Best 5 Festivals & Events in Chugoku, July, 2018 (w/Photos)
The Chugoku region is situated between Kansai and Kyushu; the area comprises 5 prefectures: Okayama, Hiroshima, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. Each region has a unique history and visitors can spot historical architecture and feel/learn about the history and culture of Japan. There are numerous sightseeing destinations including Izumo Taisha, located in Matsue, Shimane prefecture, and the peaceful scenery of Setonaikai. In this article, we’re featuring July events in the Chugoku region.
Nature Events
1. [Okayama] Cruise Featuring Sunset Views of Setonaikai and Nighttime Views of Mizushima Factory Complex July 7, 14, 16, 21, and 28 2018
source：kurashiki-tabi
“Cruise Featuring Sunset Views of Setonaikai and Nighttime Views of Mizushima Factory Complex” is a cruise that features the beautiful sunset of Setonaikai and nightscape of Mizushima Factory Complex. The setting sun paints the myriad islands in a beautiful shade; the spectacle is unique to Setonaikai and stunning when seen aboard a cruise. Additionally, the sight of the factory complex glittering against the dark night is magical. You’ll encounter stunning scenes of Setonaikai that cannot be seen elsewhere. During the cruise, you’ll also catch a sight of “Zo-iwa (Elephant Rock)”, a natural monument certified by the Japanese government. The Mizushima Factory Complex comprises 270 steelmaking plants and refineries and is characterized by a tangle of structures that culminates in an industrial beauty. Guests will encounter a surreal spectacle at night, whereby the complex illuminates the surrounding area with a glow of orange/white. The cruise takes roughly 90 minutes.
Schedule
・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event
July 7th, 14th, 16th, 21st, and 28th
19:00~
Access and Address
・Location
Kojima Tourism Port (Meet-up Location)
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
5-minute walk from Kojima station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
1 hour by train and on foot from Kurashiki station
・Address3-23 Kojima Eki-mae, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama Prefecture
・Map
Admission and Reservation
Adults 1,800 yen; children (elementary school students) 900 yen
Reservations are required
Official Website
https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/event/960/
2. [Shimane] 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Association for the Creation of New Japanese-Style Painting (Kokuga Sosaku Kyokai) Sakakibara Shiho and His Associates on Kokuten June 1, 2018 through August 30, 2018
source:flickr
The Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane prefecture is hosting an exhibit, “100th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Association for the Creation of New Japanese-Style Painting (Kokuga Sosaku Kyokai) Sakakibara Shiho and His Associates on Kokuten”, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kokuga Sosaku Kyokai. The association was established in 1918 by a group of insurgent artists, whom formed the group to promote freedom for the creation and presentation of art and in opposition to the exclusive nature of the ruling body. Groundbreaking works were published through the association and the group is said to have impacted the Japanese art scene. The exhibit will showcase 39 works by Sakakibara Shiho (flower-and-bird painter), Tsuchida Bakusen, and Ono Chikkyo, among other artists. The Adachi Museum of Art is known for carrying 130 pieces by Yokoyama Taikan and the beautiful Japanese garden. The Japanese garden was selected as the number 1 garden in Japan in 2017 and 15 years running. Over 500,000 domestic and overseas travelers visit the garden every year.
Schedule
・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event
June 1, 2018 through August 30, 2018 Open from 9:00～17:30
*The new wing will be closed on July 11 for exhibit preparations.
Access and Address
・Location
Adachi Museum of Art
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
20 minutes on free shuttle bus from Yasugi station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
2 hours by train and bus from Okayama station
・Address 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi-shi, Shimane Prefecture
・Map
Admission and Reservation
Adults 2,300 yen; university students 1,800 yen; high school students 1,000 yen; middle and elementary school students 500 yen
Reservations are not required
Official Website
https://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/archives/exhibition/summer2018
3. [Hiroshima] Early Summer Flower Story May 19 through July 8, 2018
source:PIXTA
“Early Summer Flower Story” is a flower event hosted at National Bihoku Hill Park. Early summer flowers bloom across the park and visitors can see a range of seasonal flora, including baby blue eyes (nemophila), hydrangeas, and bamboo lilies. The park is enormous and comprises various sections, including the “Naka-no-Hiroba”, “Hana-no-Hiroba” (3 hectares), the great lawn (8 hectares), Rinkan Athletic Course (39 varieties), cycling course, and the grand golf course (4 courses and 32 holes). In addition to observing flowers, visitors can explore the park or play sports. There are various sightseeing spots located near the park, including “Michinoeki Takano”, a shop selling local vegetables, meat, and other specialties, and “Unokoso”, a venerable hostel nestled among the season-changing mountains and crystal stream of Saijo River.
Schedule
・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event
May 19 through July 8, 2018 9:30～17:00 (last entry is 16:00)
*Closed every Monday On July 1, hours will be 9:30 to 18:00 (last entry being 17:00)
Access and Address
・Location
National Bihoku Hill Park
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
20-minute walk from Nanatsuka station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
3 hours and 10 minutes by train, bus, and on foot from Hiroshima station
・Address 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Map
Admission and Reservation
Free to see flowers, but entry admission is required for the park.
Children (elementary and middle school students): free; Adults (older than 15 and younger than 65): 450 yen; silver admission (65 years old and older): 210 yen
Reservations are not required
Official Website
Cultural and Historical Events
4. [Yamaguchi] Ukai of Kintaikyo June 1 through September 10, 2018
source: oidemase
Kintaikyo is one of the three famed bridges in Japan. Kintaikyo is located in Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi prefecture and is a prime example of a wooden bridge in Japan. The bridge is distinguished by 5 looping arches. The bridge makes for a scenic picture from the river bank or aboard a cruise and visitors should look out for the intricate craftsmanship that was used to make the wooden support. Ukai or cormorant fishing takes place at Kintaikyo. The 400-year old tradition, featuring hand-held lanterns, takes place against the backdrop of Kintaikyo and Shiroyama. The fishing ritual can be seen aboard a cruise, where visitors can bring or order food on board (requires prior reservation). A discounted fare will be available for customers dressed in yukata on “Yukata Day”, which will be held on July 8th, 19th and August 8th, 29th.
Schedule
・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event
June 1 through September 10, 2018 19:00～21:00
Access and Address
・Location
Nishiki River, by Kintaikyo
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
Immediately by the Kintaikyo bus stop
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
30 minutes by train and on foot from Iwakuni station
・Address 1-chome Iwakuni, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture
・Map
Admission and Reservation
Cruise admission: Adults 2,000 yen; children 1,000 yen
*Special fare for August 4 (Firework Festival)
Takes reservations
Official Website
Sports Event
5. [Tottori] 38th All Japan Triathlon Kaike July 15, 2018
source: yonago-navi
The All Japan Triathlon Kaike takes place in the western part of Tottori prefecture, which includes Yonago-shi, the origin for triathlon races in Japan. The race starts in the airy, seaside area of Kaike Onsen, runs through 2 cities and 4 towns/villages (Yonago-shi, Sakaiminato-shi, Nanbu-cho, Hoki-cho, Oyama-cho, and Hiezu-son), and finishes at Doradora Park Yonago Athletic Stadium. The race comprises 3 km of swimming, 140 km of bike riding, and 42.195 km of running. Runners are expected to engage in a fierce battle to the goal line. Registration has been closed, but visitors can watch the race. An onsen called Kaike Onsen Shio-no-Yu is located nearby. The outdoor bath has a view of the Sea of Japan for both men and women. The bathing space is equipped with various amenities to provide relaxation. Guests can soak in the bath, while listening to the crashing waves. Why not go for a soak after cheering on the runners?
Schedule
・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event
July 15, 20178
Registration starts at 5:30～; race starts at 7:00～; race ends at 21:30
Access and Address
・Location
Kaike Onsen Kaigan (Start) to Doradora Park Yonago Athletic Stadium (Goal)
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
Immediately by Higashiyama Park station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
3.5 hours by train from Okayama station
・Address 97-1 Higashiyama-cho, Yonago-shi, Tottori Prefecture
・Map
Admission and Reservation
Free to watch and reservations are not required
Official Website
http://www.kaike-triathlon.com/
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