Lake Biwa Loop /
Setouchi Course
(Shimonoseki-bound)

A trip to sense the history of faith passed down over the generations, and the winds of the Warring States

For departures starting in March 2026

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

Lake Biwa Loop / Setouchi Course (Shimonoseki-bound)

  • Sightseeing Places
  • View Spots
  • TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE Route
  • Departure / Final Stations
びわ湖周遊・せとうちコース（上り）
  • AREA
    Nagahama
    POINT
    We will see the Eleven-Faced Standing Kannon (National Treasure) at Dogan-ji Temple Kannon-do Hall (Kogen-ji Temple) and the Thousand-Armed Standing Kannon (Important Cultural Property) and the Standing Kannon at Shakugo-ji Temple (Hiyoshi-jinja Shrine). You will be able to sense the history and culture of the faith in Kannon statues that has been passed down carefully among locals for centuries.
    SPOT
    Visit Kannon-do Hall
    ...Explanation by the Director of the Takatsuki Kannon-no-Sato Historical Folk Museum
    Visit Shakugo-ji Temple

  • 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.
  • AREA
    Iwakuni
    POINT
    Iwakuni flourished as a castle town of the Kikkawa clan.
    Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Sengoku period (late 15th century - late 16th century) with a visit to Kikkawa Historical Museum, which houses a collection of materials from that era, and viewing of a matchlock firearms performance.
    SPOT
    Visit to Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's Three Famous Bridges.
    Visit to Kikkawa Historical Museum, a museum about the Kikkawa clan, the old feudal lords of Iwakuni.
    Viewing of Iwakuni Clan firearms performance

  • 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.

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)