Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
This moderate-paced 7-day itinerary uses 4 bases — Hiroshima (2 nights), Izumo (1 night), Matsue (2 nights), Tottori (2 nights) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Hiroshima, Izumo, Matsue, Tottori. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥15,000 per person including accommodation.
Why this route is ranked #31
Ranked #31 with 87/100: a multi-stop route with more transfer time, strong Chugoku highlights (Hiroshima, Izumo, Matsue), moderate pacing for off-the-beaten-path, and good value at ¥15,000/day.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Route Efficiency & Transit Pacing | 26.1 / 30 |
| Iconic & Cultural Depth | 21.8 / 25 |
| First-Timer Accessibility & Logistics | 17.4 / 20 |
| Cost-to-Value Ratio | 13.1 / 15 |
| Seasonal Flexibility | 8.6 / 10 |
| Total | 87 / 100 |
Day-by-day plan
Arrive in Hiroshima
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Shukkei-en and okonomiyaki.
Flexible day in Hiroshima
Free day in Hiroshima: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Shukkei-en and okonomiyaki.
Travel to Izumo
Morning transfer to Izumo (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Izumo Taisha grand shrine.
Travel to Matsue
Morning transfer to Matsue (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Matsue Castle and Lake Shinji sunset.
Flexible day in Matsue
Free day in Matsue: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Matsue Castle and Lake Shinji sunset.
Travel to Tottori
Morning transfer to Tottori (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Tottori Sand Dunes.
Flexible day in Tottori · depart
Free day in Tottori: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Tottori Sand Dunes. Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Transport & rail pass notes
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Long-distance legs may justify a regional or national JR Pass — check with our JR Pass Calculator.
What to book ahead
- Hotels in peak sakura (late Mar–early Apr) and koyo (Nov) seasons
- Shinkansen seats on weekends & holidays
- Signature experiences in Hiroshima
Ways to adapt this route
- Short on time? Drop Tottori and add a night to Hiroshima.
- Travelling in winter? Check seasonal closures for mountain roads and ropeways.
- Use our Itinerary Builder tool to customise this plan.
Hiroshima Izumo Matsue Tottori
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Hiroshima, Izumo, Matsue?
Yes — this plan gives Hiroshima (2 nights), Izumo (1 night), Matsue (2 nights), Tottori (2 nights), which is enough for the main highlights at a moderate pace.
How much does this 7-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥105,000 per person for 7 days (≈¥15,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.