Chugoku is a region that’s lightly frequented by travelers, resulting in an authentic quiet charm that tourist hotspots may lack.
Divided into two sub-regions by a mountain chain that passes through the area, to the north of the mountains, along the Sea of Japan lies Sanin while Sanyo is to the south of the mountains and faces the Seto Inland Sea.
Sanin is known for its sand dunes, sand museum, Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of the oldest shrine complexes in Japan. To the south, Sanyo boasts of attractions like the limestone Akiyoshido Cave, the wooden arch Kintai Bridge, Rurikoji Temple, Miyajima for its iconic giant Torii gate, Korakuen, which is one of the three great gardens of Japan, and Okayama Castle. For those who wish to take the less trodden path through Japan, Chugoku is a good choice.
Destinations in Chugoku
Tottori
Shimane
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![Matsue]( "Matsue")
Matsue
Shimane's lakeside, coastal capital city -
![Oki Islands]( "Oki Islands")
Oki Islands
Picturesque remote islands located off Shimane -
![Tsuwano]( "Tsuwano")
Tsuwano
Castle town in western Shimane
Okayama
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![Bizen]( "Bizen")
Bizen
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![Kurashiki]( "Kurashiki")
Kurashiki
Historical city with centuries-old buildings and shops -
![Niimi]( "Niimi")
Niimi
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![Okayama City]( "Okayama City")
Okayama City
The capital of Okayama Prefecture -
![Setouchi]( "Setouchi")
Setouchi
Resort feel, samurai culture, and small town charm -
![Soja]( "Soja")
Soja
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![Takahashi]( "Takahashi")
Takahashi
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![Tsuyama]( "Tsuyama")
Tsuyama
Hiroshima
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![Fukuyama City]( "Fukuyama City")
Fukuyama City
Home of roses, geta sandals and Ponyo -
![Hatsukaichi]( "Hatsukaichi")
Hatsukaichi
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![Higashi-Hiroshima]( "Higashi-Hiroshima")
Higashi-Hiroshima
Home to the sake producing region of Saijo -
![Hiroshima City]( "Hiroshima City")
Hiroshima City
Capital of Hiroshima prefecture -
![Kure]( "Kure")
Kure
Port and shipbuilding city along Hiroshima's coast -
![Mihara City]( "Mihara City")
Mihara City
City around the floating castle -
![Miyajima]( "Miyajima")
Miyajima
See Itsukushima Shrine and the floating red torii gate -
![Onomichi]( "Onomichi")
Onomichi
Port town beside the Seto Inland Sea in eastern Hiroshima
Yamaguchi
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![Hagi]( "Hagi")
Hagi
Edo-period castle town with a pottery heritage -
![Omi Island]( "Omi Island")
Omi Island
Stunning scenery and rock formations near Hagi -
![Shimonoseki]( "Shimonoseki")
Shimonoseki
A coastal city where rich history, scenic beauty, and culinary delights converge -
![Tsunoshima]( "Tsunoshima")
Tsunoshima
Beautiful island off northern Yamaguchi -
![Ube City]( "Ube City")
Ube City
A western gem rich in contemporary art, cultural heritage, and quaint natural sceneries -
![Yamaguchi City]( "Yamaguchi City")
Yamaguchi City
A coastal city where history, culture, and natural beauty blend in harmony
