Messages from tourism officials in Western Japan

Western Japan is not affected by the Typhoon Jebi nor heavy rain in July 2018. It remains a safe a place to visit and is open for business, including international gateway cities of Osaka and Fukuoka are all open welcoming visitors. JNTO will continue to work closely with local areas in western Japan and our overseas trade partners. Here are some messages from tourism officials:

Greetings from Gifu! My Name is Bryan Takano with the Gifu Prefectural Government International Affairs Division.
In July, the JR Takayama Line here was damaged by landslides caused by heavy rainfall and experienced several service suspensions; however, as of August 11, "Limited Express Wide View Hida" services from Nagoya/Osaka Station to Takayama/Hida-Furukawa Station have been restored and are running on their usual schedules. "Wide View Hida" train services north of Hida-Furukawa on the JR Takayama Line are expected to resume in late November (while "Wide View Hida" services are suspended, it is still possible to travel from Hida Furukawa to Toyama by using a combination of "local" train variants and temporary shuttle buses).

Fortunately, the sightseeing destinations in Gifu Prefecture where not directly impacted by the heavy rains and are open for business as usual, eagerly awaiting your visit. Included below is a link to a newsletter with events and places to see in Gifu during the autumn. Unfortunately I am unable to feature every Gifu event in this newsletter so please continue to check our Facebook page for more info.
See you in Gifu!

Gifu Tourism Facebook Page "Go Gifu"
JR Central Temporary Bus Timetable

Ukai – Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River, was cancelled for around 2 weeks this July due to heavy rain, but has been restarted as of July 25. Ukai will continue to be held until October 15, so please come see the over 1300 year old historical tradition of cormorant fishing.
Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River
EXPERIENCE BEAUTIFUL GIFU

Ehime Prefecture's tourist facilities suffered damages due to flooding and landslides caused by the heavy rain back in July. However, thanks to the efforts of the local people and volunteers from across the nation, most facilities have recovered and resumed business. The railways and highways that were closed off have also all reopened and transportation has resumed.
Ehime is working hard! We look forward to your visit!
Visit Ehime Japan

While some parts of the Shimanami Kaido Cycling route were affected by heavy rains in July, the cycling roads have been restored and cyclists can enjoy cycling safely as usual.
Shimanami Kaido Rental Bike
Visit Shimanami Japan Facebook

With the castle located in its centre, surrounded by sea and orange fields, Uwajima city, in the southwestern part of Shikoku is a quiet town seeped in history and culture. It is famous for citrus fruits and fish, which are especially delicious during autumn and winter. Uwajima is also home to the largest cultured pearl site in Japan. JR Shikoku was forced to suspend services to Uwajima due to the heavy damage caused by torrential rains in July this year. However, the train service is now fully operational and resumed on September 13th. For those tourists who wish to use the rail service in Shikoku we recommend the “All Shikoku Rail Pass” with a connecting bus service. The highways are open as normal and Uwajima can now be accessed from a large array of directions without problem.
Uwajima Sightseeing Guide

Dogo Hot Spring is said to be the oldest in Japan. Its symbols, both Dogo Hot Spring Main Building and the annex Asuka-no-Yu, maintain vigorous business. Why don't you come and relax in the 100% free-flowing hot spring?
Matsuyama,Shikoku,Japan The Official Website of Tourism Matsuyama
Official Website Dōgo Onsen

SL Yamaguchi will restart its operation on September 29th.
- Time Schedule
September 29, 2018 - December 24, 2018 (Operates only on weekends)
Shin-Yamaguchi Station (Depart 10:50) → Tsuwano Station (Arrive 12:59)
Tsuwano Station (Depart 15:45) → Shin-Yamaguchi Station (Arrive 17:30)
All seats require reservation (Reservation is possible a month in advance)
For Inquires and Seat Reservations
Steam Locomotive Yamaguchi *Select English from Other Languages tab

Messages from Kyoto have been delivered from local cities and towns. Details can be found at this page.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Arashiyama area are open as usual. At present, visitors to the city are able to enter Nijo-jo Castle and see Senbon-dorii, the Tunnel of 1000 Tori Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. As for public transportation, Hiei-zan Railway, between Ichihara Station and Kurama Station, is not in service, but other lines, including the Kyoto subway, JR, and other railways and bus services are running as per usual.
Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
Visit Kyoto

Tankai Bus, a public transportation service, is operating normally, and you can also access the area by private car, other public transportation. There is no damage to accommodation facilities, road stations, etc. by the recent Typhoon Jebi, and they are open as usual.
Additionally hands-on experience events sponsored by the Ine Town Tourism Association are also accepting reservations as usual. We are looking forward to welcoming people to Ine Town.
Ine Tourist informaition Official Website

Miyazu City, the location of Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three scenic spots, was damaged in some areas due to heavy rain in July, but now it has been restored.
Amanohashidate is formed naturally, with roughly 8 thousand pine trees growing on about 3.6 kilometers of sandbank that extends to the north and south. Walking through the pine trees, cycling, and swimming in the summer, you can really feel the nature.
Amanohashidate is close to the sea and the mountains, and you can enjoy fresh and tasty seafood, rice and vegetables. There are also hot springs that you can enjoy at ease during your stay.
Amanohashidate Tourism Association
Amanohashidate Tourism Association FB

Kyotango City is located about two hours from Kyoto City, and is surrounded by the beautiful blue Sea of Japan and deep green mountain. Several areas were damaged due to heavy rain in July, but now facilities including tourist and accommodation facilities, and transportation services, are operational as usual. In Kyotango City you can enjoy fresh seasonal fruit-picking throughout the year. We recommend that you enjoy the autumn specialty: grape- and pear-picking.
Please come visit Kyotango City!
A trip in the nature and culture
Visit Kyotango

City's tourist facilities including Ayabe Gunze Square and Ayabe Onsen hot spring are operating as usual. We recommend a farm stay where you can take part in hands-on agricultural and Japanese rural life experiences.
It takes approximately 1 hour from Kyoto by express train and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Osaka by express train and regular train to Ayabe City.
Ayabe Gunze Square
Ayabe Onsen
Ayabe City Sightseeing Guide

Kameoka City and facilities are operating as usual, including tourist and accommodation facilities in the city. The trolley trains connecting Kameoka and the Arashiyama areas are also operating on a regular schedule.
Sagano Romantic Train
Sagano Romantic Train Facebook
Kameoka Tourist Association

Yawata City and sightseeing areas are operating as usual. Enjoy relaxing time with easy access from Kyoto and Osaka. Please come visit Yawata City. Below facilities may have some restricted areas due to the damage restoration, but they are open and welcoming guests as usual.

Yawata Story website
Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Shrine
SHOKADO Garden Art Museum

Some roads in Wazuka Town are blocked due to the recent typhoon, but the main roads are open to public. Wazuka Town is located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture, and it is home to finest Uji matcha (green tea) products. Please come to Wazuka Town where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of tea fields that reach far and wide.
Wazuka Town (Japanese only)
Tea-topia Wazuka

Some roads in Minami-yamashiro Village are closed to traffic due to the typhoon, but main roads are open to public. Tourist facilities in the village, including the roadside station are open as usual.
Michi no Eki(Roadside Station) Minami Yamashiro village

Kumiyama Town is bordered by Uji River and Kizu River in southern part of the Kyoto Prefecture. Kumiyama Town has been developing continuously in harmony with its peaceful rural landscape, while taking advantage of its favorable geographical conditions.
While some agricultural lands were damaged, the tourist and transportation facilities received no damage and work as usual. The Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Plant Tour (Kyoto) is especially recommended.
Coca-Cola Bottolers Japan Plant Tour (Kyoto) (Japanese only)

Messages from Hiroshima have been delivered from local cities and towns. Details can be found at this page.

Miyajima was not damaged by the torrential rains in July 2018. The facilities on Miyajima including Itsukushima Shrineare open as usual.Miyajima will soon be in season of autumn leaves. Please come to enjoy the beauty of Japanese nature with your family and friends.Please refer to the website below for the latest traffic information. http://www.miyajima.or.jp/new/?p=4446
Miyajima Tourist Association
Welcome to Miyajima
Welcome to Miyajima Facebook

While some facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture were affected by the torrential rains, including Gonokawa Canoe Park Sakugi in Miyoshi, most of the accommodation and tourism facilities in Miyoshi including Hirata Tourism Farm, Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery have been operational as usual. Currently those facilities affected by the torrential rains have already been restored. Next spring, the first Japan Yokai Museum will be open in Miyoshi. About 80 of the yokai collections had been selected and exhibited in Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Spain in commmemoration of the 150 anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Spain and attracted a lot of attention.
In terms of access by expressways, the Chugoku Expressway and Chugoku Yamanami Kaido Expressway crossing Miyoshi are unaffected.
While the operation of the JR Geibi Line has been suspended, bus services are available as usual.
Miyoshi Official Tourism Website

On 6th August 1945, the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on Hiroshima. Although the Atomic Bomb Dome was located almost directly underneath the explosion, it somehow avoided complete destruction and the remains of the building still stand today. The site was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Atomomic Bomb - Visit Hiroshima

Asano Nagaakira began construction of this garden for his villa in 1619. The job of creating the garden was left to the tea master Ueda Soko. There is a theory that the garden is said to be comprised of many picturesque scenes created in miniature. That is where its name comes from.
Shukkeien Garden - Visit Hiroshima

Hiroshima castle is a typical flat castle that was constructed by Mouri Terumoto, who was one of the most significant servants ("Godairou") of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. In 1989, to mark its 400 year anniversary, the interior was restored. Today, it has turned into a history museum featuring Samurai culture.
Hiroshima Castle - Visit Hiroshima

Messages from Okayama have been delivered from local cities and towns. Details can be found at this page.
Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide

While some parts of Okayama were damaged by the recent torrential rainfall and flooding, all of Okayama's tourist attractions are completely unaffected and are open for business, as usual! Transport in and around Okayama city is also unaffected. All JR train services are operational and running as normal. Roads and express-ways are open to traffic, without any issues. We would like to take this opportunity to share some exciting information about upcoming events!

The famous Okayama Korakuen garden (one of the three great gardens of Japan) will be holding a night illumination event from November 16th to the 25th. The whole garden and the castle grounds will be decorated with countless beautiful lights, creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. It's a truly beautiful event which shouldn't be missed! Okayama Korakuen garden and Okayama castle also hold illumination events in spring and summer, with both the garden and castle being designed differently for each season.
Okayama City Travel Guide

Beginning with Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle and Fukiya Furusato Village, most of the tourist facilities in Takahashi are operating business as usual. There are no issues in regards to the transportation to the location. From autumn to early spring, sea of clouds develops around Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle, so you can enjoy the illusory atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you in Takahashi.

Welcome to Kurashiki!
The main tourist spots in Kurashiki Okayama: the Bikan Historical Area, Kojima Jeans Street, and the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, are unchanged by recent torrential rains. Transport to the city is also running as usual.
By all means, come experience the energy, beauty and history of Kurashiki.
Kurashiki Sightseeing Web

With little damage to Maniw City, Okayama Prefecture, all areas are currently operating as normal. The Hiruzen Highlands, popular as a rich nature-filled resort in West Japan and Yubara Onsen town, with several hundred years of history and the dynamic "Sunayu" open-air hot spring which sits at the base of a dam, were all unaffected by the flooding. Katsuyama's Preserved Streets, lined with old houses and shops decorated with colourful and stylish noren curtains, continue to attract visitors who enjoy the sights as usual.
Hokubo is also continuing to provide tours around hidden spiritual spots in the region, and dining experiences including making food with local residents.
With Autumn bringing the changing of the leaves, followed by the white Winters, and the Cherry Blossoms of Spring, Maniwa has a varied climate in which you can enjoy all four seasons differently. We hope you come to see a Maniwa which is part of Japan yet unseen. We look forward to your visit.
Maniwa Tourism Bureau
Maniwa Tourism Bureau FB
Hokubo Tourism Association
HOKUBO Life FB

All tourist locations and facilities in Soja City are open and operating normally. Kinojo Castle is situated in Soja City and is regarded as the main venue for the world famous Momotaro Legend.
In Soja City there are several tourist spots related to the Momotaro Legend. In addition, hotels and other accommodations are all operating normally. Access to Soja City and its tourist spots is functioning without disruption.
Soja Tourism Navi(Japanese only)
Soja Tourism Information FB(Japanese only)
Instagram(Japanese only)

Wake town, is located in the southeastern part of Okayama Prefecture, with plenty of nature. Damages from the torrential rain in July was minimal, so you can enjoy a full sightseeing tour without a problem. Katatetsu Romantic Road is a path exclusive to pedestrians and bicycles, that travels down through Wake town, for 34km from Kichigahara, Misaki city, to Nishikatakami, Bizen city.
The path uses the remains of a Katakami railway line that discontinued in 1991, and revived as Katatetsu Romantic Road in 2003. Station buildings and mile posts still exist along the disused railway line retaining the former appearance, and giving it a nostalgic scenery, making it one of its appealing point. As it is separated from the motorway, so it is safe and easy to ride there, making it a popular spot to visit.
Enroute from Yata/Choraku, it joins with the mountain trail that goes up to the Saiki Kanko Apple Orchard, which is ideal for hill climbing. At the summit, you can taste plenty of delicious apples during September to October. We also recommend the apple bread and apple pies from the bakery over there. (Taku Kobo).
Wake Town HP (Japanese only)
＃Wakegenic (Japanese only)

Osafune, situated in Setouchi City in the southeastern part of Okayama Prefecture, flourised as the biggest Japanese sword production center during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333AD) and is known today as the ‘Home of the Japanese Sword'. Many historic landmarks related to the Japanese sword can still be seen in the area. It also continues to be a place where swordsmiths and artisans produce Japanese swords.
As there were almost no damage in Setouchi caused by the heavy rain in July, everything is operating as per usual. The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword museum, a rare and unique museum in Japan, specialises in Japanese sword exhibitions during which 40 different swords are usually on display. A traditional tempering demonstration is held on the second Sunday of every month. Hearing the smooth rhythm of the sound of the hammer hitting the iron and seeing the sparks fly around is truly an experience not to be missed! Furthermore, not only can you watch the swordsmiths and the artisans working on their traditional crafts in their forge and their studios, you can also directly chat with them if you wish to do so. There are also many workshops to try out and enjoy, such as the ‘Make you own Paper knife' class, the ‘Create your Small Katana' workshop, or even the ‘Japanese Sword Quenching' course.
Journey of Setouchi City

San'in is a region where you can experience old history, culture, nature and activities.

Located in the western part of Tottori prefecture, "Mount Daisen" is designated as a national park where you can enjoy climbing, downhill cycling, shower climbing, skiing etc. In addition, there is amazing starry sky in the evening. Especially this year, as the mountain celebrates 1300th anniversary, various events such as torch parade and Japanese umbrella (Wagasa) light up are held.

Shimane prefecture is a birthplace of myths. There is Izumo-Taisha Grand Shrine where is believed that all the gods of the Shinto religion - some eight million - leave their own shrines and head here to gather at the Izumo-Taisha Grand Shrine in lunar calendar October. What`s more, there is another national treasure - Matsue castle. You can experience the Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono by Horikawa pleasure boat, while enjoy the Matsue castle scenery. There are many opportunities that you can know more about traditional cultures.

About SAN'IN
Access and Travel Tips for San'in