Partners Information: When travelling through Japan, many stick to the obvious destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. However, the relatively unexplored Chugoku region is the perfect place to experience some quintessential Japanese culture and to better understand the country and its people.
Tsunagu Japan takes you on a trip through the five prefectures of Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Shimane, Okayama, and Tottori, showing wondrous tourist attractions and explaining local delicacies.
1. Okayama: the land of fruit, history and art
Some attractions mentioned include: Okayama Castle, Korakuen garden, Kibitsu Shrine, Naoshima, Inujima and Kurashiki (pictured above).
2. Hiroshima: a peace-promoting prefecture that is abundant in culture and cuisine
Hiroshima is well known for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Okonomimura (to try the local okonomiyaki), Shukkei-en Garden, Sandankyo Gorge (pictured above), Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine and the popular Kangen-sai Festival.
3. Yamaguchi: duck into limestone caves, savour pufferfish and discover samurai heritage
Be sure to check out the following places in Yamaguchi Prefecture: Rurikoji Temple, Yuda Onsen, Akiyoshido limestone cave, Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni Castle, Motonosumi Shrine and try the local sushi - Iwakuni-zushi and their world-renowned sake brand - Dassai.
4. Shimane: Japan's mythical land of serene islands and pristine beaches
Shimane Prefecture may not be the most popular destination even for domestic travellers, but it boasts a large number of attractions including Izumo Taisha, Iwami Ginzan, Omori, Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji (pictured above), Yaegaki Shrine, Kumaso Shrine and Suga Shrine.
5. Tottori: sand dunes, a spectacular coastline and blessings for your love life
Tottori Prefecture is most well known for the Tottori Sand Dunes, but don't forget about its other attractions like the Uradome Coast (pictured above), Misasa Onsen, Mt. Mitoku, Sanbutsu Temple and Hakuto Shrine.
Tsunagu Japan article
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/a-trip-through-chugoku-region-the-land-of-myths-and-memories/
