Top Things to do in Chugoku
Top Hotels in Chugoku
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What to do and see in Chugoku, Chugoku: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Matsue Castle, Kibi Plain Bicycle Route, Miyajima, Izumo Grand Shrine, Kintaikyo Bridge.
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. Kibi Plain Bicycle Route
8. 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.
9. 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 ;)
10. 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.
