Discover San’in

Travel by train from Osaka to Tottori (~around 2 hours 50 minutes).

Go on a self-guided tour of the city. The Tottori Sand Dunes are the country’s largest sand dunes, stretching approximately 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan coast. Formed over 100,000 years by the deposition of sand from the Sendai River and shaped by coastal winds, these dunes reach heights of up to 50 meters .

The Tottori Sand Museum is the world’s first indoor museum dedicated exclusively to sand sculptures. Opened in 2012, it was established to showcase the art of sand sculpting, with each annual exhibition centered around a unique theme, such as the United Kingdom, South Asia, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These intricate sculptures are crafted solely from sand and water, emphasizing their transient nature as they are dismantled after each exhibition period. The museum’s concept, “Travel Around the World in Sand,” allows visitors to experience global cultures through the medium of sand art.

Travel by Limited Express train from Tottori to Matsue (~around 2 hours 30minutes).

Matsue self-guided tour

Matsue City, located in the picturesque Shimane Prefecture, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the “City of Water,” it is situated between Lake Shinji and the Sea of Japan, offering stunning waterfront views and a rich array of outdoor activities.

The city is home to Matsue Castle, also known as “Black Castle” due to its striking dark wooden exterior. Completed in 1611, this well-preserved feudal castle is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and design. Visitors can explore its five-story main keep, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding city, Lake Shinji, and the nearby mountains. Inside, the museum features exhibits on the castle’s history, samurai culture, and local artifacts, providing a rich cultural experience.

The Shimane Art Museum is a stunning cultural institution that celebrates both local and international artistry against a breathtaking backdrop of Lake Shinji. Opened in 2001, the museum features a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, with a particular focus on works from the San’in region and pieces that explore the relationship between art and nature. Its sleek, modern architecture harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape, providing visitors with picturesque views from its spacious galleries.

Yuushien is a Japanese garden, spanning approximately 50,000 square meters, featuring meticulously designed landscapes, including tranquil ponds, picturesque bridges, and vibrant flower beds that change with the seasons. The garden also houses a traditional teahouse, where guests can enjoy matcha tea while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Matsue to Iwami Ginzan World Heritage

Travel by Limited Express train from Matsue to Odachi (~around 1 hour). From there, you will take the bus to Omori (around 30min).

Omori Tour Self Guided

Since it was first discovered in 1527, Iwami Ginzan prospered as one of the top silver mines in the world for 400 years. During the age of exploration, the silver mine was known by the name “Ginzan” in Europe, and Iwami Ginzan was the major provider of silver during Japan’s golden age, when it was producing a third of the world’s silver. In 2007, the remains of the mines were registered as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Asia.

Take a walk in Omori town. Today this town has a population of around 450 people and stretches 1.5 km long between the mountains. There are many preserved old houses, samurai residences, shops, shrines, temples and many other sights, which are all worth a visit. It is possible to rent bicycles and explore this quiet place on your own. It is really impressive to walk through the ancient streets along the river and experience the feeling of the old Japan during the silver rush.

Omori to Hiroshima

Take the bus from Omori to Hiroshima (around 3h).