Setouchi and San’in

You meet your guide and driver at Matsuyama Station, and drive to Ōshima on the Shimanami Kaidō. You drive up to the Mt. Kirō lookout and look down on the roiled waters of the Kurushima Strait and the elegant suspension bridge over it. You take a fast ship for a cruise into the rapid currents and whirlpools of the Kurushima Strait. Then you drive to Ōyamazumi Shrine, one of Japan’s most historically significant major Shintō places. Your next stop is Innoshima Suigun Castle, where you learn about the Murakami Kaizoku pirates who controlled the Inland Sea. You head north to Onomichi on Honshū where you stay. Dinner (not included) is at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Hiroshima city, visiting the Atom Bomb Dome and Peace Park. Then you take the ferry to Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic red torii gate in the sea, and its tame deer. Then you return to Hiroshima where you stay the night. Dinner (included) is at your accommodation

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture and stroll over the beautiful Kintai Bridge. Then you head into Yamaguchi city to visit the Zen temple Rurikō-ji with its impressive pagoda reflected in a large pond. In the afternoon, you drive up to Akiyoshidai, an extensive karst area, and explore this limestone area above ground and below in the huge Akiyoshi Cave system. You then drive to the nostalgic spa town of Nagato Yumoto Onsen where you stay. Dinner (included) is at your accommodation.

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Nagato where you take a boat to visit Ōmi Island with its dramatic rock formations and coastal caves. Then you drive to Hagi, a castle town whose young men played a decisive role in overthrowing the Shogunate. Shōin Shrine and its museum honouring Yoshida Shōin tell the story of one brave youth who gave his life to free Japan from feudalism. You stay in Hagi. Dinner (included) is at your accommodation.

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture, a beautiful traditional castle town overlooked by the dramatic ruins of its castle. Tonomachi Dōri recalls the town life of the samurai. Then you head into Tottori Prefecture to explore the town of Iwami, part the Sanin Kaigan National Park. You spend the night in Iwami. Dinner (included) is at your accommodation.

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Iwami Ginzan silver mine, which once produced one third of the world’s silver. The mine shafts and museum are fascinating. Next you drive to magnificent Izumo Shrine with its great straw ropes hanging under massive eaves. The shrine is connected to Japan’s founding legends and it’s one of the nation’s foremost sacred spots. Then you drive to Tamatsukuri Onsen where you stay. Dinner (not included) is at a local restaurant

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Matsue, a town with a castle that survived from the Edo period. You take a boat around the moat, enjoying the views of the old town. Then you head into Okayama Prefecture, to Hiruzen Highland located on a plateau more than 500 meters above sea level, with views of the Mt. Daisen volcano. Your next stop is Takahashi, a riverside town with streets of old merchant houses. Then you drive to Okayama city where you stay. Dinner (not included) is at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive to Kurashiki, a perfectly preserved Edo period town beside an idyllic canal. The many shops and museums offer a wealth of options. Then you drive to Kōrakuen Garden with its spacious lawns and rock features, and its views of Okayama Castle. The tour ends at Okayama Station.