Main attractions of the Setouchi region include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Dome) museum, the picturesque town of Kurashiki and one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan, the Izumo-taisha, which are all part of this very unique region.

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1: KOBE> TOKUSHIMA 1.5 hrs

Kobe City: Located across the bay from Osaka , Kobe is Japan’s sixth largest city. Explore the bustling waterfront area of Kobe Harbour and try famous Kobe beef ” shabu shabu” style.
Awaji Island: Beautiful nature, historic culture, abundant cuisine and countless hot springs are among the charms that you can experience here.
Tokushima: This prefecture is best known for the swirling whirlpools of Naruto, the beautiful remote mountainous lya Valley and the Awa Odori dance festival held in August.

DAY 2: TOKUSHIMA > TAKAMATSU 1.5 hrs

lya Valley & Oboke Gorge – Located deep in the heart of Shikoku Island, this secluded valley is hidden amongst steep mountain slopes and deep rocky gorges which were traditionally crossed by vine bridges.
Takamatsu: Visit some of the main sites including Ritsurin Koen, a beautiful landscape garden and Takamatsu Castle.

DAY 3: TAKAMATSU > IYA VALLEY> DOGO ONSEN 2.5 hrs

Seto Ohashi, Okayama: Drive along the world’s longest two-tiered bridge. The bridge connects the Honshyu and Shikoku islands.
Zenigata Sunae: Kotohiki Park , which has been designated as one of Japan’s national scenic spots, is famous for the Zenigata Sunae (sand art in the shape of a coin).
Matsuyama Castle: One of Japan’s 12 original castles.
Dogo Onsen: An ancient onsen town with 3,000 years of history located outside of Matsuyama.

DAY 4: DOGO ONSEN > SHIMANAMI KAIDO > HIROSHIMA 1.5 hrs 2hrs

Matsuyama: The largest cit y on Shikoku island. At the heart of the cit y stands Matsuyamajo, a beautiful, original castle.
Shimanami Kaido: A 60 kilometre long toll road that connects Ja pan’s main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, it also traverses 6 smaller islands in bet ween .
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Infamous and iconic , the Peace Memorial Park is one of the most identifiabl e featur es of Hiroshima city .

DAY 5: HIROSHIMA> MIYAJIMA ISLAND 1hr

Miyajima Island: One of the most scenic spots in all of Japan, it is located less than an hour outside of Hiroshima city . Most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water.

DAY 6-7: MIYAJIMA >KURASHIKl > HIMEJI > ARIMA ONSEN > KOBE 3hrs 1.5hr 1hr 20mins

Kurashiki: A beautifully preserved historical merchant town along a canal. The birth place of denim in Japan.
Himeji Castle: Considered to be one of Japan’s most spectacular castle complexes, it has been impeccably well maintained and is a focal point of Himeji City.
Arima Onsen (Kobe): This onsen town is still very much a hidden treasure, tucked away behind Mount Rokko.