Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll arrive at your destination and get settled into your luxury accommodation. Take the rest of the day to relax and acclimate before the tour officially kicks off tomorrow.
- Day 2
Yamaguchi
Start your Yamaguchi exploration at Mekari Park where you get panoramic views over the Straits of Shimonoseki. From there, head into Akiyoshi Cave to see Japan's largest limestone cavern with its dramatic rock formations. Later, drive to the coastal town of Hagi to walk around its samurai heritage sites and check out traditional pottery workshops. Before heading to your ryokan for the night, you'll soak your feet in the hot spring baths at Yuda Onsen.
Included Activities
- Visit Mekari Park for panoramic views of the Straits of Shimonoseki
- Explore Akiyoshi Cave, the largest limestone cave in Japan
- Visit Hagi coastal town with samurai legends and traditional pottery
- Rest feet in hot spring foot baths at Yuda Onsen
Landmarks/POIs Mekari Park Straits of Shimonoseki Akiyoshi Cave Hagi Yuda Onsen - Day 3
Yamaguchi
This morning you'll put on a kimono and stroll through the Zen Gardens at Saikotei Museum, which has extensive collections of Japanese history and culture. Next, you'll see Ruriko Temple Pagoda, one of Japan's oldest five-story structures. In the afternoon, cross the Iwakuni Kintai Wooden Bridge, a centuries-old structure built without a single nail, and walk through the historic area around it.
Included Activities
- Wear kimono and stroll through Japanese-style Zen Gardens at Saikotei Museum
- Explore Saikotei Museum's Japanese history and culture collections
- Visit Ruriko Temple Pagoda, one of Japan's oldest five-storied pagodas
- Traverse Iwakuni Kintai Wooden Bridge across the Nishiki River
Landmarks/POIs Saikotei Museum Saikotei Museum Zen Gardens Ruriko Temple Pagoda Iwakuni Kintai Wooden Bridge Nishiki River - Day 4
Miyajima - Hiroshima
Take a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to Miyajima and head straight to Itsukushima Shrine to see the famous floating Torii Gate up close. Ride the Miyajima Ropeway through forested areas for views of Mount Misen and the surrounding sea. Later, travel to Hiroshima and spend time at the Peace Memorial Park, including the A-Bomb Dome, Hypocenter, and Museum. You'll have free time by evening to try local Hiroshima cuisine at restaurants nearby.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine with floating Torii Gate
- Ascend Miyajima Ropeway through forests with views of Mount Misen and Seto Inland Sea
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hypocenter, A-Bomb Dome, and Museum
Optional Activities
- Explore local cuisine in Hiroshima independently
Landmarks/POIs Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate (Floating) Seto Inland Sea Mount Misen Miyajima Ropeway Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park A-Bomb Dome Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum - Day 5
Ikuchijima - Kagawa
Get on a bike and cycle the Shimanami Kaido Expressway, pedaling through the Seto Inland Sea region and across Ikuchijima, known for its citrus farms and local culture. This route ranges from moderate to challenging. Afterward, head to Kagawa and climb the 1,368 stone steps up to Kotohira Shrine, which gives you views out over the Sanuki Plain.
Included Activities
- Cycling adventure across Shimanami Kaido Expressway on Ikuchijima
- Ascend 1,368 stone steps at Kotohiragu Shrine for views of Sanuki Plain
Landmarks/POIs Shimanami Kaido Expressway Ikuchijima Seto Inland Sea Kotohiragu Shrine Sanuki Plain - Day 6
Kagawa - Kurashiki
You'll get an up-close look at the Great Seto Bridge, the world's longest two-tiered bridge stretching over eight miles and connecting five islands. Stop at Mt. Washuzan Lookout Point for views of the bridge and the surrounding seascape. Then drive to Kurashiki where you can spend free time exploring the historical quarter with its Edo-period storefronts, willow-lined canals, boutiques, and cafes, or take a boat ride down the canal.
Included Activities
- View Great Seto Bridge, world's longest two-tiered bridge
- Visit Mt. Washuzan Lookout Point for views of Seto Inland Sea and Great Seto Bridge
Optional Activities
- Browse local boutiques and cafes in Kurashiki historical quarter
- Boat ride down Kurashiki canal
Landmarks/POIs Great Seto Bridge Mt. Washuzan Lookout Point Seto Inland Sea Kurashiki Kurashiki Canal - Day 7
Naoshima Art Island
Take a short ferry to Naoshima Art Island and explore the Art House Project in the Honmura district, which features seven reclaimed homes transformed into art installations. You'll also visit the Chichu Art Museum, an underground space designed by architect Tadao Ando that blends into the natural landscape. Later, check out the Lee Ufan Gallery with works by the Korean contemporary artist.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Naoshima Art Island
- Visit Naoshima Art House Project in Honmura district
- Explore Chichu Art Museum designed by Tadao Ando
- Browse Lee Ufan Gallery featuring Korean contemporary art
Landmarks/POIs Naoshima Naoshima Art House Project Honmura Chichu Art Museum Lee Ufan Gallery Seto Inland Sea - Day 8
Himeji - Arima Onsen
Spend your morning at Himeji Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castles and a national treasure (if it's closed, you'll visit Okayama Korakuen Garden instead, one of Japan's three great gardens). In the afternoon, travel to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's top hot spring towns and historically the oldest. Check into your luxury ryokan hotel and relax in the tatami-floored rooms with hot spring access and scenic views.
Included Activities
- Explore Himeji Castle grounds, one of Japan's best-preserved castles
Landmarks/POIs Himeji Castle Okayama Korakuen Garden Arima Onsen - Day 9
Departure
Depart from Arima Hot Springs with the group and head to Kansai Airport (KIX) for your departure. It's time to say goodbye to Japan and head home.
Landmarks/POIs Kansai International Airport
