If you’re eager to explore Japan’s unique natural landscapes and exquisite gardens, we recommend hitting the road in a rental car. Driving allows you the freedom to discover those off-the-beaten-path attractions that are tough to reach by train or bus, making your adventure all the more epic!
xploring Japan by train or bus can be limiting, but with a rental car, you're free to roam at your own pace - plus, there's plenty of room for all those must-have souvenirs!
Worried about highway tolls? No problem! The San’in-Setouchi-Shikoku Expressway Pass (SEP) makes driving easy, affordable, and stress-free.
In this series, we’re unveiling five highly-recommended routes through the San’in, Setouchi, and Shikoku regions. In this article, we’re showcasing Japan’s breathtaking natural landscapes and serene gardens. Best of all, with the SEP, you can save ¥7,050 on your adventure compared to the regular highway toll! *Valid as of March 2025.
What is the SEP? Your Must-Have Ticket for the Ultimate San'in, Setouchi & Shikoku Road Trip!
he San’in-Setouchi-Shikoku Expressway Pass (SEP) is a special pass exclusively for foreign visitors, offering unlimited highway access across 10 prefectures in the San’in, Setouchi, and Shikoku regions for a fixed fee. Prices vary depending on the duration of your pass, but with the perfect route, this pass can help you save big on your Japan road trip!
Choose the ideal plan for your trip, with options ranging from 3 to 10 days.
What to bring to the store:
- Passport
- Driver’s license valid for use in Japan
For more details on the SEP, click here!
https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/13402
San'in, Setouchi, and Shikoku Driving Routes: Natural Beauty & Japanese Garden Special
Driving Route Overview
Route from Kokura Station to Hiroshima Station:
Fukuoka Prefecture → Yamaguchi Prefecture → Shimane Prefecture → Okayama Prefecture → Hiroshima Prefecture
Sample Itinerary for a Four-Day, Three-Night Driving Adventure
Set off on a captivating four-day, three-night road trip that highlights the beauty of Japan's picturesque gardens and captivating natural landscapes. Start your trip with incredible views of the Kanmon Straits flowing between Kyushu and Honshu. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Iwami Ginzan, where you can see the historic remnants of the silver mines and wander the charming town streets, evoking a sense of nostalgia. With the freedom of a car, you can drive to Kotogahama to experience the unique "singing sand," where each step on the beach produces a delightful koto-like sound. And don't forget to enjoy some retail therapy at the nearby outlet stores. This journey promises to be an unforgettable experience!
Indulge in a luxurious four-day, three-night road trip across five prefectures! By taking advantage of a four-day SEP, you can save ¥7,050 on highway tolls compared to regular rates! *Valid as of March 2025.
Must-Visit Wonders on Japan’s Natural Beauty & Majestic Gardens Route!
Mōri Garden: Experience the Beauty of the Four Seasons Around the Hyōtan Pond
Nestled in Hōfu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, this awe-inspiring garden is part of the former residence of the Mōri Clan, the former rulers of the Chōshū Domain. Covering an impressive 25,000 tsubo (about 82,600 square meters), the garden features a peaceful pathway that meanders around the picturesque Hyōtan Pond. The beautiful bridges and islands, which were crafted 100–150 years ago by skilled artisans during Japan's Meiji and Taishō eras, add to the garden's charm and elegance.
The garden allows you to experience the beauty of nature fully throughout the seasons. From late March to early April, about 160 cherry trees burst into bloom, transforming the landscape into a sea of pink. By late May, around 900 azaleas come alive with color, casting a ravishing red reflection across the pond's surface. Then, during the autumn foliage season from mid-November to early December, the brilliant red maple leaves create a vibrant contrast with the tranquil pond, making for an unforgettable sight.
Moreover, the Former Residence of the Mōri Clan offers a glimpse into the architectural craftsmanship of its era, with a section of the estate dedicated to the Mōri Museum. Here, you can explore a fascinating collection of treasures passed down through generations of the Mōri Clan.
https://www.visit-jy.com/en/spots/14783
Adachi Museum of Art: Voted Japan’s #1 Garden consecutively in a Prestigious U.S. Magazine
Located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, the Adachi Museum of Art is renowned for its beautiful Japanese gardens and exceptional collection of masterpieces by modern art icon Yokoyama Taikan.
The museum’s enchanting Japanese garden was the lifelong passion of its founder, Adachi Zenkō, who poured his heart into its creation until his passing in 1990 at 91. Spanning an impressive 50,000 tsubo (about 165,000 square meters), this vast landscape looks like a living Japanese painting, transforming seamlessly with the seasons and shifting light. From koi carp gliding through the pond beneath vibrant spring blooms to a serene, snow-covered wonderland, its ever-changing scenery never ceases to amaze. A dream destination for photography lovers, it’s the perfect place to capture dazzling, social media-worthy shots.
Recognized as Japan's top garden consecutively in a ranking of approximately 1,000 Japanese gardens by America's top Japanese garden magazine, the Adachi Museum of Art is a true gem. It has also received acclaim from a French guidebook as a destination “worth the journey,” making it an irresistible spot for international visitors.
https://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/en/
The 300-Year Legacy of Okayama Kōrakuen: One of Japan’s Finest Gardens
Okayama Kōrakuen, renowned as one of Japan's three great gardens alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Kanazawa's Kenrokuen, was created around 300 years ago. Covering an impressive 44,000 tsubo (about 144,000 square meters), this vast garden boasts interconnected paths, quiet ponds, charming tea houses, and gentle hills, creating a perfect setting for leisurely exploration.
Springtime in the garden is a dynamic spectacle, beginning with plum blossoms in late February, followed by cherry blossoms and azalea from March to April, and a bold display of satsuki azaleas, and tree peonies in May. As early summer arrives, the elegant iris flowers bloom, complemented by the refreshing sight of flowing waterfalls. Autumn transforms the landscape into a canvas of mesmerizing colors, with the Chishio-no-Mori Grove, featuring 100 majestic maple trees, a must-visit spot for fall foliage. From autumn to winter, the garden’s magic is further enhanced by the sight of the resident cranes, adding a further touch of nature’s wonder to the classic landscape.
The garden also features numerous historical structures that enhance the beauty of its natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire garden from the Enyōtei House(Special opening only in May and October), originally designed as the lord's quarters. Meanwhile, the Ryūten Pavilion, with its picturesque waterway flowing through the center, provides a cozy resting spot, ideal for relaxing and taking in the idyllic surroundings after your stroll.
https://okayama-korakuen.jp/section/english/
Shukkeien Garden: A Beautiful and Resilient Oasis That Survived a Blaze
Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima City is a historic daimyō garden constructed in 1620 as a retreat for the lord of the Hiroshima Clan. It was destroyed by fire in 1758, the garden later underwent extensive renovations beginning in 1783 before being donated to Hiroshima Prefecture by the Asano family in 1940.
Situated in the bustling heart of Hiroshima City, Shukkeien Garden is surrounded by modern skyscrapers, yet it's cherished as a retreat by both locals and visitors. The garden features a diverse array of seasonal plants, including approximately 110 cherry trees of nine different varieties, adding vibrant colors throughout the year.During the autumn foliage season, the garden is tastefully illuminated, showcasing its beauty even after sunset.
Spanning the central pond, the Kokōkyō Bridge is a stone-arch bridge that dates back approximately 240 years. With its design symbolizing a connection between earth and heaven, it is graceful as well as impressively sturdy. Visit Shukkeien Garden to immerse yourself in over 400 years of Japanese garden history and feel the vibrant spirit of Hiroshima: the city of peace.
The Mōri Garden, Adachi Museum of Art, and Okayama Kōrakuen featured in this guide range from a 30-minute to 1-hour walk from the nearest train station, so access by car is essential. With a rental car, you can skip the hassle of bus schedules and taxis, making your sightseeing experience smooth and efficient!
About the SEP
Name: San'in-Setouchi-Shikoku Expressway Pass
- Abbreviation: SEP
- Eligibility: Available to anyone* holding a foreign passport or Japanese nationals with permanent residency abroad (*Limited to those with a driver's license valid for use in Japan).
- How to use: Applications must be submitted through designated rental car companies. Same-day applications also accepted.
- Eligible vehicles: The pass is valid for vehicles equipped with ETC cards provided by the designated rental car companies, utilizing ETC wireless communication for travel.
- Applicable areas: The pass covers highways managed by NEXCO West Japan in Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures. (Please note that additional fees apply for some routes, such as the Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Expressway and Hiroshima Expressway. For further information on ineligible sections, please refer to the official NEXCO West Japan website.)
- Official website：https://global.w-nexco.co.jp/en/sep/
- Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552613873798&locale=ja_JP
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Feel free to use these as inspiration for your travel itinerary!
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