Fukuoka Prefecture

10:00 (PICK UP) your hotel at Fukuoka city Pickup details: A driver or guide will be waiting for you with your name board at your designated location and time. The side of our bus has the name of the company written in Roman letters. - Please note that if you are not there even after 1 hour or more at the place and time you specified, it will be canceled on the day. If you want to change the location or time, please be sure to contact us from this site.

The Site of Dannoura Battlefield

11:30-11:45 (Historic sites) Dannoura Battlefield, 21-1 Mimosusogawacho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi prefecture is famous as the place of the Battle of Dan-no-Ura, known as the last battle between Minamoto and Taira clans. At first, the battle was dominated by the Taira but after the flow of the tide changed, the Minamoto began to dominate. Finally, the Minamoto won the battle and the Kamakura era had begun in Japan. Today, it is called Mimosuso River Park, a city park from where you can get a great view of the Kanmon strait. There is a monument of the Dan-no-Ura Old battlefield site and some great information displays to learn about the battle. There are some handprints by some famous actors who played roles in “Yoshitsune”, the NHK TV drama which was broadcast in 2005.

Karato Market

12:00-13:00 (lunch 1) Karato Fish Market, 5-50 Karatocho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi At this lively market in Yamaguchi , local fishermen sell their freshly caught fish at very reasonable prices. Karato Market began as a street market in 1909, and now its ships fish all over Japan. Although the focus of Karato is seafood, you can also buy other local seasonal ingredients since many farmers come from Yamaguchi and the surrounding area to set up shop.

Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda

14:15-15:15 (guided in park) Ruriko-ji Five Story Pagoda, 1-28 Kimachi, Yamaguchi This pagoda was commissioned by Ouchi Morimi, one of the heads of the Ouchi clan that ruled Yamaguchi from the 14th to 16th centuries. Morimi had the pagoda built as a memorial to his older brother Ouchi Yoshihiro, who died leading a revolt against the country’s central government in 1399. The pagoda was completed in 1442 and is lauded as the most outstanding structure surviving from the middle of the Muromachi period, which ran from approximately 1336 to 1573. It is designated a national treasure. The pagoda is 31 meters tall, or about 102 feet. Its roofs are made of multiple layers of cypress bark held in place with bamboo nails. Moving upward, each story is progressively narrower, contributing to the structure’s balanced appearance. Except for a railing running around the second story, the pagoda has very little adornment for Muromachi period architecture.

Kintaikyo Bridge

16:45-17:30 (free walk) Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi The Kintaikyo Bridge is a five-span bridge over the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Counted as one of Japan’s three most famous bridges, with abundant nature in its background, it has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty (the area including upstream and downstream). It was constructed in 1673 through a manifestation of wisdom and skill, in the desire for a flood-proof bridge. That structure, crossing the river’s width of around 200m, is exquisite and original. Furthermore, it boasts a beautiful shape. In approximately 350 years since its construction, the technology and beauty of the Kintaikyo Bridge continue to be protected even today.

Miyajima

18:15 (day-1 drop off) Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima ( or HIROSHIMA city ) *The world cultural heritage "Miyajima" is crossed by ferry. The bus cannot go with you on that ferry. If you prefer, you can stay at a hotel in Miyajima, or stay at a hotel near the ferry terminal "Miyajimaguchi", or make a reservation in advance by yourself. -Our bus will pick you up again tomorrow morning or noon at the place where you dropped off.

Itsukushima Shrine

9:00-13:00 (guided walk) ITSUKUSHIMA Shrine, Hatuskaichi, Hiroshima -The world cultural heritage "Miyajima" is crossed by ferry. The bus cannot go with you on that ferry. If you prefer, you can stay at a hotel in Miyajima, or stay at a hotel near the ferry terminal "Miyajimaguchi", or make a reservation in advance by yourself. -Ferry Fee ￥400/adult ( Please pay by yourself ) Since ancient times, Miyajima has been regarded as one of the "three most scenic spots" of Japan, and as a part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, it has received several distinctions, such as a place of extraordinary scenic beauty, exceptional history, a scenic preservation area, and a natural monument. The virgin forests neighboring Mt. Misen are representative of the lush greenery and abundance of nature which still covers the entire island even now.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

13:45-14:45 (guided free walk) Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, 1-1-10 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima Extending southwards from the Atomic Bomb Dome and located mostly on a narrow stretch of land between two rivers, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is like a green island in the middle of the city. A serene space covering over 120,000 square meters, it serves to memorialize the great many lives lost in the world’s first nuclear attack, while making use of nature to reaffirm the preciousness of all life. Prior to the 1945 bombing, this district was the administrative and commercial heart of Hiroshima. In 1949, the recovering city decided the area should become a place of remembrance and contemplation, rather than simply being rebuilt.

Senkoji Park

16:15-17:15 (view spot) Senkoji Temple Mountain Ropeway Base Station, 1-3-3 Nagae, Onomichi, Hiroshima - close-17:00 : ￥700/adult For tourists visiting Shimanami Onomichi on a family trip or cycling tour, this is the perfect way to get to Senkoji Park while enjoying the scenery of the Onomichi Channel and Onomichi. Pets are also welcome. The scenery is a 360° panoramic walk through the miniature garden of Onomichi, with a panoramic view of Onomichi city, including the large camphor tree at Gonjinja Shrine, the three-story pagoda at Tenneiji Temple, and Senkoji Temple. This is the perfect way to get to Senkoji Temple, the most Onomichi-like place that tourists always visit. Enjoy a 3-minute walk in the air from Onomichi city to Senkoji Park while taking in the tranquil scenery.

Onomichi

17:45 (guest hotel 2) - near ONOMICHI Port, Onomichi, Hiroshima If you prefer, you can stay at a hotel in ONOMICHI, or stay at a hotel near the ferry terminal ONOMICHI Port, or make a reservation in advance by yourself. -Our bus will pick you up again tomorrow morning or noon at the place where you dropped off. -If you want to cycle the Shimanami Kaido, you will stay in Onomichi on this night. The next morning, you can rent a bicycle by yourself near the port and enjoy it. Rental Charge￥3000-8000(≒20-60 USD)/12 hour ↓ https://visitshimanami.com/bike-rental/

Onomichi

- This morning, you can rent a bicycle by yourself near the port and enjoy it. ↓ https://visitshimanami.com/bike-rental/ 13:00 (day-3 pick up) at ONOMICHI Port, Onomichi, Hiroshima -Our bus will pick you up again at the place where you dropped off.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

14:30-16:30 (guided walk) Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Central, Kurashiki, Okayama :You can stroll around the castle town, and the area is also home to the famous Ohara Museum of Art. Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture flourished as a town of trade in the Edo period (1603–1867) and as a textile town in the Meiji period (1868–1912). Today, the city’s historical quarter is known for its beautiful townscape and as a place to appreciate fine art. Kurashiki (present-day Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture), which fell under the direct rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the seventeenth century, developed as a town of merchants and a trade center. Many boats traveled along the Kurashiki River, which runs through the town and was lined with machiya (townhouses) and storehouses. A beautiful townscape of impressive elegance was created here, with the white plaster walls of the townhouses reflecting off the surface of the river water.

19:00 ? (guest hotel 3) -near HIMEJI Castle, Himeji city, Hyogo or KOBE city, Hyogo -If you are interested in Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, the first registered World Heritage Site in Japan, please book a hotel in the international port city of Kobe. Your hotel can be either in Himeji or Kobe. Either way, our guide will walk you around the area the next morning. -Our bus will pick you up again tomorrow morning or noon at the place where you dropped off.

Himeji Castle Otemon Gate

9:00-11:00 HIMEJI Castle, Himeji ( or KOBE city), HYOGO pref. -If you are interested in Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, the first registered World Heritage Site in Japan, please book a hotel in the international port city of Kobe. Your hotel can be either in Himeji or Kobe. Either way, our guide will walk you around the area the next morning. -HIMEJI Castle Entrance Fee ( about )￥1000(≒10 USD)/adult -It seems that you can also book a local guide specializing in Himeji Castle yourself. https://www.himejicastle.jp/en/ :Please pay by yourself. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. The castle is both a national treasure and a world heritage site.

Otsu Service Area North Bound

13:00-13:30 (lunch 4 front Lake BIWA) Meishin Highway OTSU Service Area, Shiga Situated in the center of Shiga Prefecture , the lake takes its name from its natural shape, which resembles a biwa, a traditional Japanese lute. With around 235 kilometers of shoreline to explore, Lake Biwa has plenty to do, from swimming and pleasure cruising to strolling and island-hopping.

Kehi Shrine

15:15-15:45 (short break) Kehi Jingu Shrine, 11-68 Akebonocho, Tsuruga, Fukui Kehi Jingu Shrine, known affectionately by the people of Tsuruga as “Kei-san,” is said to have been built in the year 702, and is the chief guardian shrine of the old Hokuriku-do region, dedicated to seven Shinto deities. The 11-meter-tall torii gate is registered as an Important Cultural Property, and is known as one of Japan’s three greatest wooden torii gates, alongside Nara’s Kasuga-taisha Shrine and Hiroshima’s Itsukushima Shrine.In September of 1689, Kehi Jingu Shrine was visited by the famous poet Matsuo Basho, and his visit is still commemorated with a statue and a stone monument inscribed with his poetry. Stone poetry monuments like this are also located throughout Tsuruga; see if you can find some of them.

Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse

16:00-16:30 (short break) Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, 4-1 Kanegasakicho, Tsuruga, Fukui The Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse consists of two buildings on the eastern side of Tsuruga Port, which stand as some of the most distinguished brick buildings in Fukui Prefecture. In January of 2009, the north building, the south building, and the brick wall were all registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. The warehouse was constructed in 1905, based on a design drawn up by a foreign engineer, to be used for petroleum storage; until several years ago, it was still being used for kombu kelp storage. In October of 2015, the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse reopened as a new sightseeing destination combining historical accuracy and entertainment, with the early 20th century Tsuruga townscape depicted in the railroad and port diorama, and restaurants offering the best of the food of Tsuruga.

Awara Onsen

17:45 (guest inn 4,5) AWARA Onsen, Harumiya, Awara, Fukui ( or FUKUI city ) -Depending on your interests, you can stay overnight either near the Awara Onsen, the most famous hot spring area in Fukui Pref or in Fukui City is the most urban area in Fukui Pref. - With this product, you will stay in "Fukui Pref" on this day and the next day. Unfortunately, you cannot go to "Kanazawa", Ishikawa Pref. According to the law of chartered buses in Japan, the operating hours and distances after this day are illegal. -Our bus will pick you up again tomorrow morning or noon at the place where you dropped off.

Awara Onsen

09:00 (day-5 pick up) at (guest inn 4,5 ) AWARA Onsen, Harumiya, Awara, Fukui ( or FUKUI city ) -Our bus will pick you up again at the place where you dropped off.

Tojimbo Cliff

09:30-11:00 (Sea of Japan) Tojinbo, 64-1 Mikunicho Anto, Sakai, Fukui :You can take a sightseeing boat here. The rock waves created by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan are some of the largest in Japan. Fee￥1800(≒15 USD)/adult https://www.toujinbou-yuransen.jp/en/ Tojinbo (東尋坊, Tōjinbō) is a one kilometer long stretch of rugged basalt cliffs along the Sea of Japan coast north of Fukui City. The rocky coastline has been carved out by the waves, leaving deep chasms and precipitous bluffs that tower up to 30 meters above the water below. The coarse, pillar-shaped rocks look like bundles of hexagonal and pentagonal rods and are a rare geologically formation that can be seen in only a few other spots in the world. Tojinbo can be explored via trails which lead along the rocky embankment to various chasms and promontories. Visitors are free to walk right up to the unmarked edges of the bluffs.

Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple

12:00-14:30 (lunch 5 and free walk) Daihonzan Eiheiji, 5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji, Yoshida, Fukui Eiheiji (永平寺) is a large temple complex and active monastery standing on a cedar-covered slope in the mountains just outside Fukui City. The temple was founded in 1244 by Dogen, the Buddhist scholar who introduced Soto Zen from China to Japan in 1228. Eiheiji is one of two head temples of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism (the other was formerly Sojiji Temple on the Noto Peninsula before its head functions were transferred to Yokohama). The sizable temple complex consists of over 70 buildings, which are connected to each other by covered walkways that protect from the heavy snow seen in the region from December to March. The warmer months bring lush vegetation to the temple grounds, which are especially beautiful from late October to early November when the autumn colors typically peak.

Fukui Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

15:30-16:45 (museum) Fukui Pref Dinosaur Museum, 51-11 Murokocho Terao, Katsuyama, Fukui - close:-17:00, 1000 yen/adult https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/ Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the leading dinosaur museums in the world. The museum is located in Katsuyama, Fukui, which is known as the treasury of dinosaur fossils of Japan. The spacious museum building without pillars is filled of various dinosaur skeletons, fossils of other animals and plants, diorama with dinosaur life reconstruction models, and so forth. Visitors can have a close look at spectacular dinosaur animatronics (robots) showing powerful and realistic motions.

Awara Onsen

17:45 (guest inn 4,5) AWARA Onsen, Harumiya, Awara, Fukui ( or FUKUI city ) *Our bus will pick you up again tomorrow morning or noon at the place where you dropped off.

Awara Onsen

09:00 (day-6 pick up) at (guest inn 4,5) AWARA Onsen, Harumiya, Awara, Fukui ( or FUKUI city ) *Our bus will pick you up again at the place where you dropped off.

Nihonkai Sakana Machi

10:30-11:30 < shopping at Major Fish Market > Nihonkai Sakana Machi, 1-1531 Wakabacho, Tsuruga, Fukui Nihonkai Sakanamachi is the largest seafood market on the Sea of Japan coast of the country. This huge market features over 50 shops to explore. In addition to fresh seafood, there are shops that sell products like mentaiko seasoned cod roe and dried seafood, or even green tea and soft-serve ice cream. This market has nearly 20 restaurants to choose from, serving various dishes for lunch and takeout. Many of them specialize in seafood, such as grilled fish, rice bowls topped with fresh sashimi, or sushi. Other meal options are available as well, including Sauce Katsu-don pork cutlet bowls, Korean food, and ramen.

Hikone Castle

12:45-14:30 < lunch 6 and guided walk > Hikone Castle, 5 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga For a perfect mix of fascinating history and beautiful surroundings, Hikone Castle has become a great side trip to work into your itinerary when you visit Shiga Prefecture, just north of Kyoto. Appropriately for a castle which started by being taken apart and put back together, Hikone Castle’s history as a site of importance started with the bloody Battle of Sekigahara which was fought to unite a country torn apart by politics and conflict.

Kyoto Station Building

16:30 (Final DROP OFF) Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto *After this, you can do some sightseeing in Kyoto or go to Osaka, Tokyo. It's up to you. Kyoto Station is also served by the Shinkansen and has good access to the international airport. We have to go back to Fukuoka now. [ Departure & Return ] - Starting time : 10:00 AM *Flexible - Meeting Point : in Fukuoka * Your designated place - Ending Point : Arrival at 16:30 Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto [ Hotels you book yourself ] - day1: Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima ( or HIROSHIMA city ) - day2: *near ONOMICHI Port, Onomichi, Hiroshima - day3: *near HIMEJI Castle, Himeji city, Hyogo or KOBE city, Hyogo - day4 & 5: AWARA Onsen, Harumiya, Awara, Fukui ( or FUKUI city ) * You cannot go to "Kanazawa", Ishikawa Pref.