JAPAN’S CULTURAL
HEARTLAND
From the bright lights of Osaka to the born-again city of Hiroshima,
West Japan is home to a plethora of cultural offerings. With its cities
and countryside all serviced by an extensive rail network, exploring
this beguiling region has never been easierA JOURNEY INTO
Taking in the Sea of Japan, the Pacific
Ocean, Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland
Sea, any visit to West Japan comes with
a guarantee of spectacular maritime
views. There are mountains, too;
cutting across this part of the country
are the vast volcanic Japanese Alps,
home to thick green forests filled with
waterfalls, dramatic gorges, pretty
glades and hiking trails shared with
bears, eagles and red-faced snow
monkeys. Visitors can also explore a
wealth of historic attractions, from
imperial cities and Buddhist pilgrimage
towns to a wealth of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. Throw in an array of
exciting cities and memorable cuisine
and you’ve got the full West Japan
package. Despite the dramatic scale of
the region, Japan’s superb rail network
makes it a breeze to get around, both
geographically and economically.
Many sightseeing trains, such as the
Belles Montagnes et Mer service, which
travels along the Himi and Johana lines,
are operated by JR-West, meaning
travel is handily covered by the JR-West
Rail Pass. Honing in on just two of the
many passes JR-West has to offer, here
are two itineraries to help you plan your
next adventure.PARTNER CONTENT FOR WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY