Top Things to do in Chugoku
Top Hotels in Chugoku
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Chugoku That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Chugoku, Japan including Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Okayama Korakuen Garden, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Matsue Castle, Akiyoshido, Miyajima, Izumo Grand Shrine.
Restaurants in Chugoku
1. Itsukushima Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,503 reviews
The famous shrine built on stilts with its torii gate set in the sea.
Reviewed By Sparkie09 - Goa, India
Was such an experience visiting this shrine in Miyajima...walking through the path and an old gate and the sight of the floating Tori gate in the sea and the temple itself on stilts...to beat the high tides.
2. Atomic Bomb Dome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,989 reviews
This skeleton of a building is all that remains in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945, and serves as a symbol of both the horrors of atomic war and the hope for world peace.
Reviewed By Livetotravel747 - Coombabah, Australia
The Atomic Bomb Dome is a well maintained piece of history that should be visited by everyone. It is preserved also for future generations. Words cannot describe this place, just have to go for yourself
3. Shukkei-en Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,083 reviews
This 17th-century miniature landscape garden was restored after its destruction in 1945, and contains a pond, streams, islets and bridges.
Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan
I love Hiroshima, there are always new attractions to explore. I saw Shukkei-en Garden on a map, and decided to check it out. It is not far from the main train station, so it is a must. I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary. The entrance was pretty cheap, around 260 yen a person. You need at minimum an hour here as there are trails and interesting historical markers worth reading, not to mention many photo spots and places to relax and enjoy the beauty. Japan seems to have varieties of flowers that bloom at different times of the year, so anytime is a good time to visit. The pond in the center is lovely and is full of beautiful koi fish among other species and lots of adorable turtles. These gardens are a must when visiting Hiroshima.
4. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,977 reviews
This park commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb, and houses the Peace Memorial Museum and monuments related to the horrific event.
Reviewed By Dan06101973 - Toowoomba, Australia
This is perhaps one of the most moving experiences we had during our Japanese holiday. The Atomic Dome, Peace Park and Museum are all captivating, with many deeply personal stories and reflections. There is an audiovisual display that gives a depiction of the bomb dropping which depicts Hiroshima both before and after the event which is extremely thought-provoking and intense. If you travel to Japan you must visit this site - you will not be disappointed.
5. Okayama Korakuen Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,709 reviews
In 1687, daimyo (feudal lord) Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered his vassal Tsuda Nagatada to begin the construction of a new garden. The groundwork took 13 years until 1700, but since then the garden has retained most of its original appearance across the Edo period (1603-1868) until the present day. The garden was used as a retreat for the daimyos as well as a place for entertaining their guests, although people of the fiefdom too could visit it on certain occasions. As time went by, successive daimyos slightly modified the garden adding and removing hills, lawns, ponds and buildings, but the initial concept of Korakuen as a wide, bright space offering beautiful inner and outer vistas remained constant and unaltered. In 1884, the ownership of Korakuen was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and the garden was opened to the general public: since then it is carefully managed as a historical cultural asset to be passed down to future generations.
Reviewed By 798ellenr - Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Canada
We stopped here on a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima on the Shinkansen. It is one of the three great Japanese strolling gardens and even in the rain it was magnificent with its plum blossoms, lake, rice fields, camellia garden and more. We saw Geisha strolling and a view of the adjacent castle.It was magical!
6. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,719 reviews
Reviewed By TailG79 - Los Angeles, United States
Old Town Kurashiki is Beautiful!!! 15 min walk from Kurashiki Station. You can also take a bus for about ¥210. Great as a half day trip from Okayama (30-40 mins by train). Super easy to get to. Walk along the river and enjoy the scenery. Old Town has many great shops and food stalls. Was full of beautiful ladies in their kimonos taking photos. Absolutely stunning! You can also find different themed cafes like the owl cafe and cat cafe. They also have other animal theme cafes.
7. Matsue Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,499 reviews
Matsue symbol Matsue Castle is said to be one of the national treasures and one of the only orthodox towers among the 12 towers that exist throughout the country. Matsue Castle can be proud, please enjoy.
Reviewed By jeffreygalino - Hiroshima, Japan
If you are into history and culture, you should visit this castle. The structure is still in its original form. It looks unique compared to other Japanese castles for its black color. Discounted ticket price is given to foreigners. A panoramic view of Matsue City is seen from top.
8. Akiyoshido
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Akiyoshidō cave , a special national treasure, is one of the largest limestone caves in the country. It is filled with geographically precious objects such as gigantic stalagmites, rimstones like terraced rice fields, and many others. The cave started forming a million years ago and you will be fascinated with the visible history of the earth. Enjoy it thoroughly by viewing and photographing. You will walk through the cave comfortably as the temperature stays 17 ℃ throughout a year. You can go directly up to the Akiyoshidai Plateau from the elevator located in the middle of the cave.
Reviewed By StefanS71 - Munich, Germany
this is a place where tourists from outside Japan pay much less entrance fee (700 Yen instead of 1200). Cool! The cave is very big and there area lot of different things to see. Our teenagers were fascinated. Amazing cave. Worth the visit. The interesting spots are illuminated, but it it still kind of dark in there. Wear good shoes, it is slippery. Parking is a bit away from cave entrance (you have to pass the usual shop mile). Takes over an hour for whole visit.
9. Miyajima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,815 reviews
Scenic site that includes the Itsukushima Shrine, Otorii Gate and visit to Mt. Misen.
Reviewed By iluv2eatntravel - San Diego, United States
It is nearly impossible to humanly describe the magnitude of what fascinating Miyajima island can offer - one has to experience it first hand. Definitely should be at the top of the list of any visit to Hiroshima. Please plan ahead as you would need a minimum of at least half a day as it should be enjoyed in a unhurried manner. It just seems that time slowed down on the island. If you can, go early and stay late. The island itself is amazingly explorable. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. The buildings, especially the Itsukushima Shine with its gigantic ‘floating’ torii gate and nearby temples and pagodas have beautiful architectures that blends into the natural surroundings of sea, lush forests, and the misty Mount Misen. Wild and friendly deers roam its street freely. The residents of Miyajima were super friendly. Miyajima’s quaint town is filled with rustic buildings of shops and restaurants. Seafood served in the restaurants were delicious especially the grilled oysters freshly harvested in local waters. There are also some very scenic (potentially challenging) hiking trails up Mt Misen. If time is of the essence, and you are not able to hike the entire elevation of Mt Misen, take the ropeway up to near the top and then hike the rest of the way to the summit for some spell binding views at 1755 feet.
10. Izumo Grand Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,114 reviews
Reviewed By HotRodHeart - France, null
Being one of the oldest and most revered shrine in Japan, you will feel the history of the place as you walk to the shrine and around. Look at the Japanese people to avoid little mistakes, like walking on the path reserved for the gods, etc... It's super countryside, so shops and restaurants close very early, and transportation is scarce. So plan ahead. English is not widespread neither. If you have a chance, follow the way toward the sea from the shrine (the one used for the annual event) , and enjoy a breathtaking sunset ;)
