Japan / HyogoThis route follows the pristine San'in Coast from Himeji to Nagato, trading the speed of the bullet train for salty air, dunes, pine-fringed shrines, rocky roads, and onsen valleys. It's less crowded than the Golden Route, so you'll enjoy beautiful views with fewer crowds, especially outside of peak season. Expect to travel 560–700 km depending on the route, and is best completed in 4–6 days to enjoy the beaches, museums, and country roads. Why you should visit: the Tottori Sand Dunes and Sand Museum, the turquoise bays of Uradome, the classical castles and gardens around Matsue, the mythical Izumo Taisha, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iwami Ginzan, and the rugged Nagato Coast. Spring and fall offer clear skies and soft light; winter brings spectacular surf and snow on the hills.
Route start
Himeji. Pick up a car from Himeji Station to visit Himeji Castle beforehand, then head northwest toward the Sea of Japan.
End of route
Nagato. Leave your car at Nagato Yumoto Onsen or drive 1–2 hours to the Shinkansen hub or the regional airport in Yamaguchi.
Stops along the route
– Himeji → Tottori (via internal expressways or Route 29/312)
– Tottori Sand Dunes and Uradome Coast
– Matsue (castle and gardens; a short detour on the way to Izumo)
– Izumo (Izumo-taisha, Hinomisaki Lighthouse)
– Oda (Iwami Ginzan silver mine)
– Hamada (Aquas aquarium, beaches)
– Nagato (Senjojiki, Omijima, Motonosumi Inari)
What will you see
– Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden (morning departure)
– Tottori Sand Dunes and Sand Museum
– Uradome Coastal Viewpoints and Short Coastal Hiking Trails
– Matsue Castle; Adachi Museum of Art Garden (Yasugi Bypass)
– Izumo-taisha Grand Shrine; Hinomisaki Lighthouse
– Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Trails and the Preserved Omori Cityscape
– Shimane Aquarium; Iwami Seaside Park
– Nagato: Senjojiki Plateau, Omijima Island Cliffs, Motonosumi Inari Shrine
– Optional: Akiyoshido Cave (Mine City bypass)
Roads and driving
– Quality: paved and in good condition. Coastal sections can be narrow and winding; tunnels are common.
– Major transportation routes: National Route 9 (toll-free, slow but scenic); San'in Expressway E9 (combination of toll and toll-free sections), connecting routes from Himeji via the Bantan/Chugoku Expressways.
– Toll Roads: Highways are typically toll roads. The ETC card saves time and can reduce toll costs.
– Speed limit: 50–60 km/h on normal roads; 80–100 km/h on expressways (observe posted signs).
– Enforcement: stationary and mobile speed cameras; unmarked patrol cars. Fines are high, and they accumulate.
– Fuel and services: Gas stations in all cities; fewer 24-hour options in rural areas. Fuel, food, and restrooms are available on sections of the PA/SA expressways. Independent service garages are available in cities; plan ahead if you need to use them late at night.
– Parking: Plenty of parking near major attractions; paid parking at popular dunes, sanctuaries, and viewpoints. Carry coins or use card where possible.
– Seasonality: Winter (December–March) can bring coastal squalls and snow inland; chain monitoring may be required on mountain roads.
Which car to choose?
– Car: A compact or mid-size car (1,5–2,0 liters) is ideal. Consider all-wheel drive and non-studded winter tires from December to March. Good headlights for tunnels and a tight turning radius are helpful on rural roads.
– Motorcycle: A touring motorcycle with a 400–1000 cc engine and wind protection; a raincoat is required on the coast.
– Tires: summer or all-season for spring and autumn; studless winter tires for the cold season.
– Equipment: ETC toll card, dashcam, phone mount, offline maps, USB port, reflective triangle, and compact tire pump. Save cash for rural parking and small eateries.
Budget
An approximate 5-day road trip for two people sharing a room (JPY/USD 155 JPY ≈ 1 USD):
– Car rental: 35,000–60,000 JPY (225–385 USD)
– Fuel (600–700 km, 14 km/l, 170 JPY/l): 7,000–9,000 JPY (45–60 USD)
– Toll roads (combination of Highway 9 and expressways): 6,000–12,000 JPY (40–80 USD)
– Parking and attractions: 5,000–10,000 JPY (30–65 USD)
– Accommodation (4 nights): 40,000–120,000 JPY (260–775 USD) from business hotels to onsen ryokan
– Meals: 20,000–40,000 yen (130–260 USD)
Total: ¥113,000–¥251,000 (US$730–$1620) for two people. Solo travelers should expect higher costs per person for accommodation and car rental.
Accommodation
– Himeji – Hotel Nikko Himeji (near Himeji Station)
– Himeji – Dormy Inn Himeji (central onsen-style baths)
– Tottori – Hotel New Otani Tottori (near Tottori Station)
– Tottori — Y Pub & Hostel Tottori (hostel in the city center)
– Izumo — Dormy Inn Izumo (near Izumoshi Station)
– Izumo – Takenoya (near Izumo Taisha)
– Oda – ryokan and guesthouses in Omori (Iwami Ginzan district)
– Hamada – Shimane Hamada Washington Hotel Plaza (downtown)
– Hamada – Iwami Seaside Park cottages/camp (on the seashore)
– Nagato – Otanisanso (Nagato Yumoto Onsen)
– Nagato – KAI Nagato (Nagato Yumoto Onsen)
Food and drink
Enjoy matsuba-gani (snow crab in winter), rock oysters (in summer), izumo soba, fresh squid, mackerel, and Yamaguchi's famous kawara soba and fugu.
– Himeji – Ekisoba (Himeji Station; classic local instant noodles)
– Tottori – Sakyu Kaik Restaurant (near the Tottori Sand Dunes)
– Tottori – Restaurants of the Karoichi Seafood Market (Tottori Port Area)
– Izumo – Arakiya (Izumo soba; next to Izumo taisha)
– Izumo – Takenoya (traditional set meals; Izumo taisha area)
– Hamada – simple seafood restaurants near Hamada Port; cafe in the Aquas aquarium
– Nagato – small seafood restaurants in the Senjojiki and Senzaki port areas; cafes near Motonosumi Inari
Security
The police are professional and visible; the crime rate is low. There are no bribes—fines are official, and receipts are issued. Speed cameras and red-light cameras are widespread; penalties for drunk driving are strict and enforced. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance). In tunnels and on steep roads, use headlights and keep a safe distance.
Best time to travel
– Late March – June: moderate temperatures, cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, calm sea.
– September – November: clear skies, warm water in early autumn, bright foliage later.
– July – August: Beach season, but humid; prices and local travel are expected to increase during the holidays.
– December – March: atmospheric surf and snow; beautiful, but slower riding, winter gear required.
Tips and Precautions
– Traffic drives on the left; bring your International Driving Permit if you are a foreigner.
– Avoid driving at night on coastal roads in rural areas due to deer and wild boar activity.
– The peak risk of typhoons is August–October; check weather forecasts and coastal advisories.
– Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol – zero tolerance.
– Many gas stations in rural areas close early; fill up in the evening.
– Cash will still be useful in small parking lots and family-run eateries. – Respect local communities: drive slowly in villages, park only in designated areas, and remove litter from the beach/lighthouse.
HyogoThis route follows the pristine San'in Coast from Himeji to Nagato, trading the speed of the bullet train for salty air, dunes, pine-fringed shrines, rocky roads, and onsen valleys. It's less crowded than the Golden Route, so you'll enjoy beautiful views with fewer crowds, especially outside of peak season. Expect to travel 560–700 km depending on the route, and is best completed in 4–6 days to enjoy the beaches, museums, and country roads. Why you should visit: the Tottori Sand Dunes and Sand Museum, the turquoise bays of Uradome, the classical castles and gardens around Matsue, the mythical Izumo Taisha, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iwami Ginzan, and the rugged Nagato Coast. Spring and fall offer clear skies and soft light; winter brings spectacular surf and snow on the hills.
Route start
Himeji. Pick up a car from Himeji Station to visit Himeji Castle beforehand, then head northwest toward the Sea of Japan.
End of route
Nagato. Leave your car at Nagato Yumoto Onsen or drive 1–2 hours to the Shinkansen hub or the regional airport in Yamaguchi.
Stops along the route
– Himeji → Tottori (via internal expressways or Route 29/312)
– Tottori Sand Dunes and Uradome Coast
– Matsue (castle and gardens; a short detour on the way to Izumo)
– Izumo (Izumo-taisha, Hinomisaki Lighthouse)
– Oda (Iwami Ginzan silver mine)
– Hamada (Aquas aquarium, beaches)
– Nagato (Senjojiki, Omijima, Motonosumi Inari)
What will you see
– Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden (morning departure)
– Tottori Sand Dunes and Sand Museum
– Uradome Coastal Viewpoints and Short Coastal Hiking Trails
– Matsue Castle; Adachi Museum of Art Garden (Yasugi Bypass)
– Izumo-taisha Grand Shrine; Hinomisaki Lighthouse
– Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Trails and the Preserved Omori Cityscape
– Shimane Aquarium; Iwami Seaside Park
– Nagato: Senjojiki Plateau, Omijima Island Cliffs, Motonosumi Inari Shrine
– Optional: Akiyoshido Cave (Mine City bypass)
Roads and driving
– Quality: paved and in good condition. Coastal sections can be narrow and winding; tunnels are common.
– Major transportation routes: National Route 9 (toll-free, slow but scenic); San'in Expressway E9 (combination of toll and toll-free sections), connecting routes from Himeji via the Bantan/Chugoku Expressways.
– Toll Roads: Highways are typically toll roads. The ETC card saves time and can reduce toll costs.
– Speed limit: 50–60 km/h on normal roads; 80–100 km/h on expressways (observe posted signs).
– Enforcement: stationary and mobile speed cameras; unmarked patrol cars. Fines are high, and they accumulate.
– Fuel and services: Gas stations in all cities; fewer 24-hour options in rural areas. Fuel, food, and restrooms are available on sections of the PA/SA expressways. Independent service garages are available in cities; plan ahead if you need to use them late at night.
– Parking: Plenty of parking near major attractions; paid parking at popular dunes, sanctuaries, and viewpoints. Carry coins or use card where possible.
– Seasonality: Winter (December–March) can bring coastal squalls and snow inland; chain monitoring may be required on mountain roads.
Which car to choose?
– Car: A compact or mid-size car (1,5–2,0 liters) is ideal. Consider all-wheel drive and non-studded winter tires from December to March. Good headlights for tunnels and a tight turning radius are helpful on rural roads.
– Motorcycle: A touring motorcycle with a 400–1000 cc engine and wind protection; a raincoat is required on the coast.
– Tires: summer or all-season for spring and autumn; studless winter tires for the cold season.
– Equipment: ETC toll card, dashcam, phone mount, offline maps, USB port, reflective triangle, and compact tire pump. Save cash for rural parking and small eateries.
Budget
An approximate 5-day road trip for two people sharing a room (JPY/USD 155 JPY ≈ 1 USD):
– Car rental: 35,000–60,000 JPY (225–385 USD)
– Fuel (600–700 km, 14 km/l, 170 JPY/l): 7,000–9,000 JPY (45–60 USD)
– Toll roads (combination of Highway 9 and expressways): 6,000–12,000 JPY (40–80 USD)
– Parking and attractions: 5,000–10,000 JPY (30–65 USD)
– Accommodation (4 nights): 40,000–120,000 JPY (260–775 USD) from business hotels to onsen ryokan
– Meals: 20,000–40,000 yen (130–260 USD)
Total: ¥113,000–¥251,000 (US$730–$1620) for two people. Solo travelers should expect higher costs per person for accommodation and car rental.
Accommodation
– Himeji – Hotel Nikko Himeji (near Himeji Station)
– Himeji – Dormy Inn Himeji (central onsen-style baths)
– Tottori – Hotel New Otani Tottori (near Tottori Station)
– Tottori — Y Pub & Hostel Tottori (hostel in the city center)
– Izumo — Dormy Inn Izumo (near Izumoshi Station)
– Izumo – Takenoya (near Izumo Taisha)
– Oda – ryokan and guesthouses in Omori (Iwami Ginzan district)
– Hamada – Shimane Hamada Washington Hotel Plaza (downtown)
– Hamada – Iwami Seaside Park cottages/camp (on the seashore)
– Nagato – Otanisanso (Nagato Yumoto Onsen)
– Nagato – KAI Nagato (Nagato Yumoto Onsen)
Food and drink
Enjoy matsuba-gani (snow crab in winter), rock oysters (in summer), izumo soba, fresh squid, mackerel, and Yamaguchi's famous kawara soba and fugu.
– Himeji – Ekisoba (Himeji Station; classic local instant noodles)
– Tottori – Sakyu Kaik Restaurant (near the Tottori Sand Dunes)
– Tottori – Restaurants of the Karoichi Seafood Market (Tottori Port Area)
– Izumo – Arakiya (Izumo soba; next to Izumo taisha)
– Izumo – Takenoya (traditional set meals; Izumo taisha area)
– Hamada – simple seafood restaurants near Hamada Port; cafe in the Aquas aquarium
– Nagato – small seafood restaurants in the Senjojiki and Senzaki port areas; cafes near Motonosumi Inari
Security
The police are professional and visible; the crime rate is low. There are no bribes—fines are official, and receipts are issued. Speed cameras and red-light cameras are widespread; penalties for drunk driving are strict and enforced. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance). In tunnels and on steep roads, use headlights and keep a safe distance.
Best time to travel
– Late March – June: moderate temperatures, cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, calm sea.
– September – November: clear skies, warm water in early autumn, bright foliage later.
– July – August: Beach season, but humid; prices and local travel are expected to increase during the holidays.
– December – March: atmospheric surf and snow; beautiful, but slower riding, winter gear required.
Tips and Precautions
– Traffic drives on the left; bring your International Driving Permit if you are a foreigner.
– Avoid driving at night on coastal roads in rural areas due to deer and wild boar activity.
– The peak risk of typhoons is August–October; check weather forecasts and coastal advisories.
– Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol – zero tolerance.
– Many gas stations in rural areas close early; fill up in the evening.
– Cash will still be useful in small parking lots and family-run eateries. – Respect local communities: drive slowly in villages, park only in designated areas, and remove litter from the beach/lighthouse.