Budget Bus Trips from Hiroshima: Travel to Shimane and Tottori
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International visitors can benefit from major discounts when traveling in and around Hiroshima! We introduce budget bus trips to Shimane, Tottori, and destinations in Hiroshima Prefecture. Take advantage of special passes and tickets to make the most of your travels!
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Tokyo, Japan
Major Discounts! Explore Hiroshima, Shimane, and Tottori
Pictures courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture (left), Shimane Prefecture (top right), and Tottori Prefecture (bottom right)
From the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima to the breathtaking views of Tottori and relaxing onsen in Shimane, the Chugoku region features plenty of great travel locations. We recommend spending several days exploring the region!
Buses are the best way to get around Hiroshima. You can also take find express buses to both Shimane and Tottori Prefectures.
This article introduces various discount tickets and passes. The express bus discounts (*1) will get you from Hiroshima to Matsue and Hamada in Shimane for 500 yen! Travelers can also arrive at Yonago in Tottori for half-price. The Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass is a great way to go sightseeing around Hiroshima and MOBIRY, a cashless ticket service, can help you make the most of your Hiroshima trip.
We'll introduce some of the best destinations to visit in Hiroshima, Shimane, and Tottori!
*1: The discounts are exclusive to international visitors, and passports are required for verification. Different services are offered for Japanese nationals.
Use Bus Discounts When Traveling to Shimane and Tottori
International visitors can present their passports to receive discounts on bus rides from Hiroshima to Matsue and Hamada in Shimane and to Yonago in Tottori. Check here to see all discounted prices.
One must-see spot in Shimane is Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines. Other highlights include Tamatsukuri Onsen, famous for its beautifying effects on skin, and Matsue Castle, whose tower is a national treasure. International visitors can travel to these locations from Hiroshima Bus Center for just 500 yen!
Tottori is home to Daisen, a sacred natural landmark, and Japan's largest sand dunes. These places can be visited via the express bus from Hiroshima Bus Center to Yonago for 2,000 yen—half the regular price.
Let's check out some travel destinations in Shimane and Tottori!
Shimane: Check Out Historic Landmarks and Hot Springs
Picture courtesy of Shimane Prefecture
Izumo Taisha is located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. A pantheon of Japanese deities are said to gather at the shrine each year. The mythical grounds possess a certain majestic atmosphere. Also known as a matchmaking shrine, Izumo Taisha welcomes many visitors every day.
Picture courtesy of Shimane Prefecture
Near Izumo Taisha is one of Japan's oldest onsen: Tamatsukuri Onsen. It's famed among bathers for helping to beautify skin.
The hot spring town has a number of quality Japanese inns (ryokan) and restaurants. Soak in a hot spring bath and take a leisurely stroll through the streets in a yukata (*).
*Yukata: a type of traditional Japanese clothing worn on trips and at special events.
Picture courtesy of Shimane Prefecture
Matsue is known as the home of Matsue Castle: an embodiment of Edo culture. From the castle tower, which is listed as a national treasure, you can get a stunning view of the city!
You can use the ticket discount to travel from Hiroshima to Matsue for just 500 yen. This ride takes about three hours.
Tottori: Marvel at Breathtaking Natural Scenery
Picture courtesy of Tottori Prefecture
International visitors can travel to Yonago in Tottori by boarding the express bus for just 2,000 yen. When you arrive at Yonago, head to Daisen in Daisen-Oki National Park.
Daisen has long been revered as a sacred mountain. Ogamiyama Shrine is located in the mountain's most sanctified area.
Hiking up to the shrine is a great way to enjoy seasonal nature and immerse yourself in an atmosphere alive with ancient tradition.
Picture courtesy of Tottori Prefecture
Tottori is renowned for having Japan's largest sand dunes. Combined with a view of the Sea of Japan, these sand dunes possess an otherworldly beauty.
From the Tottori Sand Museum to paragliding and camel riding, there are various activities to enjoy at the dunes.
The Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass: Save Money When Sightseeing Around Hiroshima and Miyajima
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
If you're looking to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, we recommend picking up the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass.
This pass gives you unlimited rides on the local street cars and buses. It costs 1,000 yen for one day, 1,500 yen for two days, and 2,000 yen for three days.
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima has plenty of places to visit. These include the Atomic Bomb Dome—a World Heritage Site, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the traditional Japanese garden Shukkeien.
Venture outside the city to visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, another World Heritage site.
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
About an hour by bus from Hiroshima, Sandankyo Gorge is a must-visit location in the town of Akiota.
The 16-kilometer ravine has several great views, including the 20-meter tall cliffs of Sarutobi, the Kurobuchi flanked by 100-meter rock walls, and three waterfalls.
Kayaking and SUP (stand up paddleboarding) are also popular activities at the gorge.
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
During cherry blossom season and in the fall, we recommend visiting Ozekiyama Park in Miyoshi, a city in northern Hiroshima about 90 minutes away from the capital. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the cityscape from the mountaintop observatory.
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Miyoshi is also known for the Mononoke Museum (Japanese). It's Japan's first yokai (*) museum.
The museum displays paintings of yokai and archive material on folklore from the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Digital installations based on these supernatural creatures have been created by the art collective teamLab. The Mononoke Museum is an attraction that will immerse you in the world of yokai!
*Yokai: spirits and monsters in Japanese folklore
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
About 90 minutes from Hiroshima lies Onomichi, which is popular for its historic temples and traditional streets. Located on a cliff, Senkoji Park is famous for its spectacular scenery.
Take the cable car to the mountain's peak and you can enjoy viewing the cityscape with an ocean backdrop.
Get Your Tickets at Hiroshima Bus Center!
If you're interested in visiting the destinations above, the best transportation method is the express bus from Hiroshima Bus Center.
The bus terminal is located inside the Sogo department store in Hiroshima. It is accessible by foot from the Peace Memorial or Orizuru Tower.
Take the escalator just around the corner from the store entrance up to the third floor to reach the bus terminal.
Upon exiting the escalator, you will see numerous gift shops and restaurants. The bus terminal is just past this area.
To the left of the terminal is the ticket booth. Here, you can purchase discount passes such as the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass.
There is also a tourist information center adjacent to the bus stop. Feel free to pick up travel pamphlets there.
Pictured above is a bus ticket from Hiroshima Bus Center to Matsue Station. The date, destination, and discounted price of 500 yen are printed on the ticket.
MOBIRY: A Digital Ticket to Travel Hiroshima
When traveling within Hiroshima Prefecture, we recommend using the digital ticket service MOBIRY. You can purchase tickets for buses and streetcars right from your phone.
To purchase a digital ticket, register your email address and credit card information before making your selection. No physical copy is needed.
To use the ticket, simply show your smartphone screen to the bus driver before getting off at your destination.
You can also use MOBIRY to purchase a one-day, two-day, or three-day Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass.
Take Express Buses for a Trip Around Hiroshima
After purchasing your discount tickets, it's time to hop on an express bus and explore the sights and sounds of Hiroshima, Shimane, and Tottori!
By saving money on transportation, you can make room in your budget for activities, food, and lodging. Make the most of your trip exploring the Chugoku region!
For more information on the Hiroshima Bus Center and destinations covered in this article, check out the Visit Hiroshima & Beyond website.
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Sponsored by Chugoku Regional Tourism Promotion Association, Chugoku Transport & Tourism Bureau
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Tokyo, Japan
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