Use the
Planning a Trip to Japan?
Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp
Dreamlike trip for 2 across Hiroshima and San'in
Join Jasper and Jocelyn as they take part in unique activities, like crafting their own rings and celebrating Jasper’s birthday with a view over Miyajima, while travelling through the two charming areas.
DAY 1
Changi Airport
︙
7 hours by international flight
︙
Haneda Airport
︙
1 hour 25 minutes by domestic flight
︙
Izumo Airport
︙
30 minutes by car
︙
Savour the Tradition of Izumo
Start your journey in Izumo with a traditional Izumo Soba lunch at Tanakaya, a cozy soba shop just a minute’s walk from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. Izumo soba is rich in buckwheat flavour, and at Tanakaya, you can enjoy them in the traditional Warigo style (tiered bowls). Typically served in three tiers, you can have up to five tiers if your appetite allows!
Sobadokoro Tanakaya
Address: Seimon Toriimae, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane 699-0701
Website: https://soba-tanakaya.jp/english/
︙
5 minutes on foot
︙
Explore Izumo in Style
Choose from a variety of delightful kimono designs for both ladies and gentlemen with the advice of professionals. Putting on a gorgeous kimono and visiting the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine will make you feel like a part of the olden days of Izumo, so don’t forget to take beautiful photos and preserve the memories!
GOEN STYLE
Address: 784-1 Taisha-cho Kizukiminami, Izumo-shi, Shimane 699-0711
Website (Japanese only) : https://www.goen-style.com/
︙
1 minute on foot
︙
Craft your Dream Rings with your Partner
From the shape to the texture, customize you and your partner’s dream rings at Izumo En! Other than choosing the features of your rings, you can even have a hand in crafting them yourselves. No experience in ring crafting? Fret not! The patient ring experts will guide you carefully through the process to create the perfect pair of rings with memories that will last forever.
Izumo En
Address: 769 Taisha-cho Kizukiminami, Izumo-shi, Shimane 699-0711
Website (Japanese only) : https://izumoen.jp/
A Romantic Rickshaw Ride around Town
Izumo’s one and only rickshaw ride offers various routes that take you past well-known locations, like Inasa Beach and the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. The friendly and knowledgeable rickshaw captain will provide you with a detailed explanation of the spots on your selected course too!
Jocelyn’s Favourite Activity in San’in
I like his passion, how he put the tour together himself, and his skills to transport us around on the rickshaw. He also shared the history of Izumo with us, so I really appreciated this tour a lot.
Unshu Jinriki Shachu
Address: 833-3 Taisha-cho Kizukiminami Shinmonnaka, Izumo-shi, Shimane 699-0711
Website (Japanese only) : https://unshurickshaw.studio.site/
︙
Drop off by rickshaw ride
︙
Luxurious Respite at Kararako
Have a serene rest at Kararako, a hotel that embraces the local culture and history of Izumo with their elegant rooms and interior. Enjoy an exquisite dinner made with seasonal local ingredients of the highest quality, such as Matsuba crab, black abalone and sea urchin, at their in-house restaurant.
Kararako
Address: 1369-1 Taisha-cho Kizukiminami, Izumo-shi, Shimane 699-0711
Website: https://kararako.jp/en/
DAY 2
Kararako
︙
55 minutes by car
︙
Informative Tour along the Old Preserved Town of Iwami Ginzan
Engage a guide and hear the tales of Ōmori Town, which has been preserved to a remarkable degree since the silver rush in Japan. With the guide’s insightful commentary and the atmosphere of the town, you will get a sense of being back in 16th-century Japan. *For more information on English guides, please check the following link: http://iwamiginzan-guide.jp/2020/03/26/englishinterpreter/
Omori (Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site)
Address: 147, Ha, Ōmori-cho, Oda-shi, Shimane 694-0305
Website: https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/destinations/10932
︙
25 minutes by car
︙
Stylish Spiced Up Lunch
Contemporary meets nature at Genshosha's chic interior, decorated with modern art and wood furnishings. Their forte is spiced curry, with up to five different types to choose from, including the creamy vindaloo curry made with local Iwami pork. English menus are available, so take your time to pick the flavours you desire!
Genshosha
Address: Ro-160 Yunotsucho Yunotsu, Oda, Shimane 699-2501
Website: https://www.instagram.com/genshosha.yunotsu/
︙
25 minutes by car
︙
Bring out your Inner Artisan: Paint Your Own Iwami Kagura Mask
Iwami Kagura is a traditional performance dedicated to the Japanese Shinto gods, and part of the elaborate costumes are their well-crafted masks that convey the expressions of the characters. At Kobayashi Kobo, Mr. Kobayashi, a seasoned artisan, will guide you through the process of painting your very own unique Iwami Kagura mask to bring back home!
Kobayashi Kobo
Address: 308-2, I, Kohama Yunotsu-cho, Oda-shi, Shimane 699-2511
Website (Japanese only): http://www.kobayashi-kobo.jp/
︙
5 minutes by car
︙
A Powerful Performance in an Ancient Shrine
Watch the Iwami Kagura, a robust performance that consists of vibrant songs, lively dances, and elaborate costumes. Held at Tatsu no Gozen Shrine, each performance usually narrates a story from Japanese mythology. Witnessing this cultural performance passed down since ancient times in a shrine will certainly be a special and touching experience!
Jasper’s favourite activity in San’in
Even though the costumes and masks are a little intimidating, the performance itself and the movements of the performers were very entertaining. I can see and appreciate the efforts put into bringing the performance together.
Tatsu no Gozen Shrine
Address: 736, I, Yunotsu-cho, Oda-shi, Shimane 699-2501
Website: https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/destinations/11923
︙
10 minutes by car
︙
Nature Getaway at HÏSOM
Surrounded by lush mountains and the boundless sea, HÏSOM is a home away from home for those who want to discover Shimane’s regional delicacies, nature, and local community. Opt for in-house catering by the local cafe, Kaze no Engawa, to savour the seasonal flavours of Yunotsu town in the cozy dining area of HÏSOM.
HÏSOM
Address: 588-1, I, Yunotsu-cho, Oda-shi, Shimane 699-2501
Website: https://hisom.jp/
DAY 3
HÏSOM
︙
7 minutes by car
︙
Tranquil Breakfast Along the Water
Start off your day with a mouth-watering seafood breakfast at Minato no Shokudo KAN. With a view overlooking the fishing port, the seafood they serve are fresh out of the water! If you are not in the mood for fish, they also offer a traditional Japanese breakfast.
Minato no Shokudo KAN
Address: 1109-17, I, Kohama Yunotsu-cho, Oda-shi, Shimane 699-2511
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kan_yunotsu/
︙
40 minutes by car
︙
Set Foot in the Dreamlike Landscape of Iwami Tatamigaura
Enter through a tunnel entrance, and you will find yourself looking out into the sea from within a cave! Continue through the tunnel, and you will emerge into a picturesque spot with a full view of the blue waters. Take note of the unique pattern of the surface, which resembles tatami mats, thus the name “Iwami Tatamigaura”!
Iwami Tatamigaura
Address: Kokubu-cho, Hamada-shi, Shimane 697-0003
Website: https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/destinations/9336
︙
15 minutes by car
︙
Hamada Station
︙
About 2 hours by express bus
︙
Hiroshima Bus Center
︙
15 minutes on foot
︙
Bar Hop to Your Heart’s Content at Nagarekawa & Ekinishi!
Bar hop from Nagarekawa to Ekinishi, two of the most lively night areas in Hiroshima.
Jonetsuteppan! Kawasou Honten
At Nagarekawa, taste the rich flavours of Hiroshima’s local specialty, Okonomiyaki, at Jonetsuteppan! Kawasou Honten, a restaurant specializing in dishes whipped up on teppan (iron plate).
SAKE-SHOW YAMADA
Nearby Nagarekawa is SAKE-SHOW YAMADA, where you can sample local Japanese sake (nihonshu). If there is anything from their wide range that strikes your fancy, you can get it off their shelf to bring home too!
Atori Saketen
Located in Ekinishi, an atmospheric street, is Atori Saketen, a cozy bar serving delicious local Hiroshima sake and wine paired with local specialties and uniquely crafted dishes, including fresh oysters and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea!
Jonetsuteppan! Kawasou Honten
Address: 5-3 Kanayama-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 730-0029
Website: https://kawasouhon.owst.jp/en/
SAKE-SHOW YAMADA
Address: 5-1 Horikawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 730-0033
Website (Japanese only): https://sake-japan.jp/
Atori Saketen
Address: 11-8 Osuga-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 732-0821
Website: https://www.instagram.com/sakeandwine/
︙
20 minutes by car
︙
Grand Stay with a Gorgeous View
Host to the G7 summit in 2023, the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima is equipped with its own pier that acts as a pick-up point for various sightseeing cruises and boats, making it a perfect gateway to explore the surrounding islands. Have breakfast at the “Top of Hiroshima”, their onsite restaurant offering an astounding view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
Address: 23-1 Motoujina-machi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 734-8543
Website: https://www.princehotels.com/hiroshima/
DAY 4
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
︙
1 minute on foot
︙
Island Cruising with SEA SPICA
Explore the Seto Inland Islands with SEA SPICA, a high-speed, slick sightseeing cruise line. Enjoy your sea expedition while being comfortable with the cruise’s plush interior and spacious outdoor on its upper deck. When cruising by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Naval Base, get ready to be awed by Japan’s active ships and submarines up close!
Old Port-Island Shimo-Kamagari with Rich History
Shimo-Kamagari, a port island with a history of over 1,500 years, is designed with a Japanese garden in mind, outlined by Japanese pine trees and stone pavements. At Hakusetsuro House, you can have a great view of the island from its second floor and taste traditional Japanese matcha and sweets on the first floor.
Island of Rabbits, Okunoshima
An island with adorable, hopping rabbits as its main residents? Once you step foot on Okunoshima, be prepared to be welcomed by these warm, friendly rabbits that are usually ready to get intimate with their guests. Be sure to take photos here, as you will not find another island like this!
Jocelyn’s Favourite Activity in Hiroshima
It’s really friendly for everyone, especially first-timers to Japan! You can just buy a ticket for SEA SPICA and join the route. I think it is very convenient for island-hopping and taking part in the activities along the route.
Pick up: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima Pier
Address: 23-1 Motoujina-machi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 734-8543
Website: https://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/language/en/post/1753
Setoda Port Pier
︙
10 minutes on foot
︙
Fresh and Zesty Hot Pot of Lemon
Setoda is renowned for its lemon cultivation, and one of their unique local specialties is the Lemon Nabe (hot pot), which you can find at Oshokujidokoro Wakaba. The Lemon Nabe is topped with an abundance of fresh lemons and filled with fresh seafood, including octopus and prawns. The lemons actually give the dish a refreshing taste, making this hot pot a unique food experience for you. You can, of course, eat the lemons, including the skin too!
*Reservation is required, please visit official site for more information
Oshokujidokoro Wakaba
Address: 520-1 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima 722-2411
Website (Japanese only): https://www.wakaba-onomichi.com/
A Scenic Drive Along the Dramatic Coast
Hood down your car for an exhilarating drive along the Shimanami Coast as you feel the wind on your face and enjoy the dynamic, beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. A gratifying experience that will make you want to drive until sunset! *Note that car rental options are limited around Setoda Port, please check Hiroshima City or Fukuyama City for more alternatives
Romantic Sunset Cruise by Azumi Setoda
On this exclusive, once-a-day-only sunset cruise, spot the majestic Tatara Bridge and take in the beautiful sunset off the coast, and top it off with a glass of champagne for an unforgettable evening. After the cruise, head back to Azumi Setoda, a posh accommodation built on the 140-year-old restored former home of the influential Horiuchi family.
Azumi Setoda
Address: 269 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima 722-2411
Website (Cruise): https://azumi.co/experiences/sunset-cruise/
Website (Hotel): https://azumi.co/setoda/
DAY 5
Azumi Setoda
︙
1 hour 30 minutes by car
︙
All About the Denim!
Understand the essence of denim production with BoleeGa’s Manufacture Tourism® with first-hand experience through their private factory tour to four different locations, one of which you will put your hands to work on tie-dyeing tenugui (traditional Japanese hand towel)! Most importantly, get to witness and appreciate the commitment that BoleeGa’s members put into making the perfect pair of jeans for you. *Note that this shows only part of the full experience. **Please check the official website via below link for the duration of BoleeGa’s complete Manufacture Tourism®.
Jasper’s favourite activity in Hiroshima
After Project BoleeGa, I wanted to spend more time doing hands-on like making jeans and dyeing fabric. Especially after knowing how the Japan blue (indigo) dye requires one year of effort to produce, it makes me really want to see the whole process.
Project BoleeGa
Address: 1030-4 Tode, Shinichi-cho, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima 729-3101
Website: https://www.boleega.com/en
︙
30 minutes by car
︙
Comfort Food Stop at Onomichi
Onomichi Ramen is a soy sauce-based ramen, and at Tonchinkan, you can get to taste the hearty flavour of this local specialty. Opt for the meal with fried rice or have gyoza (Japanese dumplings) on the side to have a fulfilling lunch before going on with your day!
Tonchinkan
Address: 6023-5 Kurihara-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima 722-0022
Website (Japanese only): http://www.tonchinkan.co.jp/
︙
1 hour 30 minutes by car
︙
Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal
︙
10 minutes by ferry
︙
Land Where the Gods Dwell
While strolling down the streets of the island known to be home to the gods, it is hard to miss the grand, iconic Torii Gate standing tall on the waters, as the Itsukushima Shrine exudes a sacred aura with its magnificent appearance. After exploring the shrine, have a bite at the appetizing fried momiji manju in various flavours and bring home unique souvenirs from the Omotesando shopping street.
Miyajima
Address: Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0588
Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/
Regional Delicacies & Charming Night View at Kinsuikan
Kinsuikan is an accommodation with elegant interior and a rooftop terrace that overlooks Miyajima. Their course dinner features local ingredients such as fresh seafood caught from the Seto Inland Sea and vegetables harvested on the same day. Head to the rooftop terrace, which is stocked with beverages that you can take sips of while enjoying the enchanting night view of the island!
Kinsuikan
Address: 1133 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0558
Website: https://www.kinsuikan.jp/
DAY 6
Kinsuikan
︙
5 minutes on foot
︙
Miyajima ferry terminal
Oysters Galore!
Get in close proximity to the harvesting rafts, where oysters are cultivated and harvested, with the oyster tour by Shimada Suisan. You will also have a chance to get up close to Itsukushima Shrine’s Torii gate for a photo opportunity! Complete the tour by having a warm bowl of oyster porridge - fisherman style! - at their oyster hut.
Shimada Suisan
Address: 1-2-6 Miyajimaguchi Nishi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0412
Website:https://shimadasuisan.com/taiken-en.html
︙
25 minutes by car
︙
Become an Okonomiyaki Master at Wood Egg
Learn how to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki from scratch and choose from a huge selection of Otafuku sauce to complete your very own local Hiroshima delight. Have fun interacting with the chefs while creating your okonomiyaki on a wide iron plate! On the second floor is the Okonomiyaki Museum, where you can learn about all things okonomiyaki.
Wood Egg Okonomiyaki Kan
Address: 7-4-5, Shoko Center, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 733-0833
Website (Japanese only):https://www.otafuku.co.jp/laboratory/woodegg/
︙
1 hour by car
︙
Hattendo Village’s Delightful Bread Making Experience
Bake, shape and decorate your own bread with the help from baking masters of Hattendo. The bread masters will show you the joy in making bread, and the varities are not only pleasant to the eyes but pleasing to the palate - try making Hattendo’s specialty, their cream buns. Right next to their experiential classroom is the Hattendo Cafelie, where you can enjoy seasonal sweets like fluffy pancakes!
Hattendo Village
Address: 10064-190 Yokurayama, Zenryuji, Hongo-cho, Mihara-shi, Hiroshima 729-0416
Website (Japanese only):https://hattendo-village.jp/
︙
10 minutes on foot
︙
Enjoy Peace and Colours of Nature at Sankeien Garden
A hidden spot just 5-minute walk from Hiroshima Airport - enjoy the tranquility while feeding colourful koi fish among the different colours of nature here at Sankeien Garden. The colours vary with the season, so you can try catching the colours you like here as you take a stroll before your flight. *Note that from mid-December to early April, koi fish feeding is not available so as to prioritize the welfare of the koi fishes.
Sankeien Garden
Address: 64-24 Zenryuji, Hongo-cho, Mihara-shi, Hiroshima 729-0416
Website (Japanese only):http://www.chuo-shinrin-koen.or.jp/sankei/sankei.html
︙
5 minutes on foot
︙
Hiroshima Airport
︙
1 hour 20 minutes by domestic flight
︙
Haneda Airport
︙
7 hours by international flight
︙
Changi Airport
Useful Tips
Fly to Tokyo, then GO FURTHER. Find your favourite destination with JAL.
Japan Airlines (JAL) is the only airline that connects you from Tokyo to Izumo - the birthplace of Japan’s mythology. A simple and fuss-free way to explore hidden gems like Izumo and Hiroshima is with JAL’s Japan Explorer Pass (JEP). Choose from 3 affordable fare options and access over 30 cities in Japan within JAL’s extensive domestic network. Discover Japan with JAL JEP.
Discover the Charms of San’in: Tottori and Shimane
San'in Tourism Organization, the proud sponsor of San'in segment of this trip, is here to help you find all the charms of the region. Delve into all the hidden gems that Tottori and Shimane have to offer.
Experience the Diversity of Hiroshima
Hiroshima Tourism Association, the proud sponsor of Hiroshima segment of this trip, guides you to the wonders of the prefecture. Find out about the wide range of fun activities and spots you can partake in and visit in Hiroshima.
Related Articles
Published in 2023
