Head from Kansai Airport! A driving course to enjoy famous hot springs and delicious food (Hyogo and Shikoku)

Kansai International Airport is an international hub airport with a rich network of international and domestic flights.
It is used by many people as a 24-hour maritime airport with multiple 4,000m-class runways, and as an airport that coexists with the local community and environment.​
A new international flight area will open on December 5, 2023, including a walk-through duty-free shop!

Nishiyama Sake Brewery, a long-established sake brewery founded in 1849, has close ties with cultural figures including Japan's leading haiku poet, Takahama Kyoshi, who also named its signature brand, Kotsuzumi.
In addition, the bottle designs and brewery names have been unified and designed by artist Kosuke Watanuki.
In August 2024, "Koden" opened, a new facility with the theme of "conveying and passing on the culture of sake, fermentation, and art", combining a cafe, snack shop, gallery, and more!
Enjoy a fermented food lunch where you can experience the meals prepared at Nishiyama Sake Brewery, which has been protecting the health of the brewers, in a facility that makes use of a wooden sake brewery built in 1896.
We also accept reservations for tours of the brewery, where you can stroll around the grounds and view works by artists associated with the brewery.

Tanba Tachikui is a place surrounded by lush greenery and woodland.

Tamba ware, which has been handed down for over 800 years, is counted as one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, with Tamba Tachikui being the central pottery production area.

The facility includes a Tanba ware exhibition and sales area called "Kamamoto Yokocho," as well as pottery classes and a restaurant.

There are many Tamba ware kilns in the area around Tamba Traditional Crafts Park Tachikui Tounosato, so why not find your favorite one in Kiln Yokocho and take a tour around.

It is the only hot spring in Japan that is counted among both the Three Oldest Springs and the Three Most Famous Springs of Japan.
You can enjoy baths with different spring qualities, including Arima's specialty "Kinsen," a brown spring that contains iron and salt, and the "Ginsen," a colorless, transparent spring that is popular among women for making your skin smooth.
The main street, Yumotozaka, has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned hot spring town.
There are many long-established and stylish shops that blend into the retro atmosphere of the town, so you can enjoy strolling around.


Kobe Tourism Bureau

Materials that teach the history of Himeji leather are also on display, and there is also a cafe where you can enjoy meals and sweets. It is a communication spot with a system that allows you to enjoy Himeji's traditional industry of "leather" to the fullest, such as seeing, learning, experiencing, and eating. You can experience making various original genuine leather products that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people from small children to the elderly. (You can decide which product to make on the day.) Instructors are on-site and can support you at any time.
Advance reservations are required for the crafting experience.
Please make a reservation using this inquiry form.
https://pelletteria.uniters.co.jp/contact/


PELLETTERIA

"Tempura Seasonal Cuisine Hakuun Makoto," which serves authentic Japanese cuisine, is located in a corner of the bustling downtown area of Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. There is both the sea and the mountains. Using ingredients grown in Himeji, which has such a rich natural environment, each of our dishes, which bring out the original flavor of the ingredients, is exceptionally delicious. Of these, we are particularly proud of our "tempura," which tests the skill of our chefs. In order to make the most of the carefully selected ingredients from Himeji, our tempura is characterized by a thin batter that lightly wraps around the ingredients.
Each one is carefully prepared and fried with expert skill, ensuring a memorable and high-quality experience.

Ako Misaki overlooks the Seto Inland Sea and is known as "Kirakirazaka." It was named after the glittering blue sky and blue sea that can be seen from the hill, and the gentle slope is paved with cobblestones, creating a lovely atmosphere. Along the road, there are cafes, gelato shops, glass houses, and more.

Iwatsuhime Shrine, located on the coast of Ako-Misaki, which was chosen as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan," is a popular photo spot where you can take pictures of the torii gate, sky, and sea all together.
It is also attracting attention as a power spot, with its "princess charms" that are said to bring good luck in love and "limited edition goshuin" stamps with designs that change every month.
In front of the shrine there is a calm and beautiful view of the sea.

Ako Onsen is located on a hill along the coast facing the Harima Nada Sea, and is a hot spring resort that offers a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea.
The hot spring contains a lot of minerals and has a smooth texture. It is said to have a high heat retention effect, and due to its excellent spring quality it is also known as "Hot Spring of Resurrection" and is loved by many people.

Yoshima PA, located almost in the center of the Setouchi Chuo Expressway Straits, is a great viewpoint. Yoshima Plaza, adjacent to the first parking lot, has a food court, a shop, an information center, and more. From the observation deck at Yoshima Plaza, you can get a panoramic view of the many islands and ships of all sizes passing by.

[History of the temple] According to the "Tado-gun Byobuura Zentsuji no Ki" (written in the mid-Edo period), Zentsuji was built by Kobo Daishi after he returned from China, modeled after Seiryu-ji Temple in Chang'an, where his teacher, the monk Keika, lived, on land of four square blocks donated by his father. The temple was first built on the first day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar in 807, and was completed on June 15, 813. It is recorded that the temple was named "Zentsuji" after his father's given name, "Zentsuji."

[Graduate in about 60 minutes! ] [Come empty-handed] [Make it yourself and eat it! ]
Udon teachers will teach you how to make authentic Sanuki handmade udon, from kneading the flour, to rolling it out with a rolling pin, boiling it, and eating it. After making it, everyone will taste it. The taste of udon that you make and eat yourself is exceptional.
Of course, you can take it home, so it makes a great souvenir for your trip. A graduation certificate, secret recipe book, and a rolling pin are included as souvenirs. Please feel free to enroll!

A gorgeous hot spring town located at the foot of Konpira-san (Konpira Shrine). In the surrounding area, there is not only the Kotohira Shrine and Kanamaruza Theater, but also the Sake History and Culture Museum, which uses a sake brewery, the Marine Science Museum, and the town's History and Folklore Museum.

Communicating the history of the Oriental Machu Picchu, "Tonohira" to the present day
The industrial heritage site of Besshi Copper Mine still exists deep in the mountains of Niihama. At its peak, it was a very lively town with many people living there, but when the mine closed, only its ruins were left behind. In recent years, the image of the stone walls and brick buildings, and its high altitude, have earned it the nickname "Machu Picchu of the Orient," and it has attracted many tourists. This location, at an altitude of around 750m, also offers a spectacular view of Niihama city and the Seto Inland Sea in the distance on a clear day.
Within the area, there is the Tonaru Historical Museum, which displays realistic dioramas of the town and school of the past, as well as the Copper Theme Hall, which displays copper products, the Tonaru Learning Hall, where you can learn through videos, and a nature exhibition room.
Guided tours of Tonaru are available from Minetopia Besshi (Hadeba Zone) (March to November).

This is the starting point for cycling trips at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea from the bridge while feeling the sea breeze on your whole body. Rent a bicycle at the Central Bicycle Rental Terminal adjacent to Sunrise Itoyama and enjoy cycling along this unique sea road, and you will forget the passage of time as you feel the refreshing comfort. There is also accommodation on-site, making it a good base for sightseeing on the Shimanami Kaido. The view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge from the window of your accommodation room is simply spectacular, and on days when the bridge is lit up, the Seto Inland Sea at night is beautifully colored.

Located on the Oshima side of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, this roadside station is the perfect rest stop on the Shimanami Kaido. You can enjoy a leisurely seafood barbecue around a charcoal grill while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea that spreads out before you. The restaurant also serves dishes made with fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients, and the building also sells vegetables, fresh fish, and local specialties from the island, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. Visitors are greeted by the sight of sea bream, flounder, and other fish swimming leisurely in the huge fish tank in the center.

WAKKA on the Shimanami Kaido is a comprehensive tourism facility located on Omishima Island, the center of the Shimanami Kaido, known as a cycling mecca. Located in a great location with a panoramic view of the majestic Seto Inland Sea, you can enjoy cycling, lodging, cafes, and various other activities. WAKKA's appeal is its comprehensive cycling support. In addition to bicycle rentals, there are many services to make cycling more comfortable, such as bicycle return services and bicycle taxis. Another attraction is the variety of accommodations and cafes. You can choose from ocean view cottages, dome tents, dormitories, and more to suit your travel style, and at the cafe you can enjoy a menu made with carefully selected local ingredients. It is a facility loved by many people, including cycling enthusiasts, people who want to enjoy nature, and people who want to spend a relaxing time.

Access: Get off at Omishima IC on the Nishi-Seto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido). Turn left and go straight for 3 minutes.

Parking: Available

This is the starting point for cycling trips at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea from the bridge while feeling the sea breeze on your whole body. Rent a bicycle at the Central Bicycle Rental Terminal adjacent to Sunrise Itoyama and enjoy cycling along this unique sea road, and you will forget the passage of time as you feel the refreshing comfort. There is also accommodation on-site, making it a good base for sightseeing on the Shimanami Kaido. The view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge from the window of your accommodation room is simply spectacular, and on days when the bridge is lit up, the Seto Inland Sea at night is beautifully colored.

Located inside Sunrise Itoyama in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Kaze no Restaurant is a restaurant where you can enjoy Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients while taking in the spectacular view of the Kurushima Strait. The view of the sea and sky that spreads out from the large windows impresses all visitors. It is open at various times from breakfast to dinner, and is also recommended as a place to take a break after cycling on the Shimanami Kaido.

A famous castle towering over the heart of Matsuyama
The castle tower is one of only 12 remaining in Japan that date back to before the Edo period, and 21 buildings within the castle are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The castle tower is a connected structure connected to a smaller tower and corner tower, and this group of highly defensive buildings is representative of Japanese castle architecture. It is a beloved symbol of Matsuyama, and is depicted as a symbol of the literary city of Matsuyama in the preface to Ryotaro Shiba's "Clouds Above the Hill." The castle, which has watched over Matsuyama's castle town, will continue to watch over the city's development in the future.

This castle for children has a vast site in a small forest overflowing with nature, and the voices of children are never-ending. There are plenty of rides to choose from, including a road train that circles the grounds, and a cycle monorail that runs along the highest point of the grounds. The castle itself is built like a jungle gym, so it can be enjoyed in any weather. There is also a ball pool, childcare consultations, seasonal events, and creative experiences such as pottery and woodworking, making it a fun place for a wide range of ages, from infants to adults.

An ancient hot spring with 3000 years of history
It is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, having appeared in the Kojiki and Manyoshu as far back as the 18th century, and the main building, a charming castle-style three-story wooden structure, is an important national cultural property in its entirety. It has appeared as the face of Matsuyama in many masterpieces, including "Botchan," novels, and movies. After enjoying the silky smooth water, you can change into a yukata and stroll around the culturally-rich streets of Dogo, further enhancing the hot spring atmosphere.

Dogo Onsen consists of the Dogo Onsen Main Building, the Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka no Onsen, and the sister facility Tsubaki no Yu.

Kadoya Dogo Tsubakizaka, located right next to Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu, is a restaurant famous for its Ehime local dish, Uwajima Taimeshi. In addition to their famous Taimeshi, you can enjoy other dishes that focus on local ingredients, such as Uwajima's specialty, Jakoten, and simmered and salt-grilled local fish. If you're visiting Dogo Onsen, why not stop by and enjoy the flavors of Ehime?

As the gateway to Ehime Prefecture, this airport is bustling every day as it is the largest in Shikoku. It has a variety of facilities, including restaurants, a shopping zone selling various souvenirs including products exclusive to Matsuyama Airport, and a business lounge equipped to help you spend time productively between business meetings with clients and flights. Among these, the observation deck is a floor where you can fully enjoy the charms of the airport, with part of the fence cut out so that photographers and visitors can watch planes take off and land up close.

Osaka Itami Airport spans the cities of Toyonaka and Ikeda in Osaka Prefecture, and Itami in Hyogo Prefecture, and only operates domestic flights.