Chugoku region
In Chugoku region ( right ), located to the west of Kinki region, there are Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Dome. Also there are ancient shrines, the site of a medieval underground silver mine and Kagura theatre where tourists could see Kagura dancing ( a dance performed to the gods to pray ). In addition, there are various local specialty dishes.
Iwami Ginzan
Iwami Ginzan, located in Shimane Prefecture, is an underground silver mine, which was developed in the 16th century. In the early 17th century, the mine produced one third of the world's silver production. "Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape" is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There remain some mine shafts, a few of which are open to the public such as Ryogenji Mabu Mine Shaft ( above right ). Also there remain ruins of refineries and a castle. In Omori Town, located to the north of the mines, there are some buildings which housed those related to the mines as well as old temples and shrines.
Miya-jima
Miya-jima ( or Itsuku-shima - right ) is an island located off Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Chugoku region. There live less than 2,000 people on the island where more than three million people visit every year.
Miya-jima island is so famous for Itsuku-shima Jinja shrine which is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as one of designated National Treasures of Japan. In addition, there are some restaurants offering local specialties so popular among tourists visiting the island.
Akitakata and Kagura
Akitakata, located in the north of Hiroshima Prefecture, Chugoku Region, is a small city whose population is less than 30,000. However, there in the city are 22 troupes who perform Kagura ( Shinto ritual dancing - right ) actively and the city is one of the best places for tourists to enjoy watching Kagura.
There in the city is Kagura-Monzen-Toji-Mura, a leisure complex which has Onsen hot spring baths, ryokan ( Japanese style accommodation ), restaurants, cafe, souvenir shops and two theatres where the Kagura troupes perform.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the capital city of Hiroshima Prefecture, Chugoku Region. There live 1.2 million people in the city. It was over Hiroshima City that the first atomic bomb was dropped in August 1945. So many people visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome ( right ), both of which are included in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The city was born as a castle town in the late 16th century when Hiroshima-jo Castle was constructed. The castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in August 1945. After the war, people reconstructed the city as well as the castle.
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