Islands, Mountains, and Sea: The National Parks of Chūgoku and Shikoku

The setting sun appears as a flame atop candle-shaped Rōsokujima off the northwestern tip of Dōgo, one of the islands in the Okinoshima chain. (Courtesy Okinoshima Town Office)

Mount Daisen, viewed from the ruins of Yonago Castle, a site renowned for cherry blossoms. (Courtesy Tottori Prefecture)

An autumn view of Mount Daisen from the town of Kōfu, with sheaves of rice drying in the fields. (Courtesy Tottori Prefecture)

Red berries on Daisen kyaraboku. (Courtesy Tottori Prefecture)

The volcanic plateau at the foot of 616-meter Mount Senjō is where Emperor Go-Daigo (1288–1339) held off forces from the Kamakura Shogunate as he attempted to regain authority. (Courtesy Tottori Prefecture)

The Nageiredō Hall of Sanbutsuji was erected in the late Heian period (794–1185). Perched at the edge of a cliff, it can be reached only via a narrow, treacherous path. (Courtesy Tottori Prefecture)

Jersey cattle graze pastures in the Hiruzen Highlands, with the three Hiruzen peaks in the background. (Courtesy Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation)

The natural surroundings of the Yurikago Forest Therapy Trail in the southern foothills of Mount Kenashi. (Courtesy Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation)

The scenic Ukinuno pond with the peaks of Mount Sanbe in the distance. (Courtesy Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation)

The Hinomisaki lighthouse the western tip of the Shimane Peninsula stands 43.65 meters above sea level, the highest spot for a lighthouse in the country. (Courtesy Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation)

The two-storied gate of Hishizumi-no-miya, the “sunset shrine.” Attached to the Hinomisaki Shrine, it is considered the protector of the night. (Courtesy Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation)

An opening in the cliff face at the Kaka-no-kukedo sea caves, the mythology birthplace of the god Sada-no-ōkami. Designated both a place of scenic beauty and a natural monument, the caves are a favorite spot for visitors viewing the rising sun aboard tour boats. (Courtesy Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation)

Miho Shrine and its more than 3,000 subsidiary shrines throughout the country are associated with Ebisu, the god of prosperity in business and protector of fishermen and sea journeys. (Courtesy Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation)

The Shirashima coast, at the northern tip of Dōgo, is a designated scenic area and a natural monument. A panorama of rough-hewn islets and green pines unfolds against the blue waters of the Sea of Japan. (Courtesy Okinoshima Town Office)

The Kuniga coast, on the western side of Dōzen, features sheer cliffs and curious rock formations such as Tsūtenkyō (photo center). (© Pixta)

The Oki rhododendron, symbol of Okinoshima, is at its best from late April to mid-May. (Courtesy Okinoshima Town Office)

Iwakura no Chichisugi, an 800-year-old cedar with exposed roots, lies in the southern foothills of Mount Daimanji. Thirty meters tall, its root system is 16 meters in circumference. (Courtesy Okinoshima Town Office)

The Cape Ashizuri lighthouse, in the city of Tosa-Shimizu at the southernmost point of Shikoku. Groves of wild camellia grow on the cape. (Courtesy Kōchi Visitors and Convention Association)

Hakusan-dōmon, a rock aperture 400 meters west of the Cape Ashizuri lighthouse, appears heart-shaped when viewed from a certain angle, making it popular among people seeking romance. (Courtesy Kōchi Visitors and Convention Association)

Unusual rock formations are plentiful along the coast at Tatsugushi. The notches on the elongated rocks give them an appearance similar to bamboo. (© Pixta)

A glass-bottomed tour boat sails in front of the Ashizuri Underwater Aquarium. (© Pixta)

Jagged rock formations along the Minokoshi coast are best viewed from tourist boats. (© Pixta)

Kannon-iwa stands off the Ōdō cliffs at the tip of the Ōtsuki Peninsula. (© Pixta)

A bridge connects Kashiwajima with the Ōtsuki Peninsula. Okinoshima is visible in the distance. (Courtesy Kōchi Visitors and Convention Association)

The crystal-clear waters of Kashiwajima gained social media fame with this photo of boats seemingly suspended in space. (Courtesy Kōchi Visitors and Convention Association)

The view from the 110-meter-tall Uwa Sea Observation Tower in Ainan, Ehime Prefecture. (© Pixta)

Kōmomisaki, with 100-meter-tall cliffs, is a prime spot for viewing the setting sun. (Courtesy Ehime Local Promotion Association)

Kashima is an uninhabited island 1.5 kilometers around. Venerated in ancient times as the home of the gods, it has several shrines and sites of historical interest. Visitors can enjoy swimming off the beach, snorkeling, and other marine activities, and stay overnight at campgrounds or inns. (Courtesy Ehime Local Promotion Association)

Colorful tropical fish surround the soft coral, called “flowerbeds of the sea,” at the Uwakai Sea Maritime Park. (Courtesy Ministry of the Environment)

Shikoku rhododendron at the summit of Mount Sasa, with mountain vistas unfolding below. (© Pixta)

Yukiwa Falls, 20 meters wide and 300 meters long, flows down the smooth rock slabs of Nametoko Gorge. A 12-kilometer-long walking trail runs along the gorge. (Courtesy Ehime Local Promotion Association)

Sunset view of the Seto Ōhashi bridge from Mount Washū in Kurashiki. (Courtesy Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation)

Looking out over the picturesque sea from Ushimado Olive Garden. (Courtesy Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation)

The historic townscape of Tomonoura, in Fukuyama, is a popular destination known as the locale for Studio Ghibli’s animated film Ponyo. (Courtesy Hiroshima Prefecture)

The view from Mount Misen at Miyajima. The path to the top is strewn with gigantic boulders. (© Pixta)

Kankakei Gorge on Shōdoshima is renowned for vibrant autumn foliage. (Courtesy Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association)

A panorama of islands, seen from the lookout at the Goshikidai Plateau. (© Pixta)

Innoshima Bridge is one of several along the Shimanami Kaidō, a popular cycling route. (Courtesy Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation)