We shall now proceed to the Chugoku region, the westernmost expanse of Japan’s main island, Honshu. This is a land of profound historical resonance, where ancient mythology intersects with a powerful modern history of tragedy and rebirth. The region presents two distinct characters: the Sanyo coast, lining the placid Seto Inland Sea with its centers of commerce and poignant history, and the more remote San’in coast along the Sea of Japan, a rugged landscape steeped in the nation’s oldest legends. Chugoku is perhaps best understood as 神話と平和の地 (しんわとへいわのち, shinwa to heiwa no chi)—the land of myths and peace.
This guide will provide a structured overview of the Chugoku region’s ancient and modern history, its contemplative culture, its most significant destinations, and its notable local cuisine. The information is supplemented with relevant Japanese terminology to provide a more complete understanding. We will now commence our exploration of this deeply meaningful region of Japan.
A Glimpse into Chugoku’s History
The history of Chugoku is one of Japan’s most extensive. The San’in region, particularly the Izumo Province (modern Shimane), is the setting for many of the creation myths detailed in the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest extant chronicle. The Izumo Taisha shrine stands as a testament to this area’s ancient religious and political importance, which predates that of the Yamato court. During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, the powerful Mori clan dominated the region from their base at Hiroshima Castle. However, Chugoku’s most defining historical moment occurred on August 6, 1945, when the city of Hiroshima became the target of the world’s first atomic bombing. The utter devastation of the city and its subsequent reconstruction as an international beacon for peace and nuclear disarmament is a pivotal story not only for Japan but for all of humanity.
Chugoku’s Culture
The culture of the Chugoku region is deeply contemplative, shaped by its rich mythology and the profound solemnity of its modern history. There is a palpable sense of resilience and introspection throughout the area. A cultural contrast exists between the industrialized Sanyo coast and the more traditional, rural San’in coast, where ancient customs and folklore remain an integral part of daily life. This is particularly evident in the vibrant performances of 石見神楽 (いわみかぐら, Iwami Kagura), a dynamic form of Shinto theatrical dance that recounts mythical tales.
The region is also a center for traditional crafts, most notably Bizen pottery from Okayama Prefecture, one of Japan’s six ancient kiln sites, which is prized for its rustic, unglazed aesthetic. Above all, the modern culture of Chugoku, especially in Hiroshima, is anchored in the active pursuit of global peace. The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony and the city’s educational outreach programs are central to its identity, transforming a site of immense tragedy into a global symbol of hope and reconciliation.
Must-See Sights in Chugoku
Chugoku is home to several of Japan’s most iconic and moving destinations:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園): An essential site for any visitor to Japan, encompassing the A-Bomb Dome (a UNESCO site), the Peace Memorial Museum, and numerous monuments dedicated to the victims.
- Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社): Located on the island of Miyajima, this UNESCO World Heritage shrine is famed for its “floating” torii gate, which appears to stand on the water at high tide.
- Izumo Taisha (出雲大社): One of the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to the deity of marriage and good relationships and is known for its immense shimenawa (sacred rope).
- Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘): Japan’s largest sand dunes, creating a vast and surreal desert-like landscape along the coast of the Sea of Japan, which can be explored on foot or by camel ride.
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区): A flawlessly preserved canal district from the Edo period, featuring traditional rice storehouses converted into museums, boutiques, and cafes.
Unique Experiences & Things to Do
Beyond the main sights, Chugoku offers a range of distinctive experiences:
- Cycle the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道): Traverse this celebrated 70-kilometer route of bridges and dedicated paths connecting Honshu with the island of Shikoku, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Visit the Adachi Museum of Art: Located in Shimane, this museum is as famous for its gardens as for its collection of modern Japanese art. The gardens are consistently ranked as the best in Japan and are viewed as “living paintings.”
- Explore Hagi Castle Town: Walk through the well-preserved former castle town of Hagi in Yamaguchi, known for its samurai residences, earthen walls, and distinctive pottery style.
- Cross the Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni: Admire this historic and elegant five-arched wooden bridge, an architectural marvel that has been reconstructed true to its original 17th-century design.
Chugoku’s Food Scene
The region boasts rich culinary traditions from both its coastlines:
- Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (広島風お好み焼き): A distinct, layered version of the famous savory pancake. Unlike its Kansai counterpart, ingredients are not mixed but stacked, always including a layer of fried noodles (soba or udon).
- Oysters (牡蠣, kaki): Hiroshima is the leading producer of oysters in Japan. They are a local delicacy, enjoyed grilled, deep-fried, raw, or served on rice.
- Izumo Soba (出雲そば): A soba noodle variety from Shimane, notable for its dark color and robust flavor. It is often served in tiered lacquer boxes known as “warigo.”
- Fugu (ふぐ): Pufferfish is a famous, albeit daring, delicacy. The city of Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi is renowned for having the highest concentration of licensed chefs skilled in its safe preparation.
— Useful Phrase in Chugoku —
世界の平和を祈ります。
せかいのへいわをいのります。
Sekai no heiwa o inorimasu.
I pray for world peace.
世界 (せかい, sekai) = world
平和 (へいわ, heiwa) = peace
を祈ります (をいのります, o inorimasu) = to pray for
— Language Corner Chugoku —
平和 (へいわ, heiwa) – Peace
神話 (しんわ, shinwa) – Myth, legend
原爆 (げんばく, genbaku) – Atomic bomb
鳥居 (とりい, torii) – Shrine gate
Japanese for Your Chugoku Adventures
— At the Peace Park (平和公園にて) —
慰霊碑 (いれいひ, ireihi) – Memorial monument
千羽鶴 (せんばづる, senbazuru) – Thousand paper cranes
資料館 (しりょうかん, shiryōkan) – Museum, archives
Useful phrase
お祈りをしてもいいですか。
おいのりをしてもいいですか。
Oinori o shite mo ii desu ka?
May I offer a prayer?
— On Miyajima Island (宮島にて) —
満潮 (まんちょう, manchō) – High tide
干潮 (かんちょう, kanchō) – Low tide
鹿 (しか, shika) – Deer
Useful phrase
次の満潮は何時ですか。
つぎのまんちょうはなんじですか。
Tsugi no manchō wa nanji desu ka?
What time is the next high tide?
— Ordering Okonomiyaki (お好み焼きを注文) —
麺 (めん, men) – Noodles
そば (soba) – Buckwheat noodles
うどん (udon) – Thick wheat noodles
Useful phrase
麺はそばでお願いします。
めんはそばでおねがいします。
Men wa soba de onegai shimasu.
Please use soba noodles.
Read More:
