4 Star Places To Visit in Chugoku, Japan (50)

4.5 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (6.991 reviews)
- Heart warming experience
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

This park commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb, and houses the Peace Memorial Museum and monuments related to the horrific event. See more..
4.5 Atomic Bomb Dome (6.016 reviews)
- This building is powerful to put the words in adjoining museum into reality
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites

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. See more..
4.5 Miyajima (4.826 reviews)
- A very special place to visit
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Islands

Scenic site that includes the Itsukushima Shrine, Otorii Gate and visit to Mt. Misen. See more..
4.5 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (3.685 reviews)
- A beautiful place, and emotional
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I took a tour through this part with a nationally licensed tour guide (which I recommend) who helped me understand the city in a deeper way. We walked from Ground Zero, past the Dome and through the park. It was a powerful experience. In the park, I was honored to be approached by multiple groups of local school children who asked us to join their prayers for world peace. It was a very poignant moment juxtaposing the future and the past. See more..
4.5 Itsukushima Shrine (3.510 reviews)
- 1 of the 3 iconic Japan not to miss
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

The famous shrine built on stilts with its torii gate set in the sea. See more..
4.5 Izumo Grand Shrine (2.139 reviews)
- Bow Bow Clap Clap Clap Clap Bow
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Religious Sites

The majesty of the shrine and the serenity of the areas around the shrine is overwhelming. Being one of the oldest shrines in Japan, visiting this shrine will give an ancient Japan feels. Knowing the story of Ōkuninushi will spark interest in your visit. Onto practical things, you can pray for your present or future partner by making four claps instead of the usual two. See more..
4.0 Hiroshima Castle (1.989 reviews)
- Very informative
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Castles

Rebuilt following its destruction by the atomic bomb, this building houses an excellent museum that traces Hiroshima’s history, describes the architecture and other aspects of castles in Japan and, through videos, explains the construction of this castle. See more..
4.5 Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (1.746 reviews)
- Lovely even in December
Historic Walking Areas

We took the JR train from Fukuoka and arrived in Okayama in less than 2 hours on Sunday, December 29. Prior to leaving for Japan, we bought the 7 Day JR Sanyo Sanin Northern Kyushu Pass for $200 per person. It covered Shinkansens and allowed for free seat reservations and proved very useful. From Okayama, it was another 10 minute train to Kurashiki station. We arrived around 10 am. Even late December, there were plenty of tourists walking around in this Historical Quarter. The area is not large but very walkable with lots of shops and places to eat. I didn't see any boats running though they were parked in the water. Definitely make a trip there and you can combine with a visit to Okayama. See more..
4.5 Okayama Korakuen Garden (1.720 reviews)
- Beautiful garden
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

In 1687, daimyō (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 as well as a place for entertaining guests, although people of the fiefdom too could visit it on certain occasions. As time went by, successive daimyōs 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. See more..
4.5 Children's Peace Monument (1.554 reviews)
- Remember the children
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Monuments & Statues

A beautiful monument to Sadako Sasaki & all the thousands of child victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Surrounded by pape cranes in glass cases. Be sure to look inside the monument to see a beautiful bronze crane that is like a wind chime. See more..
4.5 Matsue Castle (1.516 reviews)
- Epic Castle and one of my favorites!
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

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. See more..
4.5 Tottori Sand Dunes (1.486 reviews)
- Amazing And Unseen Tottori Prefecture
Lookouts • Geologic Formations

We started our trip from Saicho Station, Higashi Hiroshima to Tottori Station and then continue to Tottori sand dunes. The first time I saw it was something amazing. The Sand dunes and ocean waves that match each other perfectly. From then, travel to the Uradome Coast. It is a very beautiful place, we can walk up the mountain to get a better view and enjoined the winter wind. After that, we traveled to Kurayoshi White Wall Street. It is a quiet village but there are interesting things. There is a museum about Sumo to learn. And there are shops that are unique to buy souvenirs. And the last place in Tottori is Bamboo Forests and Old Railway. We had fun walking through the snow on the old railway line that had bamboo trees all around. It is a remarkable place. This is amazing and unseen Tottori. See more..
4.5 JR Nishinihon Miyajima Ferry (1.309 reviews)
- A nice quick trip to the island
Saturday: 5:45 AM - 10:30 PM Ferries

While staying in Hiroshima we decided to visit Miyajima. We travelled to the ferry on the JR train service so just used our pass to go to the island on the ferry. A very smooth 10 minute crossing that got people on and off quickly, very busy both ways but the ferry’s are going continuously so never had to wait long. You get a great view of the massive red Tori Gate as you approach the island, The ferry company offer a great service See more..
4.5 Mt. Misen (1.224 reviews)
- Climb for the view, and the walk
Mountains

If you’re already on the island you may as well make your way to the peak. I’d suggest you take the rope way up, and then walk down. The walk to the rope way is pretty pleasant, you can stop by the deer park on the way. Once at the peak walk to the viewing point and take in the island. You should also climb to the top of the rope way building as well. The views are even better. Then on your walk down make sure to stop at the money shrine - it’s tucked inside a smallish opening. For the walk down, you have a choice of three paths, we took the left one (as illustrated on the map given on the island). It’s of a medium distance and time commitment. I think the longest one is the least crowded and most peaceful, but I really wanted to go to the tengu temple and we only had a couple of hours. Just make sure to watch out for the moving metal plates on the path and don’t fall off. See more..
4.5 Kintaikyo Bridge (1.189 reviews)
- Fascinating wooden bridge
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bridges • Scenic Walking Areas

Took the bus from Iwakuni Station to the stop a two minute walk from the bridge as part of the good value bridge, ropeway, castle combination ticket. The bridge was beautiful to look at, both on top and underneath, although as others have said be ready for the wide shallow steps that can be quite spot on the downward slope until you get used to them. I bought an icecream to eat on the way back before I saw the sign that asked you not to eat or drink on the bridge. See more..
4.0 Okayama Castle (1.168 reviews)
- A Truly Unique Castle
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Castles

The Okayama Castle is very unique compared to other castles throughout Japan in several ways. The most notable is the black color while other traditional castles are white. Other unique features include the location right by the river and the shape as it is not square like. This castle was rebuilt so it is not an original castle but it is replicated from what it used to look like. The grounds are massive here and the castle is quite large. I bought a combined castle and garden ticket here which is worth it. I felt the museum to be a bit bland but you get nice views from the top. Since the castle is so unique, I highly recommend visiting Okayama to visit the castle. See more..
4.5 Shukkei-en Garden (1.091 reviews)
- Well kept peaceful and tranquil garden in the center of Hiroshima.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gardens

This 17th-century miniature landscape garden was restored after its destruction in 1945, and contains a pond, streams, islets and bridges. See more..
4.5 Adachi Museum of Art (1.073 reviews)
- A marvelous combination of pictures and a garden.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums

The museum is maintained very well, and I enjoyed the silent beauty of objects and a garden. The founder left the phrase, "A garden, is also an artwork.". I could understand his message by standing there. The garden was Japanese-style and served various atmospheres. Some part was tidied up methodically, and the other looked like nature as it was. Some had a beautiful color combination from leaves and flowers, and the other showed a sight of monochrome like a Chinese ink painting. I recommend you take enough time to enjoy this view. See more..
4.0 Okonomimura (1.017 reviews)
- A Hiroshima must!!
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks

An absolute must if staying in Hiroshima, although not aesthetically pleasing they are absolutely delicious and so filling it was so good I went twice. I chose one with a pork filling and another with a shrimp filling. The building has three floors of small stalls they all serve variations of the same dish. I chose mine purely on availability of seating. They serve it on the hot plate and give you a small tool to slice the Okonomi and put it on a small plate where it’s eaten with chop sticks It’s fascinating to watch them make it front if you. It’s a great place to chat to other travellers if travelling solo. See more..
4.5 The Cenotaph (996 reviews)
- beautiful cenotaph
Monuments & Statues

really lovely monument in th epeace park, well thought out and really inspiring a great place to just relax and contemplate See more..
4.5 Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims (965 reviews)
- understated
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

a amazing experience to be able to visit hiroshima and this will certainly be part of your tour should you also visit not ot be missed. See more..
4.0 Hiroshima Electric Railway (927 reviews)
- いろいろなタイプの電車が走ります
Public Transportation Systems

路面電車は広島市民の誇りですね。The electric street car is one ou our honor of Hiroshima peoples. いろいろなタイプの電車が走っています。We can see many diffents type of cars. 調べてみると、新しいものはドイツ製だったり、古いものはあちこちから寄贈を受けています。Old type and modern type are mixed run with many cources. たくさんの路線があり、乗客も車掌さんも、もちろん運転士さんも、皆さん優しいです。Peoples who drive a car, navigater, and guest are very friendry. 広島に旅行に来た折には、ぜひ乗車して体験してみてください。I hope if you stay Hiroshima, you can try and enjoy this electric car ride. 　 See more..
4.5 Tsunoshima Ohashi (865 reviews)
- Terrific looking bridge
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Bridges

We recently crossed the bridge on a tour of the area. It is a a great sight when you first see it. It must be a great asset to the area and the island. I could imagine it must have been hard in the past two cross by ferry especially in bad weather. It has now become a tourist attraction itself. See more..
4.5 Yamato Museum (859 reviews)
- Stunned!!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

I went to visit this museum as part of the package tour to Hiroshima that I purchased. I didn't expect too much in the beginning but when getting there I totally agree with other reviewers. This is a must-visit site for military or naval enthusiast. Although we need to walk from Kure Station but the sign is very clear. Just follow the sign. Combining the visit with JMSDF Museum (just on the opposite site) is also a good option. While YOUME shopping mall can be a place for resting, having meal or even shopping. See more..
4.0 Karato Sea Market (834 reviews)
- Come hungry for Sushi
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Lots of vendors selling good fresh sushi. Take your time and walk around to see all that the vendors are offering. Many marine products to take home and a good fish market atmosphere. reasonable prices. You can also watch the many boats coming and going from the port. See more..
4.0 The Mizuki Shigeru Road (793 reviews)
- felt like kids again
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We are a senior couple, never heard of the place or Mizuki Shigeru, but you don't need to know, just go and enjoy yourself, and watching others. The statues are so imaginative, even the stone pedestals were beautiful. There are so many photo opportunities that are just fun. We came back at night, and it is like halloween, with images of the characters on the ground, also worth seeing. The trains, buses, stores, all taken up with the characters, very charming. The road leads to the other side of town which has fish statues, well made artistically, and you can eat snow crab lunch. We didn't need to go into the museum, the street was welll worth visiting. See more..
4.0 Miyajima Ropeway (790 reviews)
- Beautiful Views on Miyajima
Trams

If visiting Miyajima Island when in Hiroshima, the ropeway is a must do! We found it on a brochure in the arrival dock of Miyajima and it was well worth it. There is a short walk to a shuttle bus that will take you to the ropeway station, but the walk to the ropeway station is not bad. Provided it's a clear day, the views are beautiful from ropeway and the viewing platforms. The ropeway is in two parts or there is a mountain hike trail available. We got a round trip ticket for the ropeway and the gorgeous views from all sides at the top were well worth it. See more..
4.5 Ohara Museum of Art (719 reviews)
- Outstanding collection of art in beautiful area
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Art Museums

Located in the beautiful historic Kurashiki village, this small gallery is packed with blockbuster art. There is fantastic local artists represented plus Manet, Monet,Rembrandt and so on. Truly an amazing collection. See more..
4.0 Senkoji & Senkoji Park (686 reviews)
- Top site in Onomichi
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Parks • Religious Sites

I went here in both the summer and the spring. Spring is by far the nicer time to visit with the cherry blossoms in bloom. In the summer it can be quite hot so I would recommend the rope-way because the climb is quite steep. Its a great place to look around and the view is quite nice. For those that use the Shinkansen, the park is near Onomichi station and not Shin-Onomichi station. Its about 2 miles (4 km) from the shinkansen. So you will need to take a taxi to get to the park from the Shinkansen. The easiest solution is to get off the Shinkansen in Mihara and change trains to the local train that goes to Onomichi station. See more..
4.5 Peace Bell (685 reviews)
- Time for a more peaceful world, without a dominating force
Monuments & Statues

There are three peace bells in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The largest is called the Peace Bell, and which visitors can ring this bell of peace and hope. This bell of peace asks that “Let all nuclear arms and wars be gone. And the nations live in true peace!” The bell was completed in 1964. Since then, there has been little progress in riding the world of nuclear weapons. We struck the bell and heard to the sound reverberations. See more..
4.5 The Sand Museum (646 reviews)
- Amazing skill and technique
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Art Museums

The Sand Museum in Tottori Sand Dunes is the only indoor museum exhibited sand sculpture specially. We exhibit the highest quality sand sculptures every year by the executive producer and the professional sculptor from all over the world. See more..
4.5 MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima (637 reviews)
- Amazing night of baseball! Super fun!!
Arenas & Stadiums

We enjoyed everything about our visit to the stadium. The local team, Hiroshima Carp, were playing the Tokyo Swallows. The actual baseball was very good, but for us secondary to everything going on around us. The Japanese people are generally reserved in public, but at the stadium they let loose! There was singing and chanting and noise makers banging all night. Nothing was over the top; all was in good fun. They have a really cool seventh inning stretch routine which you need to experience. The whole thing was a blast! If you have a chance to see a game here go for it! Tickets are very hard to get, at least for resrved seats, so try to get them in advance. We used the online ticket service Viagogo and got great seats for not too much money. See more..
4.5 Daishoin Temple (601 reviews)
- Serene and happy!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

It was so happy seeing this statues lining up with cute little knitted bonnets on each and everyone of them. You will feel happy just walking pass each of them. The view was actually from the top but you need to get pass 1 of the small temple which led to a small staircase to head down. See more..
4.5 JMSDF Kure Museum (568 reviews)
- Visit a real Submarine
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

Across the street from Kure's Yamato Museum is the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force's submarine museum. The three-story building, filled with fascinating displays, is dwarfed by the submarine Akishio, which is on a cradle in front of it. You can enter and tour part of the sub from the museum's third floor. Lots of hands-on exhibits make this one of Japan's newest and most interesting museums. See more..
4.0 Shinji Lake (564 reviews)
- Sunset is well worth the wait
Bodies of Water

We spent four nights in Matsue and it wasn't until the last night that Lake Shinji shareda sunset. Calm, serene, and ih so beautiful. See more..
4.5 Akiyoshido (554 reviews)
- 凄い景色の鍾乳洞　Huge cave with incredible view
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

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. See more..
4.5 Itsukushima Shrine Torii (542 reviews)
- What a famous site
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

As we arrived on the island by ferry the first thing you see is the magnificent red Tori Gate. When we got here the tide was out so you can walk right up to this amazing wooden icon of Japan. When you stand beside it the sheer size of it strikes home , made from huge trunks of the camphor tree that apparently last indefinitely. Later in the day the tide came in and then like the shrine it appears to be floating in the ocean. When in Japan this is a sight you must experience See more..
4.0 Iwami-Ginzan (480 reviews)
- Charming town
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Mines

Omori town is a very charming small town with beatiful natural landscapes where only has around 400 residents. What impresses me most is the traditional and ancient streets.all the modern equipment such as wire,air conditioners are hidden or covered with wooden decorations on the street.I Strongly recommend to just take your time walking up and down the street to explor the history and tradition of Japan. See more..
4.0 Tomo no Ura (473 reviews)
- Lovely and Scenic Village
Religious Sites

I stopped in Tomonoura before venturing on toward Fukuyama. I fell in love with this town, it might be one of my favorite small villages in Japan. Driving was a little intense as the streets were small alley ways but there is parking within town. Walking around town was lovely, it was peaceful and authentic. Walk the street on the outer side of town, you get amazing views of the sea and nearby islands. There are quite a few temples in town worth seeing, but I just recommend walking around for an hour or so just to enjoy this quaint little village. See more..
4.5 Okunoshima Island (471 reviews)
- Buy your food before you get on the boat!
Islands

You should absolutely come here if you have the time. Of all the places we visited, my children talk about this place the most. Most other reviews already express the great quantities of cuteness that await you. Let me just add that you should buy your rabbit food from the Family Mart or Visitor Center before you come to the island. You cannot buy food for the rabbits on the island! We visited in December and it was quite cold and windy but still worth it! See more..
4.0 Ground Zero (470 reviews)
- Small Plaque marking the hypocenter
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Monuments & Statues

Although many people equate Ground Zero with the other memorials and museums, there is a plaque commemorating the hypocenter which is just outside the original hospital that was there when the bomb was dropped. It's easy to miss unless you're really looking for it. It sits just outside the hospital (still the same one but rebuilt) in the middle of the regular streets of Hiroshima, away from the dome and other memorials. See more..
4.5 Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda (464 reviews)
- Amazingly beautiful
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Designated as a national treasure, this pagoda is one of three famous pagodas in Japan beside that of Daigoji and Horyuji. As I visited this place, the weather was very nice, and I just forgot time passing, while contemplating. It is just amazing. See more..
4.0 Motonosumi Shrine (453 reviews)
- Photogenic
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Motonosumi Shrine is now a main tourist attraction in Nagato area, but it became popular only recently. Its picturesque Torii gates were propagated widely through SNS, and thanks to that tourists come from all over the world. If you go there, you need a car. The nearest JR station is Nagato Furuichi, but if you walk from the station, it takes at least one hour (one way). Taxi is hard to find. Or, you should make a reservation in advance. I suppose that it may cost about $30~40 one way. So, hiring a taxi for a whole day is another option, if you are a party of three or four. See more..
4.5 Yaegaki Shrine (447 reviews)
- Relationship Shrine
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Famous for relationships (marriage) and its Japanese legends background. A beautiful holy place. There’re penis statue. See more..
4.0 AEON MALL Mall Okayama (430 reviews)
- Good escape
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Located in the center of the city of Okayama, its very big, with a lot of options inside. They have a lot of clothing, food, toys, and even a supermarket! If you don’t have a place to go, or just want to escape from the cold, or the heat.... its a pleasent place. See more..
4.5 Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse (413 reviews)
- Majestic
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

This white lighthouse boasts the height of Japan. The area is full of attractions, including the coastline where the cliffs are followed. See more..
4.0 Kanmon Tunnel for Humans (Shimonoseki Side) (400 reviews)
- Undersea tunnel
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

I just heard about this Tunnel a few days ago. I had an extra day to kill, so I decided to see it. From Kokura Station, I took the JR Kagoshima Line to the Mojiko Station Terminal. From there it was about 2 Kms on foot to the Tunnel entrance. An elevator brings you down and you can start walking to the Honshu side. I made 2 roundtrips.! At the midway point is the spot where You can literally put one foot on Kyushu and the other on Honshu! There are papers to be stamped at each end of the tunnel which you can present to the Tourist Info center at Mojiko Station to get your official crossing certificate. Nice! See more..
4.0 Kurashiki Ivy Square (395 reviews)
- Worth a Quick Stop
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I found the Ivy Square area to be pretty nice. I was here in the winter so I couldn't imagine how beautiful it will be come spring and summer time frame. There is a hotel here that is probably a nice stay. Otherwise there are a few shops, events, and nice places to walk. I just enjoyed walking around here looking at the building and surrounding nature. Not a whole lot else to see but it's worth a quick look. See more..
4.0 Iwakuni Castle (386 reviews)
- Great views - some interesting displays
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Although a reconstructed castle, it was interesting to visit. Lovely peaceful hill setting, great views of the city and Inland Sea and some good displays of weaponry including swords and old guns, and some armour. There is also a good selection of photos of other Japanese castles, both National Treasures and reconstructions. See more..
4.5 Kibitsu Shrine (380 reviews)
- Beautiful Shrine and Area
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

I visited the Kibitsu Shrine on my way to Okayama and was very impressed by this shrine. The shrine was massive and beautiful. There are huge parking lots that are free here. After parking I recommend walking to the main temple area, then the covered walkway, then cross the street to visit the other shrines and gardens in the small town. The whole area is well designed and beautiful. I was here on a Friday morning and it was not very crowded felt like I had the place to myself. The shrine is well protected and they take very good care of the property. I think this shrine is a must if in the area. See more..

4 Star Places To Visit in Chugoku, Japan (50)

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