A leisurely journey through the history and nature of the Yamaguchi and Tottori regions

Written/Reported by MOOK Editorial Department, Ren Xiang

 

World Heritage Pilgrimage

 

The Chugoku region is home to three cultural World Heritage Sites, each symbolizing ancient, past, and modern eras. The most famous World Heritage Site is undoubtedly the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. During World War II, the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan were hit by atomic bombs, making Japan the only country in the world to have suffered nuclear attacks. Many innocent lives were lost, and to convey the importance of peace, the explosion ruins in Hiroshima Peace Park were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996.

 

Itsukushima Shrine

The origins of Miyajima are closely tied to Itsukushima Shrine. Legend has it that Miyajima is a divine island. When Empress Suiko ascended the throne in 593 AD, construction of Itsukushima Shrine began on the island. Later, Taira no Kiyomori, who served as the governor of Aki Province and was a historically renowned member of the Heike clan, expanded and renovated the shrine in the grand style of Heian-period shrines. This resulted in the shrine’s current appearance. Most impressive of all is the iconic floating torii gate. In ancient times, boats mostly approached from the sea, and visitors had to pause outside the torii before entering the shrine to symbolically seek the god’s permission. Designated as one of Japan’s Three Great Views, the vermilion wooden torii stands several stories tall, supported by centuries-old sacred trees. Its left and right main pillars are reinforced, and the east and west wings are painted with gold-leaf depictions of the sun and moon. Whether viewed for its grandeur or exquisite detail, the torii is undoubtedly a world wonder—especially up close, where its massive yet serene beauty is truly awe-inspiring.

In December 1996, UNESCO also designated Itsukushima Shrine, the nearby Mount Misen, and parts of the surrounding sea area as World Heritage Sites, covering about 14% of Miyajima’s total area. Miyajima remains a sacred place, with many pilgrims and tourists visiting. Itsukushima Shrine is not only a landmark of Hiroshima but also one of the finest representations of the union between Shinto belief and nature in Japan.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on downtown Hiroshima, exploding at an altitude of 580 meters above the ground. One second after detonation, everything within a 280-meter radius of the explosion was subjected to temperatures of 5,000 degrees Celsius. The ground at the hypocenter reached 4,000 degrees, nearly 2.7 times the melting point of iron (around 1,500 degrees), and the intense heat and blast damaged an area approximately 3 kilometers in diameter, nearly flattening everything within 2 kilometers. Many citizens perished, and due to the extreme heat, victims rushed to nearby rivers for water, unknowingly ingesting large amounts of radiation that accelerated their deaths.

The only structure within 160 meters of the hypocenter to survive the blast was the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, built in 1915 by the renowned Czech architect Jan Letzel. The super-high temperatures and radiation left no survivors inside the building, but it miraculously remained standing. The shattered dome serves as a constant reminder of the terrifying power of the atomic bomb. In 1996, the Atomic Bomb Dome was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming Hiroshima’s most significant landmark.

 

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Top Four Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

 

The historically rich San'in and San'yō regions, with their numerous castles, temples, and old streets, are home to many renowned cherry blossom spots. Castle grounds, riversides, and lakeshores—perfect backdrops for cherry blossoms—are planted with a variety of stunning blossoms. When the spring breeze blows, petals gently fall onto the water or grass, adding poetic charm to the season.

 

Matsue Castle

The elegant and majestic Matsue Castle is the symbol of Matsue City. It was completed in five years starting in 1611 by the first lord, Horio Yoshiharu, with the help of skilled craftsmen. The black-walled tenshu (main keep), standing 30 meters tall, served mainly as a fortification. To confuse enemies, it appears to have five floors from the outside but actually has six. For nearly 400 years, it has stood firmly, guarding the prosperous castle town of Matsue, and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Like other historic castles, Matsue Castle is also a prime cherry blossom spot. The romantic spring blossoms soften the castle’s solemn aura, and the evening illuminations give it a gentle glow, captivating all visitors with its breathtaking scenery.

 

Hosho Dam

Chikurin-ji Temple Park

Chikurin-ji Temple Park is listed among Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” The park is densely planted with cherry trees, and around 10,000 blossoms bloom simultaneously. The pale pink flowers cover the mountainside, and from above, Chikurin-ji Temple and its surrounding structures seem to be submerged in a sea of flowers, almost buried by the countless blooms. When the spring wind blows, the heavily laden branches sway gracefully, creating an indescribably beautiful sight.

 

Kintai Bridge