Travel Tips
Welcome to the page where you can fully discover the charms of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions!
Here, you'll find a wealth of travel tips, from the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea to the hidden gems of the Sanin coast. We regularly update information on scenic spots, local culinary delights, and seasonal attractions.
In the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, you're sure to create lasting memories - whether it's visiting historic temples and shrines, experiencing beautiful nature, meeting warm-hearted locals, or savoring regional cuisines.
Let's embark on a journey of new discoveries. May this guide be your companion in your adventure!
Choose by Area
Chugoku Shikoku region
This region, comprising nine prefectures in western Honshu and Shikoku, is brimming with diverse attractions. The Chugoku region is divided into two areas: Sanin and Sanyo, while Shikoku is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Three World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Global Geopark, along with rich nature, hot springs, history, and culture await you. The area is also known as a treasure trove of cuisine, offering fresh seafood and mountain delicacies, as well as nationally famous local sake and fruits, all blessed by nature. Sports fans can enjoy golf, baseball, soccer, basketball, and more. Come and create unforgettable memories in this captivating Chugoku-Shikoku region!
Tottori Prefecture
Tottori Prefecture is known for its rich nature, including the majestic Tottori Sand Dunes and beautiful Japan Sea coastline. It offers abundant hot springs, fresh seafood, and mountain produce, allowing visitors to enjoy its charms in all four seasons.
- LOCATION: Northeastern part of Chugoku region
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Tottori Sand Dunes, Sanbutsu-ji Temple Nageire Hall, Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, Hakuto Beach
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Crab, Nijisseiki pear, White squid, Tottori wagyu beef
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Inshu washi paper, Matsuba crab, Pickled shallots
- About 1 hour 15 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Toripy
（Image: Tottori Prefecture's Mascot ”Toripy”）
Shimane Prefecture
Shimane Prefecture is home to many historical sites deeply connected to ancient Japanese history, such as Izumo Taisha and Iwami Ginzan. Its mystical atmosphere evocative of mythological worlds and landscapes woven with rich nature are its main attractions.
- LOCATION: Northwestern part of Chugoku region
- WORLD HERITAGE SITE: Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, Iwami Ginzan, Lake Shinji
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Izumo soba, Shijimi clam soup, Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), Akaten (fried fish paste)
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Izumo stone lanterns, Unshu abacus, Izumo-ori textile
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Shimanekko
(Image: Shimane Prefecture Tourism Character "Shimanekko" Permission No. 8289 from Shimane Tourism Federation)
Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Prefecture, known as the "Land of Sunshine," is blessed with a mild climate. Visitors can enjoy diverse tourist attractions including beautiful gardens, historical townscapes, and islands in the Seto Inland Sea, as well as rich food culture.
- LOCATION: Southeastern part of Chugoku region
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Korakuen Garden, Mt. Washuzan, Kibitsu Shrine
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Mamakari sushi, Demi-katsudon, Hinase kakioko (oyster okonomiyaki), Okayama white peaches
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Bizen pottery, Jeans, Muscat grapes
- About 1 hour 15 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Momotchi and Uratchi
（Image : ©Okayama Prefecture ももっち・うらっち）
Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture is home to two World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine, embodying the coexistence of peace and tradition. Its beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery and unique food culture attract many visitors from Japan and abroad.
- LOCATION: Southwestern part of Chugoku region
- WORLD HERITAGE SITES: Atomic Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Miyajima, Onomichi, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Senkoji Park
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Okonomiyaki, Oysters, Anago-meshi (conger eel rice), Onomichi ramen
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Kumano brushes, Hiroshima lemons, Momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes)
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by plane from TOKYO
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Yamaguchi Prefecture, located at the westernmost tip of Honshu, faces both the Japan Sea and the Seto Inland Sea, boasting rich nature. With many historical buildings and famous sites, as well as abundant seafood like fugu (pufferfish), it's ideal for gourmet tours.
- LOCATION: Westernmost tip of Honshu
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Tsunoshima Bridge, Rurikoji Temple Five-storied Pagoda, Shuhodo Cave, Motonosumi Shrine, Kintai Bridge
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Fugu dishes, Iwakuni sushi, Kawara soba, Sea urchin
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Hagi ware, Tiger pufferfish, Uiro (sweet rice jelly)
- About 1 hour 30 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Choruru, Yamaguchi Prefecture PR Director
（Image : PR Director of Yamaguchi Prefecture ちょるる）
Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is known for its dynamic natural landscapes, such as the fierce Naruto whirlpools and the Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge. The summer Awa Odori festival is famous, allowing visitors to enjoy both traditional culture and nature.
- LOCATION: Eastern part of Shikoku
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Naruto Whirlpools, Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, Awa Odori Kaikan, Otsuka Museum of Art
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Tokushima ramen, Awa Odori chicken, Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, Naruto wakame seaweed
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Otani ware, Sudachi citrus, Indigo-dyed products
- About 1 hour 15 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Sudachi-kun
（すだちくん 承認番号：県民第２４－４０）
Kagawa Prefecture
Although Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in Japan, it boasts abundant tourist attractions such as Sanuki udon and the art island of Naoshima. With its mild climate and beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery, this compact prefecture is full of must-see spots.
- LOCATION: Northeastern part of Shikoku
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Ritsurin Garden, Shodoshima Island, Kotohira-gu Shrine, Naoshima Island
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Sanuki udon, Olive beef, Hone-tsuki-dori (chicken on the bone), Shoyu-mame (soy-simmered beans)
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Marugame fans, Shodoshima somen noodles, Kintoki carrots
- About 1 hour 15 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Udon-no
Ehime Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture offers diverse tourist attractions, including Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan's oldest hot spring, and the cycling road of the Shimanami Kaido. It's also known for its citrus fruit production and rich food culture.
- LOCATION: Northwestern part of Shikoku
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Dogo Onsen, Shimanami Kaido, Matsuyama Castle, Uchiko Town Preservation District
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Taimeshi (sea bream rice), Jakoten (fried fish cake), Matsuyama-zushi, Imabari yakibuta tamago meshi (roast pork and egg rice)
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Iyokan citrus, Towels, Iyo-kasuri fabric
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Mican
（Image:©2011ehime pref.mican#608019）
Kochi Prefecture
(Image ©Kochi pref. Kuroshiokun#R060276)
Kochi Prefecture is known for its rich nature, including a long Pacific coastline and clear streams like the Shimanto River. As the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma, visitors can experience a unique culture woven from history and nature.
- LOCATION: Southern part of Shikoku
- RECOMMENDED SPOTS: Katsurahama Beach, Shimanto River, Kochi Castle, Monet's Garden Marmottan
- MUST-TRY FOODS: Katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), Sawachi ryori (party platter), Tosa Jiro chicken, Imo-ten (sweet potato tempura)
- LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Tosa washi paper, Tosa cutlery, Sun-dried salt
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by plane from TOKYO
- MASCOT: Kuroshio-kun
