A delightful travel plan to experience various activities and theme parks in Japan
from Osaka to Chugoku and Kyushu regions

*This article is based on the information as of November 2022 and the latest status may have changed.

Here’s an overview of this 8-day long itinerary:

Day 1：Osaka activities (Shinsekai → Tsutenkaku Tower → Nanba, Takoyaki Experience → Umeda Sky Building)
Day 2：Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (Maiko promenade) → NIJIGEN NO MORI in Awaji island → Himeji Castle
Day 3：Travel to Okayama (Kurashiki Bikan Direct → Onomichi Ramen → Senkoji)
Day 4：Cycling Experience at Shimanami Seaside Way → Okonomiyaki 
Day 5：Exploring Hiroshima（Itsukushima Shrine and Anago rice) → Beppu, Kyushu for sand bath experience
Day 6：Jigokumushi, Beppu → Yufuin floral village → Ekiben and Local beer
Day 7：Nokonoshima Island Park → Mirai Itoshima and Glamping → Sakurai Futamigaura → Yatai Experience, Fukuoka
Day 8：Travel to Nagasaki (Dejima, Graver) → Return Osaka
 

In the second article of our three-part series about my Osaka-Chugoku-Kyushu itinerary, I am covering Days 3 to 5. On Day 3, explore the Bikan Historical Area in Okayama Prefecture while enjoying fresh local fruits, then on Day 4, cycle along the famous Shimanami Kaido around the Seto Inland Sea, and on the fifth day, visit must-see spots around historic Hiroshima.

Day 3: The beauty of Kurashiki and Onomichi

And I am going off to Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture! Since I am starting from Himeji, I need to take a Shinkansen along the Sanyo Shinkansen line to Okayama, a trip which takes just 20 minutes, then transfer to the JR Sanyo line to arrive in Kurashiki in 15 minutes.
My first stop in this lovely town is the Bikan Historical Quarter, which is well-known as a filming location for several movies. It’s a 20-minute walk from Kurashiki Station.  I had lots of fun taking photos along the route, which features typical scenes of Kurashiki with white-walled buildings, willow trees along the canals, boats, and a grand Edo-era mansion owned by the Ohara family.

Okayama’s fresh produce, especially fruit, is particularly renowned both within Japan and internationally. All this walking has stirred up our appetites, so I am on the lookout for something sweet and refreshing.
I ended up in Kurashiki Momoko, a shop and cafe that specializes in desserts featuring Okayama’s signature fruits. Here, I indulged in a peach and melon parfait, which leans on the pricey side but is worth it to enjoy Kurashiki’s sweet, specialty fruits. The beautiful presentation and tableware also make it great for photography. When some fruits are in season, the shop is often swamped with reservations!

After taking in the retro sights of Kurashiki, I went to Onomichi, a town famous for its ramen noodles which is just an hour away on the JR Sanyo line.
Located in Hiroshima Prefecture and facing the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi is a popular destination for cyclists. Popular activities include biking along the Shimanami Kaido and Onomichi U2. The town’s retro streetscapes such as the main shopping street and Neko no Hosomichi (Cat’s Narrow Path) also makes it perfect for leisurely exploration. In Onomichi, temples such as Senkoji and Tenneiji are easily accessed in town, yet retain an atmosphere of serenity. In recent years, trendy bakeries and cozy cafes have popped up, so there’s so much to see and explore here.
 

Before I got too distracted by sightseeing, I grabbed lunch at Tani, a popular Onomichi ramen place near the station. According to the manager of the place, Onomichi ramen is characterized by a soy sauce-based broth and pork fat topping on the noodles. Just smelling the scents wafting around the shop made me so excited to dig into our late lunch.

After filling up with Onomichi ramen, I hopped into a cab to get to Senkoji Temple Mountain Ropeway’s base station. Senkoji is located at the top of a mountain and can be accessed via a ropeway in about 3 minutes. From the ropeway gondola itself, views of Senkoji and the townscape of Onomichi can be enjoyed. It’s easy to see why the town was designated a Japanese Heritage Site. 
From the top of the mountain, I meandered along a path to Senkoji Temple. From its temple grounds, the townscape of Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea can be viewed. I was enthralled by the views as dusk fell gradually over the land.
 

Day 4: Cycling along Shimanami Kaido

Since the weather is perfect for outdoor activities today, I am going cycling along Shimanami Kaido. Shimanami Kaido, nicknamed the Nishi-Seto Expressway, connects Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku, over a total length of about 60 km. It is a toll road that connects many islands in the Seto Inland Sea with seven bridges, and it is the first cycling road in Japan that allows cyclists to traverse the area. At its highest point, it is about 70 meters above sea level so there are a variety of views to experience along the ride. 
This photogenic route features plenty of stop-worthy scenery of the various islands, as well as the bridges’ architecture. Bicycle rentals are available at ONOMICHI U2.

Along the way, you can buy fresh citrus fruits and juices directly from the adjacent farms, and take a break at the charming oceanside cafes.
 

An essential part of the Shimanami Kaido is the Innoshima Ohashi Bridge. This bridge has a two-tiered structure, with the upper part for high-speed traffic and the lower part for bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. It’s an incredible experience to cycle through this part of the route!

I have to admit, the cycling route is meant for those with intermediate to advanced levels of fitness. I spent 6 hours on the Shimanami Kaido going from island to island. Being able to enjoy the seamlessly evolving scenery was worth it, though!
Upon returning to Onomichi, I hopped on the JR Sanyo Main Line and Sanyo Shinkansen for the hour-long trip to Hiroshima. On the menu for tonight’s dinner is Hiroshima okonomiyaki. This type of local food is the best to soothe my exhausted bones. 
I ordered the signature popular dish, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Fumichan. Hiroshima-yaki is characterized by a heaping portion of yakisoba noodles. No matter how tired I am, local specialties are always a must-try.

Day 5: Hiroshima to Beppu, Kyushu's hot spring paradise
One of the places you should visit when you come to Hiroshima is Itsukushima Shrine. It is famous for its mysterious torii gate floating on the sea and is one of most scenic spots in Japan. From Hiroshima Station, I rode the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajima-guchi Station (about 30 minutes), then took a ferry to the pier and reached the shrine on foot within 10 minutes.
 

A popular local delicacy is conger eel, known as anago in Japanese. I popped by Umezan for a meal of anago-meshi, a scrumptious bowl of rice topped with seasoned anago, served with a few side dishes. It was absolutely delicious, and the eel was so fresh!

I will be leaving Hiroshima and moving to Beppu City, Oita Prefecture in the Kyushu region next. Beppu City is famous for its hot springs, but I am going to experience a sand bath that can only be found in Japan and nowhere else in the world!
The Sanyo Shinkansen takes us from Hiroshima to Kokura in Kyushu first, then I changed trains and got on the JR Kagoshima line to get to Beppu, which took two hours.
My first stop in Beppu is Takegawara Onsen for a sand bathing experience. The building itself is reminiscent of what I have seen in Spirited Away, so I am so excited for this unique experience!
First, I changed into a yukata (Japanese cotton robe) and headed over to the sand bathing area. The warm sand is heated up with steam from the area’s natural hot springs and is said to improve your overall wellness.
 

My first sand bath experience was so enjoyable and somehow melted away my physical and mental stresses, leaving me refreshed and reinvigorated. As this involves steam and sand which weighs down your body, the staff recommend having your sand bath before having a meal (and not after eating). 
When traveling, I love unique experiences even in accommodation choices. Hotel Shiragiku, which has its own onsen facilities, was our choice this time around. Dining options here include Bungo beef or Bungogyu, which is high-quality beef from black cattle raised in Oita Prefecture, served shabu-shabu style by the hotel, and also in-room meals with fresh seafood.

Here ends our fifth day! Tomorrow, I will be exploring more of the Kyushu region and its various activities.

1st Article is here
3rd Article is here