Chugoku/ Shikoku area (Hiroshima, Okayama, Kochi, Dogo Onsen, Shimanami Kaido)

The Tottori Sand Dunes are a tourist attraction visited by approximately 1.5 million people annually. They are one of the largest sand dunes in Japan, stretching 16km east to west and 2.4km north to south, with a maximum elevation difference of approximately 90m. The "wind ripples" created by the wind are worth seeing. There are also plenty of activities available, such as "paragliding," "sandboarding," and "fat biking," so you can experience nature with your whole body.

Widely known as a sacred place for matchmaking, Izumo Taisha is an ancient shrine whose founding is recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, said to be the oldest books in Japan. In the myth of the transfer of the country recorded in the Kojiki, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto handed over the country to Amaterasu-Omikami of Takamagahara, and the Amanohisumi-no-Miya shrine built at that time is said to be the beginning of Izumo Taisha.

This mining site was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2007. The old tunnels where silver was once mined, and the streetscape of Omori leading to Ryugenji-Mabu, still retain a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the only mountain castle in Japan with a surviving castle tower. It is the highest of all surviving castle towers, and the huge stone walls built on the mountain are a sight to behold. During the Edo period, it was managed by Asano Naganori, the lord of Ako Domain, famous for the story "Chushingura," and the castle grounds contain a remnant of that name, the "Oishi Kuranosuke's Sitting Stone." In the early morning hours between Nov. and early Dec., if the weather conditions are right, you can see the castle floating in a sea of clouds. If you're lucky, you might even meet the lord of the castle, the cat "Sanjuro."

Kurashiki Bikan District is a popular area that is crowded with tourists throughout the year. There are buildings with characteristic white walls and willow trees on the Kurashiki River, and the historic atmosphere is attractive. There are many spots to see, such as museums and restaurants that have been renovated from old folk houses. It is recommended to look at the cityscape while listening to the guidance of the boatman at the "Kurashiki Riverboat Drift".
* Depending on the Departure Place, the tour may not be available.

Ohara Museum of Art, located in Kurashiki City, is a historic art museum that opened in 1930. It consists of three exhibition halls: the main building where you can appreciate famous paintings, the annex for modern Western paintings and contemporary art, and the Crafts and Oriental Gallery for antiques. In the main building you can see El Greco's "The Annunciation," and in the annex you can see works by contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. As it offers an extensive range of genres to appreciate, those with an interest in art, as well as those who are not familiar with it, may have a new encounter with art. It takes about two hours to appreciate all the halls.
*Tours may not be available depending on Departure Place

Tomonoura is located almost in the center of the Seto Inland Sea coast, where Kitamae ships would dock and prospered as a "port for waiting for the tide." The historic townscape and the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea have been the setting for many movies and anime. Sensuijima, a five-minute boat ride from Tomonoura, is a mysterious island where ancient nature still thrives, and its name comes from the fact that it is "so beautiful that even a hermit would be intoxicated." At night, the temple on Bentenjima is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes that are unique to a port town while looking out over the beautiful islands and sea.

Onomichi is a city facing the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture. Just strolling through the streets filled with historical atmosphere and many shrines and temples will make your heart leap. It is known as a city of slopes, a city of movies, and a city of literature, and is also famous as a location for films directed by Obayashi Nobuhiko. The main hall of Senkoji Temple, located in Senkoji Park in Onomichi City, is a famous spot from which you can get a panoramic view of the city of Onomichi. There are many other sights to see, including the Daishi Hall, which enshrines Kukai, who founded Senkoji Temple, the distinctive rock cliff "Kusariyama," and the giant rock "Tama no Iwa" in the center of the temple grounds. This is one temple you should stop by when you visit Onomichi.

Shimanami Kaido" is a 60-km long road connecting Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. To connect the islands, six bridges of different types have been constructed, taking into account various conditions such as topography, scenery, and ship navigation. From the "Koroiyama Observation Park" on Oshima Island, the 4.1-km long Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the islands can be viewed from a panoramic view. There are various hotels and cafes along the way, most of which are located by the sea, so you can enjoy delicious seafood unique to the Seto Inland Sea while feeling the sea breeze.

Located in Nambu Mie City Shima, this is the largest Iriumi on Shima.

This place was chosen as one of the "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan" by the American news broadcasting station CNN in Mar. 2015. The sight of 123 torii gates lined up for over 100 meters from the Ryugu no Shiofuki side is overwhelming. There is a donation box on top of the large torii gate standing on the shrine's high ground, and it is said that if you can put money into the donation box, your wish will come true. Due to repair work on the torii gate, it will be closed to the precincts and inside the torii gate from Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 for the time being. It is possible to view the torii gate from the surrounding roads and the Ryugu no Shiofuki side.

Tsunoshima Bridge connects Tsunoshima Island in the Sea of Japan to Honshu (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture). When it opened in 2000, it was the longest toll-free bridge over an isolated island in Japan (1,780m in length). The view of the cobalt blue sea, white sand beaches, and the bridge stretching straight towards Tsunoshima is truly spectacular! Amagase Park, located at the foot of the bridge on the Honshu side, has an observation deck, a shop, and a tourist information center, and is bustling with people enjoying the spectacular view. There are also spots on the island where you can enjoy sightseeing and food, such as Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park, Shiokaze Cobalt Blue Beach, and Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima. If you want to fully enjoy the spectacular sea view, we recommend Accommodation at Hotel Nagato Resort, which has ocean views from all rooms and is about a 3-minute drive from Tsunoshima Bridge.

One of the three most famous bridges in Japan, this five-arch wooden bridge spans the pure Nishiki River. Built in 1673 by Yoshikawa Hiroyoshi, the lord of Iwakuni, it was constructed using the "timber frame technique" of makigane and kasugai. The structure of the arched bridge is intricate and original, and is said to be flawless even from the perspective of modern bridge engineering.

Shodoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea. It is full of spots where you can enjoy the magnificent views created by the abundant nature, such as "Angel Road," where it is said that your wishes will come true if you cross it with a special someone, and "Kankakei Gorge," one of the three most beautiful valleys in Japan.

The Takamatsu area is attracting attention as a city of art. There is plenty to see, including permanent art on the islands that are the stage for the Setouchi Triennale. Other attractions include Takamatsu Castle, one of Japan's three great water castles, Ritsurin Garden, and other historical spots, as well as Busshozan Onsen, which attract many tourists.

Chichibugahama is a beach in Mitoyo city in the west of Kagawa prefecture. It is a beautiful beach stretching for about 1 km, and the sun setting on the horizon has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Sunsets in Japan." In recent years, it has been talked about as a place where you can take photos that look like they are from the Uyuni Salt Flats. To see this spectacular view, certain conditions must be met, such as low tide and sunset coinciding with the same time, and there being no wind or choppy water at low tide.

Whirlpools are a natural phenomenon caused by strong tidal currents. The tidal currents in the Naruto Strait are the fastest in Japan, and are said to be one of the three largest tidal currents in the world. You can check the tide table to see the most impressive whirlpools at the time of day. If you want to enjoy the whirlpools up close, we recommend taking the "Uzushio Sightseeing Boat" from the Naruto Tourist Ferry Pier, about a 15-minute drive from Naruto Station.

Mount Bizan, the symbol of Tokushima City and 290m above sea level, is said to be the best spot for night views in Shikoku. The summit, which is maintained as Mount Bizan Park, can be reached by ropeway in about 6 minutes one way. The ropeway runs every 15 minutes and the round-trip fare is 1,020 yen (adults). From the observation deck at the summit, you can get a panoramic view of the sparkling night view of Tokushima City.

Oboke Gorge is counted as part of Tsurugiyama Quasi-National Park, and the rocks on both sides of Yoshino River are designated as natural monuments by the prefecture. As its name suggests, it is a dangerous place to walk along the cliff path, and it is known as one of the most scenic spots in western Japan, where the beauty of the cliff gorge and the rugged, unexplored areas remain to this day. Please enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, such as the beauty of the rock sculptures eroded over many years (200 million years ago) and the beauty of the autumn leaves and fresh greenery.

Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, is Japan's oldest hot spring town, and is even mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). The stately Dogo Onsen Main Building is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and is a historic hot spring that has been visited by successive generations of the Imperial family. The water is also known as "beauty water," and its gentle quality is appealing, as it is suited to the delicate skin of Japanese people. There are many hot springs and foot baths that are open for day trips, so even if you are not a Accommodation staying overnight, you can still enjoy the area.

Uchiko Town, located southwest of Matsuyama City, is a tourist spot with an old townscape full of Taisho-era romance. It was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government in 1982, and is lined with buildings of historical value. At tourist spots such as the "Museum of Commerce and Life" and the "Machiya Museum," you can actually enter the houses and have a simulated experience of life at that time.

The castle was constructed over a period of 10 years starting in 1601 by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the first lord of the Tosa clan. In 1727, most of it was destroyed in a major fire in the castle town, but in 1753, the castle was rebuilt almost entirely exactly as it was when it was first built. It is one of the few castles in Japan that still retains its original appearance, and the four-story watchtower-style castle tower, Honmaru Palace, and Corridor Gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government. There are also many other sights to see, such as the Ote-mon Gate, Tsume-mon Gate, and Yahazama-bei Wall.

Katsurahama Beach stretches out in a bow shape between Cape Ryuzu and Cape Ryuo in Kochi Prefecture. The contrast between the green of the pine trees in the background and the blue of the Pacific Ocean is beautiful, and the beach is also known as a famous spot to view the moon. Cape Ryuzu is home to the largest statue of Sakamoto Ryoma in Japan, standing at over 13 meters, making it a popular photo spot. Nearby is the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, which displays materials related to Ryoma, so we recommend visiting both places.

Enjoy a stroll through the Flower Garden, Water Garden, and Bordighera Garden, three gardens which recreate the Mediterranean scenery and gardens of Giverny, France, which Claude Monet loved so much, in the natural surroundings of Kitagawa village.

This great river is famous as the last clear stream in Japan. In spring, you can see a yellow carpet of rape blossoms, and on early summer nights, you can see the fantastic sight of fireflies scattering like fireworks. In addition, the natural riverbank is spanned by a "submerged bridge" without a railing, which was built to prevent the river from being washed away during high water, creating a tranquil landscape.