Chugoku is a beautiful area of Japan that is rich in history, both modern and ancient, and natural wonders.  Take some time to explore Chugoku the next time you visit Japan.

Hiroshima Prefecture

The prefectural capital is the the city of Hiroshima and and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is not only one of Japan’s UNESCO World Hertiage sites, but is a leader in promoting world peace.  Visit the Hiroshima Peace Site to learn about the areas monuments, museums and parks.

Know as the water city, it only seems right that you can take a number of sightseeing cruises around the city of Hiroshima’s waterways.

Visit Mitaki-dera Temple and it’s famous “treasure pagoda”.

Explore the Island of Miyajima with it’s scenic temples and shrines including the floating Itsuku-shima-jinja Shrine and tori.

Go on an apple picking excursion at Fruitland Funo in Miyoshi City.

Spend a secluded weekend at the Shiki-no-Ie Cottages.

Learn about the history of shipbuilding in Japan at the Yamato Museum or the JMSDF Kure Museum and it’s submarines in Kure.

Explore the seaside in Onomichi-Shimanami by bike or tour the 26 of the city’s temples and shrines on foot.  You’ll see beautiful pagodas and statues designated as national treasures and important cultural assets. (pictured top right)

Go kayaking on the Seto Inland Sea.

Download free audio tours of famous spots in Hiroshima from Hiroshima Navigator or browse their site to learn more about the city of Hiroshima. Also visit Welcome to Hiroshima to download guides for the various areas in the prefecture.

Other handy Hiroshima trip planning recourses include Enjoy the Inland Sea of Japan and the Japan National Tourism Association Hiroshima Pages.

Okayama Prefecture

Take a stroll thourhg Okayama Korakuen Garden (PDF), regarded as on of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens and a cultural heritage site.  (view from the  garden picture on right)

Attend the Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri each February to see swarms of near-naked me struggling to grasp on to a variety of sacred sticks, willow branches and other items that are said to bring the bearer gook luck in the upcoming year.

Explore Bizen, the historic home of the Bizen pottery.

Tour the Ikura-do and Maki-do caves in Okayama.

Explore a Samurai residence, historic Joto Street and Shurakuen Garden, a famous spot to view the cherry blossoms, in Tsuyama.

For more trip planning suggetions visit the Japan National Tourism Association Okayama Pages.

Shimane Prefecture

Visit the Iwami Silver Mine Museum and other sights in Omori Town.

See the largest shrine gate in Japan at Izumo Taishi Grand Shrine and Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo to see ancient bells, swords and artwork of the region.

Take in the scenic views of the waterfront in Yana.

See the ritual of ‘Sagimai’ (the heron dance) at Taikodani-inari Shrine.

Explore the shore of Lake Shinji-ko or cruise the Horikawa river around the city of Matsue.

Visit the museums in Matsue including The Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum and the Adachi Museum of Art. (garden pictured on right)

Explore more things to do and see in Shimane Prefecture by browsing through Sightseeing in Shimane or the Japan National Tourism Association Shimane Pages.  Also take some time to explore this sightseeing map of Shimane.

Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo Practicalities
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look At Tokyo:Lesser Known Facts And Figures
• Japan:A Closer Look at Kansai – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

Image Credit: Flickr, Onomichi #16, 烏城（岡山城） Crow Castle (Okayama Castle) & zen garden

This massive work was Okamoto’s largest, measuring 30 meters in length and 5.5 meters high, and was originally commissioned in 1967 by a Mexican property developer.  The piece was displayed in the lobby of a luxury hotel until the developer had financial troubles and was forced to sell the hotel in 1969.  Myth of tomorrow subsequently went missing and was not found until 2003.

After being returned to Japan, Myth of Tomorrow was displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo from April 27, 2007 to April 13, 2008.  The piece was then dismantled and moved to a corridor linking the Shibuya stations of the JR and Keio Inokashira lines where it will remain on permanent public display starting on November 17th, 2008.

To see more of Okamoto’s work and learn more about him visit “Hands of Taro Okamoto” Exhibition at the Taro Okamoto Memorial museum in Ometesando until November 30th or visit the Taro Okamoto Museum in Kawasaki.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Okamoto Taro