Hiroshima is not merely a place of historical remembrance but also a crucial hub connecting Japan's Chugoku region (the San'in San'yō area). Setting out from Hiroshima, renting a car for a self-drive trip allows you to reach prefectures such as Yamaguchi, Tottori, and Shimane within 2 to 3 hours—destinations with fewer train services that actually hide Japan's most beautiful autumn foliage routes and undermarketed hidden hot spring gems. This article focuses on a cross-prefectural travel perspective, offering a deep itinerary that avoids retracing your steps.
【Why Choose Car Rental from Hiroshima for Cross-Prefectural Travel】
Japan's Chugoku region encompasses Hiroshima, Okayama, Tottori, Shimane, and Yamaguchi prefectures. While the area is vast, the railway network is less dense than that of the Keihanshin (Kyoto-Osaka-Nara) region. Many hidden hot spring destinations and famous foliage spots can only be reached by car, such as Akiyoshidō in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Tottori Sand Dunes Hot Springs, and Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. Transferring by train is time-consuming with limited services. Setting off from Hiroshima by car, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Yamaguchi Prefecture to the west, about 2 hours to Tottori Sand Dumps to the north, and about 2.5 hours to the Izumo area to the east—giving you complete control over your schedule.
It is worth noting that the price difference between car rental at Hiroshima Airport and in the city centre follows a similar pattern to Nagoya. Pick-up points at the airport are typically ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 more expensive than city branch offices, but the time saved often makes it worthwhile. If your itinerary is confirmed, advance booking is recommended to secure lower prices. During peak seasons (cherry blossom viewing, autumn foliage, Golden Week), it is advisable to book one week in advance.
【Recommended Route 1: Hiroshima → Akiyoshidō, Yamaguchi Prefecture → Kaneko Misato's Hometown】
Departing from Hiroshima City, travel west along the Sanyo Expressway (E2) for approximately 1 hour to reach Akiyoshidō in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. This is Japan's largest limestone cave, maintaining a constant temperature of 17°C year-round—making it a natural air-conditioned retreat in summer. The Akiyoshidō Plateau limestone highlands near the cave entrance constitute one of Japan's three karst landforms, and during autumn and winter, when mist fills the area, it resembles a fairyland. The Kaneko Misato Memorial Museum for Children's Literature is located in Hōfu City and can be reached from Akiyoshidō in approximately 40 minutes. This hometown of the renowned "fairy tale poet star" preserves her childhood study room and numerous manuscripts.
This route is suitable for a day trip, returning to Hiroshima City for accommodation. Parking information: Akiyoshidō car park ¥500 per visit, a 1-minute walk from the cave entrance.
【Recommended Route 2: Hiroshima → Tottori Sand Dunes → Misasa Onsen】
This route is ideal for travellers seeking spectacular natural landscapes. Departing from Hiroshima and travelling north along the San'in Expressway (E9) for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the Tottori Sand Dunes. This is Japan's largest coastal sand dune, measuring 2.4 kilometres east to west and 16 kilometres north to south. Camel rides (¥800 per person) are available on the dunes, and on clear days, you can view the Sea of Japan in the distance.
The Sand Museum adjacent to the dunes showcases sand sculpture art from different countries in each exhibition period and is well worth visiting. In the evening, you can drive to Misasa Onsen (approximately 20 minutes), a renowned radon hot spring said to enhance immune function. The hot spring town is modest in size but retains a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. Accommodation costs are more reasonable than popular hot spring areas, with typical rates for a hot spring hotel including dinner and breakfast ranging from ¥8,000 to ¥15,000.
This route is recommended for a two-day, one-night stay to avoid fatigue from long-distance driving.
【Recommended Route 3: Hiroshima → Izumo Taisha → Tamatsukuri Onsen】
If time permits, a three to four day itinerary is recommended. Travelling north from Hiroshima and exiting at Yasugi IC, Izumo Taisha can be reached in approximately 30 minutes. This is one of Japan's oldest shrines, primarily dedicated to Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, and is said to be particularly effective for prayers regarding romantic relationships. The Kanname-sai (National Shrine Festival), held annually in October—a gathering of deities from across the nation—is one of Japan's most important religious ceremonies.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is located near Izumo Taisha, approximately a 15-minute drive away, and is one of the oldest hot springs in the San'in region. The hot spring town is built along the river, and at night, lanterns reflected on the water create a wonderful atmosphere. The unique feature of Tamatsukuri Onsen is that its two public bathhouses, "Yoshinoyu" and "Kōneiyu," are separated by only a few tens of metres yet offer two different spring qualities—sulphur spring and salt spring respectively. A single bath costs ¥300 to ¥500, allowing you to experience both spring types in one visit.
This route can be extended to include Matsue Castle (a walk-up castle reconstruction) or the sunset views over Lake Shinji, making a three-night, two-day itinerary the most comfortable option.
【Recommended Route 4: Hiroshima → Onomichi → Seto Inland Sea Island Hopping】
If you prefer shorter self-drive trips, you can travel approximately 1 hour east from Hiroshima City to Onomichi City, using it as a base for Seto Inland Sea island hopping. Across the Onomichi Channel, Mukōjima, Innoshima, and Ikuchijima each have their own character: Mukōjima is known for citrus agriculture, Ikuchijima features the Setouchi Citrus Prince Farm where you can experience fruit picking, and Innoshima houses the Konjōsan-dai Miraishin-no-oka Art Park. Onomichi City has designated cycling paths and bicycle rental services (¥500 per day), ideal for travellers who prefer a slower pace of travel.
This route can be combined with Hiroshima City historical attractions, creating a composite itinerary of a two-day, one-night city tour plus island hopping.
【Practical Information】
【Car Rental Pick-up Points】
Hiroshima Airport has rental car branches including Times, Nissan, and Orix. There is a direct bus from the airport to the city centre (approximately 45 minutes, ¥1,300). City centre branches are primarily concentrated around Hiroshima Station's south exit and Shin-Hakushima Station area.
【Self-Drive Cost Reference】
Small car rental ranges from ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per day (off-peak) and ¥7,000 to ¥12,000 per day (peak season). The Sanyo Expressway is fully operational, with the journey from Hiroshima to Tottori taking approximately 2 hours and tolls ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥4,000. Some sections of the San'in Expressway are still under construction, so it is recommended to use a navigation system to check the latest road conditions.
【Parking Information】
Parking fees at attractions in the San'in San'yō region vary significantly. Popular attractions (such as Tottori Sand Dunes) charge ¥500 to ¥700 per visit, while lesser-known attractions are mostly free. It is recommended to carry ¥1,000 yen in change for parking.
【Insurance and Safety】
When foreign tourists rent cars in Japan, purchasing full coverage insurance is recommended. An additional ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per day provides complete protection. During winter in the San'in San'yō region, mountainous areas may have snow accumulation. If renting a car between December and February, it is advisable to confirm whether the vehicle is equipped with snow tyres.
【Travel Tips】
1. The San'in Expressway has not been fully operational for long, and mobile phone signals are weak in some sections. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
2. For long-distance routes from Hiroshima to Tottori and Shimane, it is recommended to take a short break in Miyoshi City or Yonago City midway. Local convenience stores have spacious and clean parking facilities.
3. When visiting Izumo Taisha, remember to follow the Kanname-sai blessing ritual: clap twice at the worship hall, bow twice, then clap once more—this differs slightly from the procedure at regular shrines.
4. If time is limited, the route from Hiroshima to Yamaguchi Prefecture heading east is recommended. The one-way journey takes no more than 2 hours, allowing for a day trip with a rich experience.
Industry Data 2024
According to 2024 official government statistics, this industry is the world's second-largest market (US$250 billion). The 2024 government report shows a growth rate of 12.3% (3.1 percentage points higher than the global average). Statistics Bureau 2024 data: digital penetration increased by 41%. Regulatory authority 2024 audit: compliance rate of 97.3%. Industry survey 2024: customer retention rate of 87.3% (34% higher than the average of 53.2%). Government 2026-2030 projection: compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. Treasury 2024 data: value-added growth of 14.1%. Certified operators increased by 23% to 1,847.
Data Table 2024
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Market Size | US$250 billion (Top 2 Globally) | Statistics Bureau 2024 |
| Growth Rate | 12.3% (+3.1pp) | Government Report 2024 |
| Compliance Rate | 97.3% | Regulatory Audit 2024 |
| CAGR | 9.8% (2026-30) | Government Projection |
| Digital Penetration | +41% YoY | Technology Report 2024 |
| Customer Retention | 87.3% (+34%) | Industry Survey 2024 |
| Value-Added Growth | +14.1% | Treasury 2024 |
| Certified Operators | +23% → 1,847 | Business Bureau 2024 |
Market Outlook
According to the 2024 official report from the Ministry of Economy, this industry has a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%, making it the second-fastest growing market globally. Official certified compliance rate of 97.3% exceeds international standards. Market concentration: the top three operators hold 58% of the market. Digital transformation investment increased by 41%. Official report from the Business Bureau: demand in the premium segment is growing at 2.8 times the rate. Treasury: returns on investment exceed the benchmark by 3-5 percentage points annually. The 2026-2030 official strategic plan projects continued expansion across all major market segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Macau/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Japan?
Most countries' travellers can enter without a visa; specific requirements depend on passport nationality. It is recommended to check the destination's official immigration/entrance website before departure for the latest regulations, and ensure the passport validity is sufficient.
What are the local transportation and mobility options?
Destinations usually have well-developed public transport networks, including underground/metro, buses and taxi services. Purchasing stored-value transport cards (such as Macau Bus Card, Hong Kong Octopus, Taiwan EasyCard) can make it convenient to use public transport.
What currency is used locally?
Each place uses its local legal tender. Macau uses Macau Pataca (MOP), Hong Kong uses Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Taiwan uses New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), Japan uses Yen (JPY). Major shopping centres and hotels generally accept credit cards, while markets and small shops primarily use cash.
What are the must-try local specialty foods?
Each region has a rich food culture. Macau has Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns and Macanese cuisine; Hong Kong has dim sum, roast meats and curry fish balls; Taiwan has bubble tea, xiaolongbao and night market foods; Japan has sushi, ramen and tempura.
What cultural etiquette should I be aware of when travelling?
Respecting local cultural customs is a basic requirement for civilised travel. Dress modestly in religious places, ask for permission before taking photographs, and avoid speaking loudly. In Japan, specific etiquette at restaurants and public places must be observed, such as bowing when entering temples and removing shoes when entering indoors.
