Japan Road Trip Alternative: Off-the-Beaten-Path Coastal and Nature Route from Osaka with Shimanami Kaido Adventure

Day 1: Osaka to Shimanami

Osaka to Onomichi, Japan on October 11, 2025

9:00am

Rent Vehicle in Osaka

Collect your rental car in Osaka early to maximise your road trip time; ensure your rental allows crossing bridges on Shimanami Kaido.
JPY10000, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive from Osaka to Onomichi

Drive west towards Onomichi, a charming port town that is the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route; expect scenic views en route along the Seto Inland Sea highways.
Fuel Costs Approx JPY5000, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch in Onomichi at Cafe Cycle

Enjoy a light meal at this cyclist-friendly café known for local seafood and refreshing drinks before your Shimanami adventure.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Exploration in Onomichi

Walk through Onomichi’s quaint old town, visit temples like Senkoji, and rent bicycles here if needed.
Free or JPY300 for temple entry, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Onomichi hotel

Settle into a local ryokan or guesthouse with sea views to relax before cycling the next day.
JPY10000, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Uomachi Shokudo

Experience authentic Seto Inland Sea seafood dishes in a homely setting.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Shimanami Kaido Cycling

Onomichi to Imabari along Shimanami Kaido, Japan on October 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast featuring fish, rice, and miso soup to fuel your day of cycling.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Start Cycling Shimanami Kaido

Cycle the stunning 70km route across six islands and several bridges between Onomichi and Imabari; take in ocean views, visit small villages, and scenic beaches.
Bicycle rental JPY1000-2000 per day, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local Island Café

Stop on Innoshima or Ikuchijima for fresh local cuisine with views over the Inland Sea.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stop at Kosanji Temple and Museum

Explore the art-filled Kosanji Temple complex nestled on Ikuchijima, a peaceful cultural highlight of the route.
JPY700, 1h0m

5:00pm

Arrive in Imabari and Check-in

Rest at your accommodation or enjoy Imabari’s hot springs after your cycling adventures.
JPY9000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner in Imabari at Yurin

Try Imabari yakitori, a local chicken dish unique to the region, in a lively local eatery.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Imabari to Tottori

Imabari to Tottori, Japan on October 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light continental or Japanese breakfast to prepare for your drive north toward Tottori.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Imabari to Tottori

Head north along coastal routes towards the sand dunes of Tottori, famous for their desert-like landscape and lovely beaches.
Fuel Cost Approx JPY6000, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch near Tottori Station

Have fresh seafood or regional Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant close to the station.
JPY1800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Tottori Sand Dunes

Explore the expansive sand dunes, ride camels, and enjoy panoramic views across the Sea of Japan; ideal for hiking and photography.
Free for walking, JPY500 for camel rides, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check in at Tottori hotel

Relax and refresh at your accommodation, many offer onsen facilities to soothe muscles after hiking.
JPY8000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Kamome

Enjoy excellent local dishes such as fresh sushi or grilled fish with a welcoming atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Tottori to Osaka Return

Tottori to Osaka, Japan on October 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast, refuelling for the journey back to Osaka.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Himeji

En route back to Osaka, stop at Himeji to visit Japan’s most spectacular castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fuel Approx JPY4000, Himeji Castle entrance JPY1000, 2h0m

11:00am

Himeji Castle

Explore the beautifully preserved Himeji Castle known as the White Heron Castle for its elegant architecture and grounds.
JPY1000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch near Himeji Station

Try local soba or udon noodles at a well-rated nearby restaurant before continuing your drive.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive back to Osaka

Enjoy the countryside drive back to Osaka, returning your rental vehicle late afternoon or early evening.
Fuel Approx JPY3000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return rental car

Drop off your vehicle at the Osaka rental location completing your road trip phase.
Included in rental, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Osaka at Dotonbori

Celebrate your return with dinner in the vibrant Dotonbori area, sampling takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and street food staples open until late.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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