Chugoku

The tourism keyword for Suo-Oshima Island in Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Oshima County is “Hawaii.” Known as the Hawaii of Setouchi, Suo-Oshima Island is a sister island with the Island of Kauai, with many related events taking place. The roadside rest area, Michi-no-Eki Sazan Seto Towa also has many Hawaiian goods on offer. Of course, you can also purchase goods produced locally on Suo-Oshima Island as souvenirs.

The Shimonoseki Shunpanro Main Restaurant is a prestigious kappo ryokan (inn serving traditional Japanese cuisine) that has welcomed many members of the Imperial Family as its guests. Located in Amidaiji Town in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, it was the first restaurant to receive a public license to serve fugu (blowfish). Enjoy the seasonal delicacies of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and take pleasure in gazing out at the ocean from your guestroom or while soaking in the bath.

Kintai Bridge is one of Japan’s leading wooden bridges, renowned as one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. It is located in Iwakuni of Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and has been designated as a place with scenic beauty by the Japanese government. The illuminated bridge at night, which can be viewed every year from August, is very popular.

In 1955, a white fox appeared by the bedside of Hitoshi Okamura, a local fishing business owner. The fox asked, "Who do you think you have to thank for having come this far with fishing?" After he explained his past, the fox said, “You must hold a ceremony on this land to appease me" This prompted Okamura to build Motonosumi Inari Shrine.

Tsunoshima Bridge was opened in the year 2000, and it is Japan’s longest (1780m) bridge to an isolated island that you can cross for free, as it is a non-toll road.

Counted among the top three pagodas in Japan alongside Horyuji Temple and Daigoji Temple, Rurikoji Temple's five-storied pagoda is lauded as one of the greatest architectures of the mid-Muromachi Period (1336-1573). Within the pagoda sit an Amida Nyorai (seated Amitabha Buddha) statue and a sculpture of the samurai Yoshihiro Ouchi. The pagoda is picturesque in any season, from the plum and cherry blossoms in spring to fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snowscape in the winter.

Yuda Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in Yamaguchi Prefecture with a rich history of around 600 years and abundant spring water. The simple alkaline hot spring is soft and smooth to the touch, and legend has it that it was discovered by an injured white fox that nursed its wound in the hot spring.

In Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, there are many famous tourists’ spots where you can learn about the past, present, and future of Hiroshima, such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Orizuru Tower.

Tomonoura is located along the coast 14km south from Fukuyama Station. This place of scenic beauty has long been a port where boats wait for a favorable wind, and it is even mentioned in poems in the Manyoshu, an ancient collection of Japanese poems.

The spectacular clear streams and greenery of the massive Sandankyo Gorge stretch for around 16km from the entrance of the gorge to the Hijiri Lake. It is designated as the special scenic spot of the country, you can enjoy the fantastic appearance of fireflies flying in summer and autumn leaves in autumn.

Saijo stands shoulder to shoulder with the famous sake brewing regions, Nada and Fushimi. In the vicinity of JR Saijo Station, seven sake breweries are still in operation.

Okonomimura is located in the Shintenchi district of Naka Ward in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Here is where you'll find famous restaurants serving Hiroshima-yaki—Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) layered with yakisoba (fried noodles). Enjoy dining on these local favorites while you converse with the chef and watch your food being cooked on the griddle in front of you. With numerous restaurants housed together in one small building, Okonomimura also offers a...