Hiroshima Guide 2026: Peace Park, Okonomiyaki & Miyajima
Chugoku's gateway — 1.5 hr from Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen, the World Heritage A-Bomb Dome, layered okonomiyaki, and a Miyajima day trip.
Chugoku Guides
Chugoku
Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Izumo — World Heritage, gardens, and San'in deep dives across western Honshu. (11 in-depth guides)
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11 travel stories
Saidaiji Eyo 2027: How It Runs Is Undecided Until October
The organisers say only that February 2027 is "scheduled" and that the details come around October. Two men died after the 2026 edition, and the external review covers 2028 onward.
Izumo Kamiarizuki 2026: When the Gods Gather, Explained
The gods land Nov 18 and only leave Dec 4. Official 2026 dates, night ritual rules, three shrines on three calendars, and the Kamiarizuki-only goshuin.
Itsukushima Shrine 2026: Reading Tides, Fees, Goshuin
The floating torii needs a 250cm+ tide; below 100cm you walk to its base. Reading the official tide table, seasonal closing bands, 2026 works and goshuin.
Tottori Sand Dunes Guide 2026: Sand Museum, Camels & Daisen
Japan's largest dune field, free to enter — the 47m horse-back ridge, camel photos, the Sand Museum sculptures, plus Mt. Daisen and the Uradome coast. The west-facing sunset is the moment to plan around.
Yamaguchi Guide 2026: Tsunoshima Bridge, Motonosumi & Cave
Honshu's far-western scenery — the free 1,780m Tsunoshima Bridge over a cobalt sea, the 123 cliff-side torii of Motonosumi Shrine, and Japan's largest limestone cave under the Akiyoshidai karst. Honestly, you need a car.
Kintaikyo Bridge & Iwakuni Guide 2026: Castle & White Snakes
The nail-free five-arch Kintaikyo is the star — a ¥310 round-trip, plus the castle ropeway, Kikko Park and the sacred white snakes. Just 45 minutes from Hiroshima, it pairs best as a half-day add-on.
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido Guide 2026: Cycling the Islands
The hillside cat town of Onomichi — Senkoji ropeway, Cat Alley, soy ramen — then the 70km, six-island Shimanami Kaido bike route (bridge tolls waived through March 2028). Beginners can ride Onomichi to Setoda and ferry back.
Miyajima Guide 2026: Floating Torii Tides, Mt. Misen & Oysters
World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine — how to time the floating torii by tide, the Mt. Misen ropeway, ferries, the visitor tax and grilled oysters.
Okayama & Kurashiki Guide 2026: Korakuen, Bikan & Denim
Korakuen (one of Japan's three great gardens), the white-walled Kurashiki Bikan quarter and Kojima denim — the best stop on the Sanyo Line.
Izumo Taisha 2026: Kamiari Festival Dates, Omamori & Rituals
Kamiari-sai 2026 dates are official — the gods land at Inasa Beach on Nov 18. Full schedule, night ritual etiquette, omamori picks and the four-clap ritual.
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