Chugoku Region
Chugoku is the western tail of Honshu - home to Hiroshima and the floating torii of Miyajima, the gardens of Okamaya, the ancient shrine of Izumo and the sand dunes of Tottori.
Chugoku at a Glance#
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Chugoku is western Honshu, split between the sunny Seto Inland Sea coast and the wilder Sea of Japan side.
Why go / don’t miss: the Peace Memorial of Hiroshima, the floating torii of Miyajima, the great garden of Korakuen in Okayama, the ancient Izumo grand shrine, and the vast Tottori sand dunes.
Areas: Hiroshima and Miyajima in the southwest; Okayama in the southeast (gateway to Shikoku); and Matsue/Izumo/Tottori on the northern coast.
Getting around: the Sanyo Shinkansen runs along the south coast (Okayama, Hiroshima); the north coast is slower, by local train or car.
When to go: spring and autumn are best; Miyajima is lovely year-round.
Where to stay: Hiroshima as the main base, with a night near Miyajima.
Dining: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters from Miyajima, and Izumo soba.
Local tips: pair Hiroshima + Miyajima (easy) and add the quieter San’in coast if you have time.
