Things to Do in Chugoku, Japan

Western Honshu: Hiroshima and Miyajima, the sand dunes of Tottori and the shrines of Izumo.

39 destinations across 5 prefectures

Suggested Itineraries

Places to Visit in Chugoku

Yuushien Garden

© 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Garden
Shimane

Yuushien Garden

A Peony Garden on a Lake Island

A beautiful Japanese garden on Daikonshima island in Lake Nakaumi, famous for its large peony dis...

Matsue, Shimane, Japan
Matsue Castle photo
Castle
Shimane

Matsue Castle

A National Treasure known as the 'Black Castle', one of only 12 original castles and the sole sur...

Matsue, Shimane, Japan
Okayama Castle

© 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Castle
Okayama

Okayama Castle

The Crow Castle, Okayama's Black Fortress

A striking black castle nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its dark exterior, standing across the Asahi ...

Okayama, Japan
Tottori Sand Dunes photo
Attraction
Tottori

Tottori Sand Dunes

Japan's largest coastal sand dunes stretching along the Sea of Japan, offering camel rides and pa...

Tottori, Japan
Shrine
Hiroshima

Itsukushima Shrine

Floating Torii Gate of Miyajima

UNESCO World Heritage shrine on Miyajima Island, famous for its vermillion torii gate appearing t...

Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
Shrine
Okayama

Kibitsu Shrine

The Shrine Behind the Legend of Momotaro

Ancient shrine said to be the origin of the Momotaro legend. Known for its unique roof style and ...

Okayama, Japan
Attraction
Okayama

Washuzan Hill

The Best Viewpoint of the Great Seto Bridge

A hilltop viewpoint offering the most spectacular views of the Great Seto Bridge connecting Honsh...

Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Shrine
Shimane

Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Okuninushi, god of marriage, so couples come h...

Izumo, Shimane, Japan
City
Shimane

Tsuwano

Tsuwano - Little Kyoto of San'in

A well-preserved castle town in a mountain valley, known as the Little Kyoto of San'in for its Ed...

Tsuwano, Shimane, Japan
Attraction
Tottori

Uradome Coast

Uradome Coast - San'in Geopark Coastal Scenery

A spectacular 15-kilometer stretch of coastline within the San'in Kaigan Geopark, featuring sea c...

Iwami, Tottori, Japan
Historic Site
Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

A-Bomb Dome - Symbol of Peace

Skeletal remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage ...

Hiroshima, Japan
Attraction
Hiroshima

Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

A 70-kilometer cycling route across six islands connected by spectacular bridges over the Seto In...

Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan
Onsen
Shimane

Tamatsukuri Onsen

An Ancient Beauty Hot Spring with 1,300 Years of History

One of Japan's oldest hot springs, praised for its beautifying waters since the Nara period. The ...

Matsue, Shimane, Japan
Temple
Yamaguchi

Rurikoji Temple

Rurikoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda

Rising above a tranquil pond garden, the five-story pagoda of Rurikoji Temple has been counted am...

Yamaguchi, Japan
Market
Yamaguchi

Shimonoseki Karato Market

Karato Market

At this bustling waterfront market in the fugu capital of Japan, visitors can savor the notorious...

Yamaguchi, Japan

Prefectures in Chugoku