Top Things to do in Chugoku
Top Hotels in Chugoku
What to do and see in Chugoku, Chugoku: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Chugoku, Japan including Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Matsue Castle, Miyajima, Izumo Grand Shrine, Kintaikyo Bridge, Tottori Sand Dunes, Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda, Old Shizutani School.
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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. Kintaikyo Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,175 reviews
Reviewed By YPDChan - Singapore, Singapore
The combination of the historic Kintaikyo bridge, Iwakuni Castle and the scenic surroundings make this a wonderful and easy half day trip from Hakata. The combination ticket consisting of crossing the bridge, ropeway to/from Iwakuni Castle and the castle admission ticket is well worth the cost. It was difficult to find the bus timetables online so I have included some photos for easy reference. Plan your journey carefully and you can even get on the Hello Kitty shinkansen from Shin-Iwakuni, which was what we managed to do. Also, make sure to have exact change for the bus tickets or at most 1000yen notes to change using the coin machine in the bus.
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. Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan
I live not far from Yamaguchi and have visited the Pagoda and Temple for the first time. The Pagoda is considered one of Japan's great Pagoda's. The layout is beautiful with the pond in front and hills in the background. You can really get some amazing photos here. I want to come back during each season to see the Pagoda and surrounding nature. Walk around the park and temple to get other views of the pagoda. If in Yamaguchi Prefecture, make the Ruriko Five Story Pagoda a must see!
