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Western Japan

Nestled between central Kansai to the east and Kyūshū Island to the far west, western Honshū features the key destinations of Hiroshima and Okayama. This area is called Chūgoku, meaning 'middle country', because of its important location between Kansai (the gateway to central Japan) and Kyūshū (the gateway to mainland Asia). Its importance was imperative in bringing Western and Chinese culture to the capital of Edo during the 220 years of self-imposed isolation, in which only one port in Kyūshū was allowed foreign trade. The road along the inland sea traveled by merchants developed into a string of bustling port towns, while the remainder of the region enjoyed a quiet rural peace.

Western Japan has distinct four seasons with hot and humid summers and moderately cold winters. The Chūgoku Mountains running through the area see plenty of snowfall in winter and are popular for snow sports. Trailing the coastline from Tottori to Yamaguchi are sandy beaches and amazing views of the Sea of Japan. The Seto Inland Sea connects western Japan to Shikoku by boat or by its famous island-to-island cycling route.

 

Highlights of Western Japan

 

Japan’s indigenous Shintō religion has a strong presence with important shrines such as Itsukushima on the island of Miyajima, and Izumo Grand Shrine in Shimane prefecture. This could explain why the region is home to some amazing landscapes such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, where it seems like you have been transported to a different country, or the cobalt blue ocean of Tsunoshima.

  • Visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima to learn about an important part of history and to try some local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
  • Be mesmerized by the enormous red wooden torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, reflecting in the water as you hike around the island followed by wild deer.
  • Stroll around the preserved canal area of Kurashiki to relive Japan’s Edo Period. Many of the former storehouses have been converted into shops or museums and retain their original architecture.
  • Go island-hopping on the Shimanami Kaidō as you make your way from Onomochi to Imabari while enjoying sandy beaches and breathtaking ocean views.
  • Spend some time in Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, located in Okayama City. Be sure to visit the nearby Okayama Castle where you can climb to the top for an amazing view of the garden’s pond.
  • Take a boat to the art island of Naoshima to visit the many museums and Kusama Yayoi’s famous pumpkins.
  • Relive the creation myth of Japan at Izumo Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest and most prominent Shintō shrines. Enshrined here is Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, the deity said to have created the land of Japan and pulled it from the sea.

 Self guided tours

Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.

Self-Guided
Hiroshima & Shimanami Kaido self-guided 6 Days

Enjoy the slow island life on the Setouchi Inland Sea with cycling, kayaking and walking

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
6 Days
From USD 2,675
 Guided tours

Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.

Guided
In the Shadow of Mountains

A small-group guided tour that visits western Japan, travelling to cities on both the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. Experience the culture, history and lifestyle of this unique region.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
12 Days
From USD 4,660