This tour visits the major sights of Okayama, Shimane, and Hiroshima prefectures, focusing on the small historic cities of each region, and the natural wonders found in the countryside between them. You travel in a private vehicle with a guide, staying in characterful local accommodation.
You meet your guide and driver at Okayama Station and drive to Bitchū Takahashi, a picturesque town in the mountains of Okayama Prefecture. After exploring the town, you visit impressive Bitchū Matsuyama Castle, with towering wall perched high on a mountaintop. Then you drive to Fukiya, a historic town with a street of Edo period buildings uniformly painted with bengara ferric oxide, Fukiya Furusato Mura, you learn about the traditional industries that sustained the region. You stay at a kominka in the countryside where dinner is served.
After breakfast, you leave the kominka and drive to Hiruzen Highland in northern Okayama Prefecture, a plateau at an elevation of 500 metres with many outdoor attractions. Then you head into Tottori Prefecture and visit Hanakairo Flower Park, a massive garden with exotic plants. The last stop is Mt. Daisen, a huge extinct volcano. You stay at hotel near the mountain where dinner is served.
After breakfast, you leave the hotel and drive to Yasugi, an ancient town in Shimane Prefecture. Here you visit the acclaimed Adachi Museum of Art. Next you drive to Matsue and visit the Shiomi Nawate area and the Matsue History Museum, you learn about the history of the town and about Lafcadio Hearn, a celebrated author and resident. You stay at a ryokan in Tamatsukuri Onsen where dinner is served.
After breakfast, you leave the hotel and drive to Izumo Shrine, one of the most sacred places in Japan. Then you drive to historic Okuizumo, famous for its swordsmiths. Here you visit the Tatara Sword Museum where you learn about the famous swords produced in Okuizumo from ancient time. You head into Hiroshima Prefecture to Taishaku Gorge, where you stroll down a beautiful valley with several impressive stone arches which were once part of an ancient cave system. You stay at a hotel in Shōbara where dinner is served.
After breakfast, you leave the hotel and drive to Sera Highland Farm, located on a plateau in central Hiroshima Prefecture, known for its massed arrays of flowers in each season. Then you drive to Onomichi and visit Senkō-ji Park with its expansive views over the Shimanami Kaidō. Your next stop is Takehara, a town with streets of elegant buildings dating to the Edo period. You stay at a hotel in Hiroshima city. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, you leave the hotel and take the convenient and nostalgic trams to visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and Atom Bomb Dome, ending the tour at Hiroshima Station.
Included
- Guide
- Transport
- Meals
- Basic insurance
Not included
- Travel to and from Shikoku
- Drinks
- Comprehensive personal insurance