Chugoku

Summer Castles and Gardens: Reminders of Ancient Dreams

The castles and gardens that have survived the centuries in various parts of Japan are ideal places for getting a first-hand feeling...

Developing into a City Where Everyone Can Live a Long and Healthy Life

The city of Okayama, located in a pleasantly warm region that has served many years as an important hub for domestic transportation,...

Late Autumn, When Nostalgia Whispers in the Wind

During its long history, Japanese culture has evolved in ways not seen elsewhere. The heritage sites where this distinctiveness can be...

The Seto Inland Sea:An Enchanting and Tranquil Place

The Seto Inland Sea is surrounded by the three major islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu in the Japanese archipelago...

Sacred Sites Draw Visitors from Abroad

Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is situated about 100 minutes by car north of Yamaguchi Ube Airport...

The Charms of the G7 Ministerial Meetings Host Cities

Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture, site of the G7 Education Ministers’ Meeting, is one hour by Shinkansen high-speed rail from Osaka.

A Japanese Garden Binds Istanbul and Shimonoseki

The Baltalimani Japanese Garden in Istanbul, completed in 2003, was built with all-out cooperation from the city of Shimonoseki in Japan...

Japan’s Regional Strength

Okayama Prefecture has developed as a transport hub for western Japan and has fostered the growth of a range of industries and...

Japan’s Regional Power

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his cabinet set a high priority on encouraging foreign companies to invest in Japan...

Major Cherry Blossom Festivals

On the previous page we wrote, “When you make Japanese friends, ask them where their favorite spots are for viewing...