Chugoku — Expressways & Toll Roads
Western Honshu expressways connecting Hiroshima to the San-in coast and Seto Inland Sea
About Chugoku Expressways
Western Honshu expressways connecting Hiroshima to the San-in coast and Seto Inland Sea
The Chugoku region occupies the western tip of Honshu, bordered by the San-in coast (Sea of Japan) and the San-yo coast (Seto Inland Sea). This historically significant area includes Hiroshima, home to the Peace Memorial, and provides crucial access to MCAS Iwakuni - one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps installations in Japan.
16
Expressways
5
Prefectures
31,922
km² Area
7.3M
Population
MCAS Iwakuni & Consulate Access
The Chugoku region hosts MCAS Iwakuni, one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps installations in Japan.
✈️ Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
Home to Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and Carrier Air Wing 5. One of the busiest airbases in the Western Pacific.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • San-yo Expressway: Iwakuni IC (10 min to Main Gate)
- • Hiroshima-Iwakuni Road: Ohtake IC (15 min)
🏠 Iwakuni Base Housing Areas
Family housing and support facilities for base personnel.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • San-yo Expressway: Iwakuni IC
- • San-yo Expressway: Kudamatsu IC (for eastern housing)
🏛️ Consulates in Chugoku Region
🏛️ Hiroshima Consulates
Several countries maintain honorary consulates in Hiroshima, primarily in Naka-ku.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Hiroshima Expressway: Nishi-Hiroshima Exit (10 min to downtown)
- • San-yo Expressway: Hiroshima IC (20 min to downtown)
Major Chugoku Expressways
Sanyo Expressway (山陽自動車道)
Main coastal route along the Seto Inland Sea, connecting Kobe to Shimonoseki.
Chugoku Expressway (中国自動車道)
Inland mountain route running parallel to Sanyo, offering an alternative with less traffic.
Hiroshima Expressway (広島高速)
Urban expressway network serving Hiroshima city with 4 numbered routes.
San-In Expressway (山陰自動車道)
Northern coastal route along the Sea of Japan, still under construction in parts.
All Chugoku Toll Roads
Key Routes & Highlights
- ✓Hiroshima Peace Memorial Access
- ✓MCAS Iwakuni Access
- ✓Sanyo Expressway (Main Route)
- ✓Seto Inland Sea Views
- ✓Onomichi - Starting point for Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku
- ✓Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine access via San-In Expressway
Major Cities Connected
Chugoku Driving Tips
☮️ Hiroshima Access
Peace Memorial Park best accessed from Hiroshima IC. Limited parking on-site.
⛩️ Miyajima
Exit at Hatsukaichi IC for ferry to famous floating torii gate shrine.
🌉 Shimanami Kaido
6 bridges to Shikoku - each has ETC toll. Can cycle the entire route!
📱 ETC Discounts
Weekend and holiday discounts available on Sanyo and Chugoku Expressways.
Roadway Alerts & Notices
ChugokuE2A Chūgoku Expressway Higashijō IC to Niimi IC (Upbound: Osaka Direction) Emergency Construction Road Closure Ends
The emergency construction that caused road closures between Higashijō IC and Niimi IC in the upbound direction has now concluded.
View sourceE2 Sanyo Expressway Onomichi IC Expected to Lift Traffic Restrictions
Traffic restrictions at Onomichi Interchange on the E2 Sanyo Expressway are expected to be lifted soon.
View sourceEmergency Construction Closure on E2A Chugoku Expressway Between Higashijo IC and Niimi IC (Northbound towards Osaka)
The northbound lane between Higashijo IC and Niimi IC is closed for emergency construction, so drivers should seek alternative routes.
View source