Day 1
Toyama & AINOKURA
Day 2 & 3
Oshiba Island & Mitarai
Day 4
Hiroshima
Day 5 & 6
Naoshima Island
Day 7 & 8
Shimanami Kaido
Day 9 & 10
Karuizawa
AINOKURA
Historic & Architectural site
Traditional gasshō-style village made up of steep, thatched-roof houses in the mountainous Gokoyama region. It is the largest and most remote of the gasshō villages and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
LOCATION: Ainokura, Nanto, Toyama Prefecture 939-1915, Japan
WEBSITE: japan-guide.com/e/e5955.html
HIMEJI CASTLE
Historic & Architectural Site
Known as the White Heron Castle and considered to be Japan’s finest thanks to its size, beauty, and pristine level of preservation. First fortifications were built in the 1400s and gradually enlarged until completed in 1609 as the extensive 80-building complex and gardens seen today. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
LOCATION: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture 670-0012, Japan
WEBSITE: himejicastle.jp
Mitarai
Historic Site
Perfectly preserved port town from Japan’s Edo period (1600-1868). This small village built around a harbor in the Seto Inland Sea was once a shelter for boats to wait for favorable winds. Now its narrow, winding alleys are full of history and an ideal place to wander in solitude while imagining Japan as it used to be. Listed as a Historic Preservation District of Traditional Architecture and a Japan Heritage Site.
LOCATION: Mitarai, Osaki Shimojima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Y51 BY THE SEA
Guest Cottage
Modern and stylish island house overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Owner speaks English and does train-station pickups and drop-offs as well as a stop at the supermarket along the way to stock the kitchen. Thoughtfully equipped, including bicycles for exploring the small island.
LOCATION: 761-3 Akitsuchō Kazahaya, Higashihiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken 739-2403, Japan
WEBSITE: y51.jp
HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL
Museum & Park
Sensitive and powerful museum full of information and artifacts from the first nuclear attack in history. Surrounding the museum, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a seamless continuation. View the sacred A-Bomb Dome, the skeletal remains of the building closest to the hypocenter of the nuclear bomb.
LOCATION: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0811, Japan
WEBSITE: hpmmuseum.jp
AKUSHU CAFE PARKSIDE
Cafe
Within walking distance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park, this cafe makes a convenient stop for quick refreshments. Try matcha ice cream with momiji manju, a cake shaped like a maple leaf and a local specialty of Hiroshima. Hanging from the ceiling are origami cranes, a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.
LOCATION: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku | Orizuru Tower 1F, Hiroshima 730-0051, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
CHICHU ART MUSEUM
Museum
Mind-bending in its bold simplicity, this innovative museum makes a statement. Built almost entirely underground and utilizing natural light as a partner to the art, it’s a destination that is an otherwordly experience. The room displaying Claude Monet’s “Water Lily” series is profoundly beautiful.
LOCATION: 3449-1, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
ART HOUSE PROJECT
Multi-site Art
Seven vacant homes scattered within a modern village have been renovated by artists to create organic creative expressions that overlap time, space, and memory. The art reflects the former life and activity within the homes and provokes interaction and curiosity.
LOCATION: 850-2 Naoshima, Kagawa 7613110, Japan (Information & ticket center)
Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama
Art
Yayoi Kusama’s work was a precursor to pop art and influenced Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg. Her Yellow Pumpkin is iconic, and a symbol of Naoshima, which has become known as the Art Island. Situated on the edge of a pier along a quiet beach and set against the backdrop of sea and mountains.
LOCATION: The pier west of Gotanji Bathing beach and Tsutsujiso Guesthouse, Naoshima, Japan
Tsutsujiso
Outdoor Guest Compound
A secluded, sea-side property of private cabins and Mongolian-style yurts set beside a tranquil beach. For the more adventurous traveler who likes the idea of falling asleep to the sound of waves but also appreciates a real bed and a wood floor underfoot. The yurts are furnished and include details like hanging lanterns and ornately carved posts and doors.
LOCATION: 352-1, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun 761-3110, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
WEBSITE: tsutsujiso.com
SHIMANAMI KAIDO
Bike Trail
Paved bike lane spanning six small islands, impressive bridges, and 37 miles along the Seto Inland Sea. Focus on biking to finish in one day or stop to take in the views, have a bowl of ramen, and spend the night on one of the islands along the way.
LOCATION: Trail begins in Onomichi City and ends in Imabari City (crossing the islands of Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima before finishing on Shikoku)
OGATA HOUSE
Traditional Japanese Inn
An overnight respite along the Shimanami Kaido bike trail. Japanese history comes alive in this 100-year-old building finished with Tatami mats and sliding rice paper walls. The owner is passionate and inviting and enjoys providing a meal of traditional foods and drink in her dining room to make sure her visitors feel at home.
LOCATION: 6032 Miyakubochō Miyakubo, Imabari-shi, Ehime-ken 794-2203, Japan
WEBSITE: airbnb.com/rooms/6543080 or booking.com/hotel/jp/ogatanoie.en-gb.html
Natural Cafeína
Cafe
Simple and calming. This Karuizawa cafe is filled with wood and plants and feels like home. Also offers an exceptional variety of specialty drink options. Kaitlin’s favorite is the coconut latte.
LOCATION: 25 Karuizawahigashi, Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
WEBSITE: natural-cafeina.com
Shiraito Waterfall
Nature
Shiraito means white threads, which describes this curtain of water in Karuizawa measuring just 10 feet high but stretching in an arc 229 feet wide. The waterfall is formed by groundwater flowing over a layer of volcanic rock and out of the ground, which provides a consistent flow of crystal clean water regardless of weather. The walk to the waterfall is peaceful as well, lined with lush plants and a small river formed by the falls.
LOCATION: 389-0111 Nagano Prefecture, Kitasaku District, Karuizawa, Japan
TRAVEL TIPS
- JR Rail Pass: This pass is essential for long-distance travel in Japan and quickly pays for itself. Train travel in Japan is efficient and comfortable with an extensive network. Passes may take several weeks to arrive so plan ahead and leave plenty of time when purchasing online.
- Renting bikes for the Shimanami Kaido: The regular bike rental system is the less expensive option with more stations to return bikes but Giant rental system has higher quality bikes.
- For upscale accommodations on Naoshima stay at Benesse House, a gorgeous hotel/museum combination.
- Bikes are a fun and easy way to explore within towns or on smaller islands with limited transportation, such as Naoshima.
- In most of the major Japanese cities, cherry blossoms typically bloom in early April. However, airfare is generally more expensive due to the popularity of this attraction.
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