Scenic Railway Journey: San-in Main Line 6 Days

Recommended Program

The Historic Former Amarube Railway Bridge: Spectacular Views from the “Sky Station”

Since its completion in 1912, the Amarube Railway Bridge faithfully served the San’in Main Line for nearly a century. This beloved steel trestle bridge, once renowned as one of the finest in the Orient, withstood the fierce snow-laden winds from the Sea of Japan throughout its distinguished service. In 2013, it was transformed into the observation facility known as the “Sky Station,” giving it a remarkable new lease of life.

From this elevated vantage point 40 metres above ground, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views encompassing the charming townscape of Amarube below and the vast expanse of the Sea of Japan stretching endlessly beyond the horizon.

Tottori: Savouring Nature’s Sculptural Beauty Nurtured Across Eternal Time

When one thinks of Tottori, the magnificent Tottori Sand Dunes—Japan’s largest—immediately spring to mind. We shall time our visit for twilight, when the dunes are said to reveal their most exquisite beauty.

As the crowds depart and serenity settles over the vast sandy expanse, the setting sun casts its golden rays horizontally across the undulating terrain, illuminating the intricate wind patterns etched into the sand with breathtaking clarity. This magical hour has recently become known as “Tottori Sand Dunes Twilight Time”—a truly sublime experience that transforms the familiar into the extraordinary.

Yasugi: Adachi Museum of Art – San’in’s Premier Garden Sanctuary

The Adachi Museum of Art houses an extraordinary collection of approximately 2,000 works, centred around an impressive assemblage of 130 pieces by Yokoyama Taikan and exquisite ceramic masterpieces by Kitaoji Rosanjin. Attracting over 500,000 visitors annually from across the globe, this distinguished institution is equally renowned for its magnificent Japanese garden, which spans an impressive 50,000 tsubo (approximately 165,000 square metres).

Consistently ranked amongst Japan’s most beautiful gardens that one simply must visit, this horticultural masterpiece provides the perfect complement to the museum’s exceptional art collection. Here, you shall experience the sublime harmony between artistic excellence and the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese landscape design.

Exploring the Historic Castle Town – Matsue Castle & Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum

Matsue Castle stands as one of Japan’s twelve surviving original keeps and holds the prestigious designation of National Treasure. Following his distinguished service at the Battle of Sekigahara, Horio Tadauji was granted dominion over the Oki and Izumo provinces, encompassing 240,000 koku, thus establishing the Matsue Domain. The castle subsequently passed through the hands of the Kyogoku and Matsudaira clans, evolving into the magnificent structure we admire today.

The Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum chronicles the fascinating life of this remarkable polymath—born in Greece, he flourished as a journalist, travel writer, essayist, novelist, and ultimately as a distinguished scholar of Japanese studies and folklore. His profound connection to Japan and its culture offers visitors unique insights into the country’s soul.

During your two-night sojourn in Matsue, you shall immerse yourself in a living tapestry where history and culture continue to thrive, experiencing firsthand the enduring spirit of this enchanting castle town.

Discovering the Multifaceted Charms of Hagi

Nestled in northern Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hagi stands as a distinguished historic city that flourished as the castle town of the Mori clan during the Edo period. The enchanting streetscapes, adorned with elegant samurai residences featuring pristine white walls and traditional tile roofs alongside atmospheric merchant houses, preserve the authentic urban structure of feudal Japan for posterity.

In 2015, Hagi achieved the prestigious honour of UNESCO World Heritage designation as part of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” The Hagi Reverberatory Furnace, constructed during the tumultuous final years of the Tokugawa shogunate, stands majestically as a testament to Japan’s technological innovation in defence against foreign threats. Meanwhile, the Shoka Sonjuku Academy, where the visionary educator Yoshida Shoin nurtured the revolutionary spirits who would forge modern Japan, remains a hallowed site where the philosophical foundations of the Meiji Restoration were laid.

Hagi’s geographical blessing—embraced by the sea on three sides—creates spectacular seasonal vistas that captivate throughout the year. From aboard our pleasure craft, you shall enjoy panoramic views of this exquisite castle town cradled between mountains and sea.

The atmospheric streets echoing Edo-period elegance, World Heritage historical monuments, and the sublime landscapes woven by abundant nature—we invite you to discover Hagi’s myriad enchanting facets.

Hagi & Tsuwano: The Historic “Little Kyoto” of San-in

Tsuwano, which flourished as both a castle town beneath Tsuwano Castle and a thriving merchant quarter, presents a captivating tableau of contrasts. Vibrant koi swim gracefully through the network of waterways originally constructed for fire prevention, whilst the striking juxtaposition between the samurai district—with its enduring earthen walls—and the merchant quarter, distinguished by its rows of russet-tiled rooftops, creates an utterly enchanting streetscape.

Tsuwano is equally celebrated as a haven for exquisite traditional confectionery, where venerable sweet shops have perfected their craft over generations. As you meander through these atmospheric lanes, we encourage you to discover the perfect memento amongst the town’s renowned wagashi—each piece a delicate work of art that captures the very essence of Japanese culinary refinement.