Phoenix Travel Agency:: A Dream Journey to Meet Yokai and Deities, Deserts and Polar Regions

This is an incredibly magical winter travel proposal. Starting from Hiroshima, you’ll first explore the quaint town of Kurashiki, before embarking on a journey that blends manga and mythology. At Mizuki Shigeru Museum, meet the uniquely styled Japanese yokai—GeGeGe no Kitaro; at Izumo Taisha, listen to the legend of the annual gathering of deities. Then, venture to the sand dunes and famous ski resorts, where contrasting terrains and climates are truly awe-inspiring.

Although not the most popular tourist destination, the Chugoku region boasts unexpectedly beautiful legends and natural scenery that captivate every visitor. This Lunar New Year, why not plan a trip to experience its unique charm?

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Sakaiminato Mizuki Shigeru Museum
Mizuki Shigeru was Japan’s first yokai manga artist, best known for reimagining traditional folklore creatures with his distinctive style and artistic techniques. In 1993, to honor this legendary mangaka, numerous statues of his manga characters were erected across Sakaiminato City, along with a Yokai Shrine. All shops center around yokai themes, and the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, themed after the bestselling manga GeGeGe no Kitaro, has become a popular attraction in Tottori Prefecture...Click to view full attraction details
 

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Izumo Taisha
The main hall of Izumo Taisha is designated as a National Treasure, while other structures are protected as Cultural Properties. November (lunar October) is the busiest time at the shrine, featuring the Kamiaridokyo Festival starting on the 21st, the Kannazuki Festival from the 22nd to the 28th, and the Kamunagara Festival on the 28th—all held to welcome the deities returning from all over Japan. Additionally, next to the shrine is the “Honsha Juukyusha,” a special lodging area for the deities’ return...Click to view full attraction details

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Utopia Ski Resort
Utopia Ski Resort is nestled between two mountain peaks: 1150-meter-high Takasugi Mountain and 1050-meter-high Meotoiwa. The former features a 420-meter vertical drop at its summit, making it a hotspot for expert skiers seeking thrills; the latter, Meotoiwa, offers a 2-kilometer-long run that connects to the base area, ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers looking for long-distance skiing experiences...Click to view full attraction details

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Tottori Sand Dunes
Desert, ocean, and camels create an otherworldly scene. Facing the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes stretch 16 kilometers from east to west and feature a maximum elevation difference of 92 meters, making them Japan’s largest sand dunes. They attract over 1.5 million visitors annually who come to witness their majestic beauty...Click to view full attraction details

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Kurashiki Ivy Square
Surrounding the Meiji-era Kurashiki Ivy Square once stood thriving textile factories on a vast site. With the completion of the Shinkansen and Seto Ohashi Bridge, the Kurashiki area saw a demand for hotels, leading to redevelopment. The roof beams, pillars, and even the waterways used for factory transport have been preserved and integrated with new materials, harmonizing into the renewed image of Kurashiki Ivy Square...Click to view full attraction details