Spots List

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture

Located in eastern Shikoku, Tokushima Prefecture is a "treasure trove of emotion" where dynamic nature and passionate culture live on. Its overwhelming natural landscapes, such as the world-class Naruto Whirlpools and the steep beauty of the Iya Valley—one of Japan’s three most hidden regions—captivate visitors. The Awa Odori, a vibrant festival with over 400 years of history that envelops the city in excitement, is an energetic symbol of Japanese summer. Furthermore, deep history and traditions like indigo dyeing nurtured by the Yoshino River and the spirituality of the Shikoku Pilgrimage’s starting point are carefully preserved. From adventures in hidden regions...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Higashi-ushirobata Terraced Rice Fields

Higashi-ushirobata Terraced Rice Fields

Selected as one of the "Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields in Japan," this is a beautiful scenic spot representing Yamaguchi Prefecture. Against the backdrop of the blue Sea of Japan stretching below, numerous rice paddies overlapping along the mountain slopes draw geometric patterns. Especially from mid-May to June, when the paddies are filled with water, the sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. The setting sun reflects off the water surface, and at night, the "Isaribi" (fishing fires) of squid fishing boats light up offshore, creating a fantastical panorama where the lights of the sea and land melt together. Many photographers from around...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Magura-no-Oiwa-go

Magura-no-Oiwa-go

A mysterious scenic spot in the mountains of Ube City where countless quartz porphyry boulders, several meters in diameter, are piled up. The dynamic sight as if rocks overflowed from the mountainside is spectacular, and it is designated as a National Natural Monument. Locations where such giant boulders are exposed over a wide area are rare, and you can directly feel the energy of Earth's crustal movements. Seasonal plants peek out from between the rocks, letting you feel a powerful breath of life within the silence. The time spent walking along the maintained promenade surrounded by overwhelming natural stone art...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Egawara Uvala Village

Egawara Uvala Village

A village formed within a "Uvala" (a giant mortar-shaped depression), a geologically very rare landscape even globally, located in part of the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau. In a vast basin created by the erosion of limestone, people have lived since ancient times, and peaceful rural scenery spreads out. The unique terrain, where water does not collect at the bottom of the depression and it is surrounded by mountains with white rocky faces, is truly a miraculous landscape merging "Earth's wonders" and "human activity." Looking down from the observatory, the sight of patchwork-like fields spreading within nature's giant creation is beautiful, giving...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Beppu Trout Farm

Beppu Trout Farm

Adjacent to the mysterious cobalt blue "Beppu Benten Pond," this is a rainbow trout farm utilizing clear spring water. Here, you can observe rainbow trout swimming energetically in exceptionally transparent water up close and also enjoy fishing at the fishing pond. The biggest attraction is being able to taste freshly caught rainbow trout on the spot as salt-grilled or fried. Rainbow trout raised in pure water selected as one of the Top 100 Famous Waters have no odor and firm flesh, boasting exceptional deliciousness. It is a popular stopover spot for families and outdoor-loving travelers where you can enjoy activities...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi Hakkei Sightseeing Boat

Hagi Hakkei Sightseeing Boat

A 40-minute luxury cruise to enjoy Hagi's beautiful castle town and the sea from the water. You can overlook Mt. Shizuki at the Hagi Castle ruins, the stone walls along the moat, and the townscape with traditional buildings from the boat, enjoying a panorama different from walking on land. Also, the boat proceeds from the river to the sea, and if conditions are good, you can see the islands floating in the Sea of Japan up close. The experience of passing under bridges in a low, roofed boat is exciting, and you can fully enjoy Hagi's history and nature while...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nanmeiji Temple

Nanmeiji Temple

An ancient temple founded in the Heian period in Hagi City, known for its beautiful Buddhist statues and quiet garden. In particular, the three giant Buddhas, including the "Wooden Standing Statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon" designated as a National Important Cultural Property, are wonderful for their delicate carvings and compassionate expressions, allowing you to appreciate the best of Japanese Buddhist art up close. Also, within the grounds, there is a magnificent weeping cherry tree called "Ito-zakura," and in spring, the sight of flowers cascading down like a waterfall fascinates visitors. Located at the quiet foot of a mountain slightly away...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring

Daishoin Temple

Daishoin Temple

A family temple where the even-numbered generation lords of the Mori family, from the 2nd to the 14th, are enshrined. The main hall and other structures are designated as National Important Cultural Properties, boasting the quiet and powerful architectural beauty typical of a Zen temple. The biggest highlight is the more than 600 stone lanterns lined up neatly on the mountainside behind the main hall. The forest of lanterns standing in the silence of the deep woods emits an overwhelming solemnity and beauty that leaves one speechless. Every August during the "Okuribi" (ceremonial bonfire), all these lanterns are lit, creating...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi Okan Highway

Hagi Okan Highway

A historic highway about 53 kilometers long leading from Hagi through Yamaguchi to Hofu. During the Edo period, processions for Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) passed through, and at the end of the Edo period, it was known as the "Road of the Restoration" where patriots ran while discussing the future of Japan. Today, cobblestone paths, mileposts (ichirizuka), and teahouse ruins remain, allowing you to enjoy trekking while feeling history. Along the route through deep forests and over mountain passes, beautiful nature that could be called the original landscape of Japan remains, letting you experience history with all five senses. The experience...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Asa-Mori Clan Hagi Nagaya

Former Asa-Mori Clan Hagi Nagaya

Remaining in the former Sannomaru (outer bailey) area of Hagi Castle, this is the nagaya (longhouse) of the Asa Mori family's samurai residence. Extending about 51 meters in length, this building boasts the largest scale among nagayas existing in Hagi and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The contrast between the heavy tile roof and white walls is an overwhelming sight, conveying the prestige of the samurai of that time and the sturdy construction to protect their lord to the present. Part of the interior is open to the public, allowing you to observe how samurai waited and...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kikuya Family Residence

Kikuya Family Residence

A vast mansion of the Kikuya family, who flourished as purveyors to the Hagi Domain, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. A merchant's residence representing Hagi's castle town, the highlights include the buildings boasting over 400 years of history and the vast, beautifully maintained garden. Inside, many artworks and daily life tools telling of the prosperity of the time are displayed, and you can deeply understand Hagi's social structure where samurai and merchants coexisted. Especially the autumn foliage in the garden seen during special public openings is spectacular. Within the mansion surrounded by high earthen walls, silence spreads, making...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kikugahama Earthwork

Kikugahama Earthwork

A dirt embankment built for coastal defense at the end of the Edo period, remaining along Kikugahama adjacent to the Hagi Castle ruins. It holds the history of "Onnadatera Dorui" (Embankment by Women), a legend where women and even children of the Choshu Domain cooperated to build it overnight to prepare for attacks by foreign ships. The mounds of earth quietly remaining in the pine forest tell the story of the sense of crisis and strong unity of the people at that time. Today, it has become a beautiful walking path with pine forests and white sand beaches, where you...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi Okan Hospitality Teahouse

Hagi Okan Hospitality Teahouse

A resting spot located along the "Hagi Okan," the major highway connecting Hagi and Yamaguchi during the Edo period. It recreates the atmosphere of a historic teahouse where former travelers quenched their thirst and healed their fatigue, and you can receive warm hospitality from local volunteers. Here you can enjoy local specialties, specific teas, and light meals, and it also serves as a place for interaction with hikers enjoying walking trips. You can immerse yourself in the mood of the travelers of that time while enjoying the cobblestone paths and natural scenery remaining along the highway. It is a pleasant...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Hirobumi Ito Villa

Former Hirobumi Ito Villa

A part of the mansion Hirobumi Ito, Japan's first Prime Minister, built in Tokyo during the Meiji era, was moved to his hometown of Hagi. The biggest highlight is the "Eclectic" (Japanese-Western) architectural beauty where a gorgeous Western-style building incorporating Renaissance styles and a heavy Japanese room using the highest quality wood coexist. Especially from the interior decorated with luxurious mirrors and ornaments, the lifestyle of a politician symbolizing modernization at the time and his high ambitions looking toward the world are conveyed. Visiting together with his adjacent birthplace, you can deeply learn about his turbulent path and success—how a...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mutsumi Sunflower Road

Mutsumi Sunflower Road

Yamaguchi Prefecture's largest sunflower field spreading across the Mutsumi district of Hagi City. Every year from late July to early August, hundreds of thousands of sunflowers bloom toward the sun across the land as far as the eye can reach, dyeing the entire area in a vivid golden color. The panorama woven by the green of the mountains towering behind, the yellow of the sunflowers, and the blue summer sky is overwhelmingly beautiful, making it an excellent photo spot. Events such as mazes utilizing the height of the sunflowers are also held, bustling with families and couples. Enveloped in overwhelming...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yubikan Hall

One of the remains of the Hagi Domain's clan school "Meirinkan," this building was used as a training hall for swordsmanship and spearmanship. A heavy single-story wooden structure, the interior is very spacious, and a dignified air drifts as if the heat of domain warriors honing their skills still conveys today. The luster of the floor and high ceilings give a sense of majesty as a hall of martial arts, allowing you to realistically experience the educational environment of samurai at that time. Records remain that Sakamoto Ryoma also had a swordsmanship match here, making it a precious place for...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shinsui Park

Located north-northeast of Hagi City, this is a resting park developed utilizing the gentle river flow. Loved by citizens as a walking path and break spot, beautiful landscapes in harmony with the surrounding mountains and waterside spread out, especially during fresh green and autumn foliage seasons. Because it is a little away from the sightseeing center, very quiet time flows, making it ideal for reading a book slowly or enjoying a picnic during your trip. Moments spent listening to the murmur of water become a refresh for mind and body. It is a hidden nature spot where you can feel...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Myojin Pond

Located at the foot of Mt. Kasayama, this is a rare "saltwater pond" nationwide where seawater enters through gaps in the lava. Although it is a pond, it has tides, and marine fish such as sea bream, parrotfish, and rays swim energetically. When you throw food sold at the pond's edge, countless fish, black kites, and ducks gather, a sight full of power. The surroundings are like a natural fish pond and have been carefully protected by fishermen since ancient times. Itsukushima Shrine adjacent to the pond and the surrounding giant rocks and virgin forest create a mysterious landscape, making...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tenju-in Cemetery

Tenju-in Cemetery

Located on the site where Hagi Domain Lord Mori Terumoto lived in retirement, this is a cemetery associated with the Mori family. Now known as the "Mori Terumoto Cemetery," grave monuments made of heavy stone stand quietly in a peaceful forest. Many stone lanterns line up neatly around, drifting with a solemn atmosphere that remembers the first lord who built Hagi's prosperity. Because it has fewer visitors and is a very tranquil space, it is a hidden gem for travelers who want to quietly feel the weight of history and spirituality. The scenery woven by mossy stone walls and surrounding...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Horiuchi Kaimagari (Crank paths)

Horiuchi Kaimagari (Crank paths)

This is a unique crank-shaped road structure remaining in the Horiuchi district of Hagi Castle Town. In this area where high-ranking samurai once lived, roads were bent at right angles in a "Kaimagari" (keyed curve) design to block the view of invading enemies and sap their momentum. This road, sandwiched between high earthen walls, is a precious heritage conveying military wisdom of the time. In summer, summer oranges peek their yellow fruits over the walls, and the contrast between the white walls, green leaves, and fruit is extremely beautiful, creating a photogenic landscape symbolizing Hagi. It is a quiet walking...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Baron Tanaka Giichi Villa

Former Baron Tanaka Giichi Villa

This is the villa built by Giichi Tanaka, the 26th Prime Minister of Japan, to spend his later years. Located near the Hagi Castle ruins, it features an imposing gate, vast grounds, and a beautiful Japanese garden. The building is a modern Japanese-style architecture that skillfully incorporates Western elements into traditional Japanese design, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated aesthetic sense of the politicians of that time. The garden uses Mt. Shizuki as a borrowed landscape, and you can enjoy seasonal expressions. Located in a relatively quiet area of Hagi, it is recommended for history fans who want to spend...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shoin Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, the spiritual leader of the Meiji Restoration. On the grounds, the world heritage site "Shoka Sonjuku," where he educated young patriots, still exists, allowing you to feel the heat of that era firsthand. There are also many sights such as the treasure house displaying Shoin's personal effects and the "Shiseikan" museum, which recreates his life with dynamic wax figures. Known as a deity of learning and ambition, many students and history fans visit to pray. It is the very origin of Japan's modernization, a highly spiritual spot where you can deeply learn how...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Kubota Residence

Former Kubota Residence

A historic merchant house facing the main street of Hagi Castle Town, once the residence and shop of a wealthy merchant involved in sake brewing and fabric trade. The building, featuring high-grade "Kura-zukuri" (storehouse style) and dignified lattice doors, tells of the prosperity and high cultural level of the Edo period. The spacious interior has a sophisticated and modern atmosphere despite its history, allowing you to see high-quality Japanese architectural beauty everywhere. Touching the traces of the vibrant commercial activity and lifestyle of that time while strolling through the castle town, which is part of a World Heritage Site, will...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tatamigafuchi

A mysterious natural wonder in the mountains of Hagi City, where countless hexagonal columnar joints created by cooled lava from volcanic activity spread across the riverbed like "Tatami mats." This grand landscape created by Earth's volcanic activity millions of years ago is a masterpiece of natural art, and the clear water flowing over the hexagonal stones is breathtakingly beautiful. Walking on the unique geometric stones while listening to the murmur of the river, you can feel the pulse of the Earth and the mystery of nature. It is a hidden spectacular view spot away from the hustle, also known as...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter