Sited conveniently along the main bullet train line between Kyoto and Hiroshima, a wealth of traditional towns and picturesque fishing villages make fascinating pauses on your journey. Himeji boasts the elegant Shirasagi-jo ‘White Egret’ Castle, considered Japan’s finest; Okayama is home to the top-rated Korakuen Garden and at Kurashiki the historic canalside Bikan district is perfectly designed to relax for an hour or two, admiring the golden Koi and watching the world go by. Head for the northern coast of Honshu and you find yourself in a more traditional and less visited Japan. The old samurai quarters and ruined castles of Tsuwano and Hagi, the superb Museum of Art at Matsue, and the fishing villages of the Tango Peninsula all fully justify a visit. With public transport infrequent, this is an ideal region to pick up a rental car and discover this littlevisited corner of Honshu.