8 experiences to help you discover Chugoku region culture

Discover a region blending ancient mythology, deep samurai history and a powerful legacy of global peace.

Japan’s modern and traditional culture has enthralled generations of Aussie travellers, and the Chugoku region offers opportunities to experience it in spades across its five prefectures. From one-of-a-kind cultural festivals and insightful museums to traditional shrines, gardens and castles, we’ve highlighted the top eight experiences to kickstart your Chugoku region adventure.

1. Korakuen Garden, Okayama Prefecture

Korakuen Garden is considered one of the three great gardens of Japan. In a country renowned for its tranquil, meticulously designed landscaped gardens, that’s not a title granted lightly.

Located beside Okayama Castle – which makes a dramatic backdrop for your holiday snaps – the garden was created about 300 years ago by the ruling family of the time. Its sprawling 14 hectares are worthy of two to three hours of leisurely strolling, exploring carp-filled ponds, original tea houses, groves of plum, cherry and maple trees and an aviary. Purchase the Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden Pass to explore both attractions during the one visit.

2. Ouchi Culture, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Ōuchi Culture at Ruriko-ji Five-storied Pagoda in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture — See the work of the Ouchi clan at Rurikoji Temple. (Credit: Getty Images/ Snowdrop)

Yamaguchi’s rich heritage stems from the powerful Ouchi clan who founded the city in the 14th century. They grew wealthy from trade with Korea and China, and interaction with Portuguese Jesuits, resulting in a city celebrated for its art, culture and temples that rivalled war-torn Kyoto.

Today, must-visit sites include Rurikoji Temple, with its towering five-storied pagoda, and the 500-year-old Joeji Temple – famous for its beautiful Zen garden.

3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was created as an international symbol for the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace. The park – which covers 122,100 square metres in the centre of Hiroshima City – is home to a number of memorials and monuments. Stop by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims and the Flame of Peace, which has burned continuously since its lighting in 1964.

Note that while the park is free, you do need tickets for the memorial museum; book ahead in peak periods.

4. Saidaiji Eyo (Naked Man Festival), Okayama Prefecture

Saidaiji Eyo, or Naked Man Festival (Okayama Prefecture) — Experience one of Japan’s most unique festivals. (Credit: Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation)

Yes, this festival is exactly what it sounds like. On the third Saturday of February each year, up to 10,000 near-naked men (clad in only a white loincloth and socks) gather at Saidaiji Temple.

Sacred sticks known as shingi, thought to bring good luck and happiness, are thrown into the crowd. Those who grab them are named fuku-otoko (lucky man) for that year. The festival has a 500-year history, dating back to the chief priest of the time who bestowed lucky charms on worshippers.

5. Matsue Castle, Shimane Prefecture

Matsue Castle with Cherry Blossoms (Matsue, Shimane Prefecture) — Learn about samurai history at Matsue Castle. (Credit: Getty Images/ Itasun)

Head to Matsue Castle for its samurai history, 360-degree views from the top floor, and scenic boat tours around the moat and surrounding canals. This is the second-largest of 12 surviving original castles in Japan. It was completed in 1611, and was mostly ruled by the Matsudaira clan throughout its history, descendants of the shogun Tokugawa.

In spring, its expansive gardens are popular for cherry blossom viewing. If you visit in October, don’t miss the special evening cruises where you can view the castle illuminated at night, with thousands of paper lanterns lining the moat and castle grounds.

6. Taikodani Inari Shrine, Shimane Prefecture

Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine (Shimane Prefecture) — See Taikodani Inari Shrine.

Half the fun of exploring Taikodani Inari Shrine is getting there. Follow the tunnel of over a thousand red torii gates up a winding hillside path (allow 10 to 15 minutes) before arriving at this striking Inari shrine known for fulfilling wishes (Inari is a spirit of Japan’s Shinto religion). Look out for purification rituals taking place throughout the day in the great main hall; performances of Mikomai, an elegant Shinto ritual dance; and traffic-safety rituals where cars are blessed at a dedicated platform.

If you’re here in spring or autumn, check out one of the local festivals known for elaborate performances, colourful processions and traditional food such as wild boar stew.

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7. Uraja, Okayama Momotaro Festival, Okayama Prefecture

Uraja is one of Okayama Prefecture’s largest festivals. It takes place in summer, usually in late August, and depicts a battle from an ancient local legend where a prince defeats a demon god (considered the origin of the popular Japanese fairytale hero, Momotaro).

The streets fill with dance processions and theatrical shows, with performers wearing demon-inspired face paint, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the city. The climax is on the last night, when spectators and organisers join the performers for one final, massive dance celebration.

8. Iwami Kagura Performances, Shimane Prefecture

Iwami Kagura Performances Two traditional Japanese female festival dancers on mountain steps — Watch traditional Iwami Kagura performances. (Credit: Getty Images/ Pete S Photography)

When in the Chugoku region, don’t miss Iwami Kagura, a traditional performing art defined by vivid masked costumes, choreographed sword fights and the famous Yamata no Orochi, a giant eight-headed serpent. The easy-to-follow stories are drawn from ancient history and legend, usually depicting gods and demons, and are performed year-round in the Iwami area.

For an especially memorable way to experience this art form, look out for performances at a local shrine festival from September to November.

Start planning your escape to the Chugoku region at japan.travel/en/au.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

8 experiences to help you discover the history and culture of Japan