Cultural heritage in Chugoku
Browse Chugoku prefecture by prefecture.
Heian · Temples · National Treasures
Sanbutsu-ji (Nageire-do)
Misasa, Tottori
At Sanbutsu-ji you can see Nageire-do, a late-Heian hall built on long pillars in a hollow of a cliff on Mt. Mitoku, by making the pilgrimage climb up the ascetics' trail. Climbers must go in groups of two or more, and clothing and footwear are checked at the entrance.
Edo · Shrines · National Treasures
Izumo Taisha
Izumo, Shimane
Izumo Taisha's main sanctuary, dedicated to the deity Okuninushi, is a National Treasure in the ancient Taisha-zukuri style and, at about 24 m, the tallest shrine building of its kind in Japan. The treasure hall displays a giant pillar from the ancient sanctuary, unearthed in 2000.
Momoyama · Castles · National Treasures
Matsue Castle
Matsue, Shimane
Matsue Castle's keep, one of Japan's five National Treasure castles, is the only surviving four-tiered, five-story keep in the Chugoku region. Look for its two-story-long through pillars and the roof's shachihoko ornament, about 2 m tall and said to be the largest surviving wooden one.
Muromachi · Shrines · National Treasures
Kibitsu Shrine
Okayama, Okayama
At Kibitsu Shrine you can see the Honden, the only example in Japan of hiyoku-irimoya-zukuri (Kibitsu-zukuri), in which two hip-and-gable roofs are joined into one, and the Haiden attached to its front. The Narukama Shinji rite tied to the legend of the defeat of Ura and the long, straight covered corridor are other highlights.
Historic districts
Kurashiki Kawahan (Bikan Historical Quarter)
Kurashiki, Okayama
Along the Kurashiki River, white-walled merchant houses and storehouses recall the prosperity of a port town that served as a shogunate-controlled distribution hub. Compare details like namako tile walls and heavy tiled roofs, then enjoy a river boat ride or the evening illumination.
Kamakura · Shrines · National Treasures
Itsukushima Shrine
Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Itsukushima Shrine's vermilion halls and corridors stand over the sea, shaped by Taira no Kiyomori in the style of Heian aristocratic mansions. Six structures, including the main shrine, the Marodo Shrine and the east and west corridors, are National Treasures, and the view changes with the tide.
Muromachi · Temples · National Treasures
Rurikoji
Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi
Built at the height of the Ouchi clan's power, the Rurikoji Five-Story Pagoda is a National Treasure counted among Japan's three finest pagodas, alongside those of Horyu-ji and Daigo-ji. Its cypress-bark roofs reflect in the pond, changing with cherry blossoms, autumn leaves and evening illumination.
Historic districts
Horiuchi District, Hagi
Hagi, Yamaguchi
Horiuchi, the former third enclosure of Hagi Castle, is a samurai district where the Hagi domain's offices and the mansions of senior retainers once stood. Streets lined with heavy earthen walls and stone walls, with summer oranges peeking over the top, create a scene typical of Hagi.
Historic districts
Utsubuki-Tamagawa, Kurayoshi
Kurayoshi, Tottori
Utsubuki-Tamagawa, Kurayoshi is a merchant town in Kurayoshi, Tottori, selected in 1998 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Tokorogo, Daisen
Daisen, Tottori
Tokorogo, Daisen is a farming village in Daisen, Tottori, selected in 2013 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Momoyama · Shrines · National Treasures
Kamosu Shrine
Matsue, Shimane
Kamosu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Matsue, Shimane. Its Honden (Main Sanctuary) is a designated National Treasure (Momoyama period, 1583).
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Historic districts
Yunotsu, Oda
Oda, Shimane
Yunotsu, Oda is a port town and hot-spring town in Oda, Shimane, selected in 2004 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Omori Ginzan, Oda
Oda, Shimane
Omori Ginzan, Oda is a mining town in Oda, Shimane, selected in 1987 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Tsuwano, Tsuwano Town
Tsuwano, Shimane
Tsuwano, Tsuwano Town is a samurai district and merchant town in Tsuwano, Shimane, selected in 2013 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Edo · Other buildings · National Treasures
Former Shizutani School
Bizen, Okayama
Former Shizutani School is a historic structure in Bizen, Okayama. Its Lecture Hall is a designated National Treasure (Mid-Edo period, 1701).
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Historic districts
Yakage-juku, Yakage
Yakage, Okayama
Yakage-juku, Yakage is a post town in Yakage, Okayama, selected in 2020 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Joto, Tsuyama
Tsuyama, Okayama
Joto, Tsuyama is a merchant town in Tsuyama, Okayama, selected in 2013 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Josai, Tsuyama
Tsuyama, Okayama
Josai, Tsuyama is a temple district and merchant town in Tsuyama, Okayama, selected in 2020 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Fukiya, Takahashi
Takahashi, Okayama
Fukiya, Takahashi is a mining town in Takahashi, Okayama, selected in 1977 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Muromachi · Temples · National Treasures
Kojo-ji
Onomichi, Hiroshima
Kojo-ji is a temple in Onomichi, Hiroshima. Its Three-Story Pagoda is a designated National Treasure (Mid-Muromachi period, 1432).
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Muromachi · Temples · National Treasures
Fudo-in
Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Fudo-in is a temple in Hiroshima, Hiroshima. Its Kondo (Main Hall) is a designated National Treasure (Late Muromachi period, 1540).
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Kamakura · Temples · National Treasures
Myoo-in
Fukuyama, Hiroshima
Myoo-in is a temple in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. Its Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda are designated National Treasures (Late Kamakura period–Early Muromachi period, 1321–1348).
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Historic districts
Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi
Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi is a temple and shrine town in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, selected in 2021 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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Historic districts
Tomo-cho (Tomonoura), Fukuyama
Fukuyama, Hiroshima
Tomo-cho (Tomonoura), Fukuyama is a port town in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, selected in 2017 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
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