likely be blown away by the world-class scale of the suspension bridge with its 3,911-meter-length and 300-meter-high towers. The Awaji Highway Oasis is a scenic lookout spot offering a stunning view of Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. After taking a break, cross the Onaruto Bridge (Naruto Ohashi Bridge) from Awaji Island to see the powerful whirlpools below. These whirlpools are a natural phenomenon created by the natural ebb and flow of the tides. The whirlpools undergo dramatic changes every six hours, and this can be viewed from a variety of whirlpool sightseeing boats in Naruto. These include the large sightseeing boat WONDER NARUTO, the small underwater sightseeing boat AQUA EDDY that has an observation deck located 1 meter below the water’s surface, and the High-Speed whirlpool sightseeing boat Uzushio that is capable of pulling in close to the whirlpools. Tokushima City is also full of Japanese inns and hotels that are convenient for sightseeing.

Tokushima

Oku Iya Double Vine Bridges

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Kagawa

Shodoshima Angel Road

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Overnight Stay

On the second day, tour scenic spots on Tokushima and Shodoshima Island in Kagawa. Considered one of the three great unique bridges of Japan, Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge is located off the beaten path in the famous location of Iya. Created from the Actinidia arguta vine, this suspension bridge is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and is suspended 14 meters above the water surface. Along with the thrills of the trembling suspension bridge, you will be enthralled by the incredible dynamic scenery that changes from season to season. Cross from Takamatsu Port to Shodoshima Island and visit the Shodoshima Angel Road. This is a sand path that emerges from the sea for roughly three hours twice a day when the tide is low. It is also called “Angel Road,” and it is said that crossing the path while holding the hand of someone special will grant you happiness. As such, it is popular as a destination for lovers. It has also been featured in films and attracts large crowds of tourists. Located in Setouchi, Shodoshima Island is home to many resort with wonderful view of sea. Enjoy the wide open scenery as you take a breather from your travels.

Okayama

Bizen ware

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Okayama

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum

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Overnight Stay

On the third day, head over to the Okayama area from Shodoshima Island and tour Okayama’s historical and cultural spots. At the Okayama Castle Bizen ware workshop in Ujo Park (formerly the Okayama castle palace), visitors can make their own Bizen ware pottery, a famous Okayama product. Possible products include Bizen ware ceramic teacups and plates made on a handwheel. The finished product will be fired in the kiln and sent to you in one or two months, so these are popular commemorative travel souvenirs. The Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is a museum for Japanese swords, rare even in Japan. The museum displays 40 regular exhibits with a focus on Bizen swords as well as a video corner where visitors can learn about Japanese swords in more depth. Watch artisans at work using traditional crafts passed down through the generations and swordsmiths sharpening sword blades, or take classes on traditional crafts, among other activities. After nightfall, stay overnight in Kurashiki City. There is a wide variety of hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns to choose from that are convenient for sightseeing.

Tottori

Gosho Aoyama
Manga Factory

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Tottori

Sand Museum
in Tottori Sand Dunes

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Hyogo

Kinosaki Onsen
(public bathhouse tour)

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Overnight Stay

On the fourth day, head over to the Tottori area from Okayama and tour artistic and cultural spots. The Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is located at the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, creator of the popular Detective Conan manga. At the Manga Factory, visitors can see the unpainted white bases for the sculptures of Conan characters found along Conan Street, as well as duplications of original pictures by Aoyama himself, trick art, Conan merchandise, posters, and even an old essay collection from when Aoyama was graduating primary school and oil paintings from his senior high school years, among other rare items. The Sand Museum in Tottori Sand Dunes is the only one that displays sand statues in the world and you can enjoy majestic sand sculptures based on themes of different countries every year. Stay overnight at the Kinosaki Onsen hot spring in the Hyogo (Tajima) area, which has a history dating back 1,300 years. Change into "Yukata" (a casual cotton kimono) and tour distinctive public baths, such as Kono-Yu and Mandara-Yu.

Hyogo

Takeda Castle

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Hyogo

Himeji Castle

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Return

On the fifth day, see some scenic spots in the Hyogo area that are drawing attention both inside and outside Japan. The Takeda Castle Ruins, built on top of the 353.7-meter-tall Mt. Kojo, is one of Japan’s most prominent mountain castle sites. The stone walls, called anozumi, have been preserved for over 400 years. Thick fog often occurs during autumn and winter that makes the castle seem as though it is floating on the clouds. For this reason, it has been called Japan’s Machu Picchu. You should also be sure to check out Himeji Castle, a classic symbol of Himeji City. There is much to see here, including the castle’s linked keep complex that consists of one large castle keep and three smaller ones, and the winding three-layer spiral layout of the castle. Take your time and stay safe on the return journey as you savor your fun memories of the trip.