Hiroshima to Otaru
Cultural Shores
& Northern
Landscapes

Days 1-2

Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima stands as a global symbol of peace and remembrance. Visit the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial Park and Museum, view the preserved Genbaku Dome, explore reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, with its floating torii gate.

Activities

• •Peace Memorial Park & Museum
• •Genbaku Dome viewing
• •Castle and shrine visits

Day 3

Shimonoseki, Japan

A historic maritime city at the entrance to the narrow Kanmon Strait. Enjoy sweeping coastal views from observatories, then explore the city’s food culture and visit Akama Shrine, tied to the Battle of Dan no ura that reshaped Japan’s political order. If you want a nature focused option, head inland to Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park for a light hike across the limestone plateau, then continue into Akiyoshido, one of Japan’s largest limestone caves. A third option is the Chofu samurai town walk, linking the Chofu Mori Residence, Kozanji Temple, and the Shimonoseki City Museum of History, which frames the Meiji era turning point and the end of samurai rule.

• •Karato Fish Market
• •Kozan-ji Temple
• •Coastal viewpoints
• •Mekari No. 2 Observatory
• •Akama Shrine
• •Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park
• •Akiyoshido Cave
• •Samurai castle town walk

Day 4

Busan, South Korea

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city, where beaches and hills frame a busy harbour. Visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, spend time in museums and the market lanes of the old city. Or choose Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside maze of pastel houses and art filled alleys shaped by local artists, walk the Songdo Beach Skywalk and stop at Jagalchi seafood market. There is also an optional full day in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, with Bulguksa Temple and royal tomb sites.

• •Busan Museum
• •Traditional and seafood markets
• •Gamcheon Culture Village & coastal districts
• •Optional Gyeongju UNESCO excursion

Days 5-6

Sakaiminato, Japan

A fishing port known for fresh seafood, manga heritage and access to volcanic Mount Daisen. Choose between gardens and museums inland, forest walks, and coastal exploration. A signature stroll is Mizuki Shigeru Road, an 800 meter arcade themed around local manga and yokai folklore, lined with bronze character statues and small shops.

Day 7

Maizuru, Japan

A scenic harbour with naval history and Meiji era brick warehouses. Stay in Maizuru for the Repatriation Memorial Museum, Red Brick Park, and big views over Maizuru Bay from Goro Sky Tower. Or use this call as your Kyoto gateway, with the included full day visit to Arashiyama for Tenryuji Temple and its garden, the bamboo grove, and the Fukuda Art Museum after lunch. You can also choose the optional trip to Amanohashidate, the pine covered sandbar known as one of Japan’s three classic scenic views.

Day 8

Sado Island (Ogi), Japan

Rich in folk traditions, rugged coasts, and wooden tub boats. Explore Ogi’s harbour and tarai bune culture, then choose one of two included half day experiences: a taiko drum workshop with the Sado based Kodo team or a tarai bune ride along Ogi’s indented shoreline. Both options continue to Shukunegi, a preserved shipbuilder village from Sado’s gold mining era, with time at the Hakusanmaru kitamae ship exhibit.

Day 9

Sakata, Japan

A historic port shaped by rice and safflower trade. Trace the city’s merchant history at the Homma Art Museum and the Sanno Club, a historic restaurant that once served as a social hub for wealthy merchants and local dignitaries. Walk Edo-era streets and visit the Sankyo Rice Storehouses, shaded by zelkova trees. The Ken Domon Museum rounds out the day with landmark documentary photography, including images of Hiroshima bombing survivors.

Day 10

Aomori, Japan

Northern Honshu’s cultural centre, with deep roots in the Jomon period. Explore Sannai Maruyama, one of Japan’s largest Jomon settlement sites, dating roughly from 3900 to 2200 BCE. Then visit Seiryu ji to see the Showa Daibutsu, a towering seated bronze Buddha, with a five story pagoda on the grounds. The city also features Hirosaki Castle, dating back from the samurai period.

• •Sannai-Maruyama site
• •Seiryu-ji Temple & pagoda
• •Nebuta Warasse Museum
• •Hirosaki Castle

Day 11

Otaru, Japan