​​​​​​​History, Art and Nature along the Seto Sea - 17 days

Countless islands are scattered into the sea of Seto, sometimes called The Japanese Aegean Sea.
This marvelous place hosts the Setouchi Triennale, a modern art festival surrounded by gorgeous landscapes: the perfect inspiration for artists. If you are visiting Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima, we highly recommend you to stop at the islands of the Seto inland sea, that have so much to offer. Instead of driving or waiting for and in public transport, you could freely ride a bike on the Shimanami Kaido coastroad and enjoy the sea breeze, while gazing at a breath taking panorama. Cross as many as you can of the ten bridges across the strait, and explore six islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Wild nature and art, history and traditions, let's fully discover the charms of this unknown part of Japan.
We won't forget to talk about world's heritage essentials too, such as Himeji's castle, Miyajima and Kyoto.

Essentials places to go:

- Kyoto and its ancient districts
- Nara, ther very first capital of Japan
- Himeji castle and the traditional garden "Kokoen"
- Discover artistic islands such as Naoshima, Teshima etc.
- The historic quarter of Kurashiki
- "The city of hills and cats" Onomichi
- Shimanami Kaido by bike: jump from island to island
- Miyajima and its famous immersed torii
- Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial Park
 

You can freely modify this tour. If you wish to make changes, please select your date of departure on the schedule at the bottom of this page and fill in the request form.

Contact us here

- Travels in Japan with Peak Experience Japan -

Yokoso ! You are in Japan

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​​ Landing at Kansai airport (Osaka). Welcome !

​​ A shuttle will drive you to Kyoto (80 min) and the itinerary will start the next day. Take your time and enjoy experiencing japanese cuisine in one of the many delicious restaurants we can find in Kyoto !

If you chose to rent a WIFI pocket with us, you can take it at the WIFI rental service counter at the airport or at your hotel during the check-in.
 

​​ Check-in at your planned accommodation : Enso Ango Hotel (Click here for more details).

Guided tour of Kyoto

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A tailor-made one guided-day in Kyoto (length : 8 hours ). You shall be charmed by the old atmosphere of the streets.

This is your first day in the old capital, we will meet up with you to have a short briefing about how to get around in Japan, and you will be able to choose one of our guided excursions which take place in Kyoto city.

You can choose one of our one-day excursions on our website or contact us to create a tour according to your wishes.


Learn more about Kyoto and its surroundgings

Deep discovery of the capital and its surroundings

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Today is a free day so you can go wherever you want. It's the perfect opportunity to visit the essential spots.

Learn about Japanese history

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Another free day, and today our recommendation is Nara.
Did you think that Kyoto was the one and only capital of Japan? Make no more mistake, not far from there lies the city of Nara and its splendid temples, its Big Buddha sitting in an amazing wooden structure, and the visitors' beloved sacred deers that freely walk acroos the city.
We hope you will enjoy the wide natural park where you will find most of the temples such as the Todai-ji and the Kofuku-ji, which hold a major role in the history of the archipelago.


Learn more about Nara

​ You will need a small hour, by JR railway, from Kyoto station. Once arrived at Nara station, you can reach the Todai-ji remple by a 10 minutes bus ride or by foot without 30 minutes. You can also rent a bike at the station. 
 

Leave Kyoto but not its beauty

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​​ Check-out from the hotel. 

🚅 Leaving Kyoto in the morning, on a Shinkansen (express bullet train) bound for Himeji.

Himeji castle is a majestic castle enlisted as a national treasure as well as a listed cultural heritage of the UNESCO World Heitage. It belongs to one of the hundred most beautiful castle in Japan. Himeji castle is also known under the surnames of «Hakuro-jô» or «Shirasagi-jō» meaning the castle of the white heron or of the white egret, because of its prominent color. It was spared from wars and keepts its beauty unspoiled.

Learn more about Himeji

🚅 After enjoying Himeji, let's head to the port of Uno by Shinkansen and by local bus.. ​​
​​ You will reach Miyanoura port, on Naoshima island, in about 20 minutes by ferry. . 

Check-in at the hotel on the island. 

Island hopping in Naoshima and the art islands
 

Free day in Naoshima island 

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Naoshima - the island of Art - 

It is the main island of the Naoshima archipelago, consisting of 27 big and small islands, floating into Seto inland sea, between Kagawa and Okayama Prefectures.

The coastline runs around 16 kms but touristic attractions are located at the southern half of the island. This area can be divided into three smaller parts: the West zone (Miyanoura district), the East zone (Honmura district) and the South zone (Benesse museum and its environs).
 
It is possible to reach all the attractions by foot but we recommend to take the local bus or to rent a bike, if you want to save time and fully enjoy Naoshima's Art. Few buses are running everyday and the number of seats available are limited: so we highly recommend to check the schedules and to come in good time at the bus stop, especially during high season. If the weather is good, we suggest you to rent a bike and enjoy the gentle sea breeze of Setouchi, rather than waiting for a bus for a long time.
 
Please note that the road contains more or less steep slopes, so do not hesitate to ask for a bike with electric assistance.

Our suggestions for sightseeing

《Miyanoura area》

* Miyanoura harbour and the Red Pumpkin by the artist Yayoi Kusama

* "I . love . YU" by Shinro Otake

《Honmura area》

* Works of art part of the Art House Project impulsed by The Benesse Foundation and Tadao Ando

* The Ando Museum


《Museum and its surroundings area》

* Gotanji beach

* Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama

* The Benesse House Museum and arts structures scattered around

* The Lee Ufan Museum

* The Chichu Art Museum

Learn more about Naoshima Island

If you wish to, you can rent a bike for the day, even with electric assistance. Please let us know when you contact us.

Art continues on Teshima island

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For this free day, we highly recommend to go to Teshima island and continue your art exploration.

​​ Ride a ferry for 22 minutes, from Miyanoura port to reach Ieura port on Teshima island (ferry : 3 departures per day)

About 25 minutes away from Naoshima island, Teshima island has a 20kms long coastline.

TO SEE:

* TESHIMA ART MUSEUM

* TESHIMA YOKOO HOUSE

* Needle factory by Shinro Otoo

* Storm House

* TESHIMA SEAWALL HOUSE

Learn more about Teshima Island

If you wish, you can rent a bike for the day, even with electric assistance. Please let us know when you contact us.

The island hopping keeps going!

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Check-out from Naoshima. 

For this free day, we higly recommend to explore the dog island of Inujima and continue your art exploration.

Access within 55 minutes from Miyanoura port to reach the port of Inujima (3 ferries per day).

Inujima is only 2.2 kms away from the city of Okayama. Within 25 minutes from Teshima island, you can access to the port of this tiny island (only a 4kms coastline) and explore it.

TO SEE:

* Art works of Inujima Art House Project

* Inujima Seirensho Art Museum

* Inujima Life Garden

Learn more about Inujima

​​ After returning to Naoshima, you can head for Takamatsu (1 hour by ferry or 30 minutes by speed boat).

​​ Check-in at Takamatsu hotel. 

If you wish, you can rent a bike for the day, even with electric assistance. Please let us know when you contact us.

The twin islands

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During this free visit, we suggest you visit the islands Ogijima and Megishima (the island of the female tree and the island of the male tree).

Port of Takamatsu - 40 minutes - Ogijima port - 20minutes - Megishima port - 20minutes - Takamatu port

《 Ogijima 》

Ogijima is slightly tinier than its twin sister island Megijima. Its current name literally means "the island of the male tree", but there was a time when it was known as "Nekojima, the cat island", because of its large population of feline! Tourists rather came to pet them; which shouldn't be your case...? Between a picturesque lighthouse, art infrastructures and a wide zone of mountains, you should be busier than the cats!

TO SEE:

* Cats

* Ogijima’s Soul

* Project for wall painting in lane, ogijima wallalley

* ONBA・FACTORY

* Library of Ogijima

* Dreaming of Blue

* Walking Ark

* Memory Bottle

* Akinorium

Learn more about Ogijima
 

Megijima 

The legend says that a young hero born in a peach, Momotaro (Momo, meaning peach in Japanese) went there to fight against the local demons ("oni" in Japanese) . It is one of the most popular tales in Japan. And it's true that the population doesn't exceed 140 habitants so maybe there was ogres there.
Even though its name means "the island of the female tree", it is also nicknamed Onigashima.
With a coastline of 9 kms, you can easily enjoy its attractions by bike. (even if the roads could are steep sometimes).

To see

* The big cave of the Demons island 

* The Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine

* "Ote" (piled rocks that constitue a winbreaker)

* Beach on the Demons island

* Oninoko Tile Project

* Terrace Winds

* MECON

* "BONSAI deepening roots"

* "ISLAND THEATRE MEGI"

* "20th Century Recall"

​​ Click here for more details about Megijima island. 

《 Takamatsu 》

Capital city of Kagawa prefecture, Takamatsu was a florishing and highly important trading port, especially through its exchanges with the Shikoku territory. Thanks to its easy access by plane, an increasing number of foreign visitors come to discover it. There, they find a city of history, nature and art. Not far from the train station stands one of the three big “Mizujiro” (meaning: castle in the sea): Takamatsu castle. This name comes from the fact that its moats are filled with sea fishes. Take a peaceful stroll at the adjacent Tamamokoen park.

Discover the delicious food of Takamatsu

If you wish to, you can rent a bike for the day, even with electric assistance. Please let us know when you contact us.

Travel through time in Onomichi

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Check-out from the hotel.

​​ Leaving in the morning from Takamatsu to Onomichi

Onomichi, the gateway to Shikoku mainland, is located at the east side of Hiroshima Prefecture and has kept the aspect of old times.
You will find temples and old traditional Japanese houses on the quite steep slops of the residential districts. Temples are often on the top of hills, which offers a gorgeous view on the Setouchi inner sea.
The city will dive you into a retro atmosphere, especially into the Showa vibes (Japan of the 50s to 70s).
Furthermore, Onomichi is quite famous for its Sakura cherry trees that you find on the highs of the city. You can admire them during their booming season in Spring.
For the foodie out there, try the Onomichi ramen, a bowl of chinese noodle cooked with the local style, highly appreciated by japanese people.
 

OUR SUGGESTIONS:

* Senko-ji temple and Kosan-ji temple

* The 25 temples pilgrimage, especially the Kairyuu-ji temple

* The commercial street of Onomichi Hondori

* The museum of the painter Hirayama Ikuo

Learn more about Onomichi

Let's go cycling on the scenic route "Shimanami Kaido"

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​​ Check-out de l'hôtel.

Departure for a 3 days biking trip, on the coastal road called Shimanami-kaido 

The Nishiseto Expressway, commonly known as the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, links Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) with Imabari (Ehime Prefecture). It's a 60 kilometer-long highway.
Across Seto inland sea, a bridge connects the Geiyo islands; and a road has sepcially been dedicated to bikes and walkers except the portion between Onomichi and Muaishima. Therefore, you can relax and contemplate the numerous islands around you.
Even next to railroads, you will find cycle tracks. Of course, not only in Onomichi and Imabari but also in other islands you will find various bike rental shops. So it is possible to rent a bike at a shop in Onomichi and return it in Ikuchijima.
You will find a surprise in each inn where you will spend the nights during these 3 days !

The distance per day is 35kms to 40kms. The cycling course is accessible for all levels (from sportifs to beginners), and you have enough time to take a lunch  and stop by some places on the way. Different kind of bikes and itinerary are available according to your level.
 

🏝️ This morning, your self-guided bike tour starts at Onomichi !

In the morning, our local cycling specialist will come to give you some information and equipments as well as some recommendation about sites to visit, good restaurants, etc... for your bike trip to fully enjoy 3 days. You will cross breathtaking landscapes and enjoy plenty of activities, so do not forget your camera.
We are always ready to come to you for help in case you need some assistances during your trip. 

Included : 

• 24h/24 a ssistance in case of accident, flat tire, etc… we provide you a mobile for emergency use
• Le transfer of your luggages to the accomodation of the same day every morning
• Repair kit 
• Drink holder
• Water bottle
• Torch
• Helmet
• Lock
• Detailed map with the useful informations made by our specialist for a Shimanami bike trip

《Visiting places on "Shimanami kaido" on the day 1》

 【Onomichi】 -- -- 【Mukaishima】 ---- 【Innoshima】----【Ikuchijima】 -- --【Iwagijima】

Mukaishima island

You can reach Mukaishima by ferry from Onomichi in 5 minutes. Speaking of Mukaishima, the sea, flowers, fruits and the retro atmosphere of Showa era which is used as filming location.

TO SEE and DO：

＊Orchid center

＊Fig picking

＊Japanese mandarine picking

＊Onomichi marin center

＊Mukaijima Kaneyoshi district


【Onomichi】 -- -- 【Mukaishima】 ---- 【Innoshima】----【Ikuchijima】 -- --【Iwagijima】

Innoshimma island

Innoshima is roughly located in the middle of the Seto inland sea, blessed with mild climate and beautiful nature. In April 2016, the Murakami Pirates even became part of Japan's Heritage. It's an island full of culture and traditions that have been passed on until today.
This island is famous for its Hassaku; unique citrus fruit born on this island.

- Innoshima-ohashi bridge : the suspended bridge of 1270m (about 4160ft.) long that links Mukaishima island and Innoshima island. When it was inaugurated in 1983, it was then the longest suspended bridge of the country.

- Mt.Shirataki：An abrupt rocky mountain of 227m (about 745ft.) high. When arriving at the top, you'll be greeted by 500 statues of Arrhat representing people achieving enlightment, or Nirvana. In total, there are 700 Buddhist statues at the summit. From there, you have a 360-degree view of the Seto inland sea.

【Onomichi】 -- -- 【Mukaishima】 ---- 【Innoshima】----【Ikuchijima】 -- --【Iwagijima】

Ikuchijima island

A famous place to visit thanks to its art, Ikuchijima is a scenic island that can be cycled around in about 3 hours.

- Kosanji temple : located on the island, it was constructed by Kosanji Kôzô, a former Osaka buisinessman and dedicated to his mother. The temple is also called "Western Nikko", because Kosanji Kôzô referred to different ancient Buddhist's temples throughout Japan to construct his own one, like the famous temples and shrines in Nikko.
In the temple, 15 buidings are registered as National Tangible Cutlural Properties, and one of them is considered also as the museum that holds Buddha statues, tea sets or calligraphy works. 

- "Dolce" an italian style ice-cream maker : You can also enjoy delicious ice cream made with fresh fruits, such as local lemons. We also recommend the Hakata's salt falvored ice cream.

【Onomichi】 -- -- 【Mukaishima】 ---- 【Innoshima】----【Ikuchijima】 -- --【Iwagijima】

Iwagijima island

Located south of Ikuchijima and conneced with 3 other small islands by the yumeshimakaido bike path, tihs island gives off a very local atmosphere and is full of amazing places yet to be famous.As also called "The Green Lemon Island", you can find a lot of lemon trees that fill the streets with a refreshing citrus fragrance, that you can enjoy while cycling or walking.
The 350 m (ab. 1150 ft.) high Sekizenzan hill summit, called the "Celestial Maiden's robe of feathers" is a very famous cherry blossom viewing spot, that is widely visited.
You will stay in a traditional inn on Iwagijima Island.

​​ Optional :
Stand-up-paddle experience : 1h/3000yen, 2-2.5h/6000yen
Boat fishing : 20,000/bateau  + 1000yen pp /appât

​​ Check-in at a traditional inn.

You will continue your trip across the islands crossed by the Shimanami-Kaido, and discover other islands full of treasures, and wonderfull landscapes and beaches. 

《Visiting places on "Shimanami kaido" on the day 2》

【Iwagijima】 -- -- 【Ikuchijima】 -- -- 【Omishima】-- -- 【Hakatajima】

Omishima island

Omishima, part of Imabari city in the Ehime prefecture, is entirely designated as a National Scenic Spot. As well as being a tangerine cultivation place and a cycling gathering, Omishima is also famous for being filled with many National Treasures.
This island is considered as "Kami no shima ; Island of Gods" because it holds Ohyamazumi shrine dedicated to Kami/god of Ohyamatsumi which is older brother of Amaterasu; principal goddess in Japanese Mythology.　

- Tatara ohashi bridge : bridge of 1480m (about 490ft.) long that links Ikuchijima to Omishima where a dedicated cycling way has been built.

- Pilgrimage of cyclists : A monument was builed in 2014 to commemorate the signing of a twin bicycle path agreement between Shimanami Kaido and Taiwan Sun Moon Lake Cycling Course and also related cycling competition.
It's a monument made from Oshima stones (in Imabari) that represents all the bridges connecting the numerous Setouchi islands and express the will to lead them towards the future.

- Oyamazumi shrine : It's called "Japan's Protector", so it's no suprise that many famous war generals came to pray there. The shrine also has a treasure room containing National Tresures.

- Ohkusu (big campher tree) : There are a lot of campher trees in the shrine enclosure. One of them is at least 2600 years old!! Since it's a well-known spot for its spiritual power, hold your breath, go around it 3 times, and your prayer will be realized.

【Iwagijima】 -- -- 【Ikuchijima】 -- -- 【Omishima】-- -- 【Hakatajima】
 

Hakatajima island

In spring on Hakata island, you can watch the cherry trees blossom on the most famous spot, but you can also see dolphins and whales. In 2005, Hakata has fused with a portion of Imabari city, worldwide known for its towels production. Hakata is also famous across Japan for its salt.

- Hakata Beach : Located at the base of Oshima bridge, you can enjoy swimming there in summer with showers, changing rooms and toilets facilities and also the beautiful view of the setting sun shining over the bridge.
You can also meet dolphins and whales at the Dolphin Farm Shimanami.

- Funaori Seto tide observatory : It towers the 300m (about 958ft.) narrow channel between hakata island and Ujima island. Down there, the currents change with the high and low tide, it's a dangerous place where it's said the tide can break a boat in half.
It looks like a river where the currents create whirlpools, that you can observe from above as they are naturally and spontaneously formed.

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You will sleep on the island of Hakatajima in a traditional local hotel, this one night offers a superb sea view and a dinner with delicious seafood dishes!
 

 

《Visiting places on "Shimanami kaido" on the day 1》

【Hakatajima】 ---- 【Oshima】 ---- 【Imabari】
 

Oshima island

Omishima is a beautiful island, last on the Shimanami Kaido road starting from Onomichi. The granite is abundant there, so it is called "Oshima's stone".
There are a lot of trendy cafés and bakeries where it's pleasant to stop and relax while on the road.
The bridge that links Shikoku to Kurushima channel are full of viewpoints where you'll be able to take beautiful pictures.
- Sennenmatsu beach : Located on the south side of Kurushima channel, this beach on Oshima island is a peaceful place where the water is clear and the sea is calm.

- Kurushima channel bridge : It's a 4km (about 2.5 miles) long cycling path from where you might be able to see the channels' whirlpools. Once you've crossed, you can still enjoy the view of the bridge from the sea.

- Mount Kiro panoramic parc : located on Oshima's South side, it's said it's the best viewpoint from the Shimanami Kaido road. If the weather allows it, you can observe the Mount Ishidzuchi, western Japan's highest summit.
Another view to enjoy is the setting sun sinking into the sea, or the illuminated bridge of Kurushima channel (on specific days). You can appreciate the landscapes without being pressed by time !
The architect Kuma Kengo created that viewpoint, which he placed underground, so you can't see it from the outside.
He did it as to protect the high trees and the natural landscape. Not only can you enjoy the view from it, but its complex architectural design is also very appreciated.
Options on Oshima island :

• Tidal rapid cruise

Experience the strong tide between Oshima and Hakatajima in a rapid boat.
Enjoy a journey through Nojima's island surrondings' History, listed as a National Historic Place, while riding the strong spiraling Miyakubo current in th Seto inland sea.
At some point, the motor will be stopped to let the boat circles along the current, it is really a thrilling experience !
 

• Seafood BBQ

Enjoy a delicious BBQ by grilling yourself fresh seafood of your choice, coming right away from the Seto inland sea ! A menu in English is available. 
 Arrival in Imabari City and welcoming by our local experts.
 

Your ride will end at Imabari where you can return the bikes 
 

From here, you will head for Dogo onsen, one of the most ancient hot springs in Japan, with more than 1200 years of history,  where you are going to relax in the traditional baths inspired by the animated movie "Spirited Away".

Direction to Dogo Onsen by train.
 

Dogo onsen

Dogo Onsen Honkan, the city's main hot spring, is the place said that the animation director Miyazaki used as a model for his animation movie Spirited away. Giant and marvelously decorated, entering the place will make you slip through time. You will find it in Ehime prefecture, on Shikoku island. With an history older than a thousand year, Dogo could be the oldest thermal hotsprings still in activity in Japan.

From Dogo Onsen, we will head for Matsuyama by train then by ferry to Hiroshima (duration : 3 hours)

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Hiroshima City

Hiroshima, tragically famous for being the victim of the 1945's atomic bomb, has a number of monuments and memorials (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum) that reminds us of this gloomy day. You can still see the dome, that remained despite the impact. 
Nevertheless, Hiroshima remains a culturally and artistically rich city, with its Contemporary Art Museum, built by architect Kisho Kurokawa.
The museum launches many fascinating temporary exhibitions, revolving around talented artists. You will also be able to enjoy one of the Hiroshima bay evening cruises from which you can admire the city lights between the mountains. In the south part of town, have a walk in the beautiful Japanese garden Shukkei-en which construction started in 1620, a real haven of peace in the middle of the city. 

During your visit of Hiroshima, do not forget to taste the traditional Okonomiyaki !

Free visit of Hiroshima

Suggestion : Visit of the sacred island : Miyajima 

Access from Hiroshima station 
<Hiroshima station> -30minutes by local train - <Miyajimaguchi station > - 5 minutes by foot - <Miyajimaguchi port> - 10minutes by ferry- Miyajima ferry terminal ( Miyajima )  
 

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Miyajima

According to ancient archives, Miyajima would be ranked in the top 3 of the most scenic spots in Japan with Matsushima in Tohoku and Amanohashidate in Kyoto. This island is now registered as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

This island has been an important spiritual spot since the Ancient times. Miyajima started to largely develop during the 12th century, when Kiyomori Taira - the most powerful lord of this era - started protecting the Itsukushima sanctuary, to eventually finish the actual building's base. Since then, the sanctuary has survived many fires and has therefore been rebuilt and enlarged.

You can access it from the Miyajima Guchi port by ferry, it takes approximately 10 minutes and you can admire a big Torii (traditionnal gate that stands at the entrance of Shinto sanctuaries) in the middle of the sea, beautifully growing as you get closer to it.

Leaving Hiroshima in the afternoon or in the morning to Osaka by shinkansen (Hiroshima - Shin Osaka : about 1h30 by shinkansen)

SUGGESTIONS 1 : Free visit of Hiroshima in the morning if you take the shinkansen in the afternoon. 


OUR SUGGESTIONS:

* Atomic bomb "Genbaku" : hypocenter of the atomic bomb

* Memorial Peace garden

* Shukkei-en garden

* Mitaki-dera temple

* "Okonomiyaki mura" food park

Click here for more details about Hiroshima.

Suggestion 2 : Free visit of Osaka if you leave Hiroshima in the morning

OUR SUGGESTION :

* Dotonbori

* Shinsaibashi: the America mura area

* Osaka castle

* District Tsuruhashi : Koreatown

* Aquarium "Kaiyukan"

Click here for more details about Osaka.