And perhaps we might get lucky come across the chance to ride the adorable Hello Kitty Shinkansen, available between Shin-Osaka and Hakata! In the meantime, as we venture westward, each stop brings a small revelation, like the majesty of ancient castles or the rich gastronomical variety we encounter along the route, where we also enjoy countless picturesque landscapes and historical sites. Join us on this captivating journey along the Western Golden Route, an immersive experience into the depths of Japan's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Hyogo: From the Vibrant Kobe to the Timeless Beauty of Himeji

Our starting point is Shinkobe, where we depart for the historic city of Himeji, a place where history and architecture converge in spectacular fashion. The highlight here is Himeji Castle, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan often referred to as the "White Heron Castle" for its brilliant white exterior and elegant silhouette reminiscent of a bird in flight. This architectural marvel, with its intricate defense mechanisms and beautiful grounds, is the pinnacle of 17th-century Japanese castle design.

Just a stone's throw away there’s a peaceful retreat awaiting at Kokoen Garden. This collection of nine traditional Japanese gardens, each meticulously arranged with its unique style, is a haven of tranquility for a relaxed stroll. Opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Himeji city in 1992, it provides a picturesque backdrop that complements the majestic castle.

Discovering the Flavors of Okayama & Takamatsu City

Venturing further, the journey brings us to the crossroads of Okayama and Takamatsu, where the essence of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions manifests itself through flavors and sights. Okayama Prefecture, often called the "Land of Sunshine", is blessed with minimal rain and a mild climate and is also a treasure trove of natural bounties, particularly famous for its succulent peaches and grapes that burst with flavor, earning this region the second nickname of “Fruit Kingdom Okayama”. The Okayama Korakuen Garden, with a history of over 300 years, is considered one of the three great gardens of Japan, and was awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

A short distance away, the city of Takamatsu, the capital of Udon ken (prefecture), welcomes you. Here, the art of udon making reaches its zenith, with countless eateries serving up bowls of chewy, thick noodles in a simple yet profoundly satisfying broth. The Ritsurin Garden, with its classic Japanese landscaping, provides a peaceful escape, allowing visitors to ponder the beauty of nature and the culinary arts intertwined. Bonsai cultivation is also thriving in western Takamatsu and is now attracting the attention of bonsai enthusiasts worldwide.

Peace, Resilience and Beauty in Hiroshima

Next on our horizon is Hiroshima Prefecture and its various cities full of charm. The focus of the first part of this Hiroshima journey is Hiroshima City, a beacon of peace and resilience. The Peace Memorial Park and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome are poignant reminders of the past, inviting reflection on peace and human perseverance. Yet, Hiroshima's narrative is not confined to its historical scars, emerging instead as an attractive touristic destination.

About 1 hour away from the Peace Memorial Park is Miyajima, an island that seems to float on the Seto Inland Sea, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its famous giant vermillion torii gate. This sacred site, blending with the natural landscape, offers a moment of tranquility and a connection to the spiritual essence of Japan. Another of the attractions is Mt. Misen, a haven of unique and primitive vegetation.The observatory at the top is reachable on a ropeway, allowing us to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the Seto Inland Sea.

Fukuoka, a Gastronomy Heaven in Kyushu

Fukuoka City is a lively hub at the heart of Kyushu, pulsating with energy and renowned for its gastronomic scene. This city is a hotspot for food enthusiasts, especially famous for Hakata Ramen, characterized by its rich broth and thin, straight noodles. The evening ambiance is lit by the glow of yatai (street food stalls) along the Nakagawa River, offering a variety of local dishes that captivate the senses.

For a deep dive into local gastronomy, Hakata Station is the place to be for foodie enthusiasts. There we can find the “Hakata Men Kaido” with a wide variety of ramen shops, as well as “Kuuten” if sushi, seafood, or hotpots are more right up your alley. If a quick bite is required, the long queues at MIGNON will give you an idea of the quality of their croissants. Local souvenirs are also abundantly available for last-minute shopping before riding the train.

Moving onward, the journey takes us to Kumamoto, a city where history is etched into every corner and nature's beauty is abundant. At the heart of Kumamoto lies its most famous fortress, Kumamoto Castle, built in 1607 by Kiyomasa Kato and known for its imposing stone walls and elegant structures, a symbol of the city's samurai heritage. Although recent earthquakes in 2016 damaged the fortress, Kumamoto Castle is slowly but surely being rebuilt with restoration efforts underway. Because Kumamoto Castle’s walls are a culturally protected property, each surface stone must be put back in exactly the same place as before the earthquakes. It is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, but Kumamoto Castle is loved by the citizens as a symbol of Kumamoto City, and it gives them strength as the reconstruction continues.

Another place in the historical narrative of Kumamoto is the Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a meticulously crafted landscape garden originally built by the Hosokawa Clan. With stones and small hills beautifully arranged around a pond fed by subterranean water from Mount Aso, this garden is a feast for the eyes as well as a tranquil space for contemplation and leisure.

Miyazaki, Where Myths and Nature Intertwine

Our exploration leads us further south to Miyazaki, a coastal gem where myth and nature intertwine. Miyazaki is home to the enchanting Aoshima Island, surrounded by the unique geological phenomenon known as Oni no Sentakuita or "Devil's Washboard." The island itself is a spiritual sanctuary, housing the Aoshima Shrine, surrounded by dense, tropical foliage and steeped in legends, as it is believed to grant good fortune in marriage.

The allure of Miyazaki extends to its beaches, with the azure waves of the Hyuga Sea crashing onto pristine sands, offering a serene escape for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The region's mild climate fosters a lush landscape, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures and leisurely exploration.

Kagoshima - The "Magma City" Near an Active Volcano

The last stop is Kagoshima, a dynamic city that exists alongside Sakurajima, an active volcano. The majestic Sakurajima and the calm waves of Kinko Bay stretch out before the city, and on the island, visitors can fully enjoy adventure tours and geotourism activities such as hill climbing and kayaking to experience the essence of the volcano.

Kagoshima's geothermal heat and soil containing volcanic ash, as well as the rich cuisine and hot springs nurtured by its mild climate, are also attractive points. Visitors can enjoy the blessings of Sakurajima's “magma of good fortune,” such as "Kuroushi (beef) and Kurobuta (pork)," "Imojochu (sweet potato shochu)," and other popular and unique gourmet foods, as well as the abundance of hot springs in the city, with all five senses.