Western Japan Grand Journey 13 Days
Western Japan Grand Journey 13 Days | Osaka to Kyushu via Art Islands, Hot Springs and Historic Cities | JTB Travel
Independent Suggested Itinerary
Japan’s Western Golden Route offers an in-depth journey through the cultural, artistic, and natural highlights of western Japan—perfect for travellers seeking to go beyond the familiar Tokyo–Kyoto route. Begin in the vibrant cities of Osaka and Kobe, then explore the historic elegance of Okayama or Kurashiki. Travel across the Seto Inland Sea to Takamatsu and the world-renowned art island of Naoshima, before continuing to Matsuyama on Shikoku. The journey then moves south to Kyushu, featuring the dynamic gateway city of Fukuoka, the historic port of Nagasaki, the tranquil hot spring town of Unzen, the castle city of Kumamoto, the famous onsen resort of Beppu, and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima. Combining history, contemporary art, regional cuisine, scenic rail journeys, and relaxing hot springs, this itinerary offers a rich and rewarding way to experience Japan’s west at a comfortable pace.
For more information, please refer to 西のゴールデンルート／Golden route to West Japan (@goldenroute.to.westjapan) • Instagram photos and videos and GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN – Discover Unknown Japan
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Day 1: Osaka & Kobe Highlights Arrival in Kansai / Tokyo
*From Kansai Airport: Kick off your West Japan adventure by taking the train directly to Osaka.
*From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka and start your journey in style.
🧳 Travel Smart Tip: Skip the heavy luggage! Send your suitcase straight to your Takamatsu hotel using Japan’s reliable delivery service, and travel light with just an overnight bag.
Morning – Osaka Castle & Dotonbori
*Explore Osaka Castle, including the castle tower and gardens, with breathtaking panoramic city views.
*Head to Dotonbori for lunch, and experience Osaka’s vibrant atmosphere with takoyaki, okonomiyaki, neon lights, and the iconic Glico billboard.
Afternoon – Kobe Exploration
Take the metro from Shinsaibashi/Namba to JR Sannomiya, then explore Kobe.
Plan A – Meriken Park & Kobe Port
*Stroll through Meriken Park, home to the iconic red Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum.
*Enjoy a relaxing Kobe Bay Cruise, taking in panoramic views of the harbor and skyline.
Plan B – Mount Maya & Mount Rokko Scenic Tour
*Ride the Mount Maya Cable Car and local bus for stunning mountain and city views.
*Admire the famous “Ten Million Dollar Night View” from Mount Rokko Garden Terrace.
*Visit Kikuseidai Observatory and Mayasan Tenjo-ji Temple.
*Explore Rokko Garden Terrace, Rokko Shidare Observatory, and Rokko Farm for a relaxing nature escape.
Evening – Kobe Dining & Overnight Stay
Enjoy a dinner featuring Kobe beef and local specialties.
One night accommodation in Kobe
Recommended Hotels: (SPR)Kobe Portopia Hotel, ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe/ (STD)Hotel Via Mare Kobe, Hotel Piena Kobe
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Day 2: Kobe → Himeji → Okayama / Kurashiki
Hotel Departure
Check out from your Kobe hotel and begin your journey through Japan’s efficient rail network. Travel comfortably by JR Special Rapid Service, Shinkansen, and local JR lines, enjoying seamless connections and scenic views along the way , stopping by Himeji on the way to Okayama
Discover Himeji Castle–
*Arrive at JR Himeji Station and enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk to one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks.
*Highlights: Himeji Castle is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, famous for its graceful elegance, pristine white walls, and status as a national treasure. Wander through its historic grounds and marvel at the castle’s iconic silhouette rising above the city.
Plan A – Okayama
🚄 Travel: From Himeji Station, take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station (approx. 15 minutes), then continue by streetcar and a short walk to the city’s cultural highlights.Travel from Himeji Station to Okayama Station by Shinkansen in approximately 15 minutes, enjoying a smooth and efficient high-speed journey.
Okayama Castle & Korakuen Garden
* Visit Okayama Castle, a striking black-and-gold fortress also known as the “Crow Castle” for its elegant exterior.
* Explore Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens:
* Stroll through expansive lawns, serene ponds, and beautifully arranged seasonal flowers.
* Enjoy borrowed scenery of Okayama Castle, creating a timeless harmony between nature and architecture.
* This tranquil garden is perfect for photography, leisurely walks, and soaking in classic Japanese landscape design.
Plan B-Kurashiki
🚄 Travel: From Himeji Station, take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station (approx. 15 minutes), then transfer to a JR local line to Kurashiki Station (approx. 15 minutes).
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
* Highlights: Stroll along picturesque canals lined with white-walled storehouses, traditional merchant houses, willow trees, and stone bridges.
* Visit the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum of Western art, featuring an impressive collection in a charming historical setting.
* Explore stylish cafés, local craft shops, and galleries scattered throughout the district, offering a perfect blend of culture, history, and leisure.
One-night accommoation in Okayama
Recommended Hotels: (SPR)ANA Crowne Plaza OKAYAMA, GRANVIA OKAYAMA/ (STD)Daiwa Roynet Hotel Okayama Ekimae, Okayama Washington Hotel Plaza
Day 3: Okayama → Takamatsu → Naoshima → Takamatsu
🚄 Morning – Journey to Takamatsu
* 7:40–8:25: Travel from Okayama Station to Takamatsu Station by JR local line (approx. 1 hour).
* Drop off your luggage at a hotel near Takamatsu Station for a light and comfortable day of exploration.
⛴️ 9:20–9:50 – Ferry to Naoshima
* Board a high-speed ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima’s Miyaura Port (approx. 30 minutes).
* Cross the calm Seto Inland Sea and arrive at Naoshima, the celebrated “Art Island,” where the iconic Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama welcomes visitors.
10:00–16:30 – Explore Naoshima Island
* Discover the island at your own pace by island bus, rental bicycle, or on foot, immersing yourself in Naoshima’s unique contemporary art scene.
*Highlights:
Chichu Art Museum – Modern masterpieces set within a stunning underground architectural design.
Benesse House Museum – A combination of art museum and hotel, seamlessly blending art, architecture, and nature.
House Projects – Innovative contemporary art installations scattered across the island.
Enjoy the perfect harmony of nature, architecture, and cutting-edge art that makes Naoshima truly unique.
⛴️ 17:00–18:00 – Return to Takamatsu
* Take the ferry back from Miyaura Port to Takamatsu Port (approx. 60 minutes).
One-night accommodation in Takamatsu
Recommended Hotels: (SPR) JR HOTEL CLEMENT TAKAMATSU, TAKAMATSU KOKUSAI HOTEL / (STD)Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel, Takamatsu Century Hotel
Day 4: Takamatsu → Matsuyama
Morning – Explore Takamatsu
After check-out, leave your luggage at your Takamatsu hotel and enjoy a morning of exploration at your leisure.
Ritsurin Garden – A Stroll Through History
*From JR Takamatsu Station, take a bus or walk from JR Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station to this Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
*Highlights: This exquisite Edo-period daimyo garden features the majestic Mount Shiun as borrowed scenery. Experience the concept of “Ikka-Ikke” (one step, one view), where each step reveals a new captivating scene of ponds, bridges, and seasonal flora.
🍜Sanuki Udon Making Experience
*Enjoy a hands-on culinary activity preparing Sanuki Udon, Kagawa Prefecture’s famous specialty.
*Knead the dough, boil it to perfection, and savor your creation, enjoying the firm texture and rich flavor that make this udon uniquely delicious.
🚄Midday – Travel to Matsuyama
Collect your luggage from the hotel and board the Limited Express Ishizuchi at Takamatsu Station for a comfortable 2.5-hour journey to Matsuyama.
Afternoon & Evening – Dogo Onsen Town
* Upon arrival, check in and leave your luggage at the hotel, then explore Dogo, one of Japan’s oldest and most charming onsen towns.
* Stroll through historic streets, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and soak in the local hot spring culture for a relaxing evening.
One-night accommodation in Matsuyama
Recommended hotels ： (SPR) ANA Cowne Plaza Matsuayama, Dogo Prince Hotel / (STD)Matsuyama Tokyu REI Hotel, Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Ōkaidō
Day 5: Matsuyama → Beppu
🧳 Travel Smart Tip: Forward your larger luggage to your Fukuoka accommodation and travel light with a small overnight bag, giving you the freedom to explore Matsuyama before departure.
Morning – Matsuyama Castle
* Take the tram and a short walk to the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway station for easy access.
* Highlights: One of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles, Matsuyama Castle features a historically significant keep built before the Edo period.
* Ascend via ropeway and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea, making it both a cultural and scenic highlight.
🚄 Midday – Travel to Yawatahama & Beppu
* Board the JR Limited Express Uwajima at Matsuyama Station for a scenic 1-hour journey to Yawatahama Station.
* From Yawatahama Station, take a taxi or local bus to Yawatahama Port.
* Enjoy a comfortable ferry ride from Yawatahama Port to Beppu (approx. 2 hours 50 minutes), crossing the Bungo Channel with panoramic views of Shikoku and Kyushu’s rugged coastlines and scattered islands.
♨️ Afternoon / Evening – Beppu Onsen
*From Beppu Port, transfer by taxi or bus to your onsen accommodation.
*Relax and unwind in Beppu Onsen, one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts, famous for its soothing thermal waters and charming onsen town atmosphere.
One-night accommodation in Beppu Onsen
Recommended hotels / Ryokan ： (SPR) ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, Suginoi Hotel/(STD)Mori no Yu Resort, Miyu no Yado Ryōchiku Bettei
Day 6: Beppu → Yufuin → Fukuoka
Morning – Explore Beppu Onsen
* Depart your Beppu hotel and explore the famous hot spring “hells”.
* Take the Kamenoi Bus “Jigoku Meguri” loop, a convenient way to see Beppu’s geothermal wonders.
🌋 Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
* Visit the dramatic hells, each showcasing the raw power of geothermal activity:
* Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku): Striking cobalt-blue waters.
* Blood Pond Hell (Chinoike Jigoku): Vivid red hot spring pond.
* Wander among steaming vents, bubbling mud, and otherworldly landscapes, each with a unique character and photogenic charm.
🚄 Midday – Travel to Yufuin
*Board the Limited Express Yufu / Yufuin no Mori at Beppu Station for a scenic 1-hour journey to Yufuin.
*Enjoy picturesque rural landscapes, rolling hills, and majestic mountains along the way.
Afternoon – Yufuin Onsen Town & Kinrin Lake
*Stroll through Yufuin, a stylish hot spring town with charming streets, boutique shops, and art galleries.
*Visit Kinrin Lake, where hot spring waters rise from the lakebed, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
🚄 Late Afternoon – Travel to Fukuoka
*Continue on the Limited Express Yufu / Yufuin no Mori from Yufuin Station to Hakata Station (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes).
*Check in at your hotel and unwind after a full day of exploration.
Evening – Dinner in Fukuoka
* Enjoy Fukuoka’s famous local specialties, such as motsunabe (rich offal hot pot) and mizutaki (comforting chicken hot pot).
Two-night accommodation in FUKUOKA
Recommended Hotels: (SPR)Hotel Okura Fukuoka/ Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, Oriental Hotel Hakata Station /(STD)Hotel Monterey Fukuoka, Hotel Monte Elmana Fukuoka
Day 7: Dazaifu & Fukuoka City
Morning – Visit Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine
From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, take the Nishitetsu train or a bus to Dazaifu Station.
Highlights:
*Explore Dazaifu Tenmangū, the head shrine of all Tenmangū shrines in Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship.
*Admire the exquisite main hall, tranquil gardens, and serene atmosphere.
* Stroll along the lively approach lined with traditional shops, sampling local specialties—most famously freshly grilled Umegae-mochi, a sweet treat beloved for centuries.
🍜 Lunch – Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Enjoy rich and flavorful tonkotsu noodles, Fukuoka’s iconic ramen specialty, for a satisfying lunch in the city.
Afternoon – Hakata Doll Painting Experience
* Experience a hands-on cultural activity by painting your own Hakata doll, a traditional craft with over 400 years of history.
* Using a pre-fired, unglazed figure, apply colors by hand to create a unique, personal souvenir to take home—a perfect keepsake of your journey.
Explore Modern Fukuoka
* Travel by subway to Hakata, Tenjin, and Canal City, Fukuoka’s largest commercial districts.
* Highlights include department stores, fashion complexes, trendy shops, and an exciting variety of local eateries.
* Enjoy the energetic urban atmosphere, shopping, and sightseeing in this vibrant city hub.
Dinner – Classic Yatai Experience
Savor the lively, open-air yatai food stalls, a beloved symbol of Fukuoka’s nightlife and culinary culture.
Try local specialties such as Hakata ramen, yakitori, and oden, chatting with locals and soaking in the warm, bustling streets.
Day 8: Fukuoka → Nagasaki
🚄 Morning – Travel to Nagasaki
*Depart your Fukuoka hotel and board the Limited Express Kamome from Hakata Station to Nagasaki Station (approx. 2 hours).
*Scenic Highlights: The train runs along the Ariake Sea, offering relaxing views of calm coastal waters, lush countryside, and peaceful rural landscapes—perfect for a stress-free and scenic journey.”
🍜 Lunch – Taste Nagasaki’s Local Specialties
Enjoy iconic Nagasaki dishes like Champon (hearty noodle soup) and Sara Udon (crispy noodles with vegetables and seafood), giving you a true taste of the city’s culinary heritage.
Afternoon – Peace Memorial Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
*Take the tram from Nagasaki Station to explore:
*Atomic Bomb Museum: A moving and informative exhibition detailing the tragic history of the atomic bombing.
*Peace Memorial Park: Features the Peace Statue, Fountain of Peace, and other monuments dedicated to hope and remembrance.
*Reflect and appreciate the resilience and message of peace conveyed through these landmarks.
⛪ Historical & Scenic Exploration – Ōura Church & Glover Garden
*Visit Ōura Church, Japan’s oldest standing Christian church and a National Treasure, admired for its elegant Gothic architecture and historical significance.
*Stroll through Glover Garden, a hillside garden showcasing Western-style mansions from the Edo and Meiji periods, including the former home of Scottish trader Thomas Glover.
*Enjoy panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor and soak in the garden’s exotic, international charm, reflecting Japan’s early global connections.
One-night accommodation in NAGASAKI
Recommended Hotels: (SPR) Hotel New Nagasaki, ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Nagasaki Glover Hill /(STD)Inasayama Kanko Hotel, Hotel Monterey Nagasaki
DAY 9: Nagasaki → Unzen Onsen
🧳 Travel Smart Tip:
Forward your large luggage to your hotel in Kumamoto and travel light with a small overnight bag for your 2-night stay in Unzen Onsen.
⛪ Morning – Nagasaki City Highlights
*Urakami Cathedral: A magnificent church destroyed by the atomic bomb and later rebuilt, symbolizing resilience and hope.
*Hypocenter Park: Marks the exact location of the atomic bomb detonation, offering a solemn space for reflection and remembrance.
🚌 Midday – Scenic Journey to Unzen
*Travel from Nagasaki City to Unzen Onsen by local bus (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).
*The route winds through picturesque mountains, offering a relaxing transition from urban landscapes to the lush natural surroundings of Unzen Onsen.
Afternoon – Explore Unzen Onsen & Jigoku
*Stroll through Unzen Onsen Town, a charming hot spring area ideal for a leisurely walk.
*Visit Unzen Jigoku (“Unzen Hell”), where dramatic steaming vents and sulfurous fumes showcase the area’s volcanic activity—a truly unforgettable natural spectacle.
Arrive at your hotel and unwind in the tranquil hot spring surroundings.
One-night accommodation in UNZEN ONSEN
Recommended Hotels: (SPR)UNZEN KANKO HOTEL , KYUSHU HOTEL /(STD)Unzen Fukudaya, Yuyado Unzen Shin-yu
DAY 10: Unzen Onsen → Kumamoto
Morning – Explore Shimabara Town
*Shimabara Castle: Admire the elegant white main keep, a beautiful example of Japanese architecture. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Shimabara City and the Ariake Sea.
* Samurai Residences District: Stroll through historic streets lined with well-preserved samurai homes. Stone walls, canals, and traditional architecture offer a serene glimpse into feudal Japan.
Midday – Travel to Kumamoto
*Take a local train from Shimabara Station to Shimabara Port (approx. 15 min).
*Board a high-speed ferry to Kumamoto Port (approx. 30 min) and enjoy scenic views of Shimabara Peninsula and Kumamoto.
*Take a taxi (approx. 20 min) from Kumamoto Port to your hotel and check in.
Afternoon – Kumamoto Castle (Majestic Rebuilding in Progress)
*Explore Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three most famous castles. Built by Kato Kiyomasa, its grand architecture and fortifications are awe-inspiring, even amidst the ongoing restoration after earthquake damage.”
Two-night accommodation in Kumamoto
Recommended hotels：(SPR) ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto New Sky , Hotel Nikko Kumamoto /(STD)Kenchomae Green Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto
DAY 11: Mount Aso Adventure & Kumamoto
🚆 Morning – Journey to Mount Aso
Depart your Kumamoto hotel and travel by JR Hōhi Main Line to Aso Station, then transfer to a local bus (approx. 30 minutes).
Enjoy stunning views of vast grasslands as you ascend into the scenic Aso region.
Kusasenri-ga-hama Stroll & Horseback Riding
*Explore Kusasenri, a wide grassland on the mid-slopes of Eboshidake, one of the Aso Five Peaks.
*Take in the peaceful landscape with grazing horses and enjoy an optional horseback riding experience amid nature’s tranquility.
🌋 Midday – Aso Volcano Crater Visit
*Continue by local bus (approx. 15 minutes) to Aso Volcano Crater, one of Japan’s largest active calderas
*Witness the powerful sight of volcanic smoke rising from the crater, a dramatic and unforgettable experience.
Note: Access may be restricted depending on gas levels.
Afternoon – Aso Shrine & Historic Town
*Visit Aso Shrine, a historic shrine honoring the founders of Aso’s development.
*Stroll through the charming town surrounding the shrine, famous for abundant natural spring water and traditional water basins. Enjoy a leisurely walk exploring local culture and serene scenery.
Evening – Return to Kumamoto
Travel back to your Kumamoto hotel and enjoy a relaxing final night, reflecting on your Kyushu adventure.
DAY 12: Kumamoto → Kagoshima
🚄 Morning – Travel to Kagoshima
*Check out from your Kumamoto hotel and board the Shinkansen from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station (approx. 40 minutes).
*Drop off your luggage at your Kagoshima hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Plan A – Sakurajima & Sengan-en
11:00–14:30 – Sakurajima Ferry & Observation
Take a ferry across Kagoshima Bay to the active volcano Sakurajima.
Enjoy breathtaking views of smoke and lava plumes from observation points.
Stop at local roadside stations for lunch with a view of the volcano.
15:00–17:00 – Sengan-en Garden & Historic Estate
Explore Sengan-en, the former villa and garden of the Satsuma feudal lords.
The garden cleverly uses Sakurajima as a hill and Kinko Bay as a pond, creating a stunning borrowed landscape.
Discover historical sites including the Shuseikan Reverberatory Furnace, a World Heritage-listed site, showcasing Japan’s industrial history.
Plan B- Ibusuki Day Trip- (Departure from Kumamoto Station around 8:30 AM)
9:56–10:47 – Travel to Ibusuki
*Board the JR Tamatebako Limited Express from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Ibusuki Station (approx. 50 minutes).
This unique, retro-style train is famous for its distinct black-and-white exterior, panoramic windows, and cozy wooden interior, offering a charming and photogenic journey along the scenic Kagoshima coastline.
Arrival at Ibusuki Station 🏖️
Upon arrival, it’s an easy 11-minute walk to the local attractions, including the Ibusuki Archaeological Museum “Jiyukan COCCO Hashimure” and the famous Sunamushi Sand Bath.
Ibusuki Archaeological Museum “Jiyukan COCCO Hashimure
Explore Ibusuki’s rich history and archaeology, with displays of local cultural artifacts.
Sunamushi Kaikan “Suna-raku” – Sand Bath Experience
Relax in Ibusuki’s famous hot sand baths, where naturally heated sand covers your body, a unique local therapy and iconic experience.
16:30–17:35 – Return to Kagoshima
Take the JR Nanohana Rapid Service from Ibusuki Station back to Kagoshima-Chuo Station (approx. 65 min).
One-night accommodation in Kagoshima
Recommended hotels: (SPR)JR KYUSHU HOTEL KAGOSHIMA , SHIROYAMA HOTEL KAGOSHIMA / (STD)Kagoshima Washington Hotel Plaza, Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan
DAY 13: Kagoshima – Departure
🚄 Travel Smart Tip:
Wrap up your Kyushu adventure with ease!
Take an express train back to Fukuoka for onward travel or board a flight from Kagoshima Airport to your next destination.
