CHŪGOKU
This unique region in western Honshu offers a profound blend of history, culture, and nature, from the profound peace monuments of Hiroshima to the mythical shrines of Izumo and the serene Seto Inland Sea. Explore a Japan that is both historically significant and wonderfully off the beaten path.
Why Visit Chūgoku?
Profound History: Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and visit the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
Mythical Coastline: Discover the wilder, less-traveled Sea of Japan side (San’in), home to ancient Shinto legends and the Tottori Sand Dunes.
Scenic Serenity: Cycle or drive the Shimanami Kaidō, a spectacular route connecting Honshu to Shikoku across a string of beautiful islands.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, featuring cherry blossoms in spring, vivid autumn colors, and pleasant weather perfect for cycling and hiking.
Deep Off-Season (December-February): Enjoy lower prices and a peaceful atmosphere. The Sea of Japan side (San’in) can be snowy, but it’s the peak season for fresh oysters in Hiroshima.
Peak Season (June-August): Expect hot, humid weather, especially in summer. Typhoon season runs from late summer to autumn. Book accommodations well in advance for major festivals.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Hiroshima & Miyajima
Hiroshima is a city reborn, known globally for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Just a short ferry ride away is Miyajima Island, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its magnificent ‘floating’ torii gate.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Itsukushima Shrine’s torii gate at both high and low tide. At high tide, it appears to float, and at low tide, you can walk right up to the base.
Okayama & Kurashiki
Okayama is a major transportation hub, known as the “Land of Sunshine.” It’s home to Kōrakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, and the black Okayama Castle. Nearby, Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter is a beautifully preserved Edo-era canal district.
Your Smart Tip: Kurashiki is perfect for a scenic day trip. Arrive early to enjoy a peaceful walk along the willow-lined canals before the main crowds arrive.
San’in Coast (Shimane & Tottori)
This northern coast is the wilder, mythical side of the region. Tottori is famous for its unique Sand Dunes and nearby Sand Museum. Shimane is steeped in Japanese mythology, featuring the ancient Izumo Taisha shrine and the preserved castle town of Matsue.
Your Smart Tip: To fully appreciate the unique landscape, visit the Tottori Sand Dunes at sunrise or sunset when the light dramatically sculpts the sand and the crowds are minimal.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region is divided by mountains. The southern coast (San’yō) has a mild, “Seto Inland Sea” climate with low rainfall. The northern coast (San’in) experiences more extreme weather, with hot summers and snowy winters.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Japanese is the official language. English is common in tourist areas like Hiroshima, but less so in the northern, more rural prefectures.
Punctuality: Japanese society values punctuality highly. Be on time for meetings, tours, and trains.
Itsukushima Shrine: The island of Miyajima is considered sacred. Do not litter, and respect the wild deer, but don’t feed them.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are generally lower outside of Hiroshima and Okayama.
Food: Casual dining (ramen/udon) ($7–$15), fixed-price lunch sets ($12–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Local bus/train ticket ($2–$5), Shinkansen (bullet train) between cities (variable, often covered by a JR Pass).
Activities: Museum entry ($5–$15), Shimanami Kaidō bike rental ($10–$25/day), Miyajima ferry ($4 one-way).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $75–$110 (hostels, fast food, local transport).
- Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $220+ (boutique hotels/ryokans, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train (JR Pass): The Sanyō Shinkansen connects Okayama and Hiroshima efficiently. The Japan Rail Pass is often the most economical way to travel long distances.
By Car: Excellent for exploring the San’in coast or the mountains where train access is limited, but city parking can be expensive.
By Bicycle: The Shimanami Kaidō is world-famous for cycling. High-quality rental services are widely available at either end.
Must-Try Food
Hiroshima-yaki: A savory pancake layered with cabbage, noodles (soba or udon), egg, and choice of meat/seafood—different from Osaka-style okonomiyaki.
Hiroshima Oysters (Kaki): Known for their large size and rich flavor, often enjoyed grilled, fried, or raw, especially in winter.
Fugu (Pufferfish) Dishes: Yamaguchi is the country’s fugu capital, serving the delicacy safely as sashimi or in hot pot (fugu nabe).
Izumo Soba: Darker in color and richer in flavor than typical soba, often served in a three-tiered lacquer box (warigo).
Barazushi: A vibrant Okayama-style scattered sushi, featuring layers of seasonal seafood and vegetables over sushi rice.
Dote-ni: Beef sinew and tendons simmered slowly in miso, often found at izakayas in Hiroshima.
Wakasagi Tempura: Small, smelt-like fish, fried in tempura batter, common near Lake Shinji in Shimane.
Dango: Small, sweet rice dumplings, with the Kibi Dango of Okayama being particularly famous.
Momiji Manjū: Maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste, a popular souvenir from Miyajima.
White Peaches (Okayama): Okayama is famed for its high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth, sweet white peaches in summer.
Lemon-based Sweets: Due to the region’s lemon cultivation, look for unique lemon cakes, jams, and candies.
Must-Try Drinks
Local Sake (Nihonshu): Hiroshima and Okayama are major sake-producing regions, known for softer, slightly sweeter brews due to the quality of the water.
Craft Beer: The region is seeing a rise in local microbreweries, particularly in Okayama and Hiroshima.
Umeshu (Plum Wine): A sweet, tangy liqueur made by steeping plums in alcohol and sugar, commonly served on the rocks or with soda.
Setouchi Lemon Sour: A refreshing highball mix using locally grown Setouchi lemons.
Matcha (Green Tea): Best enjoyed at a tea house in a castle town like Matsue or Kurashiki.
Yuzu Juice/Soda: Refreshing drinks featuring yuzu, a fragrant Japanese citrus fruit grown locally.