The Chugoku region is the western most region on Japan’s Honshu island. Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi, make up the 5 prefectures of the Chugoku region. A few major cities like Hiroshima and Okayama call this region home. A major draw to this part of Japan is the vast wooded areas, mountains, and cozy small towns. I loved exploring everything this region of Japan has to offer, especially the off the beaten villages tucked away in the mountains or along the coastline. This post is about my favorite small towns in the Chugoku region of Japan. 🇯🇵
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There are a total of 47 prefectures in Japan. Breaking Japan down further, there are a total of 8 geographical regions: Chubu, Chugoku, Hokkaido, Kansai, Kanto, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tohoku.
Japan’s Chugoku region makes up 5 prefectures on the western side of Honshu. These 5 prefectures include: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi.
Jill and I have traveled around Japan’s Chugoku region extensively and have visited great cities like Hiroshima. Honestly, some of the small towns in the Chugoku region were amongst our favorites! Below is a list of our 5 favorite small towns in the Chugoku region of Japan.
Iwami Ginzan and the town of Omori
In Shimane prefecture lies the small town and ancient silver mining community of Iwami Ginza. Belonging to Oda City, Iwami Ginzan is one of Japan’s best kept hidden secrets. Iwami Ginzan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance and preservation.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is the main attraction in the area. If visiting the mine, be prepared to walk. There is a main parking lot and a road that passes by local areas, but the mine is tucked back deep in the forest.
Since Iwami Ginzan is a World Heritage Site, there is a fee of ¥410. The price is worth the adventure as visitors get a chance to walk a few hundred meters through one of the ancient mines. You enter in one side and exit the mine at a different location, but the path is well marked and you end up on the same path.
After exploring the mines, I highly recommend heading to the small town of Omori. This might be my favorite small town in Japan’s Chugoku region. Omori doesn’t take but 15-20 minutes to walk through, but the old homes lining the ancient cobble stone streets and moss covered shrines makes this town so enjoyable. There is also a yummy German bakery in town called Hidaka and some decent restaurants. Before leaving Omori, check out the Caves of the 500 Arhats.
Takehara
Takehara is a well preserved historical town located in Hiroshima prefecture. Takehara began as a merchant town famous for both salt and sake.
Today, visitors can walk the cobblestone streets of Takehara, see the old merchant shops, and visit the beautiful shrines. One shrine that is highly recommended to visit is the Saihoji Temple. This Buddhist temple is built on the hillside and offers gorgeous views of the small town and surrounding mountains.
Tomonoura
Tomonoura, a quaint fishing village in Hiroshima prefecture is a port town just outside of the city of Fukuyama. Tomonoura is your typical small fishing village in Japan. It has narrow alley ways lined with historical buildings with easy access to the Seto Inland Sea. Apparently back in the day, ships would dock here during unfavorable oceanic conditions, because of the boat traffic, Tomonoura began to thrive.
It is recommended to visit the old town center and simply walk around and explore. View the Seto Inland Sea from the many view points, visit the Irohamaru Museum, pay a visit to the ancient shrines, pop in and out of the local shops, and find a good place to eat.
Tomonoura is one of Japan’s small towns but you can easily spend a half day to full day here. Afterwards, it is recommended to pay a visit to the city of Fukuyama to see Fukuyama Castle and Kusadoinari Shrine.
Tsuwano
Tsuwano is a small samurai town located in the mountains of Shimane prefecture. Tsuwano is known mainly for the Tsuwano Castle Ruins and Inari Shrine, both attractions are located just outside of town.
Tsuwano Castle Ruins sit high on top of a hill overlooking the town of Tsuwano. The castle here was built in 1325 but was unfortunately dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Today, the stone foundation of the castle still remains. No matter what, a visit to the top of the castle is a must when visiting Tsuwano, for the views alone. There is a convenient but old chair lift that runs from the bottom of the hill to the castle ruins. The lift is an adventure in itself. But there are also hiking trails that reach the castle ruins.
After the castle ruins, the Inari Shrine is a must visit. The shrine is bright red and has a beautiful Torii Gate walking path that leads to and from the shrine. Walking through the Torii Gates was definitely a highlight for us.
After visiting Tsuwano Castle Ruins and the Inari Shrine, then make your way to town. Tsuwano’s downtown area is relatively flat, so it is very walkable and most attractions and sites are all located on the central road. You can view the samurai homes, western style church, sample sake, visit museums, and grab a snack or sit down at one of the local restaurants. Lining the main road, there is a beautiful little stream full of large Koi fish.
Yanai
Yanai is one of my favorite small towns in Japan’s Chugoku region and probably the one I visited the most. Yanai is located in Yamaguchi prefecture about 30 km south of Iwakuni.
The streets of Yanai are lined with homes that date back to the Edo period. But you don’t really come to Yanai to look at the buildings. In fact, Yanai is famous for their Gold Fish Lanterns. You can see these red and white gold fish shape lanterns decorated throughout town, on each street and every shop. In fact, visitors can get the chance to make their own gold fish lantern. Head over to Yanai-nishigura to purchase or try your own at making the famous gold fish lantern. The people working here are always so friendly and helpful. While you are at it, cross the street and visit the Sagawa Soy Sauce Factory. Purchase some locally made soy sauce and check out the factory!
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Comments (2)
Thanks for sharing. This looks really interesting. I’m wondering if this trip can be done without driving? Is there public transport to take me to these places?
Thanks for reading and visiting my site.
Iwami Ginzan, Takehara, Tomonoura, Tsuwano, and Yanai are spread throughout the Chugoku Region. Some towns are easier to get to then others but it is possible to visit them using Public Transport. I’ll add this to my post. I’ll also write here what I found on public transport to these towns.
Iwami Ginzan – You can take the JR Sanin Line to Nima Station and then take a shuttle bus to Iwami Ginza.
Takehara – This town is accessible by train on the Kure Line from Hiroshima City.
Tomonoura – This town can be accessed from Fukuyama by bus or taxi.
Tsuwano – This is easily accessible on the JR Yamaguchi Line. You have to start from Yamaguchi or Masuda.
Yanai – Yanai can be reached from cities like Hiroshima and Iwakuni on the JR Sanyo Rail or Tokuyama.
I’ll add these to the post, but I hope this is helpful. If you have questions or need recommendations, feel free to let me know.
Thanks!