Rent a car and follow cherry blossoms across Japan as they come into full bloom! Discover this scenic driving course through the San’in, Setouchi, and Shikoku regions, featuring the best sakura spots for an unforgettable spring adventure.
Exploring 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 ¥1,760 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!
The 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
Cherry Blossom Routes in San'in, Setouchi, and Shikoku: Spring in Japan Special!
Driving Route Overview
Tottori Airport to Kokura Station Route: Tottori Prefecture → Shimane Prefecture → Hiroshima Prefecture → Yamaguchi Prefecture → Fukuoka Prefecture
Sample Itinerary for a Four-Day, Three-Night Driving Adventure
This four-day, three-night driving route starts at Tottori Airport, ends at Kokura Station, and offers a sightseeing journey full of fun for both adults and children. Along the way, you can visit must-see spots like Utsubuki Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, the historic Kintaikyō Bridge, and the Fruit Theme Park at Hirata Kanko Noen, where you can enjoy fruit picking. With a car, you can explore these attractions more efficiently, making the most of your four-day, three-night vacation!
Indulge in a luxurious four-day, three-night road trip across five prefectures! By taking advantage of a four-day SEP, you can save ¥1,760 on highway tolls compared to regular rates! *Valid as of March 2025.
Must-Visit Cherry Blossom Spots on this Spring Route!
Utsubuki Park: A Magical Cherry Blossom Spot Featuring a Spring
Utsubuki Park is one of the San’in region’s most iconic city parks and has been recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom-viewing spots. In spring, the park comes alive with a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms and azaleas, with around 1,000 cherry trees in and around the area.
The park also hosts the Kurayoshi Spring Festival, where bonbori lanterns and illuminations create an enchanting evening atmosphere.
The park is packed with fun for all ages! Explore the historic Hiryūkaku Pavilion, a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, or visit the Friendly Plaza to see adorable animals like guinea pigs and rabbits on display.Don’t miss the Hagoromo Pond, where you can take part in the Hodokigami Ritual. Drawing inspiration from Japanese legends, participants write past regrets or future wishes on special paper and gently place it on the water to watch it dissolve, symbolizing a fresh start as the old is released and the new is welcomed in.
https://www.tottori-tour.jp/en/sightseeing/799/
Izumo Taisha Shrine: Japan’s Top Shrine for Matchmaking!
Dedicated to the deity Okuninushi no Ōkami, Izumo Taisha Shrine is celebrated as the shrine of matchmaking, drawing countless visitors hoping to find love.
However, what truly sets this shrine apart is its impressive scale. The magnificent main honden hall proudly claims the title of Japan's largest shrine building, while the haiden worship hall stands as Japan's biggest wooden structure built since World War II. Don’t miss the impressive shimenawa, the sacred twisted rope in the Kagura Hall, which is sure to leave you in awe. Another distinctive feature is the reversed placement of the shimenawa in the haiden, which sets it apart from other shrines.
Plus, delightful rabbit statues inspired by the enchanting myth of the “White Hare of Inaba” are found throughout the grounds, adding an extra touch of magic to this extraordinary shrine experience!
Begin your journey to the shrine at the majestic torii gate at the entrance, and walk along the path to the haiden and honden halls. Complete your visit with the classic ritual of two respectful bows, followed by four claps, and one final bow.
In the cherry blossom season, around 200 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom around the shrine grounds, creating dreamlike scenes. Key highlights include the picturesque path from the grand torii gate to the main hall, as well as the idyllic scenes surrounding the main hall and Soganoyashiro Shrine. The poignant contrast between the shrine and the cherry blossoms creates an ideal photo opportunity. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of cherry blossoms amidst the sacred ambiance of the majestic Izumo Taisha Shrine!
https://izumooyashiro.or.jp/en/
To read more about Izumo Taisha Shrine, click here!
https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10855
Kintaikyō Bridge: A Cherry Blossom Haven and One of Japan's Three Iconic Bridges
Kintaikyō Bridge, a striking wooden structure featuring five elegant arches and spanning approximately 200 meters, is celebrated as one of Japan's three iconic bridges. It's also recognized as a premier cherry blossom-viewing spot in the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Locations in Japan." In spring, around 1,500 cherry trees, including the famous Somei-Yoshino variety, create an impressive avenue of blossoms stretching about 400 meters. The sight of the five arches over the Nishiki River, framed by vibrant pink blossoms, is nothing short of spectacular. As you walk across the bridge, take in the beauty of its wooden architecture, the blooming cherry trees on either side, and the distant view of Iwakuni Castle atop the mountains. The lush and spacious lawns surrounding the bridge are perfect for picnics, making it a popular spot for blossom viewing.
Plus, don’t miss the incredible seasonal illuminations at night!
As the seasons become warmer, visitors can also enjoy relaxing boat rides and the unique summer experience of cormorant fishing. The area surrounding Kintaikyō Bridge is lively and boasts various restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops just waiting to be discovered. Be sure to ride on the ropeway just beyond the bridge for wonderful panoramic views of Kintaikyō Bridge set against the charming Iwakuni cityscape!
https://kankou.iwakuni-city.net/itn/by-area/kintaikyo-bridge-area/kintaikyo-bridge/
Dannoura Parking Area: An Exceptional Observation Deck for Panoramic Views of the Kanmon Straits!
The outbound Dannoura Parking Area in Yamaguchi Prefecture offers an incredible vantage point from which to take in beautiful views of the Kanmon Straits. As the sun sets, witness the awe-inspiring sight of the sinking sun casting vibrant hues across the sea!
This unique parking area boasts souvenir shops and restaurants where visitors can find a diverse selection of local treats, from snacks and seasonings to delicious foods. Whether you're looking to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a meal or snack during your break, you'll find it all here. With clean and modern facilities, it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge on your road trip!
https://www.w-holdings.co.jp/sapa/2656.html *Japanese only
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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