Hiroshima, population 900,045, is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture. Hiroshima Prefecture along with four others, Okayama, Tottori, Shimane, and Yamaguchi, make up the Chugoku district.
Japan consists of more than 2,000 islands, but four main islands are the center of her culture. These islands extend from the frigid zones to the sub-tropical zones; therefore, the northern parts of Japan are closed in by the snow for one third of a year. On the other hand, there are tropical flowers and plants in the southern part of Japan.
There is a great variation in climate throughout the country even though Japan is no more than a narrow strip of land.
We are situated in Western Honshu consisting of five prefectures, namely Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Shimane and Tottori.
Tottori prefecture
Tottori is one of the largest cities on the Japan Sea coast. The city abounds in hot springs.
Yonago is an industrial and commercial city. It serves as a base for exploring Mt. Daisen and other tourist resorts in the neighbourhood.
Mt. Daisen (5,620 feet), 50 minutes by bus from Yonago, is the highest peak in the district and is often called "Hoki-Fuji" because of its graceful figure resembling that of Mr. Fuji.
Kaike Spa, 15 minutes by bus from Yonago, is a lovely hot spring resort facing the Japan Sea. The spa has beautiful beaches and also presents a picturesque view of Mt. Daisen in the distance.
Misasa Spa is 20 minutes by bus from Kurayoshi Station. The spa is among the three major spas in the San-in district, the other two being the Kaike and Tamatsukuri Spas. Misasa Spa is reputed to be the second largest radium spa in the world.
Shimane Prefecture
Matsue is an ancient city on the eastern shore of Lake Shinji and has many historic relics scattered in and around the city.
Matsue Casle standing on a hill is a well-preserved armor and utensils used by the provincial lords. the donjon commands a panoramic view of the city and Lake Shinji.
Yakumo Memorial House, built in memory of Lafcadio Hearn (or Koisumi Yakumo, by his Japanese name) displays a collection of manuscripts and other articles associated with him. It is next to his old home, a former samurai (warrior) house which remains to this day just as it was when he lived there. Hearn loved Matsue and lived there for 15 months teaching in the Matsue Middle School. While in Japan he wrote many books on Japanese things, and explained the varied aspects of the country.
Tamatsukuri Spa is one of the most popular and oldest spas in the San-in district. It lies along the Tamatsukuri River which pours into lake Shinji as is accessible in 25 minutes by bys from Matsue. The spa is famous for its abundant hot spring water and the scenic views created by the hills enclosing it.
Izumo, is noted for the Izumo Taisha Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan. This shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a shinto deity, who is believed to have ruled the district in ancient times.
The present shrine building, built in 1874, stands at the foot of Mt. Yakumo. 1 mile from Izumo Station. It is an example of the earliest style of Japanese architecture, and has a dignified and imposing appearance.
Okayama Prefecture
Situated between Kobe and Hiroshima along the Inland Sea coast, Okayama prospered as the center of western Honshu from feudal times. The traditional straightforward temperament of the Samurai is still strong among its citizens and this is seen in the cultural activities of the people. A pride of Okayama is the Korakuen Garden, which is said to be a creation of the tea master, Kobori Enshu, during the 17th century. Korakuen is one of the three great gardens of Japan. Okayama is a center of textile and chemical industry.
Kurashiki, is one of the leading commercial and industrial cities along the Inland Sea coast, but is also a cultural center, having many art objects preserved from olden times. The most famous buildings are the Ohara Art Gallery, comprised of several structures, including a building designed like a Greek temple which has on exhibit a collection of artistic works by international artists. Kurashiki Folkcraft Museum opened in old granaries peculiar to the district, which has thousands of pieces of pottery, woodenware, bamboo ware, textiles and other examples of folkcraft.
Iwakuni is an industrial city which produces rayon, pulp and chemical fibres. the city is noted for its Kintai Bridge (Lit. Bridge of the Brocaded Sash). Kintai Bridge is a singular wooden five-span bridge, reconstructed in 1950 after the original one, which was built in 1673 by the provincial lord, was washed away in a flood. The bridge is 750 feet long and about 40 feet above the river bed at its highest point.
Shimonoseki lies at the southwest extremity of Honshu (Mainlan). The city is connected with Moji in Kyushu by two undersea tunnels, one for the railway and the other for automobiles. The city has many historical relics and a good fishing port.
Hagi is a port city and the fishing center of this district. Surrounded by hills on the east, south and west sides, the city presents a pictureque view. Besides the fisheries and food industry for Kamaboko (boiled fish-paste) and other processed marine products, the city is noted for its 360-year-old tradition of Hagi-Yaki pottery.
Hiroshima Prefecture facing the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and having the Chugoku Mountains for a background, has a mild climate. Being supported by a long historical, economic and cultural center of the Chugoku-shikoku districts and makes an attractive and thriving place for the people.
Hiroshima bounds in various kinds of marine and land products. Moreover, it has a lot of traditional industries. Appetizing food such as oyster, Sake (Japanese rice-wine), pickled Hiroshimana (a kind of pickled cabbage), grilled sea-bream, mandarin oranges, and such products as rice-scoops, cotton cloth with splashed patterns and wooden clogs.
The oysters of Hiroshima Prefecture rank first in Japan in both quality and quantity. Oysters are shipped to all parts of the country. Oyster rafts floating in calm waters are beautiful sights peculiar to the Inland Sea.
Ninety percent of the writing brushes in Japan are produced in Kumano and Kawajiri towns, near Hiroshima. This is designated as a National Traditional Craftworks.
Newcomers may find it worth their time to regularly look in on the changing weekly art/craft exhibits and prefectural trade fairs which are held in all four of Hiroshima's largest department stores. At Fukuya, Sogo, and Tenmaya the exhibits are held on the 7th floor. Fairs and special sales are on the 8th floor. Tenmaya sometimes also has special exhibits and sales at the back of the 7th floor. Mitsukoshi's art exhibition room is on the 4th floor. Their trade fairs and sales are on the top floor.
In mid-April Mitsukoshi, top floor, has an enormous sale of Arita/Imari porcelain - a good chance to see examples of every variety of this famous china.