Places You'll See
Highlights
- Visit the most popular and significant locations of three different prefectures in the Chugoku Region
- Board multiple ferries and explore four islands in the Seto Inland Sea
- Marvel at some of Japan's most iconic sightseeing spots such as the "floating" Itsukushima Shrine, Korakuen Garden, and Kintaikyo Bridge
- Tour four major castles, each with its own unique architecture and history
- Stop by various temples and shrines to gain a better understanding of Japanese religion
- Explore feudal gardens and learn about their aesthetic and design principles
- Experience two scenic ropeway rides with stunning sights from inside the cable cars
- Visit important historic locations, such as the Atomic Bomb Dome and port city of Kure, to better understand Japan's military history
- Learn about the process of sake making and participate in various sake tasting experiences
- Interact with the local wildlife, such as the deer of Miyajima and the bunnies of Rabbit Island
- Tour historic townscapes which retain the charm and look of Japanese towns during the Edo period
- Discover unique locations and hidden gems like the "Hill of Hope" in Ikuchijima and Sensui-jima Island in Fukuyama
Description
Embark on a 9-day adventure of the Chugoku Region and visit its most popular and scenic locations. Work your way down the San’yo Shinkasen line, stopping at the cities of Okayama, Fukuyama, Onomichi, and Hiroshima. Tour many castles, shrines, museums, and monuments and sail out into the Seto Inland Sea to explore four different remarkable islands!
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
Day 1 OKAYAMA AND KURASHIKI
How to Start Off Your Day
Your very first task will be arriving in Okayama Prefecture, and we highly recommend doing this the day before you begin the itinerary. This way, you can check into your hotel, get a good night's sleep, and be ready to head out on your first tour the following day in the morning. In order to get to Okayama from places such as Kyoto and Osaka, you will have to make use of the San'yo Shinkansen line. If you are joining all the way from Tokyo, some trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line will allow you to travel all the way to Okayama without having to transfer at Shin-Osaka Station.
The next day, your journey through the Chugoku Region will officially begin in the city of Okayama. Here, you will immerse yourself in Japan's past by visiting several historic locations. You will also be stopping by the first castle, garden, and historic townscape of the itinerary, with many more to come in the following days.
1-Day Okayama Tour: Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Historic Townscape of Kurashiki / All Year Round
Okayama, also known by its nickname "the Land of Sunshine," is a prefecture located in Western Japan which is famous for its delicious fruit and great weather. It is also a place full of scenic landscapes and historic locations. This tour will take you to the Okayama Castle grounds, where you will find the unique black main tower which today serves as museum for visitors wishing to learn more about the history of the prefecture. Next to the museum lies Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. This large garden used to belong to the lords who ruled the area but can now be admired by anyone making a stop by Okayama. Korakuen is quite vast and full of multiple different shrines, tea houses, groves, and ponds, making it not only an impressive sight, but also a fantastic place to explore.
On this tour guests will also travel to another city within Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki. This city is most known for its historical townscape, the "Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter." A former merchant town, this area still retains the look of "historic Japan." The townscape is split down the middle by a canal with beautiful willow trees lining both sides, and its streets are covered by shops and cafes providing plenty of entertainment for visitors. The scenery of Kurashiki is so mesmerizing that it has become a popular spot for Kimono and Yukata (traditional Japanese garments) rental.
All travelers making their way around Western Japan by Shinkansen will inevitably end up passing by Okayama Station. Why not take advantage of Okayama's convenient location and make a 1-day stop within the prefecture? If the castles, gardens, and historic districts of Kyoto felt too crowded and stifling, then this is your opportunity to enjoy sites that are just as impressive but with much less people around!
How to End Your Day
At the end of the tour we highly advise guests to head out to Fukuyama, where we recommend you stay for the next two days of the itinerary. Before you head out though, it is possible enjoy a bit of free time around Okayama Station. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area where you can try out some of the local specialties. The prefecture is known for its fruits, particularly peaches and grapes, so you cannot leave without eating some or trying a delicious fruit-based dessert. Popular savory dishes include oyster okonomiyaki, barazushi, and hiruzen yakisoba. After having a nice filling meal, you can board the Shinkansen and make your way to Fukuyama.
Recommended Accommodation
You will find a great variety of accommodation options around Okayama Station. These range from cheap business hotels to more expensive 4-star ones. Given the many shops, restaurants, and services offered at the station, staying near it is without a doubt the most convenient option. However, it is important to note that there are cheaper hostels and inns available further away from the station.
Day 2 ONOMICHI
How to Start Off Your Day
Having arrived in Fukuyama the previous day, you will be just a short train ride away from Onomichi Station, one of the pick-up spots for the second day tour. In the morning, you can leave your hotel and take a local train bound for either Mihara or Itozaki on the San-yo Line. It is about a 20-minute journey from Fukuyama Station.
Once in Onomichi, you will be visiting several Buddhist temples as well as your first island of the trip. You will be able to familiarize yourself with the Seto Inland Sea and the lifestyle of Hiroshima's coastal cities. This day will definitely include a fair amount of walking but also scenic ropeway and ferry rides.
1-Day Onomichi & Ikuchijima Island Tour / All Year Round
The city of Onomichi is well-known for its temples and as the access point to many of the small islands lying within the Seto Inland Sea. Connected by multiple bridges, these islands have become a popular cycling and tourist destination. As such, there are some unique and majestic sites to be explored within them. One of Onomichi's most famous islands is Ikuchijima, located around a 40-minute ferry ride from the coast. It is home to Kosan-ji Temple, a peculiar Buddhist temple which differs from all others in Japan. The various buildings and structures within the temple complex were all built in just the past century and are replicas of multiple famous halls, temples, and shrines which can be found in other areas of the country. Additionally, within Kosan-ji, one can find the iconic marble garden "The Hill of Hope." This garden harmonizes perfectly with the natural scenery of the island, creating a magical landscape.
Of course, one cannot visit the city of Onomichi without stopping at two of its most famous and historic temples: Senko-ji and Saikoku-ji. Senko-ji temple lies at the top of a mountain and this tour will take you to its summit on a short and relaxing ropeway ride. Saikoku-ji temple can be found after ascending 108 stone steps and is home to a unique gate adorned with giant straw sandals. By exploring these two Buddhist temples, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about religion in Japan with the help of one of our guides.
This tour also has two convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. The first is Shin-Onomichi Station, which is one of the stops on the San’yo Shinkansen line and is best for those coming into or leaving Hiroshima. The second location is Onomichi Station, which can be accessed by local train from the city of Hiroshima. This train ride is much longer but considerable cheaper, thus making it a good option for those staying near the city center and wishing to save some money. Click "Book Now" to make sure you visit some of Onomichi's most popular and unique sites!
How to End Your Day
Once you are dropped-off at Onomichi Station, you should return to your accommodations in Fukuyama. Before heading out though, you can defiantly spend some time exploring Onomichi, as the last train does not leave until around 23:30. Starting from the station, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll by the sea and walk all the way to the Onomichi Bridge. There is also a downtown district known as Shingai (新開) where you can find plenty of restaurants and bars. It is a good place to go bar hopping and engage with the locals.
Recommended Accommodation
In Fukuyama, we recommend staying near Fukuyama Station as this is the most convenient location. You will always have some food options available and a nearby tourist information center. As Fukuyama is a large city there will also be a good variety of prices and hotel types. You will be able to find accommodations ranging from budget hotels to more luxurious 4-start establishments.
Day 3 FUKUYAMA AND TOMONOURA
How to Start Off Your Day
On the third day you will be touring the city of Fukuyama and visiting the second island of this 7-day itinerary. We recommend visitors to check out of their hotel in the morning before meeting up with the guide as it is best to immediately head out to the city of Hiroshima once the tour is over and we return to the station. You don't have to worry about your luggage, as you can leave it inside one of the many coin lockers at Fukuyama Station.
1-Day Fukuyama Tour: Castle, Tomonoura Port Town, and Sensui-jima Island Visit / All Year Round
Fukuyama is the second largest city within Hiroshima prefecture, as well as the fourth largest in all of Western Honshu. Unfortunately, this wonderful city is often overshadowed by the much more popular city of Hiroshima. To bring more attention to the hidden beauty of Fukuyama, we have designed this 1-day tour which will take guests to iconic locations within the city such as the impressive Fukuyama Castle and picturesque port town of Tomonoura.
The sizeable Fukuyama Castle is the only castle keep in Japan which is protected by iron plates on one of its outside walls. Inside, an interactive and highly educative museum has been opened so that visitors may learn about the history of this former castle town. Your guide will take you on a tour around the castle grounds as well as inside the main tower, providing you with the necessary background information to fully appreciate this magnificent structure.
Afterwards, you will visit the scenic port town of Tomonoura, which to this day retains the charm and look of a historic Japanese town. Bordering the Seto Inland Sea, Tomonoura also possesses a stunning coastline and view of the sea. As you stroll around the area, you will be able to immerse yourself into Fukuyama's past in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to travel to the small island of Sensui-jima which lies just a 5-minute ferry ride away from the town. This tranquil, uninhabited island is the perfect place to appreciate nature and get the best views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Join this 1-day tour to visit one of Hiroshima's major cities and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea!
How to End Your Day
After the tour concludes, we advise travelers to make their way to the city of Hiroshima. The easiest way to do this is by taking a train on the San'yo Shinkansen line mentioned previously. The fastest trains will get you to Hiroshima in under 25 minutes without having to make any stops along the way. Before you leave Fukuyama Station you can of course grab some dinner there, as it has a great variety of restaurants and cafes. There are also many shops if you wish to purchase any souvenirs before departing. Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, you can check into your new accommodations and retire for the night.
Recommended Accommodation
There are plenty of great hotel options which can be found around Hiroshima, and where you end up choosing to stay largely depends on how you wish to spend your day when not taking part in tours. For guests who might not have the energy or time to explore the streets of Hiroshima, the best option would undoubtedly be to stay at one of the many hotels near Hiroshima Station. As this is the starting point for all the remaining tours in this itinerary, choosing one of these will greatly minimize the amount of traveling you will have to do.
If you're more interested in walking around the city, eating at local restaurants, shopping, and visiting top tourist spots, we recommend staying in the Central / Hatchobori Station area. Here, you will be closest to the shops and restaurants, and hotel prices can be cheaper than those at the station. Whatever place you end up choosing, it should remain your accommodation for the next six days of the itinerary.
Day 4 HIROSHIMA
How to Start Off Your Day
On the fourth day of the itinerary you will be visiting all of the most important and popular locations in the Hiroshima city centre. Starting from Hiroshima Station, your guide will take you on a walking tour around the city, explaining the history of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bombing. By the time the tour is over, guests will have a solid understanding of why Hiroshima is known as the "city of peace."
Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights Tour / All Year Round
If you are short of time but still want to make sure you visit all the most important places within the city of Hiroshima, then look no further than our Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights tour. Offered at two different time slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, this tour will take guests on foot through Hiroshima's must-see sites. You will be able to visit Shukkei-en garden, Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, several monuments in Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum, all in around 4 hours. With this tour, guests can visit Hiroshima for just half a day while still getting a detailed and comprehensive experience. It also allows for more flexible travel times and leaves the rest of the day open for other fun activities!
How to End Your Day
As this is a half-day tour, you will have plenty of time to explore the city once the tour is over. We recommend guests check out Hondori Shopping Street, a bustling shopping area filled with cafes, restaurants, local and international stores, gaming arcades, and more. On the west side, this street faces Peace Memorial Park and on the east side it faces the "entertainment district" Nagarekawa. In Nagarekawa is where you can find Hiroshima's nightlife, with plenty of bars and nightclubs open past midnight.
Day 5 MIYAJIMA
How to Start Off Your Day
On your fifth day, you will head to the third island on the itinerary, Miyajima, where you will enjoy a full day of exploring this incredibly stunning and popular destination. Not only will you be able to visit multiple temples and shrines, but also experience a ropeway ride to the top of Mount Misen, the highest point on the island. Miyajima's tranquil atmosphere, natural beauty, and remarkable scenic sights will make for the experience of a lifetime.
1-Day Miyajima Tour: One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots / All Year Round
Located only a short ferry ride away from the mainland, Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, is a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of the three most scenic spots of Japan. This is a must-see destination for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for those who decided to spend a day on the island. While Miyajima is best known for its "floating" O-torii gate and shrine, it is also home to many other breathtaking sites. This 1-day tour will allow guests to thoroughly explore the island and all that it has to offer. Apart from visiting Itsukushima Shrine, your guide will also take you to places such as the Daisho-in temple, a prestigious Buddhist temple located by the foot of the mountain, and Senjokaku Pavilion, a building which provides a stunning view of the island. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a Ropeway ride to the top of Mt. Misen, where they will find themselves captivated by the extraordinary view of the Seto Inland Sea.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking on "View Details" above. Alternatively, you can also click "Book Now" if you are ready to enjoy one of Japan's most mesmerizing sites!
How to End Your Day
A full-day of exploring Miyajima can be very rewarding but also exhausting. Thus, we recommend ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant followed by plenty of rest. If you're looking for a good place to have eat, consider trying out the local specialty, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. This "savory pancake" can be best enjoyed at Okonomimura, a building full of restaurants which exclusively serve this dish. For those who still have a bit of energy in them and would like to continue exploring the city, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around Peace Memorial Park and along the Motoyasu River to take in the sight of the Atomic Bomb Dome illuminated at night.
Day 6 IWAKUNI
How to Start Off Your Day
The sixth day of this itinerary will take you beyond Hiroshima Prefecture and into the neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture. You will be visiting the city of Iwakuni, which is less than an hour away from Hiroshima Station by train. It is home to another one of Japan's most iconic landscapes and a great place to further explore the culture of the country.
1-Day Iwakuni Tour: Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle Town & Seal Engraving Experience / All Year Round
Located in the westernmost point of Japan's largest Island, lies Yamaguchi prefecture. This prefecture is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, abundant hot springs, and rich history. Within it one can also find Iwakuni, a city overflowing with significant cultural and historical heritage. This city is best known for the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's three most famous bridges and a marvel of engineering. With its remarkable wooden arches and stunning natural backdrop, Kintaikyo captivates anyone who lays their eyes upon it.
In this tour, guests can not only cross this iconic bridge, but also enjoy all the other wonderful things that Iwakuni has to offer. You will be able to ride a ropeway cart to the top of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle lies, as well as take part in a unique seal engraving experience which reflects the cultural significance of the area. You can learn more about this tour by clicking "View Details" above or make your reservation now by clicking the "Book Now" button. The spectacular sites of Iwakuni await you!
How to End Your Day
This tour concludes back in Hiroshima, providing you with another night to explore the city. If you're up for a walk and would like to get a great view of the city nightscape, there are two locations which you can visit near Hiroshima Station. One of them is Mount Futaba, which can be hiked in about 30 minutes and has the Peace Pagoda built at its highest point. From here you can get an unobstructed view of the city. The other place is Hijiyama Park, which is located on a small hill close to the station. Here, you can also get a good panoramic view of the city while enjoying the park's nature. Going to either of these locations is a great way to further explore Hiroshima.
Day 7 RABBIT ISLAND
How to Start Off Your Day
On the seventh day, you will be able to further immerse yourself in the nature and scenic beauty of Hiroshima Prefecture. You will have the chance to visit your fourth and final island, as well as interact with its wildlife. Make sure to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately as most of the day will be spent walking outside.
1-Day Tour: Takehara Historical Townscape & Rabbit Island / All Year Round
Are you prepared for a fluffy and adorable adventure? If so, then look no further than this 1-Day Takehara & Rabbit Island Tour! Guests will visit Takehara, a charming and beautiful city within Hiroshima Prefecture, which is home to both a historical townscape area and the famous "Rabbit Island." Within the old townscape, you will be able to learn about city's history as a major site of sake and salt production. You will also have the chance to view and explore former family residences, old temples and other historic structures. On Rabbit Island, which is located just a short ferry ride away from the port, you will then feed and interact with the large wild rabbit population of the island. While you do so, you will also discover the many military ruins which litter the island and unveil the dark past of this otherwise charming location.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about the history of Hiroshima while exploring an old-fashioned townscape and hanging out with cute bunnies all day!
How to End Your Day
After so many days of walking and moving from city to city, this might be the perfect time to make a stop by a hot spring. In Japan, a hot spring is called an onsen and it is used for both bathing and relaxation. In Hiroshima, there is a natural onsen facility near Ujina Port called Honoyu. It is open till late at night and entry is quite cheap. Once you finish bathing, you can also go outside and enjoy the view of the sea from the port. If you haven't been able to get your hot spring experience in Japan yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!
Day 8 SAIJO
How to Start Off Your Day
Your tour on this day will not start till the afternoon so you have plenty of options for how you wish to spend your morning. Since most museums, shrines, and temples usually close by 17:00, this will be your opportunity to visit those kinds of places in the city.
You can make a stop by the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum or the Hiroshima Museum of Art, both of which exhibit works from foreign and Japanese artists. You could also try visiting one of Hiroshima's hidden gems, the Buddhist temple Mitaki-dera, which is just a short train or bus ride away from Hiroshima Station. Whatever activity you end up choosing, make sure to have a filling lunch before heading to the meet-up spot for the tour, as you will be spending the rest of the day drinking sake.
Half-Day Saijo Tour: Sake Tasting & Inside Brewery Tour in Hiroshima's "Sake Capital" / All Year Round
Within Hiroshima Prefecture lies the unique town of Saijo, a place known as one of the main "Sake Capitals" of Japan. The area has been blessed with the perfect climate and natural resources necessary for sake brewing, allowing Saijo's many sake breweries to develop and flourish throughout the past 200 years. Today, tourists enjoy going to Saijo to explore the explore the town, stop by the different breweries, and sample the local sake brands.
Wish to visit several of Saijo's historic breweries, learn about the town's history, understand the sake brewing process, and take part in various sake tasting experiences? Then this half-day tour is the one for you! Additionally, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to receive an in-depth tour inside one of the breweries and get an up-close look at the equipment used for making sake. A trip to Japan is not complete without learning about sake and tasting it, so make sure you don't miss out on these experiences by joining the Saijo tour!
How to End Your Day
As this might be your last night in Hiroshima it is a perfect time to buy any souvenirs you wish to take with you and pack your bags. If there are any places you feel like you missed out on visiting in the previous days, then this is the time to go to them as well. For those still wanting to enjoy a bit more of the city's nightlife you can try going to the Ekinishi bar district located just 3 minutes away from Hiroshima Station. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide range of local specialties in the many bars and stalls which line the street. The area is usually crowded with workers having a meal before heading home, creating a lively atmosphere. Whatever you end up choosing to do, make sure to still get a good night's sleep so you can feel refreshed and be ready to go the next morning.
Day 9 KURE
How to Start Off Your Day
On your last day of the itinerary you will further explore the history of the prefecture and understand its role as an important military location by visiting the city of Kure, one of Japan's first naval ports. You will also learn about the duties and actions of the Japanese Navy before and after Word War I and II. Not many foreign visitors make a stop by Kure, so you can consider this a niche and special location.
If you are planning to leave Hiroshima immediately after this tour, then it might be best to check-out of your hotel before getting to the meet-up spot. Many hotels will hold your luggage for the day even after you've checked out, or you can always make use of the coin lockers at the station.
1-Day Tour: Port City Kure - Cruise, Battleships, Submarines & More! / All Year Round
This tour is specifically designed for watercraft enthusiasts who wish to learn more about Japan's naval history while getting the opportunity to view submarines, warships, and other vessels from up close! You will visit Kure, one of the greatest shipbuilding cities in the world, where you will enjoy a mini-cruise ride on the Kure Bay area, walk inside a decommissioned submarine, view the inside of the former residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief, and much more! Your guide will provide you with all the necessary information to understand Kure's role as a military port during World War II, and its current importance as one of the major bases of the Japanese Navy. There is no better place to visit if you wish to get a first-hand experience of Japan’s naval technology. If you are ready to embark on this adventure, click on the "Book Now" button above to make your reservation!
How to End Your Day
Once you have returned to Hiroshima you will have two main options. You may either choose to spend one more night exploring the city before leaving the next day in the morning, or immediately head out to your next destination. For those wishing to leave the prefecture after the tour, we recommend booking your Shinkansen tickets late at night so there will be no chance of you potentially missing your train. If you choose to stay, then you can revisit some of the popular shopping areas in Hiroshima or go for a stroll around the city before heading back to your hotel. Many travelers enjoy getting one last look at the Atomic Bomb Dome on their last night.
