Lake Biwa Loop /
Setouchi Course
(Kyoto-bound)

A trip tracing the teaching of great generals and following the footsteps of Vories

For departures starting in March 2026

Itinerary
One night & two days, one-way trip.
Departure station
Shimonoseki Station
Final station
Kyoto Station
Route
Via Sanyo Main Line/Kosei Line, etc.

Lake Biwa Loop / Setouchi Course (Kyoto-bound)

  • Sightseeing Places
  • View Spots
  • TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE Route
  • Departure / Final Stations
  • ※The route may be changed
    　depending on circumstances.
Lake Biwa Loop / Setouchi Course (Kyoto-bound)
  • SPOT
    Hofu
    POINT
    The Mohri Museum holds cultural properties from the Mori clan, the former lords of Choshu Domain. You will be able to see and learn about Mori Motonari’s “Moral Principles for My Three Sons,” which gave rise to the famous story of the “Lesson of the Three Arrows.” You will also be able to enjoy strolling through the Mori Garden, a nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty.
    SPOT
    Stroll through the Mori Garden
    Visit the Mohri Museum
    *The “Moral Principles for My Three Sons” you will see during the talk is a replica.
  • SPOT
    Seto Inland Sea / Obatake Seto (Setonaikai National Park)
    LOCATION
    Between Obatake Station and Yanai Station
    POINT
    Located between Yanai City and Suo-Oshima Island, the strait boasts one of Japan’s three fastest tidal streams. The ships sailing under Oshima Ohashi, the world’s second longest continuous truss bridge, create a magnificent sight.
  • SPOT
    Omi-Hachiman
    POINT
    We will see the works and legacy of Merrell Vories Hitotsuyanagi, who remains beloved to this day for his contributions to local communities in a wide range of fields that included architecture, medicine, and education. In addition, you will be able to enjoy strolls through the streetscapes of Omi-Hachiman, or the shopping and cafes at La Collina Omi-Hachiman.
    SPOT
    Visit the Hyde Memorial Hall, Vories Memorial Hall
    ...Lecture and explanations by Director
    Stroll through Omi-Hachiman streetscapes
    OR
    Visit La Collina Omi-Hachiman
  • SPOT
    Lake Biwa
    LOCATION
    Between Omi-Takashima Station and Kita-Komatsu Station
    POINT
    Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest fresh-water lake, and covers about 1/6th of the area of Shiga Prefecture. It is a precious natural environment that boasts more than sixty endemic species. The views of Lake Biwa from your train window will impress you with the scale and majesty of nature.

MIZUKAZE bus

The exclusive MIZUKAZE bus takes guests to and from the sightseeing places. The design was supervised by Kazuya URA, the same designer who oversaw the design of the train. The exterior is MIZUKAZE green, with gold emblem lines. The interior has the same carpet design as the train, and green seats to give it a relaxing atmosphere. The bus is pleasant to ride, and it takes you to sightseeing places full of appeal.

*On the Sanin Course (Shimonoseki-bound), the Sanyo Course (Shimonoseki-bound), and the Lake Biwa Loop / Setouchi Course (Shimonoseki-bound), guests transfer from the destination Shimonoseki Station to Kokura Station by the MIZUKAZE bus. (Bus company: Chugoku JR Bus)