Chugoku – Explore the Western Heart of Honshu
The Chugoku region, located in western Honshu, blends ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and rich local culture. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems untouched by mass tourism, the area offers a remarkable variety of travel experiences. With convenient access from the Kansai region, Chugoku continues to attract first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
Overview of the Chugoku Region
Chugoku consists of five prefectures—Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi. Bordered by both the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea, the region features abundant natural beauty, from coastlines to mountains. It is also home to significant cultural and historical sites such as Izumo Taisha and the Atomic Bomb Dome, offering deep insights into Japan’s heritage.
Recommended Destinations by Prefecture
Tottori
Character: Japan’s least populated prefecture, known for vast natural landscapes and iconic sand dunes.
Top destinations:
- Tottori Sand Dunes: One of Japan’s largest dune systems; enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and sweeping desert-like vistas.
- Uradome Coast: Crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations create breathtaking coastal scenery.
- Mizuki Shigeru Road: A fun street lined with statues of characters from the beloved manga GeGeGe no Kitaro.
Shimane
Character: A mystical region steeped in mythology, tradition, and “good fortune.”
Top destinations:
- Izumo Taisha: One of Japan’s most sacred shrines, famed as the home of the deity of matchmaking and relationships.
- Matsue Castle: A rare surviving original castle tower, designated a National Treasure.
- Adachi Museum of Art: Known worldwide for its stunning Japanese garden and superb collection of modern Japanese paintings.
Okayama
Character: Blessed with a mild climate, known as the “Sunny Country” and famous for premium fruits.
Top destinations:
- Korakuen Garden: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, offering serene landscapes paired with views of Okayama Castle.
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: A picturesque district of white-walled buildings and canals preserving Edo-period charm.
- Kibiji Area: A scenic region dotted with ancient burial mounds, temples, and a striking five-story pagoda.
Hiroshima
Character: A prefecture where history, hope for peace, and island beauty come together.
Top destinations:
- Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to remembrance and peace.
- Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima): Famous for its “floating” vermilion torii gate, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Onomichi: A nostalgic hillside town known for its temple walks, retro streets, and many resident cats.
Yamaguchi
Character: The westernmost prefecture of Honshu, filled with striking coastal views and historical landmarks.
Top destinations:
- Tsunoshima Bridge: A spectacular drive across turquoise waters—one of Japan’s most photographed scenic spots.
- Kintai Bridge (Iwakuni): A distinctive wooden arch bridge, celebrated as one of Japan’s most beautiful.
- Akiyoshido & Akiyoshidai Plateau: Explore one of Japan’s largest limestone caves and a vast karst landscape above.
How Your Trip Comes Together
When you begin discussing a private trip with your family or friends, feel free to contact MaximTravelers at any time. We are happy to assist you.
Tell us about your preferred destination, dates, trip length, number of travelers, budget, and any other requests by filling out the travel preference questionnaire on our inquiry page.
We will make a follow-up consultations as needed via email or online meeting such as Zoom.
We will prepare an initial trip proposal for you. Using this as a starting point, we will gather
additional requests and make revisions as needed until the final version is completed.
Once you agree to the proposal, please fill out the travel application form (we will send you
the link) and return it together with the required deposit.
| Trip Price per Person | Deposit Required (per person) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥150,000- | ¥20,000- |
| ¥150,000–¥299,999 | ¥30,000- |
| ¥300,000 or more | ¥50,000- |
If your application is made within 1 month of departure, the full trip price is due at the time
of booking.
Your contract is considered confirmed once we receive your deposit.
We will then send you a written contract detailing your trip.
Please pay the remaining balance by bank transfer by the due date stated in the contract.
(For security reasons, we do not accept cash payments or credit cards. Thank you for your understanding.)
If you must cancel your trip, the following cancellation fees will apply:
| Cancellation Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days to 1 day before departure | 20% of the trip price |
| 2 days before departure | 50% of the trip price |
| After departure or no-show | 100% of the trip price |
Please note: If flights, hotels, tickets, or other arrangements have already been booked at the time of cancellation, any fees required to cancel those reservations will be charged separately.
We will send your final travel itinerary (“Travel Guidebook”) approximately one week before departure. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.
On the day before departure, we will send an e-mail to the group representative for final confirmation.
On your departure day, please arrive at the meeting point on time.
We wish you a wonderful and safe journey!
Explore Other Regions of Japan
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kansai
Chugoku
Shikoku
Kyushu & Okinawa