If you are interested in arts, this package is perfect for you. Even if you are not, you will be impressed by the traditional Japanese arts, the perfectly designed and manicured gardens, the architecture of buildings both modern and ancient, the beauty of the towns themselves and the contemporary arts in Shimane and Naoshima Island, not forgetting the art of nature itself.
Stroll around the historical samurai towns, Hagi and Tsuwano, both rich in culture, and learn about the people and places pivotal in Japan’s history when the government moved from the feudality to democracy.

Day 1: Osaka
Upon arrival in Osaka, relish this bustling, friendly, food-lovers city. Enjoy the panoramic city view from the floating observatory in Umeda district. Discover your favourite local street food in Dotonbori and don’t miss the impressive Osaka Castle.

Accommodation: Osaka – 1 night

Day 2: Osaka – Matsue
Catch a train to Matsue, a castle town flanked by Lake Shinjiko. Absorb yourself in Japan’s feudal past with a visit to Matsue Castle (an original structure) and Bukeyashiki, the former Samurai district.

Accommodation: Matsue – 3 nights

Day 3: Matsue – Izumo – Matsue
Make your way to the land of myths and legends, Izumo. Stroll through Monzenmachi street and visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, renowned for having the largest sacred straw rope in Japan. Then visit Adachi Museum where you will be enthralled by the devastatingly stunning Japanese gardens.

Day 4: Matsue – Tottori – Matsue
Take a day trip to Tottori to see the famed Tottori Sand Dunes. The view of the breathtaking emerald green ocean from the top of the dunes is enchanting. Visit the Sand Museum to see the elaborate sand art, then wander around Kurayoshi, a charming, retro town, lined with traditional white-wall warehouses with red coloured roof tiles.

Day 5: Matsue – Tsuwano
Board a train to Tsuwano, called ‘Little Kyoto in Sanin’. Explore the castle town, stroll around Tonomachi, the samurai district with stone paths, and see koi swimming in the waterways along the streets.

Accommodation: Tsuwano – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)

Day 6: Tsuwano – Hagi
Continue to excavate the charms of Tsuwano. Take a scenic chairlift up to the Tsuwano Castle Ruins and savour the panoramic castle town view, rich with nature. Make your way to Taiko Inari Taisha and venture through the thousands of tori gates before heading off to Hagi, another lovely little seaside castle town.

Accommodation: Hagi – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)

Day 7: Hagi – Yamaguchi
Stroll around and explore Kikuya yokocho, Iseya yokocho, Edoya yokocho and see the samurai district in the Horiuchi area. Spend some time exploring the samurai residences. Don’t forget to check out the famous Hagi-yaki pottery! Move on to Yamaguchi, an ancient city called the ‘Kyoto of the West’, with many temples and shrines scattered across the city.

Accommodation: Yamaguchi – 2 nights

Day 8: Yamaguchi – Akiyoshi – Yamaguchi
Take a day trip to Akiyoshi, home to Akiyoshidai, Japan’s largest limestone karst plateau, and Akiyoshido, Japan’s largest and longest limestone cave. The art of nature is amazing.

Day 9: Yamaguchi – Okayama
Explore Yamaguchi in the morning. Visit Rurikoji Temple, famous for having one of Japan’s three best pagodas, then relax and revive with a walk through Kozan Park. Enjoy the picturesque scenery featuring the excellent combination of the elegant pagoda and the delightful pond. Then head off to Okayama, famous for its beautiful, manicured garden, Korakuen, and Okayama Castle, known as ‘Crow Castle’ because of its black appearance.

Accommodation: Okayama – 3 nights

Day 10: Okayama – Kurashiki – Okayama
Take a day trip to Kurashiki. Wander through the historic Kurashiki ‘Bikan Chiku’, lined with old style houses and traditional white walled warehouses along the picturesque canal.

Day 11: Okayama – Naoshima Island – Okayama
Board a ferry to Naoshima Island, known as an ‘Art Island’. Explore and discover your favorite arts at the many art museums across the island, including the unique ‘I Love Yu’ Sento, public bath museum, and Art House Project. Or just wander around the nostalgic island to discover its charms.

Day 12: Okayama – Himeji – Kobe
Board a train bound for Kobe. Stop by Himeji to see the world heritage Himeji Castle, one of the most beautiful and spectacular castles of Japan.

Accommodation: Kobe – 2 nights

Day 13: Kobe
Explore the modern, fashionable city of Kobe. Stroll around the bay area or Nada Sake district, then visit and learn about the devastating Kobe earthquake at the Kobe Earthquake Museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the famous Kobe beef for dinner before seeing the wonderful Kobe night view.

Day 14: Kobe – Kansai/Narita International Airport
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.

*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.