Visit Shikoku on a luxury sightseeing train

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama (Standard Twin or Standard Double)

Today we take a day trip to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands, known for its natural beauty. The highlight is a trip on one of Japan’s most popular sightseeing trains, the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari by JR Shikoku*. Enjoy delicious seasonal dishes and drinks in the train’s elegant atmosphere over a relaxing two and a half hours while watching the beautiful mountains of Shikoku go by.
After arriving in Shikoku, we’ll take a peaceful cruise down the stunning Oboke Gorge. As you glide across the tranquil, vivid green water, see the remarkable rock formations that were carved out by the Yoshino River over a 200-million-year period.
After the cruise, we’ll cross Kazura Bridge, one of Japan’s three most peculiar bridges. Kazura Bridge is a primitive suspension bridge made of twisted Japanese vine that spans the Iya River. At 12 meters high, it’s a thrilling experience to cross the bridge as the gaps between each plank are wider than you might expect!
After returning to Okayama by train, enjoy dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

*JR Shikoku website in English: JR Shikoku website

Discover the rich history of Japan

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama (Standard Twin or Standard Double)

Today’s journey begins with a Shinkansen trip to Himeji, where we’ll visit the iconic Himeji Castle. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle sits high above the city and has been preserved in its original form for 400 years.
Upon returning to Okayama, we’ll explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. In the Edo period (1603-1867), Kurashiki played a significant part in transporting goods – rice in particular – across Japan. As a result, canals were created to aid the transportation from the port to the storehouses. These once-flourishing canals remain today, and this beautifully preserved area is now home to many restaurants and local shops.
After lunch, a friendly rickshaw runner will take you on a relaxing ride along the tree-lined canals while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Also in the area is Ohara Art Museum, Japan’s oldest private art museum. This museum boasts a rich collection of modern art with approximately 3,000 artworks on display, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet and Munch.
Indulge in a Wagyu steak at Ivy Square Restaurant for dinner tonight.

An overnight trip to Shimane

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Stay: TBD (Japanese style room)

This morning, pack a small bag as we travel to the Shimane prefecture, where we’ll make an overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan – an unmissable Japanese experience! After arriving at Yonago via limited express train, we’ll begin making our way to the ryokan via private mini-bus while making a few stops along the way.
We’ll first cross the famous Eshima Bridge, also known as the “full throttle” bridge. The unusually steep design of the bridge allows ships below to pass through freely without disrupting traffic. Before moving on, we’ll stop at a great vantage point to get photos.
We will then enjoy the stunning Japanese garden and seasonal flowers at Yushien Gardens. We’ll also have a delicious Japanese lunch here as we overlook the gardens.
Our final attraction of the day is Matsue Castle, a Japan National Treasure. This castle is one of the few castles in Japan preserved in its original state. You will see it as it looked 400 years ago! From the top floor of the castle tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Matsue.
We arrive at the ryokan in the late afternoon. Relax in the ryokan’s natural hot spring after a long day before reviving yourself with delicious Kaiseki cuisine and Japanese hospitality.

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the most ancient shrine in Japan

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama (Standard Twin or Standard Double)

After breakfast at the ryokan, we head to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan.
This shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi no Okami, the Shinto deity of marriage and good relationships. Hence, it is common for people here to pray for a little help on the match-making front! Join the locals and purchase an omikuji – fortune slip – to reveal what lies ahead for you.
In front of the shrine is a lively and fun street that stretches about 700 meters and is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Choose from one of the restaurants for lunch – we recommend trying a local delicacy such as Izumo soba noodles and zenzai, a red bean dessert.
We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon at the Adachi Museum of Art. With a vast collection modern Japanese paintings and ceramics, the museum offers an immersive look into Japanese art. The museum is also home to an award-winning Japanese garden. Spread over 16 hectares, the garden is immaculately presented and considered a “living Japanese painting”. The harmony of the Japanese garden and Japanese paintings is a must- see.
In the evening, we’ll return to Okayama via limited express train. It’s the perfect opportunity to try an ekiben (train bento box) for dinner.

A day in Naoshima – the island that’s a work of art

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama (Standard Twin or Standard Double)

After breakfast, we’ll head to the ferry terminal via our private mini-bus and depart for Naoshima. Naoshima is a small island that features several unique art museums in a stunning setting. With just a short 20 minute ferry ride, you’ll be transported to a relaxed, slower-paced atmosphere where you’ll spend a serene day exploring the museums.
Built underground to keep the beautiful vistas of the island pristine, Chichu Art Museum has a masterful design. Natural light fills the space and illuminates the breathtaking artwork within. Enjoy works by world- renowned artists like Claude Monet as they shine in the minimal design of the museum.
A short walk away is the Benesse House Museum, an exquisitely designed museum that blends perfectly with the island environment. At this museum, art seamlessly links with nature. Discover the art within the museum, out on the grounds, along the coastline and into the forest.
The Art House Project is another example of art integrating with the Naoshima community. The Project allows artists to demonstrate their skills by repurposing empty houses in the neighbourhood and transforming them into works of art.
The combination of inspiring artwork and the beauty of Naoshima island create an experience unlike anything else in Japan!
Upon returning to Okayama by ferry, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

World Heritage Sites in Hiroshima

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama (Standard Twin or Standard Double)

Today, our journey will take us to two World Heritage Sites in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. After arriving in Hiroshima via Shinkansen, we’ll head to Miyajima, a small island just a short ferry trip away.
As the ferry arrives, you’ll be greeted by the iconic vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea, one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions.* The Shinden-style Itsukushima Shrine dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and has a 1,400-year history.
The Omotesando shopping street near the shrine offers a wide variety of food unique to Miyajima and Hiroshima – including juicy oysters caught from the surrounding waters and Momiji Manju, a maple leaf-shaped Japanese sweet that is a popular souvenir item. So take a stroll – and say hello to the friendly wild deer that roam the island! – before enjoying lunch at your leisure.
We’ll return to Hiroshima and board a private mini-bus to the A-Bomb Dome – the epicentre of the 1945 atomic bomb blast. The beautiful Peace Memorial Park surrounds the A-Bomb Dome and is dotted with colourful origami cranes symbolising hope. It is incredible to see how the city of Hiroshima has prospered despite the devastation it has faced. Take a walk through the Park and visit the moving Peace Memorial Museum if you wish.
For our final dinner, we’ll try authentic okonomiyaki – Hiroshima-style. Often described as a “Japanese savoury pancake”, okonomiyaki is a mix of diced cabbage, egg and your choice of meat or seafood toppings. The local variant – Hiroshima-yaki – adds noodles to the mix for a truly hearty dish! Fresh off the teppan grill, the taste is exceptional.
After dinner, we will return to Okayama via Shinkansen.

Final day

• Meals: Breakfast

The tour concludes after the final breakfast.
We hope you thoroughly enjoyed the tour. See you again in Japan!