Page 16 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

14  INTRODUCING JAP AN

A Week in Kansai which “borrows” the scenery
& Western Japan of the black-walled Okayama
Castle, across the Asahi River.
• Airports Arrive at Kansai Take a 15-minute train ride to
International Airport and Kurashiki (pp214–15) to stroll
depart from Hiroshima around the charming Bikan
International Airport. Historical Area of old merchant
• Transport The trip from houses turned into boutiques,
Osaka to Okayama by cafés, and guesthouses, and to
Shinkansen takes about one visit the Ohara Museum of Art,
hour, as does the journey which includes works by the
from Osaka to Takamatsu. likes of Gauguin and Picasso. The neon lights of Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s
Takamatsu to Matsuyama is liveliest quarters
2.5 hours. From Matsuyama Day 4
to Hiroshima Port by From Okayama, take the War II. The centerpiece is the
hydrofoil takes one hour. mammoth Seto-Ohashi Bridge, Peace Memorial Museum, which
A 20-minute ferry trip links which leapfrogs the islands presents a balanced view of
Hiroshima Port to Miyajima, of the Inland Sea, to reach the why the atomic bomb was
or there’s a 10-minute ferry Takamatsu (p228), the first dropped here in 1945. While
ride to the island from major urban center on Shikoku. in town, try the local specialty
Miyajima-guchi, a 55-minute The beautiful Ritsurin Garden is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake.
tram journey west of the this city’s main landmark. A one-
center of Hiroshima. hour train journey from here Day 7
takes you to Kotohira (pp228–9), The vermilion gate of
home to the important Shinto Itsukushima Shrine (p220),
Day 1 shrine Konpira-san, which can rising out of the sea off the
What Osaka (pp204–7) lacks be reached by climbing 785 steps coast of Miyajima (pp220–21),
in looks, it makes up for in up a wooded hillside. The town is one of Japan’s most famous
dynamism and friendliness. The has lovely traditional inns to stay sights. Behind the covered
main central sights include the in and many places to eat. walkways and halls of this
reconstructed Osaka Castle seaside shrine rises Mount
(pp204–5) and grounds, the Day 5 Misen (p221), the summit of
National Museum of Art (p205), Two hours from Kotohira is which provides panoramic
the Museum of Oriental Matsuyama (p230), Shikoku’s views across the Inland Sea.
Ceramics (p205), and the largest city. Graced by a
Floating Garden Observatory splendid hilltop castle, it also To extend your trip…
(p206). Beside Osaka Bay is the boasts the magnificent public Matsue (pp216–17) has
impressive Osaka Aquarium bathhouse of Dogo Onsen, an original castle, samurai
(p207), one of the best in Japan. where visitors can experience houses, and a lovely setting
The lively downtown areas of Japanese bathing culture. between a lake and the
Namba and Dotonbori (p204) Japan Sea. The pine tree-
are best for eats and nightlife. Day 6 lined Amanohashidate
The Peace Memorial Park of Sand Bar (p216) is also
Day 2 Hiroshima (pp218–19) is the one of Japan’s most
Kobe (pp208–9), 15 minutes obvious draw of this city rebuilt scenic locations.
train journey west of Osaka, has after the destruction of World
a colorful Chinatown (p208) and
elegant Meiji-period homes in
the hillside Kitano-cho (p208)
district; both areas deserve
at least a quick visit. The star
attraction of Himeji, 20 minutes
farther down the line, is the
spectacular feudal Himeji
Castle (pp210–13). The main
keep looks fantastic after its
restoration. Finish your day in
Okayama (p214) another short
hop by Shinkansen bullet train.
Day 3
Rise early to visit Okayama’s
Koraku-en Garden (p214), one
of Japan’s top-three gardens, Amanohashidate Sand Bar, separating Miyazu Bay from Asokai lagoon
For practical information on traveling around Japan, see pp380–85

012-017_EW_Japan.indd 14 08/08/16 3:05 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Country itinerary template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.1)
Date 21st March 2014
Size 125mm x 217mm