THE POINT OF DEPARTURE TO WESTERN JAPAN
Travel and explore anywhere in the western region from here!
Okayama, in central Chugoku, is the perfect stepping stone to
spots in western Japan. Whether it's a day trip to Himeji or
Kagawa, a visit to the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima, or a 2 day
excursion to Tottori or Shimane - there are a variety of interesting
options for one's sightseeing adventures. Add these excursions to your
travel schedule and start discovering western Japan right here!
Begin your 'Shimane' tour in Kurashiki City and head for historic
Takahashi, stopping at Ikura Cave. Relax overnight at Yubara Onsen Spa
and move on to the renowned Adachi Museum of Art. The tour
concludes at Iwami Silver Mine, a World Heritage Site.
Takahashi City is a pleasant spot with the historical Orii and Haibara
Samurai Residences. High above the town, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is
famed for being the tallest castle in Japan. Its tower rises 430 meters
high. At Raikyuji Temple, two Zen gardens, created in 1604 by master
designer Kobori Enshu, cleverly utilize Mount Asago as a gorgeous
backdrop. Ikura Cave, 1,200 meters deep, is a fantastic underground
adventure. Visitors will enjoy exploring
ancient stalactites and the surrounding
deep ravine. Afterwards, Yubara Onsen's
free 'suna-yu' outdoor hot spring bath,
set amidst a lush forest, offers an ideal
rest stop. For art lovers, the Adachi
Museum of Art has exceptional Japanese
gardens, as well as a vast collection of
contemporary art, including works from
Yokoyama Taikan. The Iwami Silver
Mine, responsible for enriching the
Tokugawa Shogunate with untold wealth,
is a valuable historical treasure and the
final stop on this tour.
From Kurashiki, it's an enjoyable day trip to Hiroshima, the
location of two World Heritage Sites - the tragic Atomic Bomb
Dome and the splendid Miyajima Gate. The Atomic Bomb Dome
shell remains as a silent witness to the horrific aftermath of the
first A-bomb detonation. Nearby, Peace Memorial Park is a
hallowed site for reflection and prayer. Itsukushima Shrine, on
Miyajima Island was crowned one of the three most cherished
vistas in all Japan. Visitors are greeted by the most noted symbol
of Miyajima, the striking vermillion gate, 'O-torii' that stands in
the water in front of the shrine.
From Okayama City, take a boat cruise and relax while
sailing the calm, blue waters dotted with pine-clad
islands. Nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima is
home to the "Benesse Art Site Naoshima" where
contemporary art and outstanding architecture blend
with Naoshima's amazing natural beauty. Formerly a
center for copper refinement during the Edo period, the
Inujima now features a unique architectural and artistic
wonder - Inujima Art Project Seirensho. Come and
explore this eco-friendly
structure that serves as a
model for a recycling
oriented society while
showcasing the amazing
conceptual art of
Yukinori Yanagi.
Inujima Seirensho Point 1 to Seto Inland Sea
Chichu Museum in Naoshima Point 2 to Seto Inland Sea
Traveling to Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku
Island is easy with the architecturally stunning
Seto Ohashi Bridge. From this massive bridge
connecting Honshu and Shikoku Islands,
visitors can further enjoy beautiful Seto Inland
Sea via trains or boat cruises. Nearby Kojima
has a grand home with garden and storehouses
that was built in 1883 by the salt magnate, Nozaki. Ritsurin Park, one of
the finest landscape gardens in all Japan, has excellent amenities and
boasts a classic design.
Traveling to Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku
From Okayama City, Himeji is a popular destination
mostly for visiting Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. A rare museum in Japan, Bizen Osafune
Japanese Sword Museum displays Japanese swords
and scabbards. Visitors may also see sword making demonstrations and modern
sword artisans' work. Bizen Ware Traditional and Contemporary Art Museum
displays superior 'Bizen-yaki'(kiln baked) pieces created by skillful local artisans.
Another attraction is Shizutani School, established in the 17th century and the
oldest school for the working class in Japan. Himeji Castle, the prefecture's most
spectacular site, is both a National Treasure and World Heritage Site.
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum Point 1 to Himeji
Bizen Ware Traditional and Contemporary Art Museum Point 2 to Himeji
Departing from either
Okayama or Kurashiki, it is a
comfortable day trip to historic Tsuyama City and
picturesque Tottori Prefecture. However, it is even
better to take an extra day and relax in the area's
popular hot springs. Notably, Yunogo Onsen is said to
be 1,200 years old and Okutsu Onsen is famous for its
skin purification qualities. Tsuyama once thrived as a
key junction for trade routes because of security from
the castle and retains an aura of past wealth even to this day. Along with many
worthwhile historical sites, Kakuzan Park is a delightful example of the terrace style and
is located where the castle once stood. This park has also been designated a National
Historical Site. 'Ashibumi Sentaku' (foot washing) is a traditional dance performed in
local costumes and is an enjoyable experience for visitors. Finally, the Tottori Sand
Dunes stretch for 16 kilometers
and are 2 kilometers wide. With
ever-changing patterns created by
the wind, these are Japan's most
magnificent sand dunes.
Okayama, in central Chugoku, is the perfect stepping stone to
spots in western Japan. Whether it's a day trip to Himeji or
Kagawa, a visit to the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima, or a 2 day
excursion to Tottori or Shimane - there are a variety of interesting
options for one's sightseeing adventures. Add these excursions to your
travel schedule and start discovering western Japan right here!
