Explore Japan’s hidden gems on a 5-day bus tour from Fukuoka to Hiroshima. Discover off-the-beaten-path attractions and scenic spots in western Japan.
Explore Japan’s hidden gems on a 5-day bus tour from Fukuoka to Hiroshima. Discover off-the-beaten-path attractions and scenic spots in western Japan.
PICK UP at Fukuoka - MOJI ward, Kitakyushu - YAMAGUCHI city - IWAKUNI city, Yamaguchi - HATSUKAICHI city, Hiroshima stay
Fukuoka Prefecture - (Day-1 PICK UP) 09:00 Your hotel or HAKATA Station, HAKATA Port, KOKURA Station, KITA-KYUSHU Airport in Fukuoka Prefecture
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver holding a name board will greet you at the…
PICK UP at Fukuoka - MOJI ward, Kitakyushu - YAMAGUCHI city - IWAKUNI city, Yamaguchi - HATSUKAICHI city, Hiroshima stay
Fukuoka Prefecture - (Day-1 PICK UP) 09:00 Your hotel or HAKATA Station, HAKATA Port, KOKURA Station, KITA-KYUSHU Airport in Fukuoka Prefecture
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver holding a name board will greet you at the arrival gate and escort you to the bus parking area.
Please provide your arrival flight number in advance if applicable.
If you are traveling from the west of Japan to Fukuoka (Hakata or Kokura), we recommend chartering our bus from there to Hiroshima.
Mojiko Retro - (Day 1) 10:15-11:00 (guided) Moji Port Retro Area, Moji ward, Kitakyushu city, Fukuoka Prefecture
For those interested in Japanese railways, the Kyushu Railway Museum is also available.
http://www.k-rhm.jp/images/pdf/en.pdf
Admission fee: 300 yen (approximately 2-3 USD)/adult
Mojiko (Moji Port) opened in 1889 and flourished as a hub for international trade. Many buildings date back to the late 19th century to the prewar period, featuring classical Western architecture that gives the area a nostalgic atmosphere. The elegant retro setting is very popular.
Rurikoji Temple - (Day -1) 12:15-14:15 < lunch-1 and guided > RURIKO-JI Temple in KAZAN Park, Yamaguchi city
Enjoy lunch at the nearby “Choshuen.” Yamaguchi’s specialty is “Kawara Soba.”
“Major Restoration of Rurikōji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda (National Treasure)”
This pagoda was commissioned by Ouchi Morimi, a leader of the Ouchi clan that ruled Yamaguchi from the 14th to 16th centuries. Morimi had the pagoda built in memory of his older brother Ouchi Yoshihiro, who died leading a revolt against the central government in 1399. Completed in 1442, it is celebrated as the most remarkable structure from the middle of the Muromachi period, which spanned from approximately 1336 to 1573. It is designated a national treasure.
Kintaikyo Bridge - 15:45-17:00 (guided walk) KINTAI Bridge and IWAKUNI Castle Town, Yamaguchi
Iwakuni Castle (岩国城, Iwakunijō) was constructed in 1608, at the start of the Edo Period. The castle’s location was chosen for its natural defensive benefits atop Mount Shiroyama, partially surrounded by the Nishiki River, a natural moat. The castle keep is four stories high, offering views of the city 200 meters below.
The original castle, unfortunately, lasted only slightly longer than its construction time. Built over five years, it was dismantled by the shogun’s decree just seven years after completion.
Miyajima - [ Day-1 DROP OFF ] 18:00 < guest hotel 1 > e.g.) MIYAJIMA Coral Hotel, 1-9-8 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Please arrange and pay for your hotel in Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima Prefecture.
The next morning, take the ferry to Miyajimaguchi around 8 am to visit the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine.
(An interpreter guide can accompany you if needed).
Several ferries are available around 8 am.
https://jr-miyajimaferry.co.jp/en/timetable/
The ferry fare is 200 yen (approximately 2 USD) round trip for one adult.
from HATSUKAICHI city, Hiroshima - ONOMICHI city, Hiroshima - KURASHIKI city, Okayama to HIMEJI city, Hyogo stay
Miyajima - [ Day-2 PICK UP ] 11:00 < Re-Pick Up 2 > Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal, 1-11-1 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
On this morning, take the ferry to Miyajimaguchi around 8 am to visit the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine.
(An interpreter guide can accompany you if needed).
Several ferries are available around 8 am.
https://jr-miyajimaferry.co.jp/en/timetable/
The ferry fare is 200 yen (approximately 2 USD) round trip for one adult.
Onomichi Station Tourist Information - [ Day-2 ] 12:45-15:00 < SIMANAMI KAIDO cycling > Onomichi Port Bicycle Rental Terminal, 5-11 Nishigoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima
For those interested, bicycles can be rented to ride the Shimanami Kaido.
Rental bicycles: ￥3000-8000 (approximately 20-60 USD)/12 hours
If not interested, the scenic Onomichi ropeway offers sightseeing opportunities.
Senkoji & Senkoji Park - [ Day-2 ] OR, 13:00-14:45 < via Rope way > Senkoji Temple, 15-1 Higashitsuchido- cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima
Fee￥700(approximately 5 USD)/adult
For those interested, bicycles can be rented to ride the Shimanami Kaido.
Rental bicycles: ￥3000-8000 (approximately 20-60 USD)/12 hours
If not interested, the scenic Onomichi ropeway offers sightseeing opportunities.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter - [ Day-2 ] 16:00-17:15 < guided > Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Central, Kurashiki, Okayama
For those interested, visit the famous “Ohara Museum of Art” in the area.
[December to February] 9:00 to 15:00 (last entry 14:30)
[March to November] 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Varies depending on the season
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a public holiday), year-end, late July to August, and October closed, only the main building open on New Year’s Day
The beautiful white-walled townscape is rich in history and art. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers a charming landscape with white-walled warehouses, sea cucumber walls, and rows of willow trees. The townscape, created by traditional buildings and the retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki River, continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Himeji - Day-2 DROP OFF ] 19:15 < guest hotel 2 > e.g. ) Hotel Nikko Himeji, 100 Minamiekimaecho, Himeji, Hyogo
Please arrange and pay for your hotel in HIMEJI Station (Himeji city, Hyogo Prefecture).
Visit Himeji Castle first thing the next morning.
Open 9:00-
Fee:￥1000(approximately 10 USD)/adult
In addition to our guide, a local guide specializing in Himeji Castle can be arranged separately.
https://www.himejicastle.jp/en/
[Alternatives]
Depending on the weather, and if you are willing to rise early, you can visit Takeda Castle, famous for its sea of clouds and reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s Japanese anime “Laputa Castle in the Sky.”
The sea of clouds is more likely to occur early in the summer.
Additionally, a climb of about 2 hours from the bus parking lot is required.
from HIMEJI city, Hyogo - Asago city, Hyogo - Miyazu city, Kyoto Prefecture to Toyooka city, Hyogo stay
Himeji Castle Otemon Gate - [ Day-3 PICK UP ] 10:00 < guest hotel 2 > or HIMEJI Station in HIMEJI city, Hyogo Prefecture
Visit Himeji Castle first thing in the morning on this day.
Open 9:00-
Fee:￥1000(approximately 10 USD)/adult
In addition to our guide, a local guide specializing in Himeji Castle can be arranged separately.
[Alternatives]
Depending on the weather, and if you are willing to rise early, you can visit Takeda Castle, famous for its sea of clouds and reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s Japanese anime “Laputa Castle in the Sky.”
The sea of clouds is more likely to occur early in the summer.
Additionally, a climb of about 2 hours from the bus parking lot is required.
Takeda Castle Ruins - [ Day-3 ] 11:30-12:30 < lunch 3 and “Castle in the Sky” > *walk 2 hours Takeda Castle Ruins, Wadayamacho, Takeda, Asago, Hyogo
Visit Himeji Castle first thing in the morning on this day.
Open 9:00-
Fee:￥1000(approximately 10 USD)/adult
In addition to our guide, a local guide specializing in Himeji Castle can be arranged separately.
[Alternatives]
Depending on the weather, and if you are willing to rise early, you can visit Takeda Castle, famous for its sea of clouds and reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s Japanese anime “Laputa Castle in the Sky.”
The sea of clouds is more likely to occur early in the summer.
Additionally, a climb of about 2 hours from the bus parking lot is required.
Amanohashidate - [ Day-3 ] 14:00-15:15 < view spot > Miyazu Shiei “Ama-no-hashidate” Parking Lot, 647 Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto
Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, home to “Amanohashidate,” one of Japan’s three most famous landscapes, is a traditional tourist destination.
There are many old-fashioned Japanese-style shops to enjoy as you explore the town.
Amanohashidate is a scenic point in Miyazu, Kyoto, attracting many visitors from across the country each year.
Amanohashidate consists of Daitenkyo, Shotenkyo, Daini Shotenkyo, and Kasamatsu. The sandbank measures a total of 3.2 km (Daitenkyo and Shotenkyo areas), with beaches ranging from 20 to 170 meters wide, and features beautiful scenery, including rows of approximately 5,000 large and small black pine trees.
In addition to the stunning white sand and green pines, the numerous viewing points for taking in the scenic vista are another attraction, allowing you to view Amanohashidate from various angles.
Genbudo Park - [ Day-3 ] 16:30-17:15 < view spot > Genbudo Park, 1347 Akaishi, Toyooka, Hyogo
*close:-17:00
*Fee￥500(approximately 5 USD)
Home to the five beautiful basalt Genbudo Caves with over 1.6 million years of geological history, Genbudo Park was designated in 1931 as a National Natural Monument by the Japanese Government due to their significant role in the discovery of reverse magnetization. The impressive caves are also part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, making it a perfect educational outdoor trip for visitors to the area.
https://visitkinosaki.com/things-to-do/genbudo-park/
Kinosaki Onsen - [ Day-3 DROP OFF ] 17:30 < guest inn 3 > Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka, Hyogo
Please arrange and pay for your hotel near Kinosaki Onsen Station, Toyooka city, Hyogo Prefecture.
We recommend enjoying the many hot springs at Kinosaki Onsen.
The next day, departure is at 9 am.
The driver will pick you up at your hotel.
from Toyooka city, Hyogo - Kami - Shinonsen - Fukubecho, Tottori - Yurihama - SAKAIMINATO - YONAGO city, Tottori stay
Kinosaki Onsen - [ Day-4 PICK UP ] 09:00 < guest inn 3 > Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka, Hyogo
The driver will pick you up at your hotel.
Tottori Sand Dunes - [ Day-4 ] 14:15-15:15 < free time > Tottori Sand Dunes, 2164-971 Fukubecho Yuyama, Tottori
Experience the thrill of riding a camel and feel like a gypsy (optional).
The Tottori Sand Dune is a must-visit for any traveler to Tottori. Located in the heart of the San’in Kaigan Geopark and stretching 2.4km north to south and 16km east to west, it is one of the finest coastal sand dunes in the country. The wind-swept ripples in the sand from the Sea of Japan are a constant delight to visitors. The small hill known as Umanose (‘the horse’s back’) offers a picturesque panorama of the ocean.
Sakaiminato - [ Day-4 ] < dinner 4 > 18:00-19:30
recommended:
Ajidokoro “Misa”, 6 Kyomachi, Sakaiminato, Tottori
open17:30-23:00
close:Sunday
If you book a ryokan with dinner included, you won’t need to worry about dinner pick-up outside.
Kaike Onsen - [ Day-4 DROP OFF ] 20:00 < guest hotel 4 > “KAIKE ONSEN”, Yonago, Tottori
e.g.) Bayside Square Kaike Hotel, 4-21-1 Kaikeonsen, Yonago, Tottori
Admire Mt Daisen, the highest peak in the Chuugoku Region, from the lovely seaside dotted with pine trees. The warm, salty waters rich in sodium and calcium chloride well up under the ocean here at San’in’s largest hot spring area. Kaike Onsen enjoys a convenient location for trips to Tottori and Shimane—right in the middle of San’in. Feel free to make it your base for exploring the whole area.
Right in the center of San’in, Kaike Onsen is the ideal spot from which to tour the area.
Type: Sodium and calcium chloride springs, average temp. 66.5 degrees. Effective against nerve pain, skin conditions, and anemia.
from YONAGO, Tottori - SAKAI-MINATO, Tottori - YASUGI, Shimane - IZUMO, Shimane DROP OFF at HIROSHIMA city
The Mizuki Shigeru Road - [ Day-5 ] 09:00-09:45 < guided walk > Mizuki Shigeru Road Bus Parking Lot, 28-3
Matsugaecho, Sakaiminato, Tottori
*Entrance fee of MIZUKI SHIGERU Museum￥700(approximately 5 USD)/adult
*open 09:30-17:00
The hometown of the manga artist of its namesake, Sakaiminato’s Mizuki Shigeru Road is a popular destination for children and adults alike. The road, extending from Sakaiminato Station into the city proper, is an 800-meter-long arcade with some 153 bronze statues of Mizuki’s fantasy creatures on display, including details on each character. Stopping for a close look at each of these could take all day! A stroll along the road at night, when all the statues are lit up, is an altogether different delight. From the healing Kappa Spring to the Yokai Jinja, a sort of fantasy shrine where fortune slips can be drawn, to the Yokai Post, where mail with the ‘fairy postmark’ gets delivered, Mizuki Shigeru Road will surround you with bizarre creatures.
Adachi Museum of Art - [ Day-5 ] 10:45-11:45 < Japanese Art > Adachi Museum of Art, 320 Furukawacho, Yasugi, Shimane
open 9:00- Entrance fee￥2300(approximately 15-20 USD)/adult
The Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館, Adachi Bijutsukan) was founded by Adachi Zenko, a locally born businessman, in 1970 as a way of combining his passions for Japanese art and garden design. He hoped that viewing the gardens and artwork together would expand people’s appreciation and interest in Japanese art.
The Adachi Museum of Art is best known for its award-winning garden. It has been named the best garden in Japan annually since 2003 by the “Journal of Japanese Gardening.” The garden can be enjoyed at any time of the year and shows a different character depending on the season. It cannot be entered, but only be viewed from the museum building.
Izumo Grand Shrine - [ Day-5 ] 13:00-15:30 < lunch-5 and guided in Shrine > Izumo Taisha, Shimane
There are many shops along the approach to the shrine, and when it comes to Izumo Taisha, the standard dish is “Izumo soba” served in a three-tiered bowl.
In Japan, June is said to be the month when the gods disappear in the old calendar, but as gods from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine, only in this region is June considered the month when the gods are present.
If you have already visited Ise Shrine from Tokyo, your next stop should be Izumo Taisha Shrine.
In recent years, it has also become known as the “god of love.”
Here, you first put a 5 (or 50) yen coin in the offering box, bow twice, and clap four times.
Then, the gods will notice you, and you can make a wish.
Then, at the end, you bow again so that your wish will come true.
This is a place where the gods gather, so it seems that you need to clap twice as much as you would at other shrines in order for the gods to notice you…
Hiroshima Station - [ Day-5 ] 18:45 < DROP OFF > Hiroshima Station [ Shinkansen ] (North) gate, 1 Matsubaracho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima
*On your way back, you can get off at Hiroshima Station or Miyajimaguchi Station, a World Heritage Site.
From Hiroshima Station to Osaka, it takes about 2 hours by Sanyo Shinkansen.
It takes about an hour by train from Osaka to Kansai International Airport.
- one 7m length Minibus ( 21 + 6 seats ) with one driver, an English speaking guide
- *Accommodation fees for our crews
- an English speaking guide
- Toll and parking fees
- one 7m length Minibus ( 21 + 6 seats ) with one driver, an English speaking guide
- *Accommodation fees for our crews
- an English speaking guide
- Toll and parking fees
- *Please Book and pay for your hotels yourself.
- All Meals and drinks.
- Fee/adult Kyushu Railway Museum $2
- fee/adult MIYAJIMA ferry $2
- *ENTRANCE FEES: There are also optional prices that include the fees, so choose the one you prefer.
- fee/adult Genbudo Park $5
- fee/adult MIZUKI SHIGERU Museum $5
- Rental bicycle $20-60
- Senkoji Rope way $5
- Adachi Museum $20
- *Please Book and pay for your hotels yourself.
- All Meals and drinks.
- Fee/adult Kyushu Railway Museum $2
- fee/adult MIYAJIMA ferry $2
- *ENTRANCE FEES: There are also optional prices that include the fees, so choose the one you prefer.
- fee/adult Genbudo Park $5
- fee/adult MIZUKI SHIGERU Museum $5
- Rental bicycle $20-60
- Senkoji Rope way $5
- Adachi Museum $20
For those who have previously visited Japan, the typical itinerary might include Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Okinawa. This tour offers a fresh experience! It is a five-day journey that explores the western side of Japan, which you may not have seen yet. This is a charter bus tour starting from Kyushu Island, Japan’s westernmost…
For those who have previously visited Japan, the typical itinerary might include Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Okinawa. This tour offers a fresh experience! It is a five-day journey that explores the western side of Japan, which you may not have seen yet. This is a charter bus tour starting from Kyushu Island, Japan’s westernmost island, and it visits hidden gems that are not easily accessible by train. Over the course of five days, the tour covers approximately 750 miles, with stops at tourist attractions every 1-2 hours.
The tour begins in Fukuoka with a charter bus:
- Day 1: Moji - Yamaguchi - Iwakuni - Miyajima (ending in Hiroshima) with an overnight stay
- Day 2: Onomichi - Kurashiki - Himeji (from Okayama to Hyogo) with an overnight stay
- Day 3: Asago - Miyazu - Kinosaki (to northern Hyogo) with an overnight stay
- Day 4: Amarube - Tottori - Yonago (to Tottori) with an overnight stay
- Day 5: Sakaiminato - Izumo - Drop off at Hiroshima station in the evening (from Shimane to Hiroshima)
The tour can also be taken in reverse, starting from Hiroshima Station and ending in Fukuoka.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
