Japan Holiday 2025: Okayama, Tottori, Miyajima, Shimanami Kaido, Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Iwakuni

Japan Holiday 2025: Okayama, Tottori, Miyajima, Shimanami Kaido, Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Iwakuni

[Music] Okyama City is the capital of Okyama Prefecture. With a population of 700,000, it is the second largest city in the Chugoku region after Hiroshima. Located at the eastern most point of the region, Okiyama would have been the next stop last year if I had continued traveling west as it borders Hugo Prefecture. About a 20-minute walk from my hotel brought me to Okyama Castle, my first destination of the day. With its dark exterior, the castle is nicknamed Crow Castle, which is a contrast to Hegi. Matsumoto Castle also shares the same name. Originally built in 1597, the main tower was destroyed in 1945 and later reconstructed in 1966, primarily using concrete. The black exterior was designed to intimidate enemy troops during attacks. From here, I decided to explore inside the castle. Up until this point, the only other castle that I explored inside was Himei Castle. And with that being one of the 12 original castles, this one offered a vastly different experience. [Music] This is a daishaw, a paired set of swords consisting of a katana and a shorter wakazashi. traditionally used for indoor combat. Let’s just compare just how different this castle is compared to Himeji because both are so different to each other. Because Okiyama Castle being rebuilt, it includes air conditioning, elevators, and easily accessible staircases. Several floors were dedicated to a museum showcasing artifacts from Japan’s Imperial period. After exploring the castle, I crossed the Haii River to visit Korakuen Garden. Japanese castles are often accompanied by large gardens featuring ponds, bridges, small hills, all reflecting the influence of Chinese landscape paintings. Okyama was no exception. This is considered one of the three great gardens in Japan along with Kenroaren in Ishikawa and Kairakuan in Ibaraki. [Music] Similar to my experiences last year, I had arrived way too early in the spring to see the garden in full bloom. Many trees were still bare, while others showed first signs of budding. Despite this, this was still enjoyable place to wander through. [Music] [Music] [Music] Around 18 km from Moyama City, about a 40-minute train ride, is Keshiki, the prefecture’s second largest city with a population of 470,000. Kashki is famous for it period bikis historial quarter often compared to Venice due to the canal that runs through it. [Music] I tried curry pan, a deep fried bread filled with Japanese curry. It was delicious. I also had chimney cake with matcha ice cream. That was equally great. Krashki is also known as Japan’s denim capital where some of the country’s finest denim is produced. Until I arrived at the entrance, I completely forgot about Kashki’s denim fame. The street itself was a small alley lined with denim themed shops and food stall selling items dyed in deep indigo buns, soft served ice cream, and even a denim dog, which I tried. This shop sold a variety of denim goods, including caps, umbrellas, wallets, neck ties, and even belts. [Music] I got to briefly see the statue of Mataro, Peach Boy. Matara is a folklore hero of Okyama Prefecture. At the end of the day, I revisited Okyama Castle last year. I enjoyed seeing Osaka Castle illuminated at dark. I enjoyed seeing Osaka Castle illuminated after dark. So I wanted to experience the same in Okyama. [Music] Today I drove from Okyama City to Totoi, the capital of Tonyi Prefecture. To make the trip I needed a rental car. At first, I went to the wrong branch. But then, after a bit of confusion, I finally found the right building and got my rental, a Toyota Yaris hybrid. I wanted to record some footage, but because I was running late and taking too long, I had to wait until I left the city. This was my first time driving in Japan. The journey would cover around 170 km and take over 2 and 1/2 hours. I started by heading east towards Himemedi and Kobe, then eventually turning left at Tatsuno, making my way north to descending coastline. I wanted to film a firstperson view using my Insta 360 Goes. I practiced the week before in my own car and it went really well. However, with the Yaras with it being much smaller, I had to really sink deep into the seats so I could get the right angle. [Music] Since Japan drives on the left hand side, it was actually easy to adjust to the roads. All I really had to learn were some of the unwritten rules at road signs. One of the most important is the stop sign. It reads tomare in Japanese. Traffic lights are laid out horizontally here, which helps reduce wind resistance, especially in areas prone to strong winds and typhoons. Thankfully, nothing was too difficult to understand. After eventually crossing into Totorii prefecture, I pulled over for a quick snack. Okay, there’s a quick update of how things are going. So, I got about an hour left of the drive to stop by um get some snacks and yeah. So, how’s the drive been? Um it’s been really smooth so far. Uh no problems. It’s my first time driving in Japan, so some of it’s a little bit new. Uh for example, the traffic lights coming out of uh Okyama City. Uh some of the signs are a little bit different, but it’s it’s all easy to understand. And yeah, the car um the Toyota Yaris. So, it’s um it’s been pretty good. It’s not my car in terms of power and comfort and all stuff, but for a little runaround uh rented car driving in Japan, it’s pretty good. I’m sure it’ll be coming in handy just the size of it when I’m I’m parking up later on when I reach to. I don’t know what’s going to happen there. I’m going to have to find a place to park up. The hotel apparently doesn’t have one. Um a car park. But um yeah, it’s all been good so far. Yeah, not much else to really say. The the whole drive has been really really fun. Been enjoying it. So, I’m glad I’ve um done this experience. I was a little bit nervous at first because just had to I didn’t want any awkwardness, you know, doing something wrong or Yeah, I knew nothing bad would really happen, but still, I guess the hardest part would be knowing what to do as far as parking this car up. But yeah, it’s been Yeah, it’s been a really good drive. So, I’ll let’s get back to it. Because I turned off the freeway, I added some extra time to my journey and had to take a different road. Eventually, I had arrived in Tati City. Tati Prefecture has the smallest population of all 47 prefectures in Japan with around 530 people in total and just 183,000 living in the city. After parking up, I found out that there was actually a car park available for me at the hotel. The main reason why I came to this area was to see the famous Sanjunes, but that would have to wait until tomorrow. The next day, I drove 14 km north to visit the Tattorii sandjunes. They were impressive. The sand was soft underfoot and surprisingly tough to climb as your feet sink deeper the faster you go. Formed over 100,000 years by sediments formed the Sai River, the dunes were shaped by strong coastal winds into a shifting landscape we see today. There are plenty of activities available from fat biking and paragliding to segway tours and even camel rides near the entrance. I chose to try sandboarding like snowboarding but with a steep 300° slope of sand. Before my sandboarding session were to begin, I went and grabbed some lunch. Katakare. I also had pear ice cream since Tattorii is renowned for sweet pears. This area also has a sand museum with different theme every year. However, during my stay, it was closed because we were still building and preparing for the upcoming exhibition. And then it was time to meet my snowboarding sensei. After I told him that I had no experience sandboarding or snowboarding, he laughed, probably realizing that he was about to send a brave muppet down the dunes. To put it nicely, I wasn’t good. Yeah. Wow. Wow. Wow. Thank you. Trusted Osaka guy to roast my balance, but I have to hand it to him. He was friendly and incredibly patient. You’d probably think that after 8 years of MMA training, I’d have decent balance, but apparently the sand had other plans. Sandboarding actually originated in Western Australia and here in Totoi is the only place in Japan where you can take proper sandboarding lessons. A lot of snowboarders come here to give it a shot and apparently it is quite similar. After eventually getting the hang of sitting, I decided to slide down a much faster and steeper slurp. If only I had learned how to stop. I had a slightly bloody finger after that one. Uhoh. After the sandjunes, I returned to the city for some yaki niku. I had five types of wyu beef from Tattorii and also omi which is located in the Shiga Prefecture. The next day was my final drive in the rental car, a 120 km journey west of Matsuer in Shiman Prefecture. I made a few stops along the way. The first being the Gosso Aryama manga factory, dedicated to the creator of the Detective Ken series. The reason why the factory is located here is because Tattorii is where Gosso Ayama is from. In English-speaking countries such as North America, the series is known as Case Closed. I already knew about the series in the museum, but I’d never actually seen the anime or read the manga, so I was really curious to check it out. Up to this point, more than 100 volumes of the manga has been released. There were other works on display such as magic kao and ya. After the tour, I bought the second volume of the detective kan manga. The first volume wasn’t available. And then it was off to my next stop. After crossing the Hashimoashi Bridge into Daikon Shima, an island in the middle of Lake Nakarumi, I stopped to check out Yusien Garden. This private garden has been around since 1975. Featuring the usual traditional elements such as ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and streams. This garden is most celebrated for its puny flowers or botan in Japanese. This garden is home to around 250 different varieties. Let’s explore and see what we can find. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Of all the gardens I’ve visited in Japan so far across both holidays, this is probably the one I enjoyed the most. By the time I arrived in Matsuer, dropped off the Toyota Aerys, and checked into my hotel, it was already 4:30 p.m. Most places were about to close. I quickly made my way to Matsu Castle, but unfortunately, I missed a chance to explore the interior. There were shrines inside the castle grounds. [Music] Built in 1611, Matsu Castle is one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles. Surrounding it is a moat where you can ride a small boat and enjoy a unique view of the castle from the water. This castle seemed less polished or maintained compared to the others I’ve visited. Even when compared to other original castles, but perhaps that’s part of its charm. It looks more authentic and aged, which adds to the 400year history it carries. I then decided to check out the other shrines in the area. [Music] [Applause] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] This concludes the time I spent in Matsuer. Even though I was here for only a short amount of time, I’m still glad that I visited. But now I had to prepare for the bus ride the next morning. [Music] Iwakuni meaning rock country is the fifth most populated city in the Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is located on the eastern edge of the prefecture just 1 hour’s train ride from Hiroshima city. The city’s most iconic landmark is Kinta Bridge because he’s known for his very distinctive design. Instead of a single arch that spans the Nishiki River, this wooden bridge features five kinetic arches, making it an unusual and eye-catching structure. This is the main reason why I decided to visit this location. Before Kintio Bridge was completed in 1673, earlier bridges were regularly destroyed by the river’s powerful currents. To solve this, Kakawa Hiroyoshi, the third feudal lord of Irakuni, commissioned a stronger structure, five wooden arches built on massive stone pillars. That version of the bridge stood for nearly 300 years until it was destroyed by typhoon in 1950. It was rebuilt just 3 years later in 1953 and remains an important symbol of the city. Today the bridge connects Ikuni station with Kiko Park which is where I will be exploring today. [Music] Just inside the park are a few shops and small eries. I found one ice cream shop offering dozens of unique flavors including wasabi. I’d heard about it before but I wasn’t sure what to expect. So after trying blue litechi ice cream, curiosity got the better of me. Went back for the wasabi flavor, expecting it to taste awful. But to my surprise, it tasted exactly like wasabi. It even delivered that signature spicy burn. The more I ate, the stronger the sensation. On closer inspection, I noticed the tiny green specks stirred into the ice cream. Piko Park itself was once the residence of the Yoshikawa family, the ruling Damio during the Edo period. As you enter, you are greeted by the statue of Kikara Hiroyoshi. I then continued the journey through the area he built. At the other side of the garden, there is a ropeway that ascends 200 m up Mount Shiyama to visit Urukuni Castle, the highest elevation castle I have visited on either of my trips in Japan. There was a small walk between a ropeway station and a castle. The Ikuni castle we see today is a replica built in 1962. The original was built in6008 and only dismantled 7 years later. This was because the shogunit declared only one castle per province. Only Haggi Castle remained, but even that is in ruins today. I checked out the interior of the castle. And just like all the others I visited, this is a museum. While there are many castle ruins in the Yamaguchi Prefecture, Immacuni is the only main keep that remains in the Prefecture today. The main highlight of the castle was definitely the observation. deck on top providing an incredible view of Nishiki River, Kako Bridge and Kiko Park. After exploring the castle, it was time to head back. I took the ropeway back down and made my way to the nearby Shirro Hebie Museum. Chiai means white snake and these rare nonvenenomous snakes are found only in Ikuni. They are considered to be a symbol of good fortune. They have been designated as a national treasure. All right, question time. Can you tell the difference between a male and a female white snake? Do the males have larger eyes, a larger head, or a thicker tail? Correct. That was a lucky guess. While the museum was small, it did offer a different experience in the park. And now it was time to head back to the hotel. I enjoyed my time here. I wish I was here during the night when I could see the bridge illuminated. I had sushi for dinner at a kiteen sushi restaurant. I tried raw horsemeat for the first time. It was a lot better than I expected. It had quite a sweet taste to it. This wraps up my time in Irakuni. Now it was time to prepare for the next journey. [Music] [Music] Today I was heading to Miauma, an island in the Hoshima Prefecture. The ferry terminal is a 30inut train ride from Hiroshima city. Here I was waiting for my ferry to arrive. Officially named Ichkushima, the island is commonly referred to as Miaima, which translates to shrine island due to its close association with the famous Ichosima shrine. [Music] The ferry ride only took 10 minutes. Although the island holds deep significance with the Shinto tradition and is considered a sacred site, Miaima is also a major tourist destination. While many people visit Miaima during the day, it is recommended to stay overnight at one of the Rioans to experience the Otto gate at different times of the day. In this video, I will show three ways you can see it. This is one of the three main views of Japan. One of the unique features of Miaima is the presence of deer that freely roam around to the island. Unlike the deer in Narrow Park, these are not fed by visitors as they are smaller, more aggressive species. This area was filled with tourists, shops, and eeries. Several stores had machines producing mangu in a production line style. I tried fried mamiji mangju. This is a local specialty of Miaima and it was so delicious I nearly bought another. Next, I visited a giant wooden rice scoop known as a giant shamoji. It is said to be the largest wooden rice scoop in the world. It weighs 2 and a2 tons and was carved from a 270y old Zelco tree. Just behind it inside the building, you can go up a level and get a great view of the area. As you can see, nearby was a five-story pagoda which was unfortunately surrounded by scaffolding during my visit. But close to it was the Sanjukaku Pavilion. Let’s go check it out. Sanjukaku Pavilion was constructed in 1587. And although it was never completed due to the death of the daimo Toyotomy Hideoshi and today this structure serves as a shrine dedicated to him. My next destination was Mount. While there was a bus that takes visitors to the ropeway station, the driver happened to be on lunch break when I arrived. So I decided to hike up on foot. There are two roadways that take you to the observatory. The mountains of Miaima offered stunning views of the Stoland Sea with countless small islands scattered across the water. [Music] Straight ahead is Mount Men, which is where I would be hiking to next. [Music] [Music] [Music] After a long climb along the windy paths and steep steps, I came across several scenic viewpoints and shrines. One of my favorites was Ray Kaku Hall, also known as the eternal flame hall. This small shrine holds deep historical significance. At its center is a large pot of tea hanging over eternal flame that has been continuously burning for over 1,200 years. The guardian monk regularly tops up the water in the pot to keep it going. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] I have finally made it to the top of Mount Missen. [Music] With an elevation of 535 m, Mount is the highest peak not only in Miaima Island, but Hashima Prefecture. Now it was time to make my way back down. [Music] After making my way back Down from Mount Missen, I passed Daishurin Temple, a Buddhist temple at the base of the mountain. Dairin Temple follows Shingan Buddhism, a branch of esoteric Buddhism that traces its roots back to India. Many of the temple’s teachings and practices are deeply influenced by ancient Indian traditions. [Music] These small statues are called rakam. Each one has a unique facial expression. Some wear knitted hats and scarves left by visitors. Even an was there. This is such a unique Japanese temple as it includes influences from other parts of the Buddhist world including Indian, Tibetan and Chinese elements. Excuse me. [Music] After I was done with the temples, I headed back to Iskushima Shrine and the Tori gate. Now I was able to see it at low tide. On the way to the toy gate, I decided to walk through Iskushima Shrine. At 16 1/2 m tall, this tow gate is the largest in Japan. Although there was a toy gate in this location that dates back to 1168, this current version has stood since 1875 is made of camp wood known for its durability and resistance to rot, insects, and warping, making it possible for this 60 ton structure to stand over water for 150 years without being anchored into the seabed. It simply just rests on the sand. Now it was time to head to Marokan. The room was a traditional rashitsu, which is a Japanese style room complete with tatami mats and a little table with a floor chair in the center. The real cat I was staying at was located at the opposite side of Miaima, which was more of a fishing spot. If you think this looks awkward, you should have seen me standing there watching the hotel staff setting up my private dinner. I had no idea what I was supposed to do. Let’s see if I can name everything. There was oyster grilled on the ceramic plate. A bowl of steamed rice. Steamed egg custard with conga eel. Ginko nut. It’s um it come on. Clear soup with cherry blossom leaves and minced fish bowl. Seabbrim greater amberjack and shrimp. I’ll delete this later so no one knows I’m cheating. There’s our temper. And that I’m not one three toyers. However, this was pretty good. And for dessert, I had ingredients might change occasionally. After dinner, I returned once more to the Otto Gate. With the shops all closed for the night, only a small number of people were outside, quietly appreciating the view. It was worth the return visit, even if it was all there was to do for the hour. Early in the morning, I had to get ready for my journey to the next destination. I really enjoyed my time in Miaima. I’m glad I came. Highly recommend it to anybody. [Music] [Music] Hiroshima was the final prefecture I visited in the Chugoku region. With a population of just over a million, it is the largest city in Chugoku and the 11th largest in Japan. I began my time here at Shukin Garden, a traditional landscape garden that dates back to 1620. [Music] Keep [Music] [Music] coming. And it is often the case of large traditional gardens in Japan, the nearby castle isn’t far behind. So I headed there next Hashima Castle, also known as K Castle, was originally built in the 1590s. The original structure was destroyed during the atomic bombing in 1945 and what stands today is a faithful reconstruction that was completed in 1958. I decided to check out the interior which like many other recently rebuilt castles was a museum inside. The five-story main keep stands at 26.6 m tall, providing a great view of the city. And now it was time for lunch. One of Hiroshima’s most iconic dishes is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made from batter, shredded cabbage, and various other toppings. The name literally means as you like it, reflecting on it customizability. While konamiyaki is also popular in Osaka, the Hoshima style is slightly different. Osaka style mixes all ingredients together before cooking, but Hashima style layers them and also typically includes noodles as a key ingredient. While you can sit at tables, it was great sitting at a bar watching your meal get cooked right in front of you. I ordered the basic koshima style economy yaki since I prefer simpler flavors. I am the same with pizza. I really enjoyed it and I would happily eat it again. Next was Orizuru Tower. The name Orisu means folded crane. Inspired by the 50 m glass wall that holds nearly 2 million paper cranes and counting. Today I’d be climbing to the top to add one more to that collection. And in the middle is a slide that you can use when you want to go back down. The folded paper crane has become a powerful symbol of peace and herb. That meaning is deeply tied to Hiroshima through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia after the atomic bombing. She tried to fold a thousand cranes wishing to recover and her story has continued to inspire millions today. Ready to see the end result? I didn’t say it was going to be any good. Now it’s time to drop my paper crane down the wall, adding to the 1.9 million. Tower also has an observation deck that overlooks Hiroshima City. Compared to a lot of places in Japan, Hiroshima is a city with modern architecture. There is one view in particular that pulls your attention. No building in a city provides a real reminder of the events of what happened 80 years ago. Formerly known as the Hosima Prefectual Industrial Promotion Hall, built in 1915, the Abomb Dome was the only building that survived the atomic bomb attack. On the 6th of August 1945, Hashima became the first city in history to be targeted by an atomic bomb. Over 70,000 people were killed instantly, which was about 20% of the city’s population at the time. By the end of the year, up to 1,400,000 people had died due to serious injuries and radiation. 3 days later, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Because of its dome-like shape, this is the only building that survived, becoming a symbol of resiliency for the city. The Hosima Peace Memorial Park is also the home of the Peace Memorial Museum, which is visited by over half a million people each year. The memorial senotap was built exactly 7 years after the bombing in 1952. And next to it burns a peace flame lit in 1964. And the flame will remain lit until all nuclear weapons are eliminated from the world. I didn’t record any footage of the peace memorial museum, but it is a recommended place to visit if you’re in Hiroshima. It offers a deeply moving experience, one that leaves you hoping the world never has to face something like this again. Then after that, look for a place to have dinner. This pretty much wraps up my time in Hiroshima. This is a mustsee place if you happen to be in the Chugoku area. [Music] [Music] Today marked the beginning of my bike ride across Japan Setto inland Sea along the famous Shimanamikaido. The scenic route starts in the port city of Onamichi in Hashima Prefecture that stretches across six islands before ending in Imabi, a city in Ehima Prefecture on Shikoku Island about 50 km northeast of Matsyama. I picked up my bike from the rental shop near the ferry terminal. And after a short ferry ride, the journey officially began on the first island, Mkashima. A few days earlier, I learned that the weather wasn’t going to be the typical sunshine that you often see in photos of this route. Instead, it was expected to rain at the start, only to clear up by the time I finished the following day. When planning trips like this in advance, weather is always the wild card. Day one covered the Hiroshima side of the journey, four islands, and around 34 km of riding. This is the first time I had ridden a bike in about 13 years. The course is easy to follow because blue lines and arrows mark the recommended direction and some signs even show how many kilometers are remaining to your destination. Once I noticed a sign pointing back to Onamichi, I realized the mistake and got back on track. Each island is connected by long suspension bridges. I had arrived on a second island in Oshima. On this island, I accidentally missed my turn onto the suspension bridge and added an extra hour to my journey. [Music] The next island was a Kuchiima. Here was where I originally planned to visit a spot called the hill of herb, but between the steady rain and lost time from the earlier detour, I made the call to skip it. Crossing onto Omishima, I left Hiroshima Prefecture behind and entered into Eime, officially reaching Shikaku. The Shimaname Kaido is known for its breathtaking views, but on a rainy day like this, it is a very different experience. Once I arrived on the island, I stopped by to get some snacks before heading to my accommodation. My accommodation for the night was on Omishima Island. It was a quiet place close to a few local restaurants and even a public bath. I had also hoped to visit the nearby island or Konoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, which is home to wild rabbits and an eerie former poison gas factory. But the weather made that side trip unappealing. [Music] After visiting the nearby public bath, I headed across the road to get some dinner. I had temper. It was really good. There really wasn’t anything else to do on this island, so I had an early night. Such a lovely day for a bike ride. I made sure to have a decent breakfast and then I was off. Day two of the Shiman Nami Kaido ride was shorter in distance but tougher overall. The final island Oshima had far more hills than the previous ones. The rain was worse this day, but by the time I reached the final suspension bridge, the rain had worsened. It was so intense that even my Insta360 Goes camera, a camera designed for underwater use, stopped recording video. From that point on, I was left with only audio. This single photo became the only proof that I had of reaching the final destination. A pretty anticlimatic ending. So, how was my overall experience of this bike ride? I was cold. I was soaked. My bike refused to change down gears, which meant I had to get off every time to just a chain by hand. And by the time I arrived in Nimabari, I looked like a 90-year-old man who had gone to war with nature. I even needed kind assistance from the staff worker because my hands were so frozen, I couldn’t even grab the zipper off my bag. I missed out on several sites I hoped to visit. But there were some upsides. The accommodation was great. The staff were warm and friendly. And while I did ride alone, I did have a few nice conversations with locals, including an older man who was shocked to hear that it was 30° in Melbourne. So, would I do this again, hoping for sunny weather next time? If the opportunity came up, I would love to see the Shimanamikaido again, even if it was without a bike. But with so much of Japan still left to explore, it is not high on my list at the moment. Still, despite everything, I’m glad that I managed to complete it. Sometimes it is the difficult journeys that stay with you the most. And with that, it’s on to the next city. Welcome to Sunni Matsyama. With a 100% chance of being drenched with a population of around half a million, this is the largest city on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands. I arrived cold and wet from my Shimamikaido bike ride, and I was too early to check into my hotel, so I couldn’t change into some warm clothes. Matsyama City is built around Mount Katsyama with the castle perched on top keeping an eye on everything below. On the way to my hotel, I noticed something going on. Some kind of local festival. It turned out it was the Eheime Bread Festival. A nice surprise, although the weather itself wasn’t doing it any favors. I decided to head to Dogo Onen. And along the way, I sold a replica Botchan steam train heading to Matsyama station. This is Dogo Onsen station, which is also a Starbucks. The station building is a 1986 replica of the 1911 westernstyle structure that was popular during Japan’s major era modernization. Right outside is another well-known attraction, the Botchang Kakuri clock. Every hour or twice on weekends and holidays, it puts on a short mechanical show. [Music] It was built in 1994 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dogo Once in Hong Kong. The characters featured are from Botchen, which is a novel by Natsoski, inspired by his time teaching in Matsyama in 1895. The book has become a cultural symbol of the city and this is one of many attractions that showcase that. There were always so many people canding around the clock around the time when it was about to begin the show and it lasts for about 1 minute. After the clock, I walked through the Dogo Shopping Arcade to see what the shops had to offer. The first shop I stopped at was filled with Mkan goods. Mkan is the Eheime Prefecture mascot and he is part manikan, a citrus fruit and part dog. He is definitely one of the cute mascots in Japan. But there is also an evil looking rival mascot representing a flawed man. Man is a cross between a mandarin and a tangerine. Aheime is the second largest producer of man after wakyama and you could tell that this area has a lot of pride in its quality. It was interesting seeing what kind of man products that were available. This whole doggo area is clearly the most popular touristy area in Matsyama. There was also a Studio Ghibli shop nearby, which makes sense because Dogo Onen is thought to be one of the inspirations for Spirited Away. And here it is. While the bath house building was completed in 1894, the hotspring itself is said to be over 3,000 years old, making it one of the oldest in Japan. Probably is the oldest. The wooden architecture and mazelike structure of the building inspired elements of Yubaba’s bath house in the film Spirit of the Way. It was now time to check it out for myself. a butter combination package with access to both the Camino and Tamoyu baths, which also included tea and biscuits. It was a relaxing experience, except for the part where I accidentally splashed shower water into the bath and annoyed an older local. Sorry. Still, I left feeling fresh, even though I was still wearing my damp old clothes. Re-energized, I decided to try all the Mikham products. I had man ice cream. You can even drink man juice from a tap. This is a bath house that opened more recently, but I didn’t check it out. You can ride this replica of a botchan Russia, a diesel powered replica of the original Eio railway steam locomotive that inspired the Botchan novel. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get the chance to ride it during my stay here. This is a shop where you can sample 27 types of man, each with its own level of sweetness and bitterness. I tried the pretty sweetest because I’m such a sweet guy. Maybe there was even a place where you can drink man beer. I’m not one to drink beer, but this was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. This one was my favorite, the sweetest one. Next, it was time for dinner. Actually, I had a mikan custard pie first, but it was really nice. Now, it was time for dinner. I had shaboo shabu. It was my first time having it. Shabu shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish, and the name refers to the sound of the meat being swished in the broth. After dinner, I got to experience Dogo Onsen all over again, but this time at night. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Earlier that morning, I was feeling cold and wet from on my bike ride. However, once I arrived in a doggo area, my day completely changed. Maybe it was partially to do with all the man I had to eat and drink, but I had a blast exploring the area. Even though it has a lot of historical importance, the fact that it has been maze into a fun experience with so much to enjoy in just one section, it is a celebration of culture and history. And since it all looks stunning at night, it was almost like I was able to experience it all over again. The next morning, I set off to visit Matsyama Castle. While you can hike up Mount Katyama, I decided to take the chairlift, but I accidentally ended up taking the ropeway instead. Back in feudal times, castles built on mountains were ideal for defense. The steep incline made it difficult for the attackers and gave defenders the upper hand. My original plans for visiting Matsyama were to visit the castle first and then doggo onen the following day. However, the weather made me switch things up. Even though the weather still wasn’t great, at least it wasn’t raining anymore. The views from the top were amazing. A full 360° panorama of the city, surrounding mountains, and the setto inland sea. Built in6003, the original castle was destroyed by lightning on New Year’s Day in 1784 and then rebuilt in 1854. Despite a fire, the main keep follows the original layout, which is why it is still considered one of Japan’s 12 original castles. To avoid confusion with Bitu Matsyama Castle in Okyama, this one is sometimes called Iro Matsyama Castle after the region’s former name before the major era. I had purchased a ticket so I could check out the interior of the castle. Unlike many castles like Himeji that rise steeply around the central tower, Matsyama Castle spreads outwards. You don’t just ascend. It’s more like navigating a defensive maze. You pass through layers of interconnected rooms, gates, and towers before finally climbing up. It feels less like a photo op and more of an experience. This traditional Japanese style of wooden joinery where no nails and screws are used is called sashimono. [Music] There’s even a section in the castle where you can put on samurai armor and take a photo. I was told I had to put on the pants as well, but my legs were too fat. No one was here to help me. Now, let’s check out the view. Even though the sky wasn’t clear, it was still amazing to be able to see the whole city from all angles from more than 400 m high. Now, it’s time to head back down. Now that I’ve experienced this castle, how does it compare to others I’ve visited so far? Well, visually, it may not look as grand as Himeji, but the hands-on exploration and the sweeping views make it unforgettable. So, as far as best castles I’ve seen so far, I would say externally it would be Himeji. But the experience that you get inside, I would honestly give it to Matsyama. I’m guessing there’s no need to explain what I’m eating and drinking right now. After that, it was time to leave the castle and move on to the next place. And since I didn’t take the chair lift going up, I was going to make sure I was going to use them heading back down. Up to this point, I hadn’t had breakfast, so I thought I better grab some first. But then I accidentally left my phone behind, so I had to head back. After that, I walked to Dogo Park, about a 5-minute walk from Dogo Onen. At the time, I just saw it as a peaceful green space. But that evening, while chatting with locals over drinks at a nearby Isizakaya, I learned that Dogo Park is actually the site of Yuzuki Castle, the former base of the Kono clan, rulers of the Io region. The castle was built in 1335 and then surrendered in 1585, about 18 years before Matsyama Castle was completed. I didn’t film any of the ruins because I didn’t even know that they were there. Still, I’m glad that I got to hear the story directly from a passionate local. Now it was time to check out the next spot shrine which requires a steep stone staircase to reach. Isana shrine is one of the most historically important shrines in Matsyama. Hed on a hill in Adogo Anseneria, it is known for its vivid vermilion coloring and its rare architectural style. The current form was built in 1667 and the shrine honors Hatchiman, the god of war and divine protector of warriors. [Music] [Music] I decided to check my luck with a fortune. [Music] My result was quite good. Next, I wanted to check out a lookout point, which required a long walk to get there. [Music] On my way back down, I found out that there was a botchan train museum. So, I went to check it out. It is near a Starbucks. In fact, it is in the Starbucks cafe itself. This was a complete surprise to me. Nearby there are two shopping arcades. It was getting late in the evening, so it was pretty quiet and some of the shops were already closed. [Music] There was even a botchen train themed cafe. Even while walking through the modern shopping streets of Gintengai and Okaido, I noticed something really cool. The history of Matsyama is everywhere. Whether it is the images of the castle or doggo onen or even panels of historical facts that found a way to blend in everyday life with a sense of pride of the city’s past. It is like little reminders of culture and tradition woven into the shopping trip. I tried to time my walk back before sundown because there was one thing that I wanted to do. Near Matsyama station, there was a ferris wheel that I wanted to check out. The reason for this is that I wanted to see if I could get a good view of the whole city during sundown. [Music] [Music] I was down to my final two things that I wanted to do before the end of the night. The first was to return to the castle now that is illuminated at night. As you can see, the chair lifts and ropeway were closed, so I had to hike up the mountain. I like these kind of walks. While in Japan, I wanted to try get as many night shots of different castles as I could. This is what I didn’t want to miss because with the combination of this lighting and the rain clouds above, I was in for a treat. Looking back, Matsyama really surprised me. I knew I would love it, but I didn’t expect to love it this much. First time travelers usually go to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. And while those places are great, it means that a lot of places like this get overlooked. In the case of Matsyama, it’s not the easiest place to reach, but it does offer a quieter, more authentic experience. From cultural sites to citrus obsessions, historic charm to friendly locals, this place has heart. And before leaving, there was one last thing that I had to do. Write a haiku. A haiku is a Japanese style of poem consisting of 17 syllables in three lines of five, seven, and five. So I visited a haiku theme where the owners helped me write a poem reflecting on my time here. Matsyamano Hikari Harun noiro Kochi city is the capital of Kochi Prefecture located on the southern coast of Shikoku. After checking into my hotel, I headed straight for Hiom Market, a lively indoor food court that is always buzzling with locals and visitors. I wanted to try the local maybutsu or specialty dish. Katsu no tataki which is lightly seared skip jack tuna and is traditionally eaten with ponzoo sauce, garlic and green onions. It is a signature flavor of the region. After lunch, I made my way to Kochi Castle, just a short walk from the market. Interestingly, I noticed more British tourists here than I had done in other parts of Japan. Maybe Koshi’s charm is catching on overseas, too. Kochi Castle sits on top of Mount Otakayama. Originally known as Otakayyama Castle, it was rebuilt beginning in6001 after the battle of Sakahara. The castle briefly went through names such as Kawan Nakayyama Castle and Kochiama Castle before finally becoming Kochi Castle. The current structure is completed in 1611 and unlike many other castles in Japan, Kochi Castle has remained its original main keep and several connected buildings, making it one of the 12 original castles still standing in Japan today. I checked out the interior. Goodbye. Yeah, Appreciate that. Next to Kotchi Castle was the museum of history. This museum showcased the history of Kochi prefecture and the tossa domain which was the name of the area before the mei period. [Music] [Music] Next, I visited the Ruichi Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum. Born in Kochi in 1909, Yokoyama was a manga pioneer. His most famous creation was Fukuchan who debuted in 1936 and became especially popular in the 1940s and50s. It was serialized in a national newspaper my ni shinong giving a huge exposure at the time when manga was still growing as a medium. Fukuchan is a bit like Japanese version of Dennis de Menace or Charlie Brown. While not as internationally famous as Astro Boy or Dyan, he is still a foundational figure in manga history. To be honest, when I walked into this museum, I knew nothing at all about Fukusham, but that’s what I enjoyed the most. It taught me something I did not expect to learn. The museum has some charming attractions that showcase Yokoyama’s work in creative ways. I was the only visitor at the time, but I could imagine that kids would really enjoy it, but maybe kids these days are not really familiar with him. Later that evening, I returned to Heram Market to try another local Maybutu. I tried the atai gyoza. I really enjoyed it. And finally, I made my way back to the castle for one last tradition of mine. Capturing a night shot of the illuminated keep Today I headed to Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture. With a population of over 400,000, it is the second largest city in Shikoku, located on the island’s northeastern coast. [Music] My first stop was Ritsin Garden, one of the largest and most celebrated gardens in Japan. The name Ritzerin means chestnut grove, named after the chestnut trees that once grew here over 400 years ago. These days, pine trees dominate the landscape about 1,400 of them. Fittingly, the word pine is Matsu, and the city name Takamatsu can be translated as high pine tree. [Music] Mitsuin Garden is considered one of the finest in the tree alongside gardens such as Kurakuen Garden in Okyama which I visited just 11 days ago. [Music] This garden features six ponds, 13 landscape hills, and a scenic mountain, Mount Shiun, as a backdrop. After that, I went for lunch. Kag Prefecture is famous for udong, and is sometimes jokingly called udon ken. I tried it for the first time, but honestly, the fishbased broth wasn’t really my taste. Next, I visited the entrance to the ruins of Takamatu Castle, one of the few Japanese castles originally built along the sea. I also stopped by Takamatsu Symbol Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Shikaku at 150 m. I wanted to check out the observation deck. Kagawa is also the gateway to several fascinating islands in the Stoland Sea like Shoshima, Naoshima, and Teshima. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit any of them on the trip. Maybe I could do that next time. This concludes my 4 days in Shikoku. Unfortunately, I didn’t give myself enough time to explore Tokushima Prefecture, and there was a lot that I wanted to see there. So maybe one day I’ll return to Shikoku and see what I missed. For now, it’s time to head back east to the main island of Honshu. [Music] [Music] Nagagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture located in the Chubu region between Kai and Kento. With a population of over 2 million, it is the fourth largest city in Japan. I spent two days in the city with the second day focused on museums. My first stop was Nagagoya Castle. Originally constructed in 1612, the castle was ordered by Shogun Tokugawa Ayasu to strengthen the Tokugawa hold of the Aari domain. The interior and many other structures were once considered the best among the Japanese castles. In fact, in 1931, it became the first castle to be designated a national treasure. But unfortunately, Machu was destroyed by fire during World War II in 1945 and it was later reconstructed in 1959. While exploring the castle grounds, I noticed a group of people dressed as samurai. I soon learned that they were part of a live show. They welcome photography and video. So, here’s a short highlight. [Music] here for your [Music] start. Oh, gotcha. [Music] [Music] Before wrapping up, I stopped by Nagagoya TV tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It stands at 180 m and it was completed in 1954, making it the oldest TV tower in Japan. It even made a pop culture appearance in the film Godzilla versus Mothra. Right next to it is the Oasis 21, a futuristic complex known for its glass roof called the water spaceship. [Applause] The city is also closely tied to the Toyota Motor Corporation, which has its headquarters and multiple manufacturing plants in what was formerly Komo City, now renamed as Toyota City, about 1 hour away from Nagagoya. As a car enthusiast, I had to check it out. When I walked into the museum, I usually expected all the cars to be from Toyota, but the museum featured cars from not just Japanese companies, but from companies from around the world. I also visited the SC Agv and Railway Park, a museum operated by the Central Japan Railway Company. It opened in 2011 and it showcases 39 full-size rail vehicles from the early steam locomotives to futuristic magv trains. [Music] A magv train is short for magnetic leitation and it uses electro rom magnets to lift and propel the train forwards. And because it eliminates the friction, it can achieve high speeds of more than 500 km an hour, which is about 67 minutes from Tokyo to Osaka. The bullet train can achieve that in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Thank you. [Music] You’re welcome. I can go down. Can you see? Hold on. These are legal. Let’s go. [Applause] Speech. Speech. Speech. Later that night, I took a short trip to Naban Noat, which is an illuminated flower park. Although it is about 25 km away and technically is in the neighboring Mia Prefecture, I decided to cover it in a separate video. So, please stay tuned. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Thank you. [Music] Good. [Music] Hold [Music] up. Hold up. [Music] [Music] Oh my god. [Music] [Music] That’s so sweet. How are you? [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] What are you doing? [Music] [Music] So, who else is going to use [Laughter] [Music] After two weeks of exploring western Japan, I had finally returned to Tokyo. This time, I headed straight into the heart of Shibuya to visit a bar that I’ve been looking forward to seeing ever since it was first announced. [Music] Lost isn’t just a bar for travelers. It is a hangout spot for fans of the Abroad in Japan YouTube channel. brainchild of Chris and Charlotte. It blends cocktails with inside jokes. I booked myself a VIP room and wore a t-shirt that made it look like I just finished a hospital shift. I’m prepared to try all four signature drinks. So, let’s have a look at the menu here to see what the drinks are going to be like. So, we’ll go through the uh signature cocktails that you can get at this bar. I’ll start from the bottom and work our way to the top. see how see if I can make it to the top. So, um we’ll start with too much volcano. The menu says this tribute to Mount Aso and a chart topping hit may taste like a strawberry milkshake but is a decadent adult indulgence. It’s really nice. So, yeah, it definitely is um quite sweet, which I really like. Um, also bear in mind I’m not a some sort of food critic, so it’s my explanations are going to be not terrible. So, but that was really nice. That’s a Could definitely taste the strawberry in that one. So, that’s Yeah, that’s that’s a really good one. So, I won’t waste any time. I’ll go for the second one, which is like a magic mule. So, I’ll describe this first. The menu says it’s the best Moscow mule you’ve ever had with a refreshing touch of violet. So, here we go. All right. This one is is different. So, so different. More of a I know a soda. I’m not good at describing things, but basically this drink has vodka, St. Germaine, lemon juice, crimp deviolet, and ginger beer. So that’s what it was. Ginger beer. So when I tasted, I knew it was something familiar. So um yeah, it’s a really good one. I then ordered the final two drinks off the signature cocktail menu. Okay, so life is balloons. Oh, it’s got a little Do I have this first or last? Oh, so this is the gummy. Really good. I like that this is in a wine glass. It looks a bit like a balloon with the string. So, here we go. So, this is gin. So it’s I actually don’t have gin. I rarely have gin. So I’m not so I’m not really familiar with different gins, but I like it. So next one is go f at k yourself. That is how it is spelled on the menu in brackets. The staff loves when you order this one with lots of eye contact. I didn’t do. So I’ll have this one now. So, as you can see, it’s got the salt around the top. Salt. I’m terrible with this. This is why this is the only time I’m doing this. Oh, yeah. It is salt. Wow. So, yes, this is definitely tequila. You could really taste that. So, I can imagine this is the strongest out of the three as far as I know, alcohol content or I’m not I’m not too sure. So, I think the Yeah, the idea is for it to be quite maybe spicy. I’m not too sure. It’s got the salt on salt and tequila. Makes sense actually. Shows how often I have tequila or any drinks in fact. But I liked that. So I’ve had all four of the um the ones that were on the signature cocktails. There’s also a citrus got real. So that’s a March signature special. So I’ll see if I can squeeze that one in while I’m at it, too. I didn’t have enough time to drink it in the VIP room, but I had it in the main bar. It was really nice. And anyone who seen my Matsama video knows that I like Mk. I’ve got a water to just space myself out. just be a little bit sensible cuz it’s like an hour of having four or five cocktails and I’ve got wasabi chips. It’s a bit of a snack. So, I’ll try these now. Actually, these are good. Yeah, you can. Yeah, I’m feeling I’m I’m tasting the um wasabi now, which is good. I like that taste. I wonder if I eat these really quickly, I really get that burn. Overall, I had an awesome time at Lost. Afterwards, I hung out at the bar, chatting to other tourists. If you interested in experiencing it for yourself, I have left the website link in the description box below. Kamakura is a small seaside city and former ancient capital located about 50 km south of Tokyo and 20 km south of Yokohama. The city’s most iconic attraction is the great Buddha of Kamakura or Kamakura Dutsu located at Kotokarin Temple cast in 1252. This bronze statue stands around 13 m tall and is one of the most famous Buddhist statues in Japan. Over the centuries, the surrounding temple buildings were destroyed by the likes of typhoons and tsunamis. However, the Buddha statue itself has remained standing. Buddhism originated in India around the 6th century BC and was later introduced to Japan through China and Korea. At first, it was embraced primarily by the nobility, but its complex teachings and early tension with Shintoism meant that it didn’t initially take root among the general population. Shinto is Japan’s indigenous belief system that focuses on kami, spiritual presences found in nature and ancestral forces. Buddhism, however, emphasizes on enlightenment, the afterlife, and practices like meditation. Today, many Japanese people practice a blend of the two traditions, a fusion known as Shimbutsu Shugo. Next, I wanted to visit a much more recent cultural icon. One that is tied to the world of anime and sport. Slam Dunk is a legendary basketball themed manga that debuted in 1990, followed by the anime in 1993. This particular railroad crossing became famous for appearing in the anime’s opening sequence and has since become one of the most iconic anime locations in Japan. I was surprised by just how many people had gathered to take photos and videos here. It’s clearly a must visit spot for slam dunk fans. You also get a clear view of Anoshima Island. Another spot that I didn’t get to explore on this trip. [Music] There’s a lot more to see in Kamakura. So, I would definitely like to return someday. [Music] I’m back in Tokyo, the bustling mega city where even locals could spend a whole lifetime exploring and still not see it all. I visited last year. So if you’re interested in places like Shibuya, Akihabara, Tokyo Tower, and Oda, I’ve linked a video below. This time I focus on places I missed. I stayed in Iikabukuro, one of Tokyo’s major shopping and entertainment hubs. One of the main attractions here is Japan’s largest Pokémon Center, located inside the Sunshine City Shopping Mall. My first stop after Iokuro was Nezu shrine located in Bono ward near Nishini Pi station. This shrine stands out for its rules of Tori gates. Similar to Kyoto’s Fishimayisha, it is dedicated to Susan No Mikoto, the Shinto god of the sea and storms and is believed to bring divine protection. Nezu shrine was incredibly peaceful for a moment. Then a black propaganda truck passed by blasting messages through a loudspeaker. A strange interruption in such a calm setting. Next, Sugamo Jizori. If Harajuku is known for youth culture, Sugamo is often described as a Harajuku for the elderly. Where Harajuku has Teesa Street, Sugumo has Jizodori. While visiting, I saw a few mascots on the street. Unmo is from Hamatsu in Shizuroka Prefecture. [Music] Sugamon is the local mascot for Sugamon. And Hemukan, who just as I stopped recording, turned to me and struck a perfect pose. Of course, I missed it. And there was a Yeah. [Music] Hey, Head off to the next stop. Ebisu is named after Ybisu beer which was originally brewed in this area. Before my next stop, I grabbed lunch at Henry’s Burger. Known for their delicious Wyu beef burgers. They also have branches in Harajuku and Gioayoka which I visited later in the trip. Next was Riku Gien Garden near Kam station. This is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens designed around themes from the classic wacka poetry. There was a small tea house where you can enjoy matcha while taking in the peaceful views. Shinobo is Tokyo’s Korea town known for K-pop culture, Korean food, and beauty products. About half the signs are in Korean. I can read a bit of Hangle, but don’t ask me what any of it says. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most iconic districts. Home to the world’s busiest train station with more than 3.5 million passengers per day. Some fun facts. Three busiest train stations in the world are all in Tokyo. The eight busiest in the world are all in Japan. And 21 of the top 24 are in Japan. Teestra Street in Harajuku is a colorful hot spot for new fashion, quirky snacks, and themed cafes. I was probably one of the oldest people walking through here. Hello. Look at that. I even popped into a dog cafe to say hello to some little friends. I’m crying. I think this was a hint for me to leave. Kanda is home to Jimbo book town with nearly 200 secondhand and specialty bookshops. If you love books, this is the perfect place to wander. Toyosuaku Benry is a brand new Edeto style shopping and onsen complex that opened last year in 2024 next to the Toyosu market. It is a blend of old Edo charm and modern amenities. That’s a pretty [Music] [Music] [Music] Next is Gioa, which aside from my second round of Henry’s Burger, the area is full of Europe. European inspired streets, boutique shops, and relaxed charm. It is a bit of a hidden gem still under the radar for most tourists. My favorite spot in the area was Levita. In Santa Caya, I visited Sakura Shrine, a quiet neighborhood shrine that is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Got to kuji temple is known as the birthplace of the manaki neco or lucky beckoning cat. There are a few versions of the origin story of the mano, but the most popular involves a cat saving a traveler, sometimes a samurai, sometimes a priest from danger. This usually involves a lightning strike or a falling tree, and the cat beckoning them over to safety. This act inspired the mannequin as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. I also mentioned this in my Hikon video since their mascot is a white samurai cat. And finally, Bueno Park. This is one of Tokyo’s most popular public parks. It is the home to museums, the zoo, and some of the best cherry blossom spots in the city. Speaking of cherry blossoms, they had eluded me during both my trips, but Park really came true. This was still late March, so it wasn’t full bloom yet, but I was really happy with what I saw. This wraps up my Japan trip. I will be making one final video where I look back on the entire trip as well as last year’s and answer any questions you might have. So, if there’s anything you like to ask, feel free to drop a comment here or message me on Instagram. The video will be up this time next week. Thanks so much for watching this video. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music]

This is the full video of my 2025 Japan holiday, which covered the chugoku and shikoky regions, as well as the cities of Nagoya and Tokyo. I visited Okayama, Kurashiki, Tottori Sand Dunes, Matsue, Iwakuni (Kintaikyo), Miyajima, Hiroshima, cycle across the Shimanami Kaido in the rain, Matsuyama, Kochi, Takamatsu, Nagoya, Tokyo, Lost Bar Shibuya (Abroad in Japan Bar) and Kamakura. There are also individual videos of each place I visited.

9th March 2025 – 28th March 2025

00:00 – Okayama
05:10 – Kurashiki
10:50 – Driving in Japan
14:52 – Tottori
21:45 – Matsue (Shimane)
26:47 – Iwakuni – Kintaikyo Bridge (Yamaguchi)
33:05 – Miyajima
47:14 – Hiroshima
56:40 – Shimanami Kaido
1:03:59 – Matsuyama (Ehime)
1:25:40 – Kochi
1:32:59 – Takamatsu (Kagawa)
1:37:36 – Nagoya (Aichi)
1:56:49 – Nabana No Sato (Mie)
2:03:47 – Lost Bar Shibuya
2:09:33 – Kamakura (Kanagawa)
2:13:02 – Tokyo
2:30:46 – Outro

#japan #tokyo #okayama #kurashiki #tottori #drivinginjapan #matsue #iwakuni #miyajima #hiroshima #shimanamikaido #matsuyama #kochi #takamatsu #nagoya #lostbarshibuya #kamakura