Chugoku Region of Japan – An Unseen Rural Beauty for Travelers Near and Far
Enriched with unseen magnificence and least explored beauty, Chugoku is located in the western border of Honshu. Chugoku (中国地方, Chūgoku Chihō) covers prefectures Hiroshima and Okayama are well known for its history whereas Yamaguchi, Shimane and Tottori are rear stopover by most of the Japan’s travelers.
It’s rather easy to see how this area of Japan, “Chugoku” was given it’s name, Chuu mean Middle and Koku turns to Goku under Japanese rendaku which means “Middle of Country” which as you can see it literally is the middle of Japan, however it is interesting to note that the word Chuugoku also means China. Throughout Japans history it was alienated into various provinces known as Koku that was further divided based on supremacy and distance from the main island Kansai. This was through Japanese civil war “Sengoku” of the 1467 to 1615 where you would have ruling parties trying to gain control of the area through the use of samurai and ninja tactics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vZqf8-k7LA
If you are willing to take a break from the norm like visiting places like Kyoto and Tokyo. Then I highly recommend visiting the tranquil coastal regions in the south of Chugoku. The inland sea separates the three of five main inland’s i.e. Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu in Japan and is a main source of trading and transportation across sea routes.
Many fantastic tourist location abound in Chugoku like onsen/hot springs, fishing & sailing spots as well as water sports like sea kayaking. Of course you can’t discount the incredible sea views and Mount Ishizuchi (which is the highest mountain in western Japan).
Chugoku also has some of the best foods you can sample while in middle Japan. You will find most of the seafood and local cuisine made of vegetables and Tofu. Some of the best appetizing food that will ever hit your taste buds:
- Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima)
- Izumo Soba (Shimane)
- Fruit Parfait
- Bara-Zushi (Okayama)
- Matsuba Gani (Tottori)
- Tecchiri (Yamaguchi)
- Kaki no Dotenabe (Hiroshima)
- Tofu Chikuwa (Tottori)
- Setonaikai National Park
- Akiyoshidai
- Kita-Nagato Kaigan
- Nishi-Chūgoku Sanchi
- Quasi-National Parks
- Chōmonkyō
- Iwakiyama
- Rakanzan
- Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima: Kangensai Festival
- Kochi City, Kochi: Yosakoi Matsuri
- Tokushima: Awa Odori
- Niihama, Ehime: Taiko Festival
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