Chūgoku & Western Honshu

Chūgoku forms the western tail of Honshu, a region defined by its duality: the industrial, sunny Seto Inland Sea coast to the south and the rural, rugged Sea of Japan coast to the north. For families, this area offers diverse landscapes that range from island hopping to desert-like dunes. It is less crowded than the Kyoto-Osaka corridor, allowing for a more relaxed pace of travel. The climate is generally mild, though the northern side sees more rain and snow in winter, while the Inland Sea area enjoys a Mediterranean-like warmth.

A highlight for any family trip is Miyajima Island, a short ferry ride from Hiroshima. Here, wild deer wander freely through the town, often approaching visitors for food. At high tide, the vermilion Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the water, creating a magical scene. Families can take the ropeway up Mount Misen for stunning views or hike down through primeval forests. In Hiroshima city, the Peace Memorial Park offers a somber but essential history lesson; the Children's Peace Monument, draped in thousands of paper cranes, is particularly moving and accessible for school-aged children.

On the northern coast, the Tottori Sand Dunes provide a completely unexpected landscape. Families can ride camels, take paragliding lessons, or simply let kids burn off energy by sprinting down the steep sandy slopes toward the ocean. Nearby, fans of anime can visit the Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, lined with bronze statues of yokai (monsters), or the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory dedicated to Detective Conan.

Okayama serves as a central hub and is steeped in the legend of Momotaro (Peach Boy), a folklore hero popular with Japanese children. Korakuen Garden offers spacious lawns for walking, and the nearby castle is visually striking. Further west, the Akiyoshidai Plateau features Japan's largest karst landscape and the massive Akiyoshido Cave, where well-lit paths allow easy exploration of underground stalactites and limestone pools.

Travel here is best done via the Sanyo Shinkansen for the southern coast, while the distinct "Yakumo" limited express trains cut across the mountains to the north. Food options are excellent for families; Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in Hiroshima is a fun, interactive meal where food is cooked on iron griddles in front of you. The region combines educational value with physical activity, making it a well-rounded destination for growing families.