region of japan

Chugoku中国

Peace, island shrines and Inland Sea towns.

Chugoku is the western end of Honshu. Hiroshima is the main stop: the Peace Memorial Park is moving and essential, and Miyajima's shrine gate stands in the sea nearby. Along the calm Inland Sea are canal-side Kurashiki and the hillside temple town of Onomichi, where the Shimanami Kaido cycling route begins. Across the mountains on the quieter San'in coast is Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines.

Places to go

HiroshimaA city of peace, and a gateway to Miyajima.Kurashiki local favoriteWhite storehouses along a willow-lined canal.Onomichi local favoriteHillside temples, cats and the start of the Shimanami Kaido.Izumo local favoriteOne of Japan's oldest shrines, on the myth coast.

Through the year

springHiroshima's cherry trees usually reach full bloom around April 3.
summerThe rainy season usually covers June and much of July, then summers are hot, with Hiroshima averaging about 28.5°C in August.
autumnHiroshima's maples typically peak around November 22, including Miyajima's maple valley.
winterThe Inland Sea side stays fairly mild, while the San'in coast gets more cloud and snow.

Don’t miss

  • HiroshimaPeace Memorial Park and a lively, friendly city.
  • MiyajimaItsukushima Shrine and its gate in the sea.
  • KurashikiWhite storehouses along a willow-lined canal.
  • OnomichiHillside temples and the start of the Shimanami Kaido.
  • Izumo TaishaAn ancient shrine with a giant straw rope.

What to eat

  • Hiroshima okonomiyakiLayered with noodles and cabbage on the griddle.
  • OystersGrilled or fried, especially on Miyajima.
  • Momiji manjuMaple-leaf cakes with sweet fillings.
  • Onomichi ramenSoy broth with bits of pork back fat.
  • Izumo sobaDark buckwheat noodles served in stacked bowls.

Getting there

Tokyo → Hiroshima: about 4h by direct shinkansen. Osaka → Hiroshima: about 1h30.

Good for: History-minded travelers, Cyclists, Slow travelers

psst — Check the tide table for Miyajima. The gate looks like it floats at high tide, and you can walk to it at low tide.