If you’re seeking a romantic and adventurous experience that veers away from the typical tourist trails, then the San’in region might just be what you’ve been looking for. It is located in western Japan, on the Sea of Japan coast. It is made up of the prefectures of Tottori and Shimane, and the northern part of Yamaguchi.
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This underrated treasure is brimming with breathtaking natural wonders, tantalising local delicacies, and shrines that transport you back to Japan’s feudal era. Once home to a number of powerful feudal lords, and many of their castles and shrines can still be visited today. But, how exactly do you get to San’in from Tokyo?
How to go to San’in Region from Tokyo
There are two main ways to get to the San’in region from Tokyo: by train or by plane.
By Plane – Domestic flight from Tokyo
There are direct flights to Tottori Airport (TTJ) and Izumo Airport (IZO) from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and it can cost around S$350 to S$550 for a round trip.
If you are flying, we recommend booking your flights in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season. Once you arrive in the San’in region, you can get around by train, bus, or car.
By Train
For those looking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a leisurely journey, then getting there via train is a perfect choice.
To get to San’in region if you’re starting in Tokyo station, you will have to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama Station, which takes approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
From Okayama Station, you can take a limited express train to Matsue City, Izumo City, or Yonago City, which takes about 3 hours. The total journey from Tokyo to Matsue City takes approximately 6.5 hours.
Tip: If you are exploring the west region of Japan, you will need to purchase the JR Pass. This pass gives you unlimited access to JR trains in the entire service area of JR West, which includes the Kansai, Chugoku, and Hokuriku regions.
Here are some of the popular destinations that you can visit with the JR Sanyo Sanin Area Pass:
- Kansai region: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji
- Chugoku region: Hiroshima, Miyajima, Yamaguchi, Matsue, Izumo
Which option is best for you will depend on your budget and preferences. If you are looking for the fastest and most convenient option, then flying is the best option.
