Summary
- Start
Kansai Airport, Osaka, or Kyoto - Finish
Kansai Airport, Osaka, or Kyoto - Mileage
Total 1100km
220km per day - Travel Pace
Fast - Onsen Stay
Max.1 night
This 5-day itinerary will take you to Chugoku areas only 1% of foreign tourists visit! You can drive along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, and visit hidden gems and local foods.
Daily mileage is long (220km) and the travel pace is fast. If you want travel Shikoku island or prefer relaxing , 7-days is recommended.
Osaka – Tottori
Start: Osaka (大阪 or 京都)
Finish:Tottori (鳥取)
Mileage:
From Kyoto: 230km
From Osaka: 240km
From Kansai Arirpot: 290km
Travel Pace:Fast
On this day you will head to Tottori from Osaka or Kyoto.
1
Rental car branch at Kansai Airport, Osaka or Kyoto
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
Although it depends on the departure point, the mileage is very long, up to 290km including the expressway, so it is recommended to start as soon as possible. Also, since the highlights are concentrated on the Sea of Japan side in the latter half, please move quickly on the expressway (E2A, E27, E72) in the first half.
If your departure is later in the afternoon, please consider staying overnight.
150min
2
Izushi Castle Town
Parking MAPCODE:
194 465 006What is MAPCODE?
12:30
The first destination is [Izushi Castle Town]. You drive about 150-200km on the expressway. For a long-distance drive, take a break in the parking area along the way. Izushi Castle Town has about 50 Izushi soba restaurants in the old streets and is ideal for lunch.
85 min
3
Uradome Coast
Parking MAPCODE:
960 006 226*71What is MAPCODE?
14:00
When you arrive at the Sea of Japan, you will drive along the sea for about 60km to Uradome Coast. The scenery has been certified as a UNESCO San’in Kaigan Geopark and it is the best! This is one of the highlights of the day.
The car navigation system guides you to drive on Route 178 and the expressway on the mountainside, but we recommend that you drive to a scenic spot along the sea via “Al Mare”, which is included in our Drive Map if time permits.
You will arrive at [Uradome Coast], so if you are confident in your walking, please go down to Kamogaiso Beach. The scenery of the sea, carved granite, and pine trees is a must-see.
Only 1 km west from Kamogaiso beach, there is also recommended spot [Sengan Matsushima].
It is also worth to visit. The pass to there is complicated. Please refer small map from Driving map.
15 min
4
Tottori Sand Dunes
Parking MAPCODE:
125 733 834*31What is MAPCODE?
17:15
Tottori is just around the corner. The last spot today is Tottori Sand Dunes, which is synonymous with Tottori Prefecture.
If you arrive after it gets dark, you may want to go to the dunes the next day. The sunset over the dunes is very beautiful, so if you can make it, head for it.
15 min
5
Inn in Tottori
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
18:30
On this day you will stay in Tottori.
Many restaurants are on the north side of Tottori Station, so we recommend the hotel on that side.
Tottori’s specialties are rock oysters in the summer and crab soup in the winter. In fact, Tottori Prefecture has the highest consumption of curry in Japan, and the citizens of Tottori love curry. Delicious curry is also recommended.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Tottori (鳥取) city.
Many inns are concentrated north side of Tottori Station.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Tottori – Matsue🔒
Start:Tottorie (鳥取)
Finish:Matsue (松江)
Mileage:150km
Travel Pace:Normal
On this day, you will head to Matsue from Tottori via Daisen.
1
Inn in Tottori
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is about 150km, which is standard, and there are so many things to see. So if you want to stop by at many spots, we recommend that you start early.
60min
2
Kurayoshi Shirakabe Storehouses town
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
If you drive for about an hour from Tottori, you will find [Kurayoshi Shirakabe Storehouses town]. You can enjoy a walk in the nice atmosphere of the old storehouses. Lunch here is also a good idea as there are many restaurants.
Kurayoshi Town Map
5 min
3
Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:00
Tottori is famous for the production of high-quality pears. At this Museum, you can learn and eat very delicious pears
Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum
60min
Kurayoshi town is famous for its “Gyukotsu Ramen” and recommended for lunch.
4
Kagikake Pass Observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:30
You will then head towards Daisen. [Kagikake Pass Observatory] is the most recommended observatory in Daisen. Especially the autumn leaves in the fall are wonderful. We recommend that you visit there.
45 min
5
Adachi Museum of Art
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:00
The most recommended site of the day is [Adachi Museum of Art]. It has been selected as No. 1 in the American Japanese garden magazine since 2003, and its beauty is superb. This is a must-see even for those who are not interested in gardens.
The collection of Taikan Yokoyama, a major Japanese painter, is also worth seeing.
40 min
6
Lake Shinji
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
16:30
If you can arrive in Matsue city before the sun sets, stop by the best spot of the setting sun [Lake Shinji] before heading to the hotel.
15 min
7
Inn in Matsue
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:10
On this day you will stay in Matsue.
Matsue’s specialties include Taimesi (rice with minced sea bream), Izumo soba, and Shijimidon (freshwater clam bowl) at Lake Shinji.
If you travel during Golden Week(Long holiday period from end of April to Beggining of May), you must visit [Yushien Gardens] ! Their Chisen Botan(Japanese poeny) is overwhelmingly beautiful.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Matsue city.
You can choose the following two areas.
①Matsue city
Accommodations are concentrated around Matsue Station and on the north side of the Ohashi River, but the north side of the Ohashi River is more convenient for dinner.
It is also convenient for visiting Matsue castle but no inns offer Onsen.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
②Tamatsukuri Onsen(玉造温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 6km southwest of Matsue. If you would like to stay in better accommodation with Onsen, here is recommended.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
Tamatsukuri Onsen is very famous for its skin beautifying effects and is very popular among female travelers. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Matsue – Hiroshima🔒
Start: Matsue (松江)
Finish: Hiroshima (広島)
Mileage:210km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will head from Matsue through the Chugoku Mountains to Hiroshima.
1
Inn in Matsue
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is about 210km, and it is a day with many spectacular sightseeing spots such as Matsue Castle, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine village.
Especially, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine village can be very time-consuming, so early morning departure is highly recommended.
5 min
2
Matsue Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:10
First thing in the morning, go to Matsue Castle, the symbol of Matsue. It is a wonderful castle known as the original castle tower.
60 min
3
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:10
It takes about 1 hour from Matsue to arrive at [Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine].
Along with Ise Jingu, it is the most important shrine in Japan. This is the biggest attraction in the Sanin region and is an overwhelming sight.
Inasa Beach located only 1km west from the shrine is also nice to visit.
60 min
Speaking of Izumo lunch, Izumo soba is definitely recommended. It is characterized by being black because the buckwheat fruit is ground with a stone mill together with the skin.
4
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine village
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer belowWhat is MAPCODE?
13:45
If you drive from Izumo on the expressway (E9) for about 50km for about 1 hour, you will reach the World Heritage Site [Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine village].
The following parking lots are recommended.
①2nd Free Parking
MAPCODE: 599 144 182*37
②1st Free Parking
MAPCODE: 599 113 262*56
Please refer Google town map below.
When you hear the word “silver mine”, you might think of a mine shaft, but in reality, the mine shaft itself is short, and it has no special features and is not recommended. In addition, you will need to walk or cycle a 4km round trip from the parking lot to the mine shaft!
The town of Omori at the foot of the mountain is worth seeing. You can enjoy a stroll through the mansion with the hidden storehouse used for silver trading and the wonderful townscape. We also recommend lunch at a cafe that has been renovated from an old folk house.
Google Town map for Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine village
120 min
It is a little detour from Iwami Ginzan to Hiroshima, but it is recommended to drive along the [Gonokawa river]. Not very known, but it is a riverside drive with many beautiful bridges is very refreshing.
When you finish running along the river, you will reach Miyoshi City. From here, take the expressway (E74) to Hiroshima. It’s about 110-140km.
In addition, the area around Miyoshi City is an area where famous flowers such as [National Bihoku Hills Park] are gathered. If you’re traveling during the flower season, we recommend skipping the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and taking the expressway (E54) from Izumo to the flower spots.
5
Inn in Hiroshima
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:40
On this day you will stay in Hiroshima.
Speaking of Hiroshima gourmet, Okonomiyaki and oysters are famous. We recommend that you try both.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
Hiroshima is the biggest city in the Chugoku&Shikoku area.
There are many hotels between Hiroshima Station and Peace Park. The “Hatchobori(八丁堀)” and “Nagarekawa(流川)” areas on the east side of Peace Park are downtown areas of Hiroshima, and restaurants are concentrated here. It is convenient to book a hotel within walking distance of Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Hiroshima – Kurashiki🔒
Start: Hiroshima (広島)
Finish: Kurashiki (倉敷)
Mileage:200km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you are heading from Hiroshima to Kurashiki.
1
Inn in Hiroshima
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is 200km, so it is recommended to leave by 9 o’clock. Also, save time by using the expressway (E2) on the way. If you haven’t visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, it is recommended to visit before you depart Hiroshima.
60 min
2
Senkoji Temple
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
The next place to visit is [Senkoji Temple] in Onomichi City. Senkoji Temple is located on a hill at an altitude of 140m and from the precincts, you can see the city, Onomichi Port, and the Onomichi Channel where ships come and go.
50 min
Onomichi ramen is recommended for lunch. The soy sauce ramen with chicken stock and dried sardines is delicious. Please refer Driving Map to find the famous restaurant.
3
Tomonoura
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:00
After leaving Senkoji Temple, head to Tomonoura, which is known as a location for various movies. It is one of the most scenic spots in the Seto Inland Sea and is dotted with places related to Ryoma Sakamoto, a famous person in Japanese history.
In Tomonoura, please stop by [Homeishu Store] while enjoying a walk in a narrow alley. Beginning with medicinal liquor made by soaking 16 kinds of herbs, the unique flavor becomes addictive.
70 min
Your last visit on this day is [Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter]. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive on the expressway (E2).
Kurashiki is a place to enjoy walking around town, so it is recommended to check in your inn first!
4
Inn in Kurashiki
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
15:15
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 as close to the Historical Quarter as possible. Enjoy a fantastic night walk in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Also enjoy local gourmet food such as Takomeshi.
walking
5
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Parking MAPCODE:
Walk from your inn or 19 632 049*68What is MAPCODE?
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.
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is an overwhelmingly spectacular place among the many old townscapes in Japan. However, many shops close around 17:00, so if you want to spend more time in Kurashiki, make sure to arrive by around 14:00.
Another recommended spot is [Mt. Washuzan Observatory]. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-ohashi Bridge stretching as far as Shikoku Island.
It is one of the best observatories in Chugoku & Shikoku regions.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Kurashikia(倉敷) City which is famous for its old townscape.
Many inns are concentrated between Kurashiki station and the “Bikan Historical Quarter” area.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like western-style hotels and Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Kurashiki – Osaka🔒
Start: Kurashiki (倉敷)
Finish: Osaka (大阪京都)
Mileage:
To Kyoto: 260km
To Osaka: 235km
To Kansai Airport: 260km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will back from Kurashiki to Osaka, Kyoto or Kansai airport.
1
Inn in Kurashiki
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
40 min
2
Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
60 min
3
Tamachan
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
60
4
Himeji Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
70 min
5
Mt.Rokko(Garden Terrace)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
5
Rental car branch at Kansai Airport, Osaka or Kyoto
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
If you are planning to stay in Osaka or Kyoto, we recommend the following places.
Osaka
There is 2 recommended area in Osaka to stay in.
1. Around Osaka Umeda Station
Many people misunderstand, but Osaka and Umeda are the same places. It is 20min to USJ and10min to “Shin-Osaka Station” for Shinkansen train.
2. Around Nanba Station
It is located within walking distance of the famous “Dotonbori” and “Tsutenkaku” areas and is recommended for travelers who want to go sightseeing in Osaka.
- Inn Type
There are about 1,600 inns in Osaka. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
It is inconvenient to travel in Osaka by car. - Onsen
Most of inns don’t have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are 60,000 restaurants in Osaka. As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Kyoto
There is 2 recommended area in Kyoto to stay in.
1. Around Kyoto Station
There are many buses to all areas in Kyoto and convenient.
2. Higashiyama area
The most famous area in Kyoto because of good access to “Kiyomizu Temple” and Gion area.
- Inn Type
There are about 1,600 inns in Kyoto. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
It is inconvenient to travel in Kyoto by car. - Onsen
A few inns provide Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are 9,000 restaurants in Kyoto. As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Unlock MAPCODE & Maps
We provide “Travel Kit” to make your journey much more attractive.
- Get “Hidden Gems” info along this itinerary
- Maximize travel time by parking MAPCODE for all spots
- Discover local delicacies with Restaurants List
Car Booking
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
There are 6 places for pick-up and return cars in Kansai area.
- Airport
There are 2 main airports. The domestic Airport “Itami” is close to Osaka and Kansai Airport is 50km away.- Kansai Airport
50km to the center of Osaka.
45 minutes from Osaka station by train, and 50 minutes by car. - Itami Airport
15km to the center of Osaka.
30 minutes from Osaka station by train, and 20 minutes by car. Please note that the official name of Itami Airport is “Itami International Airport”, but it is for domestic flights only.
- Kansai Airport
- Main stations in Osaka
There are 3 recommended stations for Pick-up and Drop-off. Due to the complexity of the road and heavy traffic, we recommend Shin-Osaka for those who are concerned.- Shin Osaka Station
Recommended for travelers who will take Shinkansen. Only 5min to Osaka station. Easy to pick-up and drop-off. - Shinjuku Station
Sometimes called Umeda Station or Osaka-Umeda Station, but consider them all to be the same station.
Conveniently located 15 minutes to USJ without transfers. - Namba Station
Convenient for Minami downtown area includes Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Glico Man and many department stores.
- Shin Osaka Station
- Kyoto station
- You also can Pick-up or Drop-off cars in Kyoto. Most car rental shops are located southern side of Kyoto Station.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at Airport and return to Osaka or Kyoto, and vice versa. Usually, the one-way charge is about JPY5,000-9,000. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
Kansai rarely gets much snow, even in winter, and snow tires are not necessary.