Western Japan 7 Days

Western Japan 7 Days 

Independent Suggested Itinerary

2nd Trip Inspiration – Explore Western Japan with The JR West 7-Day Sanyo Sanin Area Pass

From $779 per person twin share

JTB Australia Tour
JTB Australia Tour
JTB Australia Tour

Often skipped over by travellers, the Chugoku Region is home to some of Japan’s best historical, cultural and natural sites. Chugoku is an easily traversed region of Japan that features unexplored natural beauty, multiple UNESCO Heritage sights and lively cities with something for every traveller.

Highlights include :

  • Wander through some of Japan’s Finest landscape gardens. 
  • Hiroshima Peace Park and Miyajima Island 
  • Explore off the beaten path on the Sea of Japan coast 
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle 

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HIMEJI 
Begin your journey from Kyoto or Osaka and exchange your JR West 7-Day Sanyo Sanin Area Pass before boarding a train for Himeji. Explore the UNESCO Heritage Himeji Castle, arguably Japan’s finest and the nearby Kokoen Garden at the base of the castle.
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OKAYAMA 
Travel by bullet train to Okayama, home to Korakuen Traditional Japanese Landscape Garden – rated Top 3 in Japan. Head up to Okayama Castle (also known as Crow Castle for its black exterior) for a great view of the garden and Okayama city over the river. In the evening, head by train to Kurashiki, known as the Venice of Japan thanks to its picturesque canals and restored storehouse district
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OKAYAMA 

Okayama is a perfect base for many day trips to the region depending on your interests. Visit the world-renowned Naoshima Art Island, home to Benesse House Art Museum or the Art House Project. Hire a bike and cycle the Kibi Plain, a charming cycling route through rural Okayama stopping by many temples and shrines. Or head into the mountains and visit the secluded Bitchu-Takahashi castle town with its beautifully restored old town and crisp mountain air
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MATSUE 

Catch a morning train through the hinterland of Chugoku to Matsue on the Sea of Japan Coast, a quaint lakeside city often skipped over by travellers. Be sure to visit nearby Izumo Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines before catching the sunset over Lake Shinji.
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HIROSHIMA  

Start your morning early and head to the spectacular Adachi Museum of Art, an art museum surrounded by a serene landscape garden often heralded as Japan’s best. Continue via train to Hiroshima in time for dinner and explore Hiroshima’s bustling downtown stopping in at Okonomimura – a collection of restaurants specialising in Hiroshima’s famous Okonomiyaki dish (Japanese Pancake).
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HIROSHIMA 

Known worldwide for the unfortunate events on August 6th, 1945, Hiroshima and it’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum are unmissable for any journey to the city. After paying your respects, head to Miyajima – an island 45mins out of the city. Miyajima is home to UNESCO Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, known for its floating torii gate and local friendly deer which roam the island.
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RETURN TO OSAKA VIA KOBE 

It is time to head back towards Kyoto or Osaka, but first stop over in the port city of Kobe to try the world-famous Kobe Beef at a Teppanyaki restaurant. Kobe is also home to a large Chinatown district – the city is one of Japan’s best culinary destinations! Consider exploring the historic districts of Kitano, at the foot of Mount Rokko where foreign merchants settled in the 19th century, before catching a train back to Kyoto or Osaka to end your trip.