CHUGOKU & SHIKOKU

Chūgoku & Shikoku – The Hidden Gems of Japan

Chūgoku and Shikoku, two neighboring regions in western Japan, are often overlooked by travelers, but are home to some of Japan’s most spectacular sights and cultural treasures. Chūgoku, on the main island of Honshū, is known for Hiroshima’s poignant history, Okayama’s scenic gardens, and Tottori’s dramatic sand dunes. Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island, is famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage, stunning coastal scenery, and traditional villages.

• Hiroshima: A city that rose from the ashes, Hiroshima is a symbol of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing, while Itsukushima Shrine on nearby Miyajima Island, with its famous floating torii gate, is one of Japan’s most spiritual sites.
• Matsuyama: The largest city on Shikoku, Matsuyama is home to Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, and Matsuyama Castle, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Interesting Facts About Chūgoku & Shikoku

• History: Chūgoku was historically an important military region, home to Himeji Castle, Japan’s best-preserved feudal castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shikoku, in contrast, is known for its spiritual heritage, with the 88-temple pilgrimage tracing the steps of the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) over 1,200 kilometers.
• Temples & Shrines: Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima is one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, featuring a torii gate that appears to float on water at high tide. Shikoku’s Zentsū-ji Temple, the birthplace of Kūkai, is a key stop on the famous pilgrimage route.
• Nature: Chūgoku’s Tottori Sand Dunes create a surreal desert landscape along the Sea of Japan. Shikoku’s Iya Valley is a remote, misty gorge with vine bridges originally built by samurai seeking refuge centuries ago.
• Food: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a must-try dish, featuring layers of cabbage, pork, and noodles topped with a rich sauce. Shikoku is famous for Sanuki udon, a thick and chewy noodle dish beloved across Japan.
• Activities: Visitors to Chūgoku can experience the beauty of Kōrakuen Garden in Okayama, one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens. In Shikoku, cycling enthusiasts can ride the Shimanami Kaidō, a scenic bridge route connecting Shikoku to Honshū across multiple small islands.

Chūgoku and Shikoku offer a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making them two of Japan’s most rewarding and underrated regions to explore.