Best Landmarks in Chugoku
Planning a trip to Chugoku? Discover the best landmarks in Chugoku with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Chugoku
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
38 landmarks
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War memorial4.7★29,080 reviews
Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima stands as a haunting reminder of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolizes the devastation of nuclear weapons and a beacon for lasting world peace, urging the abolition of nuclear arms.
Open 24 hours
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Shinto shrine4.7★28,799 reviews
Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)
Kotai Jingu, also known as Ise Jingu Naiku or the Inner Sanctuary, is Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. Believed to have been established over 2,000 years ago, it is a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Japanese people.
Daily 5:00–19:00
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Heritage preservation4.5★33,541 reviews
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a picturesque mountain village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, famed for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life sustained for centuries amidst a stunning natural landscape.
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Shinto shrine4.6★29,206 reviews
Itsukushima Jinja
Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Miyajima Island, is famed for its iconic 'floating' torii gate and unique architecture built over water. Originally constructed in 593 AD, it offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Daily 6:30–18:00
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Shinto shrine4.6★27,415 reviews
Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha, officially Izumo Ōyashiro, is one of Japan's oldest and most significant Shinto shrines, located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Dedicated to Ōkuninushi, the deity of marriage and relationships, it's a revered power spot where, according to legend, all Shinto deities gather in the tenth lunar month (usually November) for their annual meeting.
Daily 6:00–19:00
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Scenic spot4.2★33,974 reviews
Oshino Hakkai
Nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai is a stunning scenic spot known for its crystal-clear ponds and breathtaking views. This picturesque location offers a serene escape for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Japan's natural beauty.
Open 24 hours
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Memorial park4.6★24,455 reviews
Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a poignant space dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945 and a symbol of hope for world peace. Located in the heart of Hiroshima, the park features memorials, museums, and monuments, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.
Open 24 hours
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Castle4.5★25,018 reviews
Matsumoto-jō Castle
Matsumoto Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior, is a stunning example of a Japanese castle. Completed in the late 16th century, it's one of Japan's oldest surviving original castles, boasting a unique combination of a main keep and a secondary donjon.
Daily 8:30–16:30
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Buddhist temple4.5★22,284 reviews
Zenkōji temple
Zenkōji Temple, founded in the 7th century, stands as one of Japan's most significant and welcoming Buddhist temples, predating sectarian divisions and embracing all faiths. Home to what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and spiritual experience.
Open 24 hours
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Bridge4.3★15,895 reviews
Kintaikyo Bridge
The Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a stunning five-arched wooden bridge that has been admired for centuries. Originally built in 1673, it stands as a symbol of Japanese engineering and craftsmanship, offering picturesque views in every season.
Open 24 hours
Okayama Korakuen
Okayama Korakuen is a stunning Japanese garden renowned for its picturesque landscapes, seasonal flowers, and tranquil ponds, making it an essential destination for tourists looking to experience Japan's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Daily 7:30–18:00
Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's largest, offer a unique coastal desert experience. Formed over millennia by wind and water, these dunes provide stunning views, recreational activities, and a chance to explore a distinctive landscape within San'in Kaigan National Park.
Open 24 hours
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Arakurayama Sengen Park, located in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The park is home to the Chureito Pagoda, a five-story crimson structure that, when framed with cherry blossoms in spring, creates one of Japan's most iconic and photographed landscapes.
Open 24 hours
Shukkeien Garden
Shukkei-en Garden, meaning 'shrunken-scenery garden,' is a historic Japanese garden in Hiroshima that recreates famous landscapes in miniature. Built in 1620, it offers a tranquil escape with its meticulously crafted hills, valleys, ponds, and tea houses, providing a serene and meditative atmosphere.
Daily 9:00–18:00
Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle, also known as "Crow Castle" (Ujo) due to its black exterior, is a reconstructed Japanese castle in Okayama. Originally built in 1597, it was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1966. The castle features exhibits about its history and offers a pottery studio for visitors.
Akiyoshido Cave
Akiyoshido Cave, a breathtaking subterranean wonder located in Yamaguchi, Japan, invites tourists to explore its stunning rock formations and unique geological features. This historical landmark is not only a scenic spot but also a fascinating tourist attraction, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Daily 8:30–16:30
Tomonoura (Setonaikai National Park)
Tomonoura, a picturesque port town in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Nestled on the Seto Inland Sea, this charming town boasts well-preserved Edo-era architecture, stunning island views, and a tranquil atmosphere that has inspired artists and filmmakers for centuries.
Open 24 hours
Teshima Art Museum
The Teshima Art Museum, a masterpiece nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Teshima Island, offers a unique blend of modern art and nature. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture and experience art in harmony with the environment, making it a must-see for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Mon 10:00–17:00 · Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flourished from the 16th to the 20th centuries as one of the world's leading silver producers. Located in Oda, Shimane Prefecture, the mine offers a glimpse into Japan's rich mining history and the cultural landscape that developed around it. Visitors can explore preserved mineshafts, refinery ruins, and the charming town of Omori, which once thrived as a mining settlement.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Sanbutsu-ji Temple
Nestled in the serene mountains of Tottori, Sanbutsu-ji Temple is a breathtaking Buddhist sanctuary that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage. The temple, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, is a must-visit for tourists seeking cultural enrichment and natural beauty.
Daily 8:00–17:00
Megahiraonsen Megahira Ski Area
Megahira Ski Area, nestled in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, offers a convenient and accessible winter sports destination. Known for its well-maintained slopes, thanks to artificial snowmaking, and a variety of courses for all skill levels, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The adjacent Megahira Onsen provides a relaxing après-ski experience.
Tue–Sun 10:00–15:00
Daisen
Mount Daisen, a dormant volcano in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, is the highest peak in the Chūgoku region. Revered as a spiritual icon and a center for mountain worship, it offers hiking trails, panoramic views, and a rich history intertwined with Shinto, Buddhist, and Shugendo beliefs.
Daisen White Resort UenoHara area
Daisen White Resort's Uenohara area, nestled in Tottori, Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and exhilarating winter experiences. With slopes for all skill levels, stunning ocean views, and delicious dining, it's an idyllic escape for adventure and relaxation.
Fukuzenji Temple Taichoroh
Fukuzenji Temple's Taichoroh is a historic guest hall offering stunning views of Tomonoura and the Seto Inland Sea. Built in 1690, it hosted Korean envoys and played a role in the Iroha Maru Incident negotiations, solidifying its place as a site of cultural exchange and historical significance.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 · Sat–Sun 8:00–17:00
Former Samurai Residence
Step back in time at the Former Samurai Residence in Matsue, a preserved home offering a window into the lives of middle-ranking samurai during the Edo period. Wander through the well-maintained rooms and gardens to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Daily 8:30–18:30
Okutsu valley
Okutsu Valley, nestled in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, is a scenic wonderland renowned for its captivating natural beauty. Carved by the Yoshii River, the valley boasts lush greenery, unique rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant foliage, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Open 24 hours
Kyusho Park
Kyusho Park, built on the historic site of Tottori Castle, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms, the park also features castle ruins, a French Renaissance-style mansion (Jinpukaku), and the Tottori Prefectural Museum.
Open 24 hours
Utsubuki Park
Utsubuki Park, nestled at the foot of Mount Utsubuki in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, is celebrated as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Established in 1904 to commemorate a visit by Crown Prince Taisho, the park offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities, including a petting zoo and hiking trails.
Open 24 hours
Tottori Castle Ruins
Explore the remnants of Tottori Castle, originally built in 1532, now a serene park offering panoramic city views. Once a strategic stronghold, the ruins feature stone walls, a restored gate, and hundreds of cherry trees, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Open 24 hours
Motoyasu Bridge
The Motoyasu Bridge in Hiroshima stands as a symbol of the city's recovery and resilience following the atomic bombing. Spanning the Motoyasu River, it offers picturesque views of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome. The bridge is a place for reflection and remembrance.
Open 24 hours
Tsuwano Castle Ruins
The Tsuwano Castle Ruins, perched atop a mountain ridge 200 meters above Tsuwano, offer panoramic views and a glimpse into Japanese history. Originally built in the late 12th century, the castle saw significant additions in the early 1600s before being decommissioned in the late 19th century. Today, only the stone foundations remain, but the views and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit.
Momijidani Bridge
Momijidani Bridge, a picturesque vermilion bridge nestled in Momijidani Park on Miyajima Island, offers stunning views, especially during autumn when the surrounding maple trees burst into vibrant colors. It's a perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers seeking tranquility.
Mt. Higashi-Hoben
Mt. Higashi-Hoben, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a mountain peak offering stunning panoramic views and a tranquil escape into nature. With hiking trails for all skill levels, it's perfect for photography enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation amidst lush greenery.
Chugoku Nature Trail - Kibi no Nakayama
Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Chugoku Nature Trail - Kibi no Nakayama in Okayama. This well-maintained hiking area offers picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning panoramic views of Okayama city, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all fitness levels.
Open 24 hours
San'in Tourism Organization
The San'in Tourism Organization serves as a vital resource for exploring the San'in region, encompassing Tottori and Shimane prefectures. Located in Yonago, Tottori, it provides information and support for discovering the area's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:30
Chūgoku Mountains
The Chūgoku Mountains, stretching 500 km across western Honshu, offer a diverse landscape of peaks, forests, and plateaus. Historically significant and naturally beautiful, they form a vital drainage divide and a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
CHUGOKU SHIKOKU SHOKUSAI
Chugoku Shikoku Shokuzai in Shinjuku City offers a unique izakaya dining experience, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Japan's Chugoku and Shikoku regions. With a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu, it's a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Open 24 hours
Itsukushima Island
Itsukushima Island, also known as Miyajima, is a small, scenic island in Hiroshima Bay, famous for the iconic "floating" torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island blends natural beauty with ancient Shinto traditions, offering visitors a unique cultural and spiritual experience.
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