Chugoku&Shikoku 4 Days Itinerary-A

９：００

Although it depends on the departure point, it is recommended to start as early as possible because the mileage is 245km. Also, use the expressway as much as possible to reduce travel time.

１１：２０

Immediately after arriving at Awaji Island, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (Awaji SA) has a wonderful view and is perfect for a break.
After passing Awaji Island, you will arrive at the first destination of the day, [Uzu no Michi & Eddy Memorial Hall]. Here you can enjoy the whirlpools of Naruto and the Onaruto Bridge.

[Uzu no Michi] is a promenade installed under the road of Onaruto Bridge, and you can enjoy whirlpools while taking a walk in the air for about 500m.

[Eddy Memorial Hall] is a facility where you can experience the Naruto Ohashi Bridge and whirlpools in a simulated manner using virtual technology.

１２：３０

There is a platform for [Whirlpools Sightseeing Boats] where you can see the whirlpools of Naruto in front of you. Experience the famous Naruto Whirlpools from the top of the ship.

Small boats are recommended on weekdays, and large boats are recommended on weekends and holidays.

[Weekday]
Uzushio Kisen (small size 1550 yen 20 minutes) is recommended
MAPCODE: 406 211 567

[Weekend or Holiday]
Wanda Naruto (large 1800 yen 30 minutes) is recommended
MAPCODE: 406 210 211

１４：３０

After enjoying the whirlpools of Naruto, let’svisit [Otsuka Museum of Art].
This is a museum that reproduces the world’s masterpieces in full size, created by the Otsuka Group, known for its Pocari Sweat. All the masterpieces that everyone has seen in textbooks are recreated from ceramic plates, so you can touch them directly. You will be overwhelmed by the extraordinary number of exhibits.

There are many delicious restaurants around Naruto.
Choose your favorite restaurants such as seafood, Tokushima ramen, and Naruto udon.

１７：４０

After enjoying Naruto, take the expressway (E11) again and head toward Takamatsu.

You will stay in Takamatsu on this day.
There are many hotels in Takamatsu on the south side of Takamatsu Station, but restaurants are especially concentrated around Takamatsu Castle. Enjoy local gourmet food such as bone-in chicken and olive dishes as well as Sanuki udon.

９：００

The mileage is 120km, so it’s okay to leave around 10 o’clock.
However, Kurashiki where you stay on this day is overwhelmingly spectacular, and it is a place where you will want to take a walk for half a day. If you want to spend more time in Kurashiki, it is recommended to go directly to Kurashiki after leaving Takamatsu.

９：４５

It is also recommended to stop by [Marugame Castle] before going to Honshu island. Its Ishigaki (stone wall), which is said to be the best in Japan with a height of over 60m, is very powerful.

１１：１０
Next, let’s take the expressway(E30) and head toward Kurashiki through the Seto Ohashi Bridge. [Yoshima PA(parking area)] is recommended for a break. Located almost in the center of the Great Seto Bridge, you can see the bridge up close. There is also an observatory, which is ideal for a break while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Along the Seto Ohashi Bridge, you can enjoy driving in the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea and the islands, and enjoy the exhilaration of a road trip.

１３：００

Once you cross the Seto Ohashi bridge and reach the main island side, it is highly recommended to visit [Mt. Washuzan Observatory]. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the islands of the Setonaikai Sea and the Bridges from the observatory.
It is one of the best observatories in Chugoku & Shikoku regions.

Near the observatory, there is a very nice restaurant that specialized in octopuses. If you want to try, please refer the driving map.

１５：００

Your last visit on this day is [Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter]. Traditional white-walled buildings, quaint Kurashiki River, willows, and bridges harmonize beautifully, leaving the beauty of a good old Japanese town and making you want to walk for hours. In addition, it is a town full of various attractions such as the Ohara Museum of Art.

１７：００

You will stay in Kurashiki on this day.
In Kurashiki, hotels are concentrated between Kurashiki Station and the Bikan Historical Quarter, but it is recommended to stay in the Bikan Historical Quarter as much as possible. Enjoy a fantastic night walk in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Also enjoy local gourmet food such as demi-glace sauce and takomeshi.

１０：００

The mileage depends on the destination but you will stay Kurashiki continuously and it’s a relaxing day.
For those who want to enjoy Kurashiki thoroughly, it is recommended to spend some time exploring the Bikan Historical Quarter without driving on this day.

１０：３０
First, let’s head to the [Bitchu Kokubunji Temple] with the five-storied pagoda. It is known as the only five-storied pagoda in Okayama prefecture with a height of 34m.

It is also famous for its flowers and is especially recommended for the below period.
Rape blossoms: Mid Jan-End Feb
Ranger: End Apr-Bgn May
Sunflower: End Jun-End Jul

１１：４５

Please head to [Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle]. Korakuen Garden is one of the three famous gardens in Japan along with Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen garden in Mito. You can see Okayama Castle from the splendid Japanese garden.

The flowers of Korakuen Garden are beautiful, especially during the cherry blossoms (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November-early December) are recommended. Bitchu Kokubunji Temple is also known for its rape blossoms (mid-January-late February), lotus (late April-early May), and sunflowers (late June-late July).

[Okayama Castle] has a black appearance and is also called a Karasu (Crow) castle, and is sometimes contrasted with Himeji Castle (Shirasagi Castle), which has a white appearance.

１５：００

On this day, you are staying in Kurashiki, following the previous day. Enjoy a night in a traditional town with a calm atmosphere.

９：００
Driving mileage is very long, more than 230km so it is recommended to leave by about 8 o’clock or at the latest around 9 o’clock. Please also take the expressway along the way to save time.
The following itinerary is for reference only. Please plan your schedule according to your car return location and your schedule.

９：４０

After leaving Kurashiki, head to [Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle]. Korakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan along with [Kenrokuen garden] in Kanazawa and [Kairakuen garden] in Mito. You can see Okayama Castle from the splendid Japanese garden.

The flowers of Korakuen Garden are beautiful, especially during the cherry blossoms (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November-early December) are recommended.

[Okayama Castle] has a black appearance and is also called a Karasu (crow) castle, and is sometimes contrasted with Himeji Castle (Shirasagi Castle), which has a white appearance. You will go to Himeji Castle after Okazaki Castle, so it may be interesting to compare the appearance of both.

１２：３０
We would definitely recommend “Kakioko” for lunch on this day! Kakioko is Okonomiyaki(savory Japanese pancake dish) that has oysters in it. Tamachan is the most famous Kakioko restaurant but you will have to wait long queue. If you visit on the weekend or on holiday, please refer driving map and consider other restaurants.

１４：４５
Next, take the expressway (E2) to [Himeji Castle]. The castle was registered as first World Heritage in Japan and, is the biggest highlight of the day. The cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle have also been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” and are visited by a large number of people from late March to early April.

If time permits, we also recommend the Kokoen Garden located on the west side of Himeji Castle. Kokoen is a Japanese garden with a view of Himeji Castle. It is often used as a location for Japanese historical drama.

１８：００

Your last stop on this day is [Mt. Rokko (Garden Terrace)] on Mt. Rokko in Kobe. Use the expressway (E2) for this section as well.

This is famous as one of Japan’s three major night views, and the vast night view from Kobe to Osaka along Osaka Bay is beautiful.

The distance and time from the observatory to the goal are as follows.
Umeda (Osaka) Station: 40km / 70 minutes
Shin-Osaka Station: 40km / 70 minutes
Kyoto Station: 80km / 80 minutes
Kansai International Airport: 80km / 90 minutes

①Returning a car in Osaka or Kyoto
When you return to Osaka or Kyoto, refuel and then return the car to the car rental branch. Use the MAPCODE on the driving map for the nearest rental car stores and gas stations near Osaka Station or Kyoto.
Traffic jams often occur in Osaka and Kyoto because they are both large cities. Be sure to return your car with plenty of time to spare.

Osaka and Kyoto offers a wide variety of culinary delights! For dinner, try Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki and other local food.

②Returning a car at Kansai Airport
When heading to Kansai airport, the distance from Osaka station is about 75 km, about 1.5 hour by expressway(5&4). Make sure you arrive at the car rental company branch 2 hours before your flight.

Additionally, there are no gas stations on the Kansai International Airport island. If you do not have enough time before your flight, we strongly recommend that you head to the airport and settle the missing gasoline bill at a rental car branch instead of trying to force yourself to refuel.