Itineraries A beautiful coastal drive from Kansai to Fukuoka Enjoy spectacular coastal scenery as you explore historic sites and onsen towns

Have a soak in Kinosaki Onsen

Ever since hot springs were discovered here in the 8th century, Kinosaki has built itself into one of the top onsen destinations in the Kansai region. Today, this pleasant town – with old-fashioned buildings lining a willow-lined river – is great for strolling around in a yukata, visiting numerous public baths.

Visit the only large dune system in Japan

The dunes are up to 2km wide and 50m high, located along the Sea of Japan coast. You can walk around the dunes, go for camel rides, hop on a horse-drawn cart, or even try sandboarding. Check out the Sand Museum for its ever-changing sand sculpture exhibits.

Challenge yourself to climbing Mt Mitoku to visit Sanbutsuji Temple

The most famous building in this temple complex is Nageire-do, a jaunty-roofed wooden hall, that clings onto the sheer cliff of the 900m-high Mt Mitoku. Getting here requires scrambling up the mountain on a steep, rough terrain aided by chain guardrails. Can't climb? There's an observation point at the base.

Relax in radium hot springs at Misasa Onsen

The hot springs at the little-known Misasa Onsen has one of the highest levels of radium in the world – beneficial for improving metabolism and boosting immunity. There are over a dozen traditional ryokans in town; brave bathers can soak in the free outdoor mixed-sex bath near Misasa Bridge.

Visit one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan

Izumo Oyashiro, located in the city of Izumo in Shimane prefecture, is considered the oldest shrine in Japan. Japan's oldest chronicles have revealed that Izumo Oyashiro has been around since the 700s. The shrine contains a giant torii gate and has a shopping street lined with stores and restaurants.

Feast on delicious Bisho-nabe in Higashi Hiroshima

Bisho-nabe is a specialty dish in Higashi Hiroshima, consisting of pork, chicken and vegetables which are cooked only with Japanese sake, salt and pepper. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it tasty. However, even children can enjoy this dish since the taste of the sake evaporates.

Go Japanese sake brewery hopping in Saijo

Saijo is renowned as one of Japan's favourite premier sake brewing neighbourhoods, dotted with historic breweries. Home to eight companies, mostly concentrated along one road, you can learn about sake brewing, do sake tasting, and purchase your favourite sake.

Admire one of Iwakuni's most distinguished landmarks

Kintaikyo Bridge, located along the Nishiki River, is an elegant wooden bridge famous for its five arches anchored on stone pillars. It makes for an especially beautiful picture during cherry blossom season or fall foliage, when the leaves are in the background and the water reflects the bridge.

Iwakuni Castle boasts a scenic view

The Edo-era Iwakuni Castle was built on top of Mt. Shiroyama because it's surrounded by the Nishiki River which creates a natural moat for defence purposes. Boasting gorgeous views of Iwakuni and the river, the castle is accessible via the ropeway, a five-minute walk from Kintaikyo Bridge.

Observe the Sea of Japan from the Kaikyo Yume Tower

The Kaikyo Yume Tower a landmark in Shimonoseki city and the tallest tower in western Japan. At 143m tall, it takes 70 seconds via a see-through elevator to reach the dome at the top where there is a panoramic view of the Kanmon Straits, Ganryujima and the Sea of Japan.

Visit Shimonoseki, Japan's puffer fish capital

Shimonoseki is Japan's puffer fish (fugu) capital, where 80% of Japan's supply pass through. See over 100 varieties of fugu at the Kaikyokan Aquarium, sample fresh fugu at seafood markets like Haedomari or Karato, or head to Shunpanro, Japan's first publicly licensed restaurant to serve fugu.

A floating bridge on the cobalt blue Sea of Japan

Tsunoshima Bridge is a popular for ocean drives as this 1,780m-long bridge connects to the isolated island of Tsunoshima with its beautiful beaches. Along the way, enjoy the view of the cobalt blue Sea of Japan; Amagase Park's viewing platform offers views of the entire bridge.

Witness the beauty of 123 red shrine gates

Surrounded by the ocean, this shrine is lined with 123 red torii gates that snake their way up the hill for over 100m. Try and toss a coin into its offertory box, located atop the shrine gate! Nearby is a ‘geyser' where seawater spurts from a hole in the cliff.

Enjoy the rest of your day at Canal City Hakata

Canal City Hakata is a large, multipurpose shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Fukuoka. Often regarded as “a city within a city”, the complex boasts numerous attractions including cafes, restaurants, shops, two hotels, exhibitions, a game theatre, cinemas, and even a canal running through the complex.

Grab a bite to eat at yatai (food stalls) in Nakasu

The Nakasu nightlife district is known for its 20 yatai (food stalls) that line the river, serving local delicacies like Hakata ramen and motsu (offal) hotpot – along with alcoholic drinks – at affordable prices. Customers are normally seated close to each other on stools along the stall's counters.