This tour visits islands in Hiroshima and Ehime, and some sights in the coastal region of Honshū. You explore the Tobishima Kaidō and Shimanami Kaidō island chains, and the picturesque historic towns of Hiroshima prefecture. You travel in a private vehicle with a guide, staying in characterful local accommodation.
You meet your guide and driver at Hiroshima Station and drive to Kure, start of the Tobishima Kaidō. You explore this beautiful chain of islands and bridges, visiting the fascinating museums on Shimo-Kamagari Island and the old port town of Mitarai. From here you take the ferry through the Inland Sea to Ōmishima on the Shimanami Kaidō. Then you drive to Ōyamazumi Shrine, one of Japan’s most historically significant major Shintō places. 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 stay on Ōshima where dinner (included) is served at your accommodation.
After breakfast, you leave your hotel and take a fast ship for a cruise into the rapid currents and whirlpools of the Kurushima Strait. Then you drive north into Hiroshima Prefecture to explore the historic town of Onomichi, including Senkō-ji Park and the nostalgic arcades near the port. Your last stop is Takehara, where you stroll through the streets of buildings dating back hundreds of years, visiting a sake brewery and old merchant’s house. Then you drive back to Hiroshima where the tour ends.
