Beyond Tokyo-Kyoto: Discover the Golden Route to West Japan

What is the Golden Route to West Japan?

The Golden Route to West Japan invites you to explore a lesser-known side of the country—one that is well-connected, filled with unique destinations to discover, and rich in its own distinct cultural and historical heritage.

Unlike the conventional route which takes first-time visitors from Tokyo to Kyoto (with a view of Mt Fuji in between), the Golden Route to West Japan—spanning from Kobe to Kyushu—encompasses a greater region and will appeal to repeat travellers to Japan who are looking to get off the beaten path and discover more hidden gems along the way.

West Japan spans two of the country’s main islands, Kyushu and Shikoku, as well as a vast stretch of its largest, Honshu. Within this region lies a remarkable variety of destinations: from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, the circular pilgrimage of Shikoku’s 88 sacred temples, and the coastal sand baths of Beppu’s hot springs.

The region is well-supported by transport links, with Fukuoka Airport to the west and Kansai International Airport (KIX) both serving as major international gateways to west Japan, especially from nearby Asian destinations such as South Korea (Incheon Airport), Hong Kong and China (Shanghai Airport). Thanks to high-speed rail or domestic flight transfers, even Tokyo’s Haneda Airport provides good access for those ultimately heading west.

West Japan may encompass a large region, but it is well-connected thanks to both the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, as well as regional ferry lines between Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu. This makes it possible to seek out your own path: from jumping on the bullet train straight to Kyushu, cycling along the Shimanami Kaido across the Seto Inland Sea, or using one of many local train lines to seek out the deeper countryside.

Why visit the Golden Route to West Japan

Discover why it’s worth visiting the Golden Route to West Japan on your trip to Japan.

Escape the tourist crowds

Compared with crowded hotspots like Tokyo and Kyoto, Western Japan’s destinations such as Tottori Sand Dunes and the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea provide a more relaxed pace, with wide open landscapes and fewer crowds, ideal for slow exploration and meaningful engagement with local communities.

Travel here means deeper experiences

West Japan encourages hands-on, immersive travel. Examples include hiking up Mount Mitoku to reach the dramatic Nageire-do temple, staying in traditional ryokan in rural Hiroshima, or witnessing traditional sword forging in Okayama. These experiences go beyond surface-level sightseeing and allow visitors to engage closely with history, spirituality, and everyday regional life.

Diversity that invites slower travel

The region offers striking diversity over relatively short distances—from Kitakyushu’s industrial heritage and hillside gardens to historic port cities, rural mountain villages, contemporary art islands, and quiet coastal towns. This variety suits slow travel, where travelers spend longer in each place, explore on foot or by local train, and appreciate subtle differences in culture, dialect, and scenery rather than rushing between highlights.

Vast Nature

From the Sea of Japan coastline to inland mountains and island-dotted seas, West Japan is rich in large-scale natural landscapes. Highlights include Kagoshima’s active volcano at Sakurajima, the dramatic cliffs and caves of the San’in Coast, the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, and Iki’s sacred seascapes, home to Kojima Shrine set against the surrounding sea.

Regional food culture

Food cultures are deeply regional and proudly distinct. Hiroshima’s layered okonomiyaki, Fukuoka’s tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, Tottori’s seafood and Kobe’s wagyu beef, and local sake breweries all reflect local climate, history, and ingredients—ensuring that every stop along the West Golden Route offers a memorable culinary identity.

How to Explore the Golden Route to West Japan

The Golden Route to West Japan can be explored in many ways, depending on your interests and travel style. From cultural icons like Miyajima and Himeji Castle to historic towns such as Kurashiki, and dramatic landscapes like the Tottori Sand Dunes, the route offers flexible itinerary options. Whether focusing on culture, nature, or a slower pace of travel, these destinations highlight the variety possible when planning a journey through West Japan.

Consider these 4 destinations to get started:

1. Himeji (Hyogo)

   Home to Himeji Castle, Japan’s most celebrated original castle, offering a clear window into feudal history and architecture.

2. Kurashiki (Okayama)

   A compact historic town with canals, preserved warehouses, and museums, ideal for slow travel and easy strolling.

3. Fukuoka City (Fukuoka)

   A lively gateway to Kyushu, Fukuoka blends urban energy with easy access to nature. Highlights include seaside areas like Momochi, historic sites such as Dazaifu Tenmangu nearby, and a renowned food scene centered on Hakata ramen and yatai street stalls.

4. Takeo (Saga)

   The vast 150,000-tsubo garden (approximately 122.5 acres) of Mifuneyama Rakuen spreads out at the foot of Mt. Mifune, offering seasonal beauty year-round. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisteria in spring, immersive digital art exhibitions in summer, and vivid autumn foliage, creating a dynamic blend of nature and contemporary culture.

How about something more tailor-made? The following ready-made itineraries can provide a starter template for better understanding how to travel across the region, depending on your tastes and time available:

Shorter Itineraries:

Japanese Sake and Hot Springs

This 3–5 day route focuses on regional food and relaxation, pairing visits to sake breweries in Kobe with restorative hot spring towns in Oita’s Beppu and Yufu—perfect for experiencing local drinks and wellness culture.

More here

Landscapes & Hidden Charms in West Japan

Ideal for travelers seeking gardens, historic sites, and a relaxed pace, this journey highlights cultural landmarks around the Seto Inland Sea, including Okayama Korakuen Garden, Ritsurin Garden, and the hot spring town of Dogo Onsen. The route emphasizes heritage and tranquility, with occasional coastal views during transit rather than seaside sightseeing.

More here

Longer Itineraries:

Crossing Western Japan by Shinkansen

A flexible 2-week exploration by bullet train that connects dynamic regions—from Kobe and Himeji to the tranquil Korakuen garden in Okayama, the magnificent Kumamoto Castle, the mystical “battleship” island of Nagasaki’s Gunkanjima and the hot springs of Kyushu—combining culture, nature, and historic landmarks in a single sweeping loop.

More here

Ferry from Kyushu to Kansai via the Seto Island Sea

Starting in Fukuoka, this itinerary weaves maritime travel into your adventure, linking Kyushu’s coastal cities like Miyazaki (known for the mysterious Aoshima) with the Kansai region across island seascapes, making it a great option for travelers seeking scenic crossings and varied landscapes.

More here

Who is the route for?

The Golden Route to West Japan is ideal for travelers looking to go beyond Japan’s first-time highlights. Repeat visitors who have already seen Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka will find fresh discoveries in lesser-known cities, rural landscapes, and regional cultures that offer new perspectives on Japan.

It also appeals to long-stay travelers, as the route’s slower pace, good regional rail connections, and variety of destinations make it easy to spend more time in each area without rushing. Culture and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of historic towns, traditional crafts, local festivals, coastlines, and volcanic landscapes woven naturally into daily life.

Finally, the route is well suited to FITs (Fully Independent Travelers). Clear transport networks, walkable towns, and locally run accommodations allow independent travelers to explore flexibly, shape their own itineraries, and engage more deeply with the places they visit.

Getting to know regional transport

Traveling the Golden Route to West Japan is made easy by a well-connected mix of long-distance and regional transport. The Shinkansen forms the backbone of the route, linking major cities such as Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka quickly and comfortably. The Sanyo Shinkansen connects Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka), while the Kyushu Shinkansen connects Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo further south. The Mizuho through train actually spans the entire line between Kagoshima and Osaka.

Many local JR lines branch out to smaller towns like Kurashiki or coastal areas along the Sea of Japan. Beyond rail, ferries play an important role in connecting the Kyushu, Honshu, and Shikoku islands, and also provide a scenic alternative to travel by train. Note that many different operators serve the region.

MOL Sunflower operates routes between Osaka/Kobe and Beppu/Oita (Kyushu), but there’s also Setonaikai Kisen (Hiroshima—Matsuyama/Ehime), Jumbo Ferry (Kobe—Takamatsu/Kagawa) and Uwajima Unyu Ferry (Yawatahama—Beppu/Usuki).

Buses and local railways fill in the gaps, supporting slower, more flexible travel.

The JR Pass can be a good option if you are mostly relying on train travel, but note that the Mizuho train shinkansen would require an additional fee, but is otherwise included in the JR Kyushu Rail Pass. This list of transit passes details what’s available in each area.