The West Japan region is known to have many unique and attractive spots everywhere. It is an additional appeal to visitors that they can access various places within the area by rail and/or ferry. Here are recommended spots as well as activities in West Japan, which can be accessed more conveniently and cheaply with a JR-WEST RAIL PASS!
For details about ticket deals and passes, access:
Facing the Sea of Japan in the Chugoku region, this area is blessed with abundant natural scenery of mountains and lakes. From superb views to historic sights and delicious food, the San-in region holds countless hidden charms!
Adachi Museum of Art
Centered on modern and contemporary Japanese art including paintings by Taikan Yokoyama and ceramics by Rosanjin Kitaoji, the museum houses approximately 2,000 works, with special exhibitions held every season. The Japanese garden has also gathered global acclaim as a place to enjoy the harmony of a fine Japanese gardening alongside Japanese art throughout the year.
Adult 2,300 yen (Foreign passport holders 300 yen discounted)
Access
JR Yasugi Sta. → 20 min by free shuttle bus
Business hours
9:00-17:30 (Apr.-Sep.), 9:00-17:00 (Oct.-Mar.)
Regular holiday
Only Annex will close due to exhibition renewal. (Check the website)
In 2007, this facility was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site under the name the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Cultural Landscape. At this center, visitors can learn about the history of the silver mine, how people lived and the mining technology used in an easy-to-understand way through videos and models. Records of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine exhibited here also show that the mine was known even overseas due to East-West trade in the 16th century.
Adult 310 yen, Foreign tourist 200 yen
Access
JR Odashi Sta. → 30 min by bus
Business hours
(Mar.-Nov.) 8:30-18:00 (Charged Exhibition room 9:00-17:30 *Admission until 17:00)
(Dec.-Feb.) 8:30-17:30 (Charged Exhibition room 9:00-17:00 *Admission until 16:30)
The world’s first museum that exhibits “sand sculpture” using sand as the only material. Created by world-class sand sculptors, these giant sand sculptures are carefully crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Adult (18 years old and above) 800 yen
Access
JR Tottori Sta. → 20 min by bus → Sakyu Higashiguchi or Suna no Bijutsukan-mae stops
Business hours
9:00-17:00, until 18:00 on Saturdays (Admission until 30 minutes before closing)
This bus circles the city with stops at major sightseeing spots in Tottori City, including the Sand Museum. Have your timetable stamped on the bus and present it at participating facilities to get discounts and other benefits. Operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (excluding New Year’s Day).
・Adult (junior high school students and above) 300 yen per ride
The only castle in Fukuoka Prefecture with a castle tower, built by Hosokawa Tadaoki in 1602. The tower is the third largest in Japan. With an elevator, all visitors, whatever their age, will have no difficulty in going up the tower. Don’t miss the splendid daily dance performances of the “Kokura Castle Bushotai”!
Admission fees: 350 yen
Access
Kokura Sta. → 15 min walk
Business hours
9:00-20:00 (Apr.-Oct.), 9:00-19:00 (Nov.-Mar.) *Business hours may be subject to change.
Dining on sushi is a must when in Kokura. Surrounded by the sea and a short distance from fishing grounds, Kitakyushu’s sushi is wildly popular for its abundant variety and unparalleled freshness. The deliciousness of Kitakyushu sushi is born from a fortunate combination of lucky location, the skills of seasoned professional chefs, and cultural tradition.
att.JAPAN consists of members in their 20s and 30s, and we are all travel lovers. In addition to information about sightseeing and great dishes all over Japan, we offer a wide range of information about various subjects/topics, such as onsen (hot spring) and ryokan hotels. We introduce lots of information only att.JAPAN can offer, including information about famous sightseeing spots, the latest news about new facilities all over Japan and rare less-known areas in Tokyo, one-day model walking courses, and anime pilgrimages. We also offer contents to introduce Japan from the view of writers from abroad.
