[Sanyo Area ] Visit West Japan by Using JR-WEST RAIL PASS to Enjoy Fine Scenery and Experiences! Latest edition for 2023-2024

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: 

https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/tc/ticket/pass/kansai_wide/, 
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/tc/ticket/pass/kansai_hiroshima/, 
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/tc/ticket/pass/sanyo_sanin/

◆ Okayama Prefecture

The area is famously known as the “Fruit Kingdom” for its abundant fruit production nurtured by the gentle climate warmed by the Seto Inland Sea.

 

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki is a town between Osaka and Hiroshima. In the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, traditional white walled buildings, early-modern Western style architecture, and willow trees lining the riverside, blend Japanese and Western styles together into a sight of incomparable beauty. Historic buildings here have been renovated to preserve their structural essence while being reborn as unique interior shops, cafes, and galleries. From renting a kimono to riding a rickshaw, there are so many ways to fully enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Japan. 

・Kurashiki Town Coupon 

 

Coupons good for local sweets in the Bikan Historical Quarter, or to enter art galleries and museums. Let’s make the most of your trip!

1,000 yen( a set of ten coupons)

URLhttps://kankou-kurashiki.jp/experience2021/machiarukicoupon_en.pdf

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Okayama Castle

Built around 1597, with its distinct painted black walls, the castle earned the moniker “Crow Castle.” Reopened in November 2022, the ancient structure has now become a place to experience and learn history through hands-on exhibits. All who step inside these walls are sure to be captivated by the power of the fortress. 

Adult (15 years old and above) 400 yen

AccessJR Okayama Sta. → 5 min by tram → Shiroshita stop → 10 min walk
Business hours9:00-17:30 (Admission until 17:00)
Regular holiday Dec. 29-31
URLhttps://okayama-castle.jp/home-en/

Yumeji Art Museum (Main Building)

Explore the works of Yumeji Takehisa, a painter, poet and designer born in Okayama, who represents the "Taisho Roman” (the modern European art style Romanticism blended with the traditional Japanese culture in the early 20th century). Boasting one of the best collections of his works, over 100 paintings are permanently exhibited. Close to Okayama Korakuen Garden, black “oniwaban” (ninja) cat Kuronosuke and café/shop "art café Yumeji" are also popular.

Adult (18 years old and above) 800 yen

AccessJR Okayama Sta. → 5 min by tram → Shiroshita stop → 15 min walk
Business hours9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
Regular holiday Monday (If Monday is a national/substitute holiday, the museum will close the following day), Dec. 28-Jan. 1
URLhttps://yumeji-art-museum.com/english/

Sunste Okayama

A shopping complex at JR Okayama Station. From Okayama’s favorite souvenirs to sweets and gourmet foods, the wide range of shops makes this an ideal place to stop by on your trip!

AccessDirectly connected to JR Okayama Sta.
Business hours10:00-20:00
Regular holidayOpen 365 days
URLhttps://sun-ste.com/okayama-ichibangai/

Minamoto Kitchoan

Founded in Okayama, this popular Japanese sweets shop is now expanding overseas. Kitchoan preserves traditional production methods to create beautiful Japanese sweets for each of the country’s four seasons. The shop’s standout product “Natural Series” are confections that illustrate the appearance, shape and flavor of the seasonal fruits including muscat and peach, just as they are.

AccessJR Okayama Sta. → 7 min walk
Business hours9:30-19:00
Regular holiday1/1
URLhttps://www.kitchoan.co.jp/en/

The Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village

The Jeans Museum & Village in Kojima, the home of jeans Japanese jeans, is a facility full of the charm of jeans. You can "learn", "buy" and "experience" jeans, and purchase a wide range of items including standard jeans, T-shirts, and clearance products!

AccessJR Kojima Sta. → 10 min by taxi
Business hours9:00-18:00, 9:30-17:00 (winter)
Regular holidayNew Year holidays
URLhttps://betty.co.jp/

Have Fun In Okayama Pass

The “Have Fun in Okayama” Pass allows you to tour sightseeing facilities in Okayama City and Kurashiki City at a reasonable price. Choose whatever three sightseeing spots catch your eye.

Check the website to see the selection. https://www.tripellet.com/hfokayama/en

◆Hiroshima Prefecture

The southern part of the prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea is home to the largest production of oysters in Japan. The area is also known for two World Heritage sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine.

Orizuru Tower

The Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and even Mount. Misen in Miyajima are visible on clear days from the 50-m high rooftop observatory called Hiroshima Hills. Since visitors may re-enter through the day, you can enjoy the subtly shifting view from day to night. Murals by Hiroshima artists grace the walls near cafes serving local specialties, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also add their own folded origami crane to the top of the Orizuru Wall (Wall of Origami Cranes). 

Adult 2,200 yen,100 yen for inserting paper crane 

(Check the website for details) https://www.orizurutower.jp/en/

AccessJR Hiroshima Sta. → Genbaku Dome-mae Sta. by Hiroshima Electric Railway → short walk
Business hours10:00-18:00 (Admission until 17:00)
Regular holidayNo fixed holiday
URLhttps://www.orizurutower.jp/en/

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Okonomiyaki theme park “Ekimae Hiroba”

Popular restaurants serving Hiroshima’s local dish, okonomiyaki, come together here. Choose from a wide range of dishes, whether traditional Hiroshima style or modern variations. With 12 shops lined up on one floor, take a look around to find your favorite.

AccessJR Hiroshima Sta. → 3 min walk
Business hours10:00-23:00
Regular holidayOpen 365 days
URLhttps://ekimae-hiroba.jp/

ekie Hiroshima Station

Among the vast array of attractive Hiroshima foods, goods, traditional crafts and other local products here, you may stumble upon something surprising at this plaza. Check it out at the beginning or end of your Hiroshima adventure.

AccessDirectly connected to JR Hiroshima Sta.
Business hours10:00-21:00 *Business hours vary by store
Regular holidayNo fixed holiday
URLhttps://www.ekie.jp/lang/english.html

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Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Lobby Lounge

Directly connected to Hiroshima Station, the hotel’s cafe lounge is easy to access. Give yourself a break with sweets and a cup of tea.

AccessDirectly connected to JR Hiroshima Sta.
Business hours10:00-17:00
Regular holidayOpen 365 days
URLhttps://www.hgh.co.jp/rest/lobbylounge.html

Hiroshima City Share Cycle “Peacecle”

The Hiroshima City shared bicycle system, “Peacecle,” has roughly 140 ports in the city, including around Hiroshima Station and Orizuru Tower, so it’s easy to hop on an electric bicycle. A one-day pass provides great flexibility to move around the city to enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. 

One-day pass: 1,527 yen (purchased at the Peacecle counter)

URLhttps://docomo-cycle.jp/hiroshima/en/

Setouchi Sea Line “1-Day Free Pass”

Setouchi Sea Line makes your sightseeing trip around Hiroshima Bay more convenient. Its One-Day Free Pass offers unlimited rides on high-speed boats and ferries on all  five routes, including from Hiroshima Port to Miyajima and Hiroshima Port to Etajima, for one day! 

Adult 3,700 yen

For more information:http://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/language/en/

URLhttp://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/language/en/

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Tomonoura

The port town of Tomonoura has long prospered as a hub of domestic and international trade with an atmosphere symbolic of the Seto Inland Sea. The history and culture of the 17th to 19th centuries is still alive here, symbolized by the stone lighthouse Joyato. The beauty of the townscape has made it a favorite filming location for numerous movies, and as the setting for anime works. In this historic area, Taichoro, once used as a reception hall, offers a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea once praised as the best in Japan. Elsewhere, just five minutes by ferry from Tomonoura ferry port, Sensuijima is an uninhabited island beloved for its mysterious natural scenery.

AccessJR Fukuyama Sta. → 30 min by bus
URLhttps://visittomonoura.com/?lang=en

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◆ Yamaguchi Prefecture

Located at the western end of Honshu and connected to Kyushu by the Kanmon Kaikyo (Kanmon Strait). Japan’s largest karst (rare rock formation) “Akiyoshidai” sprawls over the central area.
 

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is said to be the first of countless Tenmangu Shrines throughout Japan that enshrine the god of learning. There is also a tea room, Hoshoan, where you can enjoy a cup of matcha green tea with Japanese sweets gazing out upon the seasonal scenery.

Tea room Hoshoan: 500 yen (includes matcha green tea and sweets; admission to the garden is free); 

History Museum: Adult 500 yen

Access JR Hofu Sta. → 15 min walk
Business hours6:00-20:00 (Tea room Hoshoan 9:30-16:00, History Museum 9:00-16:30)
Regular holidayOpen 365 days
URLhttps://www.hofutenmangu.com/

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Mohri Garden / Mohri Museum

After ruling the region as feudal lords for centuries from the 17th century, the Mohri Family created this Japanese garden in the modern era. Bringing together the best horticultural techniques of the age, the garden is considered a masterpiece of exquisite harmony between natural and man-made beauty. Part of the estate is called the Mohri Museum, where works of art handed down by generations of the Mohri Family are on display.

Adult 400 yen (Garden only. Mohri Museum requires separate admission.)

・Hofu admission pass “Shicchoru Ca”

This pass presents great value with admission to four historic sites included, such as Hofu Tenmangu Shrine (Tea Room Hoshoan or Historical Museum) and Mohri Garden.

AccessJR Hofu Sta. → 6 min by bus → Mohri Hontei Iriguchi stop
Business hours9:00-17:00
Regular holidayOpen 365 days (Garden), Dec. 22-31 (Museum)
URLhttps://c-able.ne.jp/~mouri-m/te_teien/index.html

Kaikyo Yume Tower

A landmark of the Kanmon Strait that runs between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. The 30th floor observatory (143 m high) in the 153-m-tall tower holds the world’s first spherical glass wall, providing the chance to enjoy a truly 360-degree panoramic view of the Kanmon Strait and the Seto Inland Sea.

Adult (18 years old and above) 600 yen

Access JR Shimonoseki Sta. → 7 min walk
Business hours9:30-21:30 (Last admission 21:00)
Regular holiday4th Saturday of January
URLhttps://www.yumetower.jp/

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The information herein is as of Oct 2023
Writer
att.JAPAN Editorial Team
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.

Okayama Article

Nature/spectacular views/scenery Article