What will you do during the 4-day holiday in July? While being mindful of infection control measures, you’ll naturally want to avoid cities and crowded places, right? At times like these, how about spending a relaxing time at a nature-rich tourist spot!
Even in the Chugoku region, which tends to get attention for its famous temples and urban areas, there are tourist spots where you can enjoy your time without worrying too much about crowds—perfect for this year’s 4-day holiday.
Recommended both for those spending time locally and those thinking of taking a short trip. Here are carefully selected sightseeing spots in the Chugoku region where you can have fun while avoiding crowds!
[Hiroshima Prefecture] Tomonoura
Tomonoura is a bay and port town located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, known as “the most healing port town in Japan.” Several islands lie off the bay, and together with the surrounding coastal area, they are designated as a national park.
Tomonoura is a scenic spot with a long history. While details are still unclear, it is estimated that settlements existed nearby since ancient times. Many Japanese poems mention Tomonoura, suggesting that its scenery has been loved by people for over a thousand years without change.
The islands that color the landscape each have names and unique characteristics. There is Sensuijima, said to be “so beautiful that even immortals would get drunk,” Bentenjima with its Benten Hall, and other islands connected to the mainland. Some islands are reachable by boat, so if you have time, it is worth visiting them.
[Okayama Prefecture] Kibitsu Shrine
How about a tour through Okayama Prefecture’s ancient legends that everyone knows?
Kibitsu Shrine is located in Okayama Prefecture. In ancient times, the Okayama area was called “Kibi no Kuni (Land of Kibi),” and Kibitsu Shrine is the highest-ranked shrine in Bitchu Province, one of the territories created when Kibi was divided. It is also famous for the local souvenir “kibidango.” (*The kibidango that appears in the Momotaro folktale is modeled after this but is otherwise unrelated.)
Kibitsu Shrine stands at the western foot of Mount Kibi-no-Nakayama, a sacred mountain revered as the “body of a deity.” Having been worshipped for over 2,000 years, the mountain is believed to provide immense spiritual power. You will be awed by the architecture of the main and worship halls, which are designated national treasures, as well as the surrounding scenery. It is the perfect place to enjoy an extraordinary experience.
Kibitsu Shrine is also tied to the “Ogre-Slaying Myth” that inspired the Momotaro legend. The story tells of Kibi-tsuhiko, enshrined at Kibitsu Shrine, defeating an enormous 4-meter ogre that came from a kingdom called Baekje. Romantic traces of this legend remain in various locations. While it is a myth, it might just be based on a true story.
[Okayama Prefecture] Kibitsuhiko Shrine also exists
There is another shrine, Kibitsuhiko Shrine, on Mount Kibi-no-Nakayama. Due to the division of Kibi, it shares the same high rank and also enshrines Kibi-tsuhiko. It is worth visiting as well, so if possible, visit both shrines.
The eastern side is Kibitsuhiko Shrine, and the western side is Kibitsu Shrine. It is a bit confusing, but these two shrines are essential for enjoying the legends of Kibi.
Name: Kibitsu Shrine
Address: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City
Official/related site URL: http://www.kibitujinja.com/
[Yamaguchi Prefecture] Tsunoshima Bridge
Even without a beach, you can enjoy a beautiful sea! Tsunoshima Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a massive bridge over 1,700 meters long. It is also one of the longest free bridges in Japan connecting to a remote island.
As its name suggests, it provides access to the remote island of Tsunoshima. The surrounding sea is a stunning cobalt blue, perfectly harmonizing with the breathtaking bridge view. You’ll be captivated by the combination of the vast bridge and the vibrant sea, and the sunsets sinking in the west are also spectacular.
It is one of the most popular scenic spots in the prefecture, and since you can visit by car, the risk of infection while traveling is minimal. Enjoying the view is wonderful, but driving to Tsunoshima itself is also fun. There are many ways to spend your time here.
[Yamaguchi Prefecture] Motonosumi Shrine
Motonosumi Shrine is a coastal shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is quite well-known since it has been featured on TV, so many people may have seen it in passing. Located far from large towns, car travel is recommended to reduce the risk of infection. However, the roads are narrow, so drive more carefully than usual.
Motonosumi Shrine is in a quiet area that feels far from the bustle of life. The shrine has many attractions, including its 123 powerful torii gates and “Ryugu no Shiofuki,” where seawater sprays from a rock eroded by waves. The vast sea view is mesmerizing, and you can fully enjoy the scenery. It is also internationally recognized as a breathtaking Japanese scenic spot.
The shrine was closed to visitors until April 2021 due to infection control measures but has since reopened. A 6-meter-high torii gate features Japan’s hardest-to-reach offering box on top, and it is said that if you can throw a coin into it, your wish will come true. Give it a try!
Name: 498 Yuya Tsuo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Phone: 0837-32-2003
Parking: 1st lot: 92 spaces (in front of the shrine)
2nd lot: 24 spaces
Official/related site URL: https://www.city.nagato.yamaguchi.jp/site/kanko/21422.html
[Yamaguchi Prefecture] Hagi and Castle Town
Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a quiet town on the Sea of Japan side of the Chugoku region. It is known for its vast castle ruins park, timeless Edo-period castle town, and as a sacred site for fans of the late Edo and early Meiji eras.
The Mori clan, a powerful force during the Sengoku period, made this area their base in the Edo period. Walking around the castle town area, you can clearly see traces of the past throughout the city. Rental bicycles are available at stations, making it fun to explore the city on a cycling tour.
Hagi City is also the birthplace of many historical figures from the late Edo to Meiji era, such as Yoshida Shoin, Takasugi Shinsaku, and Yamagata Aritomo. They all spent their youth in Hagi before later leading Japan into a new era. Many historical sites related to them remain, making it a place where you can experience their footsteps and the era itself. Tracing the history of people you only knew from textbooks or dramas feels quite romantic.
[Tottori Prefecture] Tottori Sand Dunes
When you think of Tottori Prefecture, many people think of the Tottori Sand Dunes! If you haven’t visited yet, why not take advantage of this 4-day holiday for sightseeing?
If you’ve only heard of the Tottori Sand Dunes and don’t think they are impressive, you’ll be surprised by their vastness once you walk there in person. It’s not just a beach with sand and a sea view—it’s an expansive area entirely covered in sand, almost like a desert that shouldn’t exist in Japan. You might even feel as if you’ve suddenly arrived in another country!
If you plan to walk through this mini desert, you’ll definitely need plenty of drinks. Speaking of foreign experiences, this is also one of the rare spots in Japan where you can ride a camel. Yes, you can actually ride a real camel and walk around the dunes, a truly unique experience in Japan. Some camels were even born in Tottori, adding to the charm of this activity!
◎ Summary
Here are recommended spots in the Chugoku region for the 4-day holiday in July 2021. With the current ongoing threat of infection, it is still difficult to go out. Traveling outside the prefecture is not highly recommended, but if you take proper precautions, outdoor spots are ideal.
From well-known places to hidden spots with fewer people, this may be your chance to visit local tourist attractions you wouldn’t normally go to. The 4-day holiday is longer than expected, so you can either take a short trip farther away or enjoy your time locally and at home. Either way, make the most of your holiday!