Things to do in Chugoku

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Top places to visit

1. Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is the crowning monument and namesake of Itsukushima Island (or, as it is popularly known, Miyajima, “shrine island”). A UNESCO world heritage listed site and a national treasure, the Itsukushima Shrine holds great cultural significance for the Shinto religion. Explore the shrine’s sacred buildings and stroll along connecting boardwalks. Enjoy views of the magnificent shrine complex and be awed by the way it appears to float above the waters of the Onoseto Strait.

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Itsukushima Shrine showing a lake or waterhole and heritage elements

2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a large public park in the heart of Hiroshima dedicated to the remembrance of the victims of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. The park is located in the hypocenter area of the bomb, which was almost completely leveled in the blast. Today, the elegantly designed park is a tranquil space dotted with memorial monuments, quiet gardens and symbols of peace.

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park featuring a garden and a ruin

3. Miyajima Ferry Terminal

Miyajima Ferry Terminal is the gateway to Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima Island, home to one of Japan’s most famous shrines. Located in the Seto Inland Sea, this sacred island is accessible only by boat. Watch for the breathtaking view of the shrine and its striking red torii gate as you approach on the water.

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4. Atomic Bomb Dome

One of the only buildings left standing in Hiroshima after the devastating impacts of the atomic bomb, the A-Bomb Dome quietly memorializes the tragedy and resilience experienced in the city. The ruins of the stately “Genbaku-Domu” represent the peace efforts of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in which it stands. Visit this genuine relic and UNESCO World Heritage listed site in the heart of Hiroshima to learn about what happened here in 1945 and how the city is moving forward.

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A-Bomb Dome featuring a river or creek and a memorial

5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is dedicated to documenting and displaying the tragic events of the atomic bombing the city endured in 1945, as well as promoting a message of peace. Opened in 1955, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum aims to explain the atomic bomb’s political, historical and social impact, offering insight into the horror of the event through personal stories, victim’s artifacts and scientific recordings. The museum’s overwhelming message, however, is a plea for international peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons all over the world.

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum as well as children

Popular places to visit

Itsukushima Shrine

4.5/5(53 reviews)

Walk along wooden piers and observe the captivating sights of this Shinto shrine that appears to float on the water offshore from Miyajima Island.

Izumo Taisha

You can learn about the history of Izumo with a trip to Izumo Taisha. Amble around the area's parks or visit its temples.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

4.5/5(50 reviews)

Spend a day reflecting on the atomic bombing that devastated Hiroshima in 1945 and discover the city’s mission for peace at this beautifully designed park in the city center.

Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium

Catch an event at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium during your trip to Hiroshima. Visit the shops and notable monuments in this walkable area.

Miyajima Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(33 reviews)

Take a relaxing and scenic ferry trip to the sacred island of Miyajima and begin your journey to serene shrines and a tranquil mountain peak.

Atomic Bomb Dome

4.5/5(50 reviews)

The only building still standing in the atomic bomb’s devastating hypocenter now crests the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, symbolizing the city’s plea for peace.

Tsunoshima Bridge

You can learn about the history of Shimonoseki with a visit to Tsunoshima Bridge. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Dogo Onsen

5/5(1 review)

Soak in the natural thermal water and admire the architecture and period décor of the bathhouse that inspired the wonderful drawings of the animated film Spirited Away.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

4.5/5(51 reviews)

Learn about the catastrophic impact the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima through personal stories, scientific documentation and real footage at this museum dedicated to world peace.

Areas of Chugoku

Hiroshima City Centre

Known for its fascinating museums and prominent monuments, there's plenty to explore in Hiroshima City Centre. You can visit top attractions like Hiroshima Central Shopping District and Kamiyacho, and jump on the metro at Kamiya-cho-higashi Station or Tate-machi Station to see more of the city.

Kokura

Well liked for its breweries and hot springs, Kokura is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Kokura Castle and Yasaka Shrine, and jump on the metro at Tanga Station to get around the city.

Hiroshima Castle showing château or palace

Naka Ward

Travellers love Naka Ward for its popular shops, and you can see more of Hiroshima by jumping on the metro at Funairi-hon-machi Station or Funairi-saiwai-cho Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims and Children's Peace Monument.

Yudaonsen

Travellers like the parks in Yudaonsen, and Inoue Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Kaike Onsen

While visiting Kaike Onsen, you might make a stop by sights like Kaike Onsen Beach and Tokoen Garden.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Unique features of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter include the historical sites and gardens. Make a stop by Ohara Museum of Art or Senichi Hoshino Memorial Museum while you're exploring the area.