Your Guide to - Japan National Tourist Organization

18
Explore Japan
Chugoku
The Chugoku region is punctuated with small but
serene and exquisite villages and towns. Seaside
fishing villages and hamlets nestle in the
mountains. This is the place to visit in quest of
nostalgic scenery and the flavor of the best of old
Japan.
Chugoku, situated at the western end of the main
island of Honshu, is split into the two areas of Sanyo,
the Inland Sea Coast, and San-in, the Japan Sea
Coast.
Okayama, 1 hr. by Shinkansen super express from
Shin-Osaka, is a gateway to the Chugoku region and
Shikoku Island. The main attraction here is the
Korakuen Garden. Filled with flowers all year
round, this garden masterpiece was created in 1700
by the ruling feudal lord of the Okayama clan who
spent 14 long years to complete it.
Kurashiki, where the past is beautifully preserved
and naturally blended with the new, is reached by a
15-min. train ride from Okayama. Stroll the narrow
streets of the old merchant's quarter with its tileroofed
houses and willow-fringed canals to get a
flavor of this exquisite town. Kurashiki has several
museums. Of these, Ohara museum of Art is
remarkable. It contains a great collection of worldfamous
paintings and sculptures. The Japanese
folkcrafts and Oriental antique fine art masterpieces
on exhibit are impressive.
Hiroshima, a former castle town, is reached in 1hr.
40min. by Shinkansen super express from Shin-
Osaka. The present city emerged from the ashes of the
World War II atomic bombing. Peace Memorial Park
contains the Peace Memorial Museum displaying a
large collection of photographs and objects relating to
the devastation. Here the Peace Flame burns in front
of the Memorial Cenotaph, never to be extinguished
until all nuclear weapons are abolished.
Miyajima
Twenty-five min. by train from Hiroshima and a 10min.
boat ride from Miyajima-guchi, takes you to
Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine, a mustsee
for all. The entire island, with an area of 30 sq.
Korakuen Garden
km., is designated by the government as a Special
Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
The shrine buildings are connected by corridors
which stretch out over the water, so at high tide the
whole structure appears to be floating on the sea. A
red camphor wood torii gate rising out of the sea is
the landmark of the shrine. Many colorful festivals are
held here throughout the year, but the most dramatic
is Kangen-sai in July or August. On this occasion, the
Itsukushima deity is taken on a boat journey to visit
other shrines on the mainland side and back. Sacred
music is played on ancient Japanese instruments.
Hagi (Higashi-Hagi Sta.), 1 hr. 10 min. by bus from
Shin-Yamaguchi Sta., is an old castle town rich in
history. Hagi is the birthplace of many prominent
samurai who led events resulting in the Meiji
Restoration. A number of old-time samurai
residences, temples and shrines can be found here
and there around the town, which exudes a calm, and
tasteful atmosphere. Just touring the peaceful lanes
is an enjoyable experience.
The town is also well known for its Hagi-yaki pottery.
Tottori, 4 hrs. 20 min. by limited express from
Osaka, is the seat of Tottori Prefecture. The city is
noted for the sand dunes located 5 km. to the north in
a portion of the San-in Kaigan National Park. Visit
the dunes early in the morning to discover the
beautiful patterns on their surfaces created by winds
and rain during the night.
Matsue, 2 hrs. from Tottori by limited express, is
situated at the point where the Nakaumi Lagoon joins
Lake Shinji. The city is a major distribution hub and
tourist destination, as well as the seat of Shimane
Prefecture.
Izumo Taisha Shrine, 10 min. by train from
Izumoshi Sta., is famed for its architectural style and
is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Backed by
history stretching a few thousand years, the grand
sanctuary building stands in its own solemn splendor.
The deity enshrined here is famous nationwide in
support of marital bliss, thus attracting large numbers
of young woman worshippers.
The World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO
•Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
[Hiroshima]
•Itsukushima Shinto Shrine [Hiroshima]
•Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
[Shimane]