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Trip to San-in & Kyushu (March, 2024)

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Blog (Trip) Trip Recap Tottori Shimane Kumamoto
mkt
Author
mkt
A researcher, an engineer, a workaholic, and a nomad.
Table of Contents

Summary
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In late March 2024, I took about two weeks off and went on a road trip through the San’in region and down into Kyushu. All in all, I drove around 3,000 kilometers. It was pretty exhausting physically, but I made it back home safely.

The first half of the trip was spent exploring the San’in region. Even though it was early spring, the weather on the Sea of Japan side was rough – with strong winds and snowstorms – so getting around wasn’t easy. Still, I managed to visit some iconic spots like the Tottori Sand Dunes and Izumo Taisha Shrine.

In the second half, I crossed over to Kyushu and drove along the Milk Road around Mount Aso. That stretch of road, winding along the outer rim of the Aso caldera, was absolutely amazing.

There were quite a few places I couldn’t visit this time due to time constraints, so I’m already thinking about planning another trip.

Map
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* The route is approximate.

Timeline
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  1. Tokyo (Home) → Hamanako SA

    I left Tokyo at night and drove to Hamanako Service Area.

  2. Hamanako SA

    I slept in the car at Hamanako SA.

    Hamana-ko Service Area (March, 2024)
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    Blog (Trip Photo) Trip Photo Shizuoka Hamana-Ko SA

  3. Hamanako SA → Tottori City

    Even though it was late March, I encountered a snowstorm on the mountain roads. I followed behind a snowplow and managed to arrive safely in Tottori.

  4. Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture

    Due to the snowstorm at the Tottori Sand Dunes, I stayed overnight in the city and walked around the dunes the following day.

    Tottori Sand Dunes (March, 2024)
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    Blog (Trip Photo) Trip Photo Tottori Tottori Sand Dunes

  5. Tottori City → Sakai-minato City

  6. Sakai-minato City, Tottori Prefecture

    I took a walk along Mizuki Shigeru Road.

    The hotel in front of the Sakaiminato Station, part of the Dormy Inn chain, was reasonably priced, had a traditional Japanese style, and even featured a hot spring on the top floor. It was excellent.

    Mizuki Shigeru Road (March, 2024)
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    Blog (Trip Photo) Trip Photo Tottori Mizuki Shigeru Road

  7. Sakai-minato City → Izumo City

  8. Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture

    I visited Izumo Taisha, Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, and Inasanohama Beach. Izumo Taisha was very crowded, so I couldn't take any photos for a blog post.

    Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse (March, 2024)
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    Blog (Trip Photo) Trip Photo Shimane Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

  9. Izumo City → My Family Home

    I had planned to visit Tsunoshima Lighthouse and Tsunoshima Bridge along the way, but due to heavy wind and rain, sightseeing wasn't possible, so I moved on quickly.

  10. My Family Home → Aso City

    After spending a few relaxing days at home, I drove to Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture.

  11. Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture

    The open views along the Milk Road at Mt. Aso were amazing.

    Mt. Aso (March, 2024)
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    Blog (Trip Photo) Trip Photo Kumamoto Mt. Aso Milk Road Daikanbo

  12. Aso City → Tokyo (Home)

    I had originally planned to do more sightseeing on the way back, but since I wasn't feeling well, I rushed back to Tokyo.

Change History
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  • 2025/06/03: Revise sentences.
  • 2025/05/30: First version.