9 Days Osaka Trip

In the Wake of Silence: A Journey Through Japan`s Western Soul

Osaka – Himeji – Naoshima – Innoshima – Hiroshima – Izumo – Tottori – Amanohashidate – Lake Biwa - Osaka

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Day 1: Osaka → Himeji
Himeji is known as the jewel of Hyogo, blending feudal beauty with serene nature and family fun.
Highlights
Himeji Castle with white walls and traditional Japanese architecture under a colorful sunset sky, surrounded by trees and distant mountains.

Himeji Castle ↗

Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved white castle
Wide view of an amusement park with a large Ferris wheel, water rides, green hills, and people enjoying pools and tents under a partly cloudy sky.

Himeji Central Park ↗

A safari-style park with rides and animal encounters
Rose garden with a central stone fountain surrounded by yellow, white, pink, and red roses, green trees, and a wooden bench.

Himeji Rose Garden ↗

Seasonal blooms and a relaxing floral atmosphere
Himeji City Aquarium complex surrounded by trees with a castle-like structure nearby and a cityscape with mountains in the background.

Himeji City Aquarium ↗

A charming spot with aquatic life near the castle
Aerial view of a manicured garden with geometric flower beds, hedges, walking paths, and benches under bright sunlight.

Tegarayama Heiwa Park ↗

Peaceful park with views, fountains, and walking paths
Onsen/Sento Recommendations
Outdoor wooden hot spring bath with natural stone retaining wall and lush greenery surrounding it.

Shiota Onsen Yumoto Ueyama Ryokan ↗

Relaxed and local-style bathhouse
Cozy indoor-outdoor space with a lit hot tub in the foreground, wooden deck, hammock, and cushioned wicker seating under a roof.

Yumeno-ian Yuyake Koyake ↗

Spacious onsen with open-air baths
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stops)
Modern building with large windows next to a grassy hill and outdoor seating, with a forested hill in the background under a cloudy sky.

Michi-No-eki Mitsu ↗

Coastal views and seafood snacks
Modern building with a white tower and concrete facade under a clear blue sky with people walking near the entrance stairs.

Michi-no-Eki Kiri-no-mori ↗

Local products and rest area near the mountains
Curved-roof building on a small hill beside a curved road with trees and greenery.

Michi-no-Eki Miki ↗

Clean facilities with souvenirs and a small play area
Day 2: Himeji → Naoshima Island
Naoshima is a peaceful island paradise, known for modern art, architecture, and sea views.
Highlights
Multiple yellow pumpkins covered in black polka dots reflected infinitely in mirrors, creating a pattern of repetitive pumpkin shapes.

Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin

Naoshima’s iconic art sculpture by the sea
Two people standing and talking inside a large white geometric metal pavilion near a waterfront with boats and hills in the background.

Naoshima Pavilion

A geometric art piece by the shore.
Stone pedestal with a dark bowl sculpture on top, set in a coastal landscape with cloudy sky and distant mountains over the water.

Okame no Hana

A small hidden viewpoint with quiet charm.
Bright indoor public bath featuring a central rectangular tiled pool, multiple shower stations, a large elephant statue on a ledge, and a colorful stained-glass ceiling.

Naoshima Public Bath

Art meets relaxation in this quirky bathhouse.
Best explored by bike — take in art, sea, and silence all at once.
Day 3: Naoshima → Setoda / Innoshima
A scenic stretch of the Shimanami Kaido — island-hopping across bridges with views and cultural stops.
Highlights
Panoramic view of a coastal town with islands in a calm blue bay under a partly cloudy sky.

Innoshima Naval Skyline

Remnants of Japan’s naval history with panoramic views.
White lighthouse with people on the balcony against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Cape Ohamazaki Lighthouse

Peaceful lighthouse with ocean breeze and cliffside views.
White marble stone monument on a stepped platform surrounded by green trees under a cloudy sky.

The Hill of Hope

A white marble hilltop monument overlooking the sea.
Cable-stayed bridge spanning over water with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

Tatara Bridge

One of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world.
Pathway lined with blooming pink cherry blossom trees under a clear blue sky.

Hirakiyama Park

A popular viewpoint with cherry blossoms and ocean scenery.
Coastal rocky landscape with a small traditional Japanese shrine and a pine tree overlooking the ocean.

Setonaikai National Park

A protected marine and forest area full of natural beauty.
Cable-stayed bridge over blue water leading towards forested hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Sasagejima Ikuchi Bridge

Small islands and bridges connecting peaceful countryside landscapes.
Onsen Recommendations
Indoor Japanese onsen bath with tiled walls, stools, shower heads, and a large window showing greenery outside.

Yoro Onsen ↗

Simple, traditional hot spring experience.
Dark blue compact car parked on a dirt lot beside white residential buildings with trees and hills in the background.

Setoda Tarumi Onsen ↗

Quiet and relaxing, near the coast with scenic views.
IF YOU HAVE SOME EXTRA DAYS, RECOMMENDED ROUTE IS TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO SETO BRIDGE FOR MORE SCENIC ROUTE.
Day 4: Innoshima → Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a deeply moving city with powerful history, beautiful parks, and peaceful resilience.
Highlights
Ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima with clear blue sky and surrounding greenery.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Preserved ruins symbolizing peace and remembrance.
The Cenotaph for the A-bomb victims at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a stone arch monument with colorful flowers in front and the Atomic Bomb Dome visible in the distance.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hypocenter Monument, Children’s Peace Monument, Monument to Atomic Bomb Victims, Silver Paradise Monument
Traditional Japanese castle surrounded by cherry blossoms and greenery reflected in calm water under a clear blue sky.

Hiroshima Castle

Reconstructed castle with samurai history and scenic grounds.
Interior view of a children’s cultural and science museum exhibit featuring a bright orange animated character with large ears on a pedestal, surrounded by interactive displays and screens.

5-Days Children’s Cultural & Science Museum ↗

Interactive learning fun, great for curious young minds.
Campsites/Onsen/Michi-No-Eki
Empty parking lot and modern building of Roadside Station Sera surrounded by greenery under blue sky.

Michi-no-Eki Sera ↗

Local produce, snacks, and seasonal flower gardens
Wooden cabins and houses on a hillside with trimmed bushes, set against a backdrop of forested mountains under a clear blue sky.

Susawa Ecological Campsite ↗

Four hikers crossing a shallow mountain stream surrounded by mossy rocks and patches of snow in a misty forest.

Hiroshima Kenmin no Mori Onsen ↗

Surrounded by forest, peaceful and relaxing.
Outdoor stone hot spring bath with clear water surrounded by slate rocks and dark wooden slatted fencing with a stained glass panel.

Miyahama Onsen ↗

Traditional ryokan-style baths near the Seto Inland Sea.
Day 5: Hiroshima → Izumo
Izumo is a sacred coastal town famous for ancient legends, spiritual sites, and sunsets by the sea.
Highlights
Traditional Japanese shrine buildings with large wooden roofs and moss-covered wooden fence under a partly cloudy sky.

Izumo Taisha Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines.
Interior view of a dimly lit cave with moss on rocky surfaces and daylight visible at the entrance.

Inome Cave

Coastal cave tied to mythology and scenic walks.
Tall white lighthouse standing on a grassy cliff beside calm blue ocean under a clear blue sky.

Cape Osei & Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Dramatic ocean views, especially at sunset.
Tall lighthouse silhouette with sunset and trees on horizon.

Hinomisaki Sunset Deck

The perfect golden hour photo spot.
Crowded sandy beach with people swimming and relaxing, backed by lush green mountains and buildings.

Hiroge Beach

Calm and scenic, great for a peaceful break.
Onsen/Sento
Outdoor hot spring bath surrounded by rocks and green shrubs under a partly cloudy sky.

Yunokawa Onsen ↗

Quiet and traditional hot spring in the hills.
Traditional Japanese buildings surrounding a clear outdoor hot spring pool with green trees and shrubs.

Tamatsukuri Onsen ↗

Historic, smooth skin waters — often called “onsen of the gods
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stops)
Building with a red tiled roof and a small tower, featuring tents and benches in front, with two people near the entrance on a cloudy day.

Yunokawa Michi-no-Eki ↗

Local delicacies, restrooms, and soft cream!
Building with steeply sloped roof and two golden ornaments on top under a cloudy sky.

Taisha Goen Hiroba ↗

Convenient and right near Izumo Taisha.
Campsites
A coastal glamping site with white geodesic dome tents and black cabins surrounded by green trees overlooking a blue ocean with rocky formations.

Izumi Glamping Reuna ↗

Just a short walk to the lighthouse, good facilities.
People enjoying a calm beach with green forested hills in the background, including children playing near the shore and a bright green tent on the sand.

Koura Beach Campsite

By the ocean, peaceful and simple setup.
Day 6: Izumo → Tottori
Tottori offers dramatic landscapes, sand dunes, art, and adventure — a hidden gem on the Sea of Japan.
Highlights
People walking and standing on large sand dunes near the ocean under a clear sky.

Tottori Sand Dunes

Japan’s only desert-like dunes — fun to walk or slide on.
People riding camels and walking on sandy dunes with the ocean in the background.

Horseback Riding on the Dunes

Unique and kid-friendly experience.
Modern two-story building with large windows labeled 'Sakyu Kaikan' and 'Sakyu Kaikan' in Japanese, situated next to a wide road with marked lanes.

Dune Oasis Square

Restaurants and souvenirs near the dunes.
Indoor sand sculptures featuring a mermaid on a rock, a dragon, historical figures in thrones, animals, and a ship, displayed with wood platforms and blue lighting.

The Sand Museum ↗

Intricate sand sculptures from artists around the world.
Stone ruins with green trees and a large forested hill in the background under a blue sky.

Tottori Castle Ruins

Peaceful hike with panoramic views.
Campsites/Onsen/Michi-No-Eki
Outdoor stone hot spring bath with wooden shelter overlooking a calm lake at dusk with mountains in the background.

Hawai Onsen ↗

Lakeside hot spring with peaceful sunset views.
Indoor hot spring bath with water flowing from a spout, overlooking a garden with rocks, bamboo fence, and leafy plants.

Hotel Monarque Tottori ↗

Outdoor entrance structure with green glass roof and yellow barriers under a bright blue sky.

Tottori Sand Dunes Children's Country Campsite ↗

Close to the dunes, with basic but great location.
Glass entrance of a Japanese restaurant with menu boards, a large plant inside, and an AED emergency device mounted on the wooden wall.

Michi-no-Eki Nishi Inaba Kirari ↗

Large traditional-style building with a gray roof and red accent roof, surrounded by a parking area and forest trees.

Michi-no-Eki Inubasari ↗

Day 7: Tottori → Amanohashidate
Often called one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Views, Amanohashidate is where pine trees, sky, and sea meet in harmony — a peaceful and surreal destination.
Highlights
A scenic view of a chairlift and cable car over autumn foliage overlooking a coastal town and a long sandbar extending into the water with mountains in the distance.

Amanohashidate Sandbar ↗

A natural land bridge covered in pine trees across the bay.
Rock formation with vertical columns by the ocean shore and sandy beach in the foreground.

Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park

Lush coastal forest, cliffs, and sea views.
Wide sandy beach with pine trees on the left, calm sea on the right, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Amanohashidate Beach

Calm waves, soft sand, and views of the sandbar.
Red wooden bridge section lifted above green water with trees and small buildings in the background.

Kaisen Bridge ↗

Rotating bridge allowing boats to pass through the canal.
Person holding a blue umbrella seated on a chairlift ascending over a green hillside toward a lakeside town.

Chairlift & Monorail ↗

Scenic ride up to the famous viewing area.
Traditional Japanese temple building partially obscured by pine trees.

Chionji Temple

Tranquil temple near the sandbar entrance.
Two people riding a pedal-powered cart on a raised rail track overlooking a scenic coastline with a long, narrow sandbar and wooded hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Hiryūkan Kairo (Sky Path)

Enclosed path with incredible bay views.
Two people leaning forward over a viewing platform railing overlooking a long sandbar extending into a blue sea with mountains in the background.

Crotch Viewing Platform (Mata-nozoki)

Look between your legs for a “floating” sandbar illusion! It’s quirky and iconic
Campsites/Onsen/Michi-No-Eki
Traditional Japanese onsen building with tiled roof, wooden entrance, and a white curtain hanging over doorway.

Amanohashidate Onsen ↗

Outdoor Japanese onsen hot spring bath with natural stone border overlooking a scenic bay with islands under a clear blue sky.

Matsushima Onsen  ↗

Traditional Japanese style building with tiled roof and white walls next to a handicapped parking space under a partly cloudy sky.

Michi-no-Eki Umi no Kyoto ↗

Indoor hot spring bath with light-colored stone walls, a central pillar, and wet tiled floor, featuring plants on the side.

Ine Onsenkyo Auto Campsite ↗

Day 8: Amanohashidate → Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by charming towns, natural springs, and serene waters. There’s no “one” destination point — you explore the area through its small lakeside gems.
Highlights
Traditional Japanese house with a steep grey tiled roof surrounded by stone wall and greenery under a clear sky.

Imadzu Sogo Undo Park ↗

Peaceful Park with green space near the lake.
Clear canal running between stone walls with traditional Japanese-style houses and a blue sky with clouds overhead.

Hariester Tap Water of the Township ↗

A small natural spring with local charm.
Extra Recommended Spots Around Lake Biwa
Road lined with tall green trees forming a leafy canopy overhead.

Metasequoia Tree-lined Road

Iconic straight road with tall trees, especially beautiful in autumn.
Front view of a traditional wooden Shinto shrine with ornate tiled roof, stone lanterns, and colorful banners in a forested area.

Shirahige Shrine

Famous torii gate standing in the water, like a mini Itsukushima!
Traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiered gray tiled roofs surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

Hikone Castle

One of Japan’s original castles with lake views and a traditional garden.
Underwater tunnel in an aquarium with fish swimming above and glass walls on both sides.

Lake Biwa Museum

Great for kids and nature lovers.
Narrow, paved street lined with traditional Japanese buildings and shops, leading to a historic gate under a partly cloudy sky.

Nagahama Black Wall Historical District

Traditional streets and cute cafes.
Cable car labeled 'Biwako Valley' suspended over forested mountains with a lake and distant landscape in the background.

Biwako Valley

Ropeway + scenic views from mountaintop. Ideal in winter and green season.
Campsites/Onsen/Michi-No-Eki
Roadside station icon showing two trees, a shelter with a person inside, all in white on a blue background.

Michi-no-Eki Nagahama ↗

Bright interior of a Japanese market with wooden shelves filled with bags of rice and local products.

Michi-no-Eki Otsu Biwako ↗

Indoor Japanese-style onsen bath with tiled walls, bamboo fencing, wooden water spout, and potted plants.

Ogoto Onsen ↗

A family camping scene with two children near a tan tent among green trees and blue sky, with camping chairs and equipment in the foreground.

Mutsuyazakihama Auto Campsite ↗

Note: There is no exact central address to “Lake Biwa” — it’s a large area best explored via key towns like Ōtsu, Takashima, Hikone, and Nagahama.
Day 9: Lake Biwa → Osaka (Campervan Return at RV Village)
Your final stretch takes you back to Osaka — but don’t rush! There are still some charming last-day stops before saying goodbye to your trusty campervan
Recommended Stops Before Osaka
Traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiered gray tiled roofs surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

Hikone Castle ↗

A national treasure with original architecture and scenic castle grounds.
Small covered boats with passengers float along a canal lined with blooming pink cherry blossom trees on one side and yellow flowers on the other.

Omihachiman Canal Area

Quaint town with old streets, canals, and boat rides.
Building with a sloped green roof covered in grass, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.

La Collina Omihachiman ↗

Beautiful architecture, shops, and treats from Taneya (famous sweets brand).
Modern building with a large sloped metal roof next to a reflecting pool under a clear blue sky.

Sagawa Art Museum ↗

Modern museum by the lake, peaceful and serene.
View of a traditional Japanese temple complex with tiled roofs and cherry blossoms in full bloom, overlooking a cityscape and distant waterfront.

Otsu City

Quick lakeside walk or lunch with Biwa views before hitting the expressway.
Great time for last-minute omiyage shopping or a calm lakeside coffee stop.
Parking Tips & Roadmap GuideShower Facilities & Onsen Map Guide
The Onsen webpage is Japanese language so , To use that is Press 機能(Function) button then 現在地(Location) button then OK button then choose any Onsen icon near you and press GP button to open Google Maps.
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