Chugoku Shikoku region
The nine prefectures of the Chugoku Shikoku region is in the western part of Honshu. The Chugoku region is divided into two areas: “the Sanin area”, located between the Chugoku Mountains and the Sea of Japan, which snows heavy in winter and is blessed with winter delicacies, and “the Sanyo area”, located between the Chugoku Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea, which has a relatively long sunshine duration and is abundant in seafood and mountain delicacies. The Shikoku region is surrounded by two seas, the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and is connected to Honshu by “the Seto Ohashi Bridge” and “the Shimanami Kaido,” allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular beauty of its many islands. The Chugoku Shikoku region is filled with tourist attractions, each with its own unique charm. They offer a wide range of attractions, from three World Heritage Sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks, which showcase the great nature of the area, to historical, cultural, and traditional sights. The Chugoku Shikoku region, blessed with abundant nature, are also a treasure trove of food. You can enjoy everything from local dishes･gourmet foods unique to each area, made with fresh seafood, branded beef, and seasonal ingredients, to nationally famous sake and fruit.
Tottori Prefecture
Tottori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, is home to Tottori Sand Dunes. Amidst the desert-like, fantastical landscape, you can ride camels and experience sandboarding. The adjacent Sand Museum allows you to enjoy sand sculptures created by artists from around the world. The most popular gourmet food in Tottori Prefecture is crab, especially Matsuba crab, which is packed with meat and flavor, representing the taste of winter. Tottori is also famous as a pear-producing region, and the "Nijyusseiki Pear" is delicious with its juiciness and sweetness. An indispensable part of Tottori Prefecture is Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato City. With about 170 bronze statues of characters from the anime "Gegege no Kitaro" lining the road and the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, the town retains a sense of the good old days, allowing you to feel a mysterious world. Please take this opportunity to visit Tottori Prefecture!
Shimane Prefecture
Shimane Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, is blessed with beautiful nature. The representative tourist spot is Iwami Ginzan, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, where you can feel the history of silver mining and extraction. The Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark, offer beautiful landscapes where nature and culture blend, and Matsue Castle, a national treasure, is not to be missed. Izumo Soba, a representative gourmet dish of Shimane Prefecture, is known for its rich flavor. Lastly, Izumo Taisha Srhine, indispensable in discussing the history/culture of Shimane Prefecture, is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. As a center of faith since ancient times, it is said that gods from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha Srhine in the "Kamiarizuki" month (October in the lunar calendar), attracting many worshippers. Thus, Shimane Prefecture is a charming region where beautiful nature, abundant gourmet food, and deep history and culture merge. Please take this opportunity to visit Shimane Prefecture!
Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to having the highest number of sunny days in Japan. A popular tourist spot is the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, characterized by its white-walled storehouses and black tiles, where you can stroll through the old town. You can ride on a sightseeing boat down the river, experiencing the atmospheric townscape. In addition, Korakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, is located here, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Japanese garden in each of the four seasons. Tsuyama Kakuzan Park in Tsuyama City in the northern part of the prefecture is famous for its cherry blossoms. Okayama is also known as "Fruit Kingdom" and is famous of peaches and grapes. They are nationally famous for their sweetness and juiciness, unrivaled by any other. In this way, Okayama Prefecture is a charming region where beautiful nature, diverse gourmet food, and deep history and culture come together. Please take this opportunity to visit Okayama Prefecture!
Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture is a representative tourist destination in Japan, home to two World Heritage Sites: "Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine" and the "Atomic Bomb Dome." Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is known for its large "torii gate" in the sea, captivating tourists from around the world with its mystical scenery. Another indispensable part of Hiroshima's history is the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which symbolize the message of peace Hiroshima sends to the world. A representative gourmet dish you can enjoy in Hiroshima is "Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki." This distinctive dish uses plenty of ingredients and noodles, offering a taste you won't forget once you try it. Moreover, Hiroshima is the top producer of oysters in Japan. Dishes made with fresh oysters are exceptionally delicious. Take this opportunity to visit Hiroshima Prefecture!
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the westernmost point of Honshu. Akiyoshidai, a major tourist spot, is the largest karst plateau in Japan, and its vast landscape is breathtaking. Also, Akiyoshido, one of Japan's three major limestone caves, is a must-see for the strength and power of the stalactites formed over many years. The representative gourmet of Yamaguchi Prefecture is "Fugu (blowfish) cuisine." In particular, Shimonoseki City is known nationwide as the "City of Fugu," and the lively Karato Market allows you to enjoy fresh seafood and gourmet food. Hagi City, located in the northwestern part of the prefecture, is a region where the history of the end of the Edo period remains vividly, and the castle town and Hagi-yaki pottery are attractive. The Kintaikyo Bridge, symbolizing Iwakuni City in the eastern part of the prefecture, is also known as one of Japan's three famous bridges. This beautiful wooden arch bridge is designated as an important cultural property of Japan. Please take this opportunity to visit Yamaguchi Prefecture!
Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Shikoku and is about a 2-hour drive from Osaka. The Yoshino River, known as one of Japan's most scenic rivers, offers a variety of outdoor activities such as rafting and canoeing. In addition, the Naruto whirlpools, which are some of the largest in the world, can be experienced in their full force and beauty on a sightseeing boat. When it comes to gourmet food in Tokushima, the local specialty dishes using Sudachi citrus and Awaodori chicken are famous. Also, Tokushima Ramen, characterized by its soy-based soup and special roasted pork fillet, is a dish you should definitely try. Awa Odori, indispensable in discussing the history and culture of Tokushima, is one of Japan's three major Bon dances. The annual Awa Odori festival held in August is famous for its passionate dance and powerful drumming. In this way, Tokushima Prefecture is a captivating region where beautiful nature, local gourmet food, and passionate culture merge. Please take this opportunity to visit Tokushima Prefecture!
Kagawa Prefecture
Kagawa Prefecture is home to Takamatsu City, the gateway to Shikoku region, and is surrounded by the multi-island beauty of countless islands floating in the Seto Island Sea. At the famous scenic spot Yashima, you can experience "tile throwing" from the mountain top, where people make wishes for warding off bad luck and throw sun-dried or baked earthenware sake cups or plates from a high place, and the view of the small islands of Seto and the townscape is spectacular. The charm of the gourmet food you can enjoy in Kagawa Prefecture is, above all, the Sanuki Udon, which represents Japan. The firm texture of the noodles is a taste you won't forget once you've tried it. Additionally, Kagawa Prefecture is known for its active olive production and dishes using olives and olive oil are also worth trying. Speaking of Kagawa Prefecture, Kotohira-gu Shrine (also known as Konpira-san) is known as a shrine where people pray for safe maritime travel and is bustling with many visitors. In this way, Kagawa Prefecture is a captivating region where beautiful nature, local gourmet food, and a culture steeped in history and tradition merge. Please take this opportunity to visit Kagawa Prefecture!
Ehime Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture faces two seas, the Seto Island Sea and the Genkai Sea. When speaking of Ehime, one thinks of Dogo Onsen, known as the oldest hot spring area in Japan, its history and traditions attract people. Along with the beautiful architecture, you can enjoy hot springs that warm you to your core. A representative gourmet food you can enjoy in Ehime Prefecture is the mandarin orange. It's nationally famous for its sweetness and vibrant color. Mandarin orange juice, jam, and cakes are also popular. In terms of seafood, cutlass fish is a specialty, and fresh sashimi and grilled fish are dishes you should definitely try. Matsuyama Castle, indispensable in discussing the history/culture of Ehime Prefecture, allows you to experience the splendor of Japanese castle architecture. Not only can you view Matsuyama Castle from the city, but you can also explore the inside. In this way, Ehime Prefecture is a region where beautiful nature, delicious food, and the beauty and tradition of Japan come alive. Please take this opportunity to visit Ehime Prefecture!
Kochi Prefecture
Image ©Kochi pref. Kuroshiokun#R060276
