Top Things to do in Chugoku
Top Hotels in Chugoku
The 10 Best Things to do in Chugoku, Chugoku
Discover the best top things to do in Chugoku, Japan including Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Okayama Korakuen Garden, Ohara Museum of Art, Matsue Castle, Izumo Grand Shrine, Yamato Museum, Tottori Sand Dunes, Tsunoshima Ohashi, The Sand Museum.
Restaurants in Chugoku
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. Ohara Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
Reviewed By ratdog2063 - Sydney, Australia
the famed paitings by el greco, renoir, lautrec, etc are here. there are not many of each, but the crown jewels are there. the japanese garden, and the storage buildings are worth a visit too
5. 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.
6. 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 ;)
7. Yamato Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 846 reviews
Reviewed By dave_hempenstall1
Awesome museum, do scan the QR code on entering to get the English video apps for the museum, makes a big difference, WiFi in museum is free. The exhibits are well worth the trip from Hiroshima(free with JR pass), the models of ships are cool and drop over to the JSDF museum opposite for a free lookie loo in a submarine.
8. Tottori Sand Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,468 reviews
Reviewed By Kevinkai - Osaka, Japan
There is an amazing sand dunes that you can climb and then enjoy the whole view of sea. Also an oasis is beside it so you can see some beautiful plants and flowers.
9. Tsunoshima Ohashi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 849 reviews
Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan
If you see postcards or magazines of Yamaguchi, more then likely the Tsunoshima bridge will pop up. This bridge is absolutely incredible and the whole island is gorgeous. There is a large parking lot at the base of the bridge for photos and viewing the Sea. Mid way through the bridge is a small pull off area. The bridge is absolutely gorgeous with the turquoise waters. The island hosts many attractions including a lighthouse, shrines, beaches, and hiking. This place does get crowded during peak tourist seasons, so come prepared. If you are in Yamaguchi, this bridge and island are well worth a visit!
10. The Sand Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 633 reviews
The Sand Museum in Tottori Sand Dunes is the only indoor museum exhibited sand sculpture specially. We exhibit the highest quality sand sculptures every year by the executive producer and the professional sculptor from all over the world.
Reviewed By Cierrann - Seattle, United States
This was definitely something new for me! Right next to the sand dunes, this museum puts up a new display every year. We were lucky enough to see the 2019 one, right after it opened. The sculptures are incredible. Just thinking about carving in sand, sent shivers of anxiety up and down my back. They have explanations, and the final product was mind blowing. Even more amazing (to the US mind), was the lack of barriers around the sand. I thought it was a mistake, but my guide said no. Japanese don't touch. There was a little sadness there, for me. As the Japanese welcome so many tourists, things are going to change. I found the Japanese like to have some things untouchable and unknowable - while my upbringing made me really want to touch one of those sculptures! (I didn't, of course.) The sculptures themselves are planned and done by an international team, which was also pretty cool.
