New to exploring Japan by rental car? No problem! Discover the ultimate road trip routes packed with must-visit landmarks and the trendiest photo-worthy spots across the San'in, Setouchi, and Shikoku regions!
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 five-part series, we’re covering must-drive routes through the San’in, Setouchi, and Shikoku regions. This edition features a perfect blend of popular and well-known spots and trending photogenic spots! Best of all, with the SEP, you can save ¥2,590 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
San'in, Setouchi, and Shikoku Driving Routes: Must-See Classics & Photogenic Gems Route!
Driving Route Overview
Route from Kansai International Airport to Takamatsu Airport:
Osaka Prefecture → Hyogo Prefecture → Tokushima Prefecture → Kochi Prefecture → Ehime Prefecture → Kagawa Prefecture
Sample Itinerary for a Four-Day, Three-Night Driving Adventure
Indulge in a luxurious four-day, three-night road trip across six prefectures! By taking advantage of a four-day SEP, you can save ¥2,590 on highway tolls compared to regular rates! *Valid as of March 2025.
Must-Visit Spots on this Must-See Classics & Photogenic Gems Route!
Stairs of Happiness: Endless Ocean Views to Take Your Breath Away!
The Stairs of Happiness are a spectacular photo spot at A Happy Pancake Awaji Island Resort, an ocean-view café where every seat offers a stunning view of the sea. This dazzling white staircase appears to stretch toward the endless blue sky and ocean, creating a floating scene that's simply picture-perfect. As visitors climb the stairs, the panoramic ocean view is truly mesmerizing. You're sure to be overcome with a sense of pure bliss. For an extra touch of magic, visit at sunset when the sky glows in warm hues, casting an enchanting atmosphere - perfect for capturing unforgettable photos! The resort also features other must-visit spots like the Ring of Happiness, the Bell of Happiness, and an aesthetically pleasing swing, making it a paradise for capturing beautiful snapshots.
At A Happy Pancake, guests can indulge in Awaji-exclusive delights like strawberry shortcake pancakes brimming with fresh domestic strawberries and decadent Uji matcha mousse pancakes. These mouthwatering desserts are delightfully fluffy, and the strawberry cream perfectly is not overly sweet, letting the strawberry flavor take center stage. The cherry on the (pan)cake has to be experiencing this all on the terrace while soaking in the breathtaking ocean view! In addition to the pancakes, the restaurant also offers other main dishes, such as pasta.
Ōtsuka Museum of Art: A One-of-a-Kind Museum Bringing the World's Masterpieces to Life on Ceramic Boards!
The Ōtsuka Museum of Art is a remarkable destination, featuring full-scale ceramic reproductions of over 1,000 masterpieces from more than 190 museums across 26 countries. From ancient murals to modern classics, this expansive museum brings the world’s most iconic artworks to life.
Marvel at astonishingly detailed recreations of Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa,” all faithfully recreated with remarkable texture and depth. With its vast exhibition space, the Ōtsuka Museum of Art is the perfect place for art lovers and explorers curious to experience legendary masterpieces up close like never before.*The photo was taken of an exhibit at the Ōtsuka Museum of Art.
Shimanto River Sightseeing Cruise: Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Nature and Refresh Your Senses!
Renowned as "Japan’s last pristine river," the Shimanto River is a breathtaking natural wonder. Its banks are adorned with lush greenery, and the gently-flowing crystal-clear waters offer a serene escape to rejuvenate the soul. In the early morning, the tranquil surface of the river reflects the golden glow of the sunrise, while at dusk, the sky transforms into a striking palette of crimson hues. Each season brings its own wonders: spring’s cherry blossoms, summer’s vibrant foliage, and autumn’s fiery foliage all beautifully embellish the riverside, making every visit a picturesque experience.
Canoeing or traditional houseboat cruises offer an unforgettable chance to drift along and take in the river’s other-worldly natural beauty while getting up close with wild river fish and waterfowl. On the houseboats, guests can indulge in delicious meals and bentō boxes prepared using fresh local ingredients, all while floating on the serene waters!
Ōzu Castle: A Majestic Fortress That Invites You to Discover Japan's Rich History and Epic Architecture!
Ōzu Castle is a remarkable fortress featuring a beautifully restored wooden keep. After being dismantled in 1888, the keep was meticulously rebuilt in 2004, using historical documents and timber framing models, along with traditional techniques from its original era.
Inside the castle, captivating historical exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s rich past and culture. The interior showcases its striking wooden construction, featuring a unique open design on the first and second floors that distinguishes it from other castles. During spring, the castle is surrounded by breathtaking cherry blossoms, while autumn brings vibrant foliage, creating a magnificent backdrop that beautifully contrasts with the quintessentially Japanese architecture.
From the four-story keep, visitors are treated to phenomenal views of Ōzu City and the Hiji River. A short stroll from the castle leads to a pleasant shopping district that retains a nostalgic Edo- and Meiji-era charm. Thanks to recent revitalization efforts, this area has become an exciting tourist hotspot, offering one-of-a-kind accommodation at the castle and transforming the entire castle town into a multi-site hotel experience.
To read more about Ozu Castle, click here!
https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/13247
Dōgo Onsen: Soak in Tradition at a Historic Hot Spring Retreat
Dōgo Onsen boasts a remarkable history of over 3,000 years, making it Japan's oldest hot spring resort. At its heart lies the iconic Dōgo Onsen Honkan, a stately wooden renovation from the Meiji era, recognized as an Important Cultural Property. Featured in Natsume Sōseki's beloved novel "Botchan," this destination has captured the hearts of many. The alkaline spring water is renowned for its silky-smooth feel that gently moisturizes the skin, making it perfect for both relaxation and beauty treatments. Guests can also indulge in the unique experience of soaking in unheated and untreated spring water straight from the source!
The admission fee varies based on your choice of bath and relaxation room. For a simple soak, the Kami-no-Yu offers a simple bathing experience, while the luxurious Rei-no-Yu gives you access to a refined relaxation room. For the ultimate unwind, visit the Rei-no-Yu, then head to the third-floor private room and take in its traditional Japanese vibe. Slip into a yukata gown, relax on the tatami mats, sip tea, and savor sweets in a one-of-a-kind experience that transports you straight to the heart of old Japan!
You can also visit "Botchan Room," which is said to have been used by the famous writer Natsume Sōseki, and, depending on the type of bathing ticket, explore "Yūshinden Room" Japan’s most exclusive bath reserved for the royal family!
To read more about Dōgo Onsen, click here!
https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/1166
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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