Top Things to do in Chugoku
Top Hotels in Chugoku
What to do and see in Chugoku, Chugoku: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Chugoku, Japan including Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Shukkei-en Garden, Okayama Korakuen Garden, Akiyoshido, Miyajima, Kintaikyo Bridge, Yamato Museum, Tottori Sand Dunes, Mt. Ojigadake.
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. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
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. 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.
9. 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.
