Japan Chugoku Travel Guide, Tailor-made Japan Tour Packages
Chugoku
The Chugoku region, also known as the San'in-San'yo, is the westernmost region of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It consists of the prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi.
It is characterized by irregular rolling hills and limited plain areas and is divided into two distinct parts by mountains running east and west through its center.
The less-traveled Chugoku region is full of rural beauty, rewarding hikes and great historical significance.
Destinations | Major cities
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, it is best known as the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces dropped an atomic bomb on the city at 8:15 am on August 6, 1945, near the end of World War II. In the center of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park.
Miyajima
A small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima with most famous for its giant torii gate which at high tide seems to float on the water, it is ranked as one of Japan's top three views. Best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's ryokan on this romantic island.
Matsue
Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, Due to its location between Lake Shinji, Nakaumi(another lake) and the Sea of Japan, Matsue is also known as the "water city". Along the banks of the Ohashi River connecting the two. Nearby Izumo Taisha is recognized as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and is ranked second in importance only to Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. This city is a feudal stronghold that appears in Japan's earliest myths and legends.
Okayama
Okayama is the capital city of Okayama Prefecture in the Chugoku region. The city is an important transportation hub, being the location where the Sanyo Shinkansen meets with the only rail connection to Shikoku. It is the site of Koraku-en, known as one of the top three traditional gardens in Japan, and the black Okayama Castle, which is ranked among the best 100 Japanese castles. The city is famous as the setting of the Japanese fable "Momotaro".
Hagi
Hagi is a former castle town off the major transport ways along the tranquil Sea of Japan coast in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and it is known by its local Hagiyaki Pottery which ranks among Japan's finest. One of the crucibles of the revolution that ended samurai rule in Japan, the city is home to five World Heritage sites that chronicle the birth of Japanese industrialization.
Kurashiki
Kurashiki can be roughly translated as "town of storehouses" for that the city served as an important rice distribution center the rice storehouses. Nowadays, many of Kurashiki's former storehouses have been converted into museums, boutiques and cafes. It is also renowned a beautifully preserved historical town with a canal area that dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) and Japan's premier destination for denim.