πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅Local Guide Japan

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Chugoku
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Chugoku

Hiroshima, island shrines, and quiet rural beauty on the western coast.

5 prefectures 1 must-visit

Must-Visit Prefectures

Hiroshima
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Hiroshima

Hiroshima City Β· Miyajima Β· Onomichi

🌍 Similar to: Berlin, Germany β€” history, culture, and great local food scene

Hiroshima is a common stop for first-time visitors. The famous sites like Miyajima and the Atomic Bomb Dome attract many, though I personally find them less interesting. Baseball fans should visit the stadium β€” it's Japan's most exciting. Onomichi is a cycling paradise.

Joe's Tip: Onomichi is a cycling paradise β€” if you love biking, look into the Shimanami Kaido route.

Other Prefectures in Chugoku

Yamaguchi
山口

Yamaguchi

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Shimonoseki Β· Hagi Β· Iwakuni

🌍 Porto, Portugal β€” nostalgic port towns and quiet beauty

Yamaguchi is worth visiting if you have time, but access isn't great. Mojiko Port had a wonderful nostalgic atmosphere when I visited.

Tip: Mojiko Port felt incredibly nostalgic. Worth a visit if you're already in the area.

Tottori
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Tottori

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Tottori City Β· Kurayoshi Β· Yonago

🌍 Sahara meets rural France β€” unique sand dunes in the countryside

Tottori is famous for its sand dunes and Mount Daisen β€” things you can't see anywhere else in Japan. But access is poor, so most travelers skip it.

Tip: The sand dunes are unique but the trip there is long. Only worth it for nature enthusiasts.

Shimane
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Shimane

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Matsue Β· Izumo Β· Iwami Ginzan

🌍 Rural Ireland β€” barely any shops, deeply spiritual atmosphere

Shimane is one of Japan's most rural places β€” barely any convenience stores or traffic lights. It feels like a hidden world. Iwami Ginzan is fascinating but this is not a first-trip destination.

Tip: The most rural place I've been in Japan. Almost no convenience stores. Feels like a hidden world.

Okayama
岑山

Okayama

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Okayama City Β· Kurashiki Β· Tsuyama

🌍 Bruges, Belgium β€” preserved historic district, worth a second trip

Okayama has deep history and culture. Kurashiki's preserved district is charming. But access issues make it easy to skip for first-timers.

Tip: Skip it for your first trip. Kurashiki is lovely though β€” save it for next time.

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