Accessible in 30 minutes from the city center, this hot spring resort has a history of over 700 years. Visitors can enjoy food city walks and day trips to hot springs in the hot spring resort area.
photo:©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
A seaside park with a beautiful view of the port town. In addition to cruises to and from Kobe Port, it is beautifully illuminated at night for an elegant experience.
photo:©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
Himeji Castle, which retains its appearance from over 400 years ago, is the finest wooden building in Japan and is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A Japanese garden covering over 30,000 square meters, consisting of nine gardens with different styles. The scenery changes with each season, from cherry blossoms in spring, to deep green in summer, and colorful leaves in autumn.
photo:©Himeji City
This coastal sand dune has some of the world's largest and most undulating features, including the 47-meter-high "Umanose" sand dune. There are also plenty of activities available, such as paragliding and sandboarding.
The inner sanctuary of a mountain temple located on Mt. Mitoku at an altitude of 900 meters. It is designated as a National Treasure. Climb the rigorous Shugendo trail using chains and purify your six senses by visiting the Nageiri-do Hall on the cliff.
A famous mountain, the highest peak in the Chugoku region at 1,709 meters above sea level. It is an area famous for its water and home to one of the largest beech forests in western Japan. Activities such as mountain climbing and skiing are also popular.
A museum that specializes in exhibiting swords. Located in Osafune, the mecca for Japanese swords, visitors can engage with the craftsmanship through exhibits of Bizen swords and a sword-forging experience.
A daimyo garden counted as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It is a beautiful garden decorated with seasonal flowers, and it has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
photo:©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
The castle has a distinctive black exterior and is one of the Three Great Castles of Japan. In spring, summer, and fall, light-up events are held to illuminate the castle with seasonal hues.
photo:©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
A shrine with a demon-slaying legend. The main shrine was rebuilt in 1425 and is Japan's only example of the "Kibitsu-zukuri" architectural style. The beautiful 360-meter-long corridor is also worth seeing.
photo:©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
One of Japan's largest Cultural Heritage Gardens, boasting beauty that changes with each step, often described using "one step, one view," and is celebrated for its seasonal charm, which is even referred to as a national treasure of gardens.
Yashima, a spectacular sight with its unique topography, rich natural environment, and the many stories born from the long history of the people who have lived there, is the symbol of Takamatsu City.
A park developed from the ruins of a castle, one of the Three Great Water Castles in Japan. Within the park there is a moat with sea bream, several Important Cultural Properties, and a Japanese garden, so there is plenty to see.
A popular tourist destination representing Okayama Prefecture. Traditional white-walled warehouses harmonize with Western-style architecture in a beautiful townscape, and you can also enjoy river boat rides and the various cafés.
A World Heritage Site that advocates for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the importance of peace to the world. Located near the hypocenter, it is called the "Atomic Bomb Dome" because of its circular steel structure.
The island where the gods reside has Itsukushima Shrine as its symbol. It is one of the Three Views of Japan. The Otorii, which changes its shape with the ebb and flow of the tide, is particularly impressive.
photo:Courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Rabbit Island is home to over 500 rabbits. There are beaches and campgrounds on the island, and you can also enjoy the hot spring at accommodation facilities.
photo:Courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
The route connecting Hiroshima and Matsuyama takes as little as 70 minutes by high-speed boat and 2 hours and 40 minutes by ferry.
Please make a reservation by email and complete the boarding procedures and payment on the day of your trip. (Credit cards are also accepted)
Additionally, Setonaikaikisen offers exclusive overnight and day trip plans, so you can enjoy various sightseeing plans by boat and make most of your travel in the Setouchi area.
This route connects Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture to Kure City and Hiroshima City in Hiroshima Prefecture with high-speed boats that take as little as 70 minutes and ferries that take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Please make an online or phone reservation, and complete the boarding procedure and payment on the day of your trip. (Credit cards are also accepted)
Enjoy the fascinating natural scenery of the world-famous Seto Inland Sea and its islands from aboard the ferry.
*For ferry reservations, please contact the company via the "contact us" form at the bottom of the Japanese website.
This famous hot spring is said to be the oldest in Japan, boasting a history of approximately 3,000 years. It is home to the "Yushinden," the only bathhouse in Japan reserved exclusively for the Imperial family, which has been visited by members of the Imperial family for generations.
A mountain castle located in the city center that was built before the Edo period. The main castle tower offers a panoramic view of the city. 21 buildings have been designated as national Important Cultural Properties.
Shimonoseki's kitchen is known as a market for Fugu (pufferfish). Fresh seafood and local produce line the market, and there are a variety of restaurants and events where visitors can taste the market's produce.
A historically significant seaside shrine dedicated to the young emperor who was defeated in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. The vibrant vermilion-lacquered Suitenmon Gate is definitely worth a visit.
The garden boasts 450 years of history. The area is crowded with cherry blossoms in the spring and bamboo lighting events in the fall. A café is also open in the main castle tower. The Kokura Castle military forces make an appearance almost every day.
The area retains the unique atmosphere of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Enjoy a nostalgic time at cafés and stores inside retro buildings.
A shrine to the god of guidance with a history of about 1,800 years. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Kanmon Straits, where ships pass by. The "Fuku-mikuji" fortunes that you fish for with a rod is popular.
photo:©Takumi Ota
The "Mont-Saint-Michel of Kyushu," connected by a path with sandy beaches on both sides, featuring a historic shrine and an observation deck on a hill. Cycling along the seaside and seafood dishes are also popular.
photo:Shikaumi Cycle-tourism Council
A nighttime tradition in Fukuoka. About 100 eateries line the streets, where visitors can mingle with locals and taste a wide variety of Hakata ramen, oden, yakitori, and other dishes.
This beautiful double-peaked mountain stands 1,583 meters above sea level and is a popular hiking spot also known by the nickname "Bungo Fuji." From the summit you can see the nearby hot springs and the bay.
A beautiful lake with abundant water where the hot springs bubbling up from the bottom mix with the surrounding springs. In the early mornings of winter, steam rises from the lake's surface, creating a fantastic sight.
Touring the 7 Hells (hot spring vents) of Beppu If you go around in one go, it will take 2 to 2.5 hours. The sight of steam and hot mud gushing out from the ground looks like hell itself!
You can experience "Jigokumushi," a traditional dish in which ingredients are steamed using steam from the hot spring. Ingredients can be purchased at the workshop, or you can bring your own. An additional fee for bringing your own items is required.
A large garden of 150,000 tsubo (approximately 122.5 acres) stretches at the foot of Mt. Mifune. Visitors can enjoy a world of gorgeous colors such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisteria in spring, digital art exhibitions in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
photo:Mifuneyama Rakuen
This famous hot spring is boasts a history of approximately 1,300 years. Known for its soft and beautiful hot spring water, various hot spring facilities are scattered around the vermilion-lacquered tower gate and the symbolic hot spring resort area.
photo:Takeo City
A Japanese stroll garden with a pond, designed by world-renowned landscape architect Kinsaku Nakane. The masonry, waterfalls, flowers, and tea fields are in harmony and look different in each of the four seasons.
photo:Keishu-En
An innovative public library operated by a private company. A bookstore and café are located in a vast space lined with approximately 250,000 books. Special exhibitions are held at the Historical Museum from time to time.
photo:©Nacasa＆Partners
A famous shrine in Kyushu dedicated Takenouchi no Sukune, the chief deity with the longest life expectancy in Japan. Takeo's 3,000-year-old camphor tree is the sacred tree, and a horseback archery called Yabusame is held every October.
photo:Takeo City
This man-made island resembling a warship is located about 40 minutes by boat from Nagasaki Port. An on-land tour allows visitors to see the island, which once prospered from the coal industry. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage site.
The exhibition introduces the history of the development of nuclear weapons, the circumstances that led to the atomic bombings, the devastation caused by radiation exposure, and the reconstruction of Nagasaki from the radiation exposure through a narrative exhibit.
A beautiful garden with 9 traditional buildings. At night from mid-July to early October, the Western-style buildings are lit up, creating a different atmosphere from that of the daytime.
The observatory overlooks the city and the sea from a height of 333 meters above sea level. The night view from Mt. Inasa, selected as one of the "New Three Cities with the Most Spectacular Night Views in the World," is also a popular sightseeing spot.
An artificial island that was a trading center during the Edo period. Today, the buildings and landscape of the early 19th century have been restored, and visitors can feel as if they have stepped back in time.
This man-made island resembling a warship is located about 40 minutes by boat from Nagasaki Port. An on-land tour allows visitors to see the island, which once prospered from the coal industry. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage site.
The exhibition introduces the history of the development of nuclear weapons, the circumstances that led to the atomic bombings, the devastation caused by radiation exposure, and the reconstruction of Nagasaki from the radiation exposure through a narrative exhibit.
A beautiful garden with 9 traditional buildings. At night from mid-July to early October, the Western-style buildings are lit up, creating a different atmosphere from that of the daytime.
The observatory overlooks the city and the sea from a height of 333 meters above sea level. The night view from Mt. Inasa, selected as one of the "New Three Cities with the Most Spectacular Night Views in the World," is also a popular sightseeing spot.
An artificial island that was a trading center during the Edo period. Today, the buildings and landscape of the early 19th century have been restored, and visitors can feel as if they have stepped back in time.
This service which connects Hakata and Iki, a remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture, takes as little as an hour.
For the online reservation service (available only for Jetfoil services), please use either web-based payment or pay on the day (credit cards are also accepted).
On Iki Island, be sure to rent a car or a bicycle to enjoy the mystical natural attractions and food.
A strange 45-meter-high rock at the tip of the peninsula. It looks just like a monkey looking away and is popular as a spectacular spot to view the beautiful sunset.
photo:Iki City Tourism Association
An uninhabited island at the northernmost tip of Iki Island. The spectacular views of the emerald green ocean and cliffs are a highlight, and the view from Jagatani Park is particularly impressive.
photo:Iki City Tourism Association
A natural white sand beach stretching approximately 600 meters in length, selected as one of the "100 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan." The crystal clear ocean spreads out before your eyes.
photo:Iki City Tourism Association
A seaside park built in a natural cove. You can have fun learning about dolphins through programs that involve interacting and feeding them.
photo:Iki City Tourism Association
A spectacular spot overlooking a cliff about 1 kilometers long. The strangely shaped rock formation that juts out into the sea, known as the "Kannonbashira," is said to be one of the eight pillars that connect the islands.
photo:Iki City Tourism Association
One of the Three Great Castles of Japan. Currently, a special passageway allows visitors to observe the progress of restoration work following the 2016 earthquake. It is also popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
photo:Kumamoto Castle Office
The garden boasts 400 years of history. You can enjoy the beauty of the garden and the seasonal nature centered around a pond created by spring water.
One of the world's most active volcanoes, located only 15 minutes by ferry from the city. There are a variety of activities that allow visitors to experience the power of a volcano up close and personal.
photo:© Kagoshima City
The garden boasts 400 years of history. You can enjoy the beauty of the garden and the seasonal nature centered around a pond created by spring water.
photo:© sengan-en
One of the world's most active volcanoes, located only 15 minutes by ferry from the city. There are a variety of activities that allow visitors to experience the power of a volcano up close and personal.
photo:© Kagoshima City
A small island lush with subtropical plants. Surrounded by wave-like rocks known as "Devil's Washboard," the island is home to Aoshima Shrine, famous for matchmaking blessings, at its center. Beautiful beaches are also an attraction.
The largest entertainment district in Miyazaki Prefecture. Approximately 1,200 restaurants line the retro streets lit with lanterns, where you can sample local delicacies such as Miyazaki Beef and charcoal-grilled chicken.
A scenic spot with a tropical atmosphere. You can enjoy a panoramic view of palm tree-lined streets, the blue sea, and the rippled coastal rock formations. Take a moment to lose track of time and admire the breathtaking scenery that symbolizes Miyazaki City.
