The Chugoku region of Japan offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in exotic landscapes and cultural experiences that can’t be found in the West. Traveling by camper van allows you to fully embrace the unique blend of nature and tradition. Here are five must-visit spots in Chugoku, each paired with a local culinary treasure that highlights the flavors of the region.
1. Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture are Japan’s only sand dunes, stretching across a vast area with golden sands shaped by coastal winds. While Western deserts might feature endless stretches of arid land, Tottori’s dunes are bordered by the Sea of Japan, creating a rare juxtaposition of sand and sea. Popular activities include camel rides and paragliding. Sunset over the dunes is a magical sight, with colors reflecting off the sand and water.
Sunset of The Tottori Sand Dunes
Local Cuisine: Tottori is renowned for its crabs, particularly the Matsuba crab in winter. A steaming hot crab nabe (hot pot) or freshly grilled crab paired with local sake creates a meal to remember.
Matsuba crab
2. Shimane’s Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Located in Shimane Prefecture, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical gem offers a peek into Japan’s Edo period, with preserved mining tunnels and charming villages like Omori Town. Exploring the lush green surroundings and ancient pathways provides a serene yet educational experience, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Omori Town and Silver Mine
Local Cuisine: Shimane’s soba noodles, particularly Izumo soba, are a must-try. Made from freshly milled buckwheat, the noodles are served cold with a robust dipping sauce or in hot soup. Enhance the meal with local delicacies like grilled ayu (sweetfish) and black throat sea perch sashimi, both favorites in this coastal region.
Izumo soba
3. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture preserves the charm of Japan’s Edo period, with picturesque canals lined by willow trees and white-walled kura (storehouses). A stroll here feels like stepping into a living postcard. Traditional boat rides on the canal offer a unique perspective of this historic district.
Kurashiki
Local Cuisine: The highlight here is Okayama’s Bara-zushi, a vibrant sushi dish featuring a base of vinegared rice topped with seasonal ingredients like fresh seafood, vegetables, and lotus root. This beautifully arranged dish reflects the abundance of the region.
Bara-zush
4. Miyajima Island
Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. Home to the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, this island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides its religious and historical significance, the island offers tranquil hiking trails with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Miyajima
Local Cuisine: Miyajima’s oysters are legendary. Whether grilled on the spot, served raw, or cooked in a rich miso hot pot, the plump and briny oysters are a culinary delight. Pair them with Hiroshima’s local craft beer or sake for a perfect meal.
grilled oysters
5. Hagi
Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a historic town steeped in samurai culture. Its well-preserved streets are lined with traditional samurai residences, temples, and workshops. Visitors can also engage in hands-on pottery experiences, creating their own Hagi-yaki ceramics, a style renowned for its subtle, earthy tones.
historic castle town
Local Cuisine: The standout dish in Hagi is Kawa-soba, a unique preparation of buckwheat noodles served sizzling on a hot roof tile. Topped with slices of beef, green onions, and citrusy ponzu sauce, it’s a flavorful and interactive dish that delights locals and visitors alike.
Kawa-soba
🏔️ Chugoku Scenery & Flavors – FAQ
Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s only sand dunes, creating a rare juxtaposition of golden sands bordered by the Sea of Japan—unlike Western deserts with endless arid stretches. The coastal winds shape these vast golden sands, offering unique activities like camel rides and paragliding. Sunset views are magical, with colors reflecting off both sand and water. The region is renowned for its winter Matsuba crab delicacy, best enjoyed as steaming hot crab nabe (hot pot) or freshly grilled crab paired with local sake for an unforgettable dining experience.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane Prefecture offers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period with preserved mining tunnels and charming villages like Omori Town. Explore lush green surroundings and ancient pathways for a serene yet educational experience perfect for nature lovers and history buffs. The region’s specialty is Izumo soba, made from freshly milled buckwheat and served cold with robust dipping sauce or in hot soup. Enhance your meal with local coastal delicacies like grilled ayu (sweetfish) and black throat sea perch sashimi.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture preserves Japan’s Edo period charm with picturesque canals lined by willow trees and white-walled kura (storehouses). Strolling here feels like stepping into a living postcard, while traditional boat rides offer unique canal perspectives. The regional highlight is Okayama’s Bara-zushi, a vibrant sushi dish featuring vinegared rice topped with seasonal ingredients like fresh seafood, vegetables, and lotus root. This beautifully arranged dish reflects the region’s abundance and culinary artistry.
Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Beyond its religious and historical significance, the island offers tranquil hiking trails with panoramic Seto Inland Sea views. Miyajima’s legendary oysters are the culinary crown jewel—whether grilled on the spot, served raw, or cooked in rich miso hot pot, these plump and briny oysters create culinary delight. Pair them with Hiroshima’s local craft beer or sake for the perfect meal experience.
Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a historic town steeped in samurai culture, with well-preserved streets lined by traditional samurai residences, temples, and workshops. Visitors engage in hands-on pottery experiences, creating their own Hagi-yaki ceramics renowned for subtle, earthy tones. The standout culinary experience is Kawa-soba, a unique preparation of buckwheat noodles served sizzling on a hot roof tile, topped with beef slices, green onions, and citrusy ponzu sauce. This flavorful and interactive dish delights both locals and visitors with its theatrical presentation.
The Chugoku region offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, history, and culinary delights entirely unique to Japan. Camper van travel allows you to explore destinations at your own pace, savoring both scenery and flavors that make each spot special. From Japan’s only sand dunes to UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Edo-period canals to floating torii gates, and from samurai towns to ancient silver mines—each destination offers distinct regional cuisines and cultural experiences. This flexibility makes Chugoku ideal for immersive travel combining exotic landscapes with traditional culture.
Conclusion
The Chugoku region offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, history, and culinary delights that are entirely unique to Japan. By traveling in a camper van, you can explore these destinations at your own pace, savoring not only the scenery but also the flavors that make each spot truly special.
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