The Chugoku Region中国地区

Honshu island’s westernmost prefectures are collectively known as Chugoku. Translated as ‘middle country’ despite its western location, the origin of the name is popularly thought to come from its position between Kyushu and Kansai, two of the most historically significant areas of Japan before the focus of power spread east to Edo (Tokyo).
Chugoku boasts some of the finest historical, natural and cultural spots in the country, with a wealth of feudal castles, island-dotted seas, and rocky shorelines.