Chugoku

The Chugoku region is geographically divided by the Chugoku Mountains into two distinct areas: the sunny, industrialized San'yo region to the south, and the rugged, historically rich San'in region to the north. The San'yo coast, easily accessible via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, is home to major urban centers like Hiroshima and Okayama. Here, visitors can experience the poignant history of the Atomic Bomb Dome, the serene beauty of Okayama's Korakuen Garden, and the picturesque cycling routes of the Seto Inland Sea.

In contrast, the San'in coast offers a journey back in time. It is a region steeped in Japanese mythology, home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines. Visitors to San'in can also explore the remarkably preserved samurai districts of Hagi, the stunning Adachi Museum of Art gardens, and the unexpected desert-like landscapes of the Tottori Sand Dunes. Together, these two halves of Chugoku provide a comprehensive and deeply rewarding Japanese travel experience.

Reasons to Visit

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A deeply moving UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to peace and the memory of the 1945 atomic bombing.
• Miyajima Island: Famous for its friendly roaming deer and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, whose red torii gate appears to float on the water at high tide.
• Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan's largest sand dunes, offering camel rides and stunning views over the Sea of Japan.
• Izumo Taisha: One of Japan's most ancient and significant Shinto shrines, deeply connected to the country's creation myths.
• Shimanami Kaido: A world-renowned 60-kilometer cycling route connecting Honshu to Shikoku across a series of spectacular suspension bridges and islands.

Things to Avoid

• Disrespecting Memorials: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor when visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Excellent service is included in the price.
• Ignoring Rural Transit Schedules: Trains and buses in the northern San'in region run infrequently. Always check schedules in advance to avoid being stranded.
• Eating While Walking: Except for specific street food areas or festivals, walking while eating is generally considered impolite in Japan.

Local Transportation Tips

The southern San'yo coast of Chugoku is exceptionally well-connected by the Sanyo Shinkansen (bullet train), making travel between Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi incredibly fast and efficient. For exploring the northern San'in coast (Tottori and Shimane), travelers rely on limited express trains and local buses, which are scenic but slower and less frequent. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the rural and coastal areas of San'in, as it provides the flexibility to visit remote shrines, coastal viewpoints, and hidden hot springs.

Travel Etiquette

• Bowing: A slight bow is the standard greeting and expression of gratitude.
• Shoes Off: Always remove your shoes when entering a home, a traditional ryokan, temple halls, and certain restaurants. Look for a step up and provided slippers.
• Quiet on Transit: Keep your voice down and set your phone to silent mode while riding trains and buses. Taking phone calls on public transit is frowned upon.
• Chopstick Manners: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, and do not pass food directly from your chopsticks to someone else's.

Recommended Age Group

Chugoku offers a diverse range of experiences that cater well to almost all age groups, balancing modern infrastructure with deep historical roots.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While Japan is very safe and clean, navigating crowded trains or rural shrines with a stroller can be challenging. Baby-changing facilities are excellent in cities but sparse in rural areas.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the friendly deer on Miyajima, exploring ancient castles, and the novelty of the Tottori Sand Dunes.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens will appreciate the independence of safe public transit, the vibrant shopping arcades in Hiroshima, and the active adventure of cycling the Shimanami Kaido.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for adults seeking a mix of profound history, culinary exploration, scenic road trips, and relaxing hot spring retreats.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The region offers excellent slow travel opportunities, world-class gardens, and highly respectful hospitality, though some historical sites may involve uneven stairs.

Accessibility Level: High

• Public Transit: Major train stations, including all Shinkansen stops in Chugoku, are highly accessible with elevators and tactile paving.
• Attractions: Modern museums like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum are fully wheelchair accessible. However, historical sites like ancient castles (which often lack elevators) and rural shrines may present significant barriers with steep, uneven stone steps.
• Accommodation: Western-style hotels in cities offer accessible rooms. Traditional ryokans are increasingly offering barrier-free rooms with beds instead of futons, but it is crucial to confirm in advance.

Did You Know?

According to Japanese mythology, every November, all the Shinto gods from across Japan leave their local shrines and gather at Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. Because of this, November is known in the rest of Japan as 'Kannazuki' (the month without gods), but in Izumo, it is called 'Kamiarizuki' (the month with gods).

Cool Statistics

• Chugoku consists of 5 prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi.
• Hiroshima Prefecture alone is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine.
• The Tottori Sand Dunes span roughly 16 kilometers of coast along the Sea of Japan and are up to 50 meters high.
• The Shimanami Kaido cycling route crosses 6 islands and 6 bridges over the Seto Inland Sea.