Yamaguchi

Shimonoseki, Hagi

Yamaguchi offers dramatic scenery and deep history. Cross the stunning Tsunoshima Bridge over emerald-blue waters, explore Akiyoshido Cave’s limestone wonders, and stroll through Hagi’s preserved samurai town. Known for its fresh fugu (pufferfish) and coastal views, Yamaguchi is where tradition and natural beauty blend seamlessly.

From Tokyo: Shinkansen 4h 40m; 1h 35m

From Osaka: Shinkansen / Local train 2h 10m

Yamaguchi

Viewdory Selects

Special recommendations handpicked by our team.

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Located at the western tip of Honshu, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a treasure trove of breathtaking views surrounded by the sea on three sides. Photogenic landscapes such as the Tsunoshima Bridge stretching across the clear blue sea, the Motonosumi Shrine with its 123 red torii gates, and the mysterious Akiyoshido limestone cave are drawing attention from all over the world. The prefecture is steeped in deep history and culture, including Yamaguchi City, which once flourished as the "Kyoto of the West," and the castle town of Hagi, which strongly retains the atmosphere of the samurai era. Additionally, the gourmet food of...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamaguchi City

The prefectural capital located in the center of the prefecture, thriving as a center of politics and culture since the Ouchi clan modeled it after Kyoto during the Muromachi period, earning the nickname "Kyoto of the West." Historical heritages like the "Rurikoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda," a national treasure, and the "Yuda Onsen" district with a history of 800 years are attractive. The cityscape, where historical townscapes and modern culture merge, has a unique elegance and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Blessed with rich nature, you can enjoy seasonal landscapes and Yamaguchi's delicate food culture. It is a city where...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi City

Known as the "Birthplace of the Fetal Movements of the Meiji Restoration," Hagi City is a historic city that is like an open-air museum. It is said that Edo-period maps can still be used today because the castle town streets, samurai residences, and white-walled storehouses are preserved in perfect form, and it is also registered as a World Heritage site. By visiting historic sites like Shoka Sonjuku, which produced patriots of the end of the Edo period, you can feel firsthand the passion of the young people who accomplished Japan's modernization. Also attractive is touring the kilns of "Hagi-yaki" pottery,...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimonoseki City

Shimonoseki City

Located at the westernmost tip of Honshu and flourishing as a gateway to Kyushu, Shimonoseki City is a "city of history and straits" surrounded by sea on three sides. Historical spots from the Genpei War and the Meiji Restoration are dotted throughout the city, letting you encounter stories of Japan's turning points as you walk. Additionally, "Karato Market," where you can enjoy fresh seafood starting with "fugu" (pufferfish)—of which Shimonoseki boasts the highest handling volume in Japan—is a sanctuary for international food lovers. Dynamic scenery such as the Kanmon Bridge spanning the strait, the underwater pedestrian tunnel, and coastlines with...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagato City

Nagato City, located in the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a city attractive for its dynamic coastline facing the Sea of Japan and rich food culture. Not to mention world-famous breathtaking views like "Motonosumi Shrine" and "Tsunoshima Bridge," it also offers abundant gourmet food such as fresh seafood caught at Senzaki Port and "Nagato Yakitori," which is said to be number one in Japan. Additionally, it has the charm of Nagato Yumoto Onsen with 600 years of history and the atmosphere of being the hometown of nursery rhyme poet Misuzu Kaneko, showing different expressions in every place you visit....

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ube City

Located in the southwestern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Ube City is a "City of Greenery, Flowers, and Sculpture" where industry, art, and nature merge dynamically. It has a powerful history of supporting Japan's modernization as a coal mining town, and today it has a face as an art city where world-class sculpture exhibitions are held. From "Industrial Tourism," where you can see double-connected trucks going back and forth on giant dedicated roads, to "Tokiwa Park," where you can meet rare plants and animals, the highlights are diverse. Additionally, the beautiful coastline facing the Seto Inland Sea and gourmet food using...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Suo-Oshima Island

Suo-Oshima Island

Known as the "Hawaii of Setouchi," Suo-Oshima is a beautiful island where a tropical culture still lives on, stemming from a history of many islanders emigrating to Hawaii. The coastline circling the island is perfect as a drive course, and you will be healed by the endless blue sea and the beauty of the many scattered islands. In winter, you can enjoy a unique dish called "Mikan Nabe," and in summer, swimming and marine sports are popular. There are various sights such as historic shrines and temples and the "Japanese Overseas Migration Museum," which tells the history of emigration to...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Top Landmarks

Must-visit iconic spots that define Japan.

Motonosumi Shrine

Motonosumi Shrine

Set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, the sight of 123 red torii gates stretching along the cliffs is a breathtaking view that was selected by CNN as one of "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places." Passing through the tunnel of torii gates, you can see the "Ryugu no Shiofuki" (Dragon Palace Geyser) where waves hit the rock wall and spray water high into the air, making you feel the power of nature. Also, on the torii gate at the highest point, an offertory box is placed about 5 meters above the ground, and it is said that if...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kintai Bridge

Kintai Bridge (Kintai-kyo) spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City is one of Japan's three most famous bridges, built in 1673, and is a wooden bridge with five beautiful arches rarely seen in the world. Its unique structure, assembled without using a single nail, is a collection of the best of Japan's advanced architectural technology of that time and is also designated as a National Scenic Spot. The view of the clear Nishiki River flowing and Mt. Shiroyama towering behind from atop the bridge is spectacular. With thousands of cherry blossoms in spring, traditional cormorant fishing fires in summer, vivid...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsunoshima Bridge

Tsunoshima Bridge

This is a magnificent suspension bridge with a total length of 1,780 meters that stretches in a straight line through the emerald green sea. As a bridge that is free to cross, it is one of the longest in Japan and is world-famous as a filming location for car commercials and movies. The transparency of the sea on both sides of the bridge is surprisingly high, and on sunny days, you can enjoy a sense of openness like a tropical resort. From the observation spot on the mainland side, you can capture a panorama of the beautifully curved bridge and...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Karato Market

Karato Market in Shimonoseki City is a lively fish market known as "Kanmon's Kitchen," while also boasting a leading handling volume of pufferfish in Japan. On weekends and holidays, an event called "Iki-iki Bakangai" is held, where many sushi battles and seafood stalls line up. Freshly caught pufferfish, sea bream, yellowtail, and more are provided as sushi or bowls at surprisingly reasonable prices, and the energetic atmosphere is the best stage to experience a "Japanese Fish Market." The experience of eating what you bought on the seaside wooden deck while gazing at the view of the Kanmon Strait is the...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akiyoshido Cave

Akiyoshido Cave

This is one of Japan's largest limestone caves and is designated as a National Special Natural Monument. Upon entering the cave, a vast underground space extending about 1 kilometer opens up, leaving visitors overwhelmed by the natural art created over tens of thousands of years by the Earth. Lighting illuminates fantastical formations like the "Hyakumai-zara" (One Hundred Plates), which looks like over 500 plates are lined up, and the "Kogane-bashira" (Golden Pillar), which appears as a giant golden column, making it feel like a different world. The temperature is constant at around 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year, providing a...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Rurikoji Temple

Rurikoji Temple

Rurikoji Temple in Yamaguchi City is a famous temple known for its "Five-Story Pagoda (National Treasure)," which is described as having the greatest beauty in Japan. Built in the Muromachi period, this pagoda is counted as one of the "Three Great Pagodas of Japan" alongside Horyuji in Nara and Daigoji in Kyoto. Its cypress bark roof and elegant curves harmonize perfectly with the surrounding nature. The appeal lies in the ability to enjoy pictorial panoramas throughout the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and snowscapes in winter. At night, the pagoda is...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi Castle Town

Hagi Castle Town

Hagi is the city that nurtured the patriots who led the modernization of Japan from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era. In the castle town area, earthen walls with white plaster and grid-like streets remain as they were back then, and it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Birthplaces of Takayoshi Kido and Shinsaku Takasugi are dotted around, allowing you to observe the lifestyle of samurai of that era up close. Also, summer oranges peek their yellow fruits over the walls at street corners, adding soft color to the historical landscape. With many Hagi-yaki...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shoka Sonjuku Academy

Shoka Sonjuku Academy

This is a small, one-story wooden building located within the grounds of Shoin Shrine, yet it is a legendary private school that created the dawn of modern Japan. Under the guidance of Yoshida Shoin, it produced numerous leaders who would later move Japan, such as Hirobumi Ito and Shinsaku Takasugi. The building retains its original appearance and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The passion of young people with ambition, who engaged in heated discussions regardless of their social status, still seems to breathe within its quiet presence. It is the origin of Japan's modernization and a historical...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

This was the first Tenjin shrine created in Japan and is one of the "Three Great Tenjin Shrines of Japan," alongside Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto and Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and the beautiful vermilion-painted shrine building exudes an overwhelming presence. It is famous for the "Goshinko-sai" (Hadakabo Festival) in autumn, a brave festival where thousands of men carry a giant palanquin. Flowers of the four seasons bloom within the grounds, and the plum blossoms in early spring are particularly beautiful, gently welcoming visitors. By walking the historic approach and touching the...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kanmon Strait

The Kanmon Strait separates Honshu (Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi) and Kyushu (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka), with a width of only about 700 meters at its narrowest point. It is one of the world's leading maritime traffic hubs, with about 700 ships of all sizes passing through each day. Historically, it has been the stage for numerous legends, such as the final battle of the Genpei War, "Dan-no-ura," and the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro on "Ganryujima." The dynamic landscape, with the massive Kanmon Bridge spanning the sky and a pedestrian tunnel running under the sea, is overwhelming. While watching the rapid currents...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Authentic Local Experiences

Deep dive into authentic Japanese culture.

Yamaguchi City Saikotei (Kimono Experience)

Yamaguchi City Saikotei (Kimono Experience)

Founded in the Meiji period, Saikotei was a leading restaurant in Yamaguchi loved by many prominent figures of the Meiji era, such as Hirobumi Ito and Kaoru Inoue. Today, it is open to the public as a historical and cultural exchange facility. The collection of plaques (calligraphy signs) by famous people displayed in the 100-tatami banquet hall is an impressive collection that tells the history of modern Japan. The greatest attraction here is the "kimono experience." You can wear colorful kimonos in a space filled with historical emotion and go for a stroll in the beautiful Japanese garden or around...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kaiko-an

This is a quiet space attached to the main store of Honda-ya, a long-established shop famous for "Uirou" (steamed cake), a specialty of Yamaguchi City. Yamaguchi's uirou is unique because it uses bracken starch (warabiko) instead of rice flour, resulting in a distinctively jiggly texture and refined sweetness, allowing you to experience the depth of traditional Japanese confectionery. At Kaiko-an, you can slowly savor sweets crafted with the artisan's dedication in a calm atmosphere that evokes a sense of history. Beautiful seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) are also available, making it ideal for souvenir selection. It is a place for mature...

Yamaguchi
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Honke Matsugane (Seal Engraving)

Honke Matsugane (Seal Engraving)

Located in the castle town of Iwakuni City, "Honke Matsugane" is a tourism exchange center utilizing a historic building from the Edo period. Here, you can enjoy a "tenkoku" (seal engraving) experience, touching the essence of Japanese culture. The experience of carving a stone stamp yourself to create the only original seal in the world is highly praised by international visitors as a special memento of their trip. The interior preserves the architectural beauty of the time, and information on local specialties and sake is also abundant. You can stop by between visits to Iwakuni Castle and Kintai Bridge to...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi Glass Studio

Hagi Glass Studio

This workshop located at the foot of Mt. Kasayama in Hagi City is a base for disseminating the charm of "Hagi Glass," which uses rare local basalt as a raw material. Its greatest feature is a unique production method that is harder and more heat-resistant than general glass, characterized by the "pale green" color produced from glass melted at temperatures over 1,500 degrees and the beautiful crack patterns of "Uchi-kannyu" (internal crazing). Here, you can observe the production process by skilled artisans up close, and you can also experience blowing glass yourself to create a one-of-a-kind original work. It is...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kirara Glass Future Hall (Experience)

Kirara Glass Future Hall (Experience)

Located along the coast of Sanyo-Onoda City, this facility allows you to enjoy world-class glass artist exhibitions and authentic glassmaking experiences. Under the guidance of professional artisans, even beginners can easily feel like an artist with "glass blowing experiences," making your own unique glass from red-hot molten glass, or "sandblasting," engraving delicate patterns. From the building, you can overlook the beautiful sea of the Seto Inland Sea, and the light-filled interior is truly a glass art space. Since you can learn Japan's advanced manufacturing culture directly as an "experience," it is ideal for making travel memories. You can spend a...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onoda Cement Tokkuri-gama Kiln

Onoda Cement Tokkuri-gama Kiln

Built in 1883 (Meiji 16), this is the only remaining "bottle-shaped" cement firing kiln in Japan. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is a precious remain that tells the story of the dawn of the cement industry that supported Japan's modern architecture. As its name suggest, the red brick kiln with a unique shape like a "tokkuri" (sake bottle) is the crystallization of the wisdom of the artisans at that time who repeatedly tried and erred while learning Western technology. The heavy texture of the bricks and the unique form are extremely attractive to architecture fans...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Industrial Tourism Tour (Kosan Road)

Industrial Tourism Tour (Kosan Road)

This tour explores the "stage of giant industry," a sight rarely seen anywhere else in the world, of which Ube City is proud. The biggest highlight is the "Ube Kosan Dedicated Road," which boasts the longest private road for a single company in Japan. On this vast private road where general vehicles cannot enter, giant double-connected trucks with a total length of 40 meters come and go, and the scale is overwhelming. On the tour, you can observe the backstage of the infrastructure that supported Japan's high economic growth up close, such as giant bridges spanning the sea and massive...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iwakawa Hataten (Flags)

Iwakawa Hataten (Flags)

A traditional "Tairyo-bata" (big catch flag) dyer in the Hagi castle town that has continued since the Meiji era. Conveying the techniques of the vibrant flags fishermen once hoisted to celebrate a bountiful catch, each product is hand-dyed, featuring powerful colors and dynamic designs. Inside the shop, modern bags, tenugui towels, and accessories utilizing traditional big catch flag patterns are lined up, and they are highly evaluated by international tourists as "Japanese Art." Sometimes you can observe the craftsmen working up close, feeling the beauty of traditional Japanese dyeing and the passion of their craftsmanship. It is the best place...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chogen-no-Sato (Papermaking)

Chogen-no-Sato (Papermaking)

Located in the Tokuji district of Yamaguchi City, "Chogen-no-Sato" is a hands-on theme park recreating a historic village used as a base for rebuilding Todai-ji Temple by the high priest Chogen during the Heian period. Amidst peaceful rural scenery with thatched-roof houses, you can enjoy traditional "Tokuji Washi" papermaking. Under an artisan's guidance, you'll scoop plant fibers and decorate them with seasonal flowers or leaves to create your own postcards or decorative paper, offering a precious chance to feel the delicacy of Japanese handwork. Enveloped by nature's sounds, it's a heartwarming spot where you can touch skills lasting over 800...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Steam Locomotive Yamaguchi

Steam Locomotive Yamaguchi

This is a representative Japanese sightseeing train where the C57 steam locomotive, affectionately known as the "Lady," runs about 63 kilometers from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Tsuwano Station. The sight of it running with a powerful exhaust sound and black smoke is spectacular, and many people gather along the line to catch a glimpse of its brave figure. The passenger cars recreate the retro interiors of the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, and stepping inside makes you feel as if you've slipped back to the golden age of railways. Looking at the peaceful rural scenery and canyon beauty outside the window...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimonoseki Fishing Park

Shimonoseki Fishing Park

A sea fishing park located at the western end of the Kanmon Strait, designed so that everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy fishing safely. Since it is a pier-style facility extending into the sea, you can target various fish throughout the seasons, such as horse mackerel, sea bream, and oval squid, even without a boat. Rental tackle and bait are also available, so you can stop by empty-handed, which is a great point. While feeling the dynamic tidal currents and sea breeze of the Kanmon Strait, the moment you catch a fish is exceptional. It is an ideal spot...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chofu Mori Residence Wind Chime Painting

Chofu Mori Residence Wind Chime Painting

At the "Chofu Mori Residence," a high-grade Japanese architecture once visited by Emperor Meiji, you can experience "Wind Chime Painting" during the summer. Painting your own patterns or messages on transparent glass wind chimes while looking at the beautiful Japanese garden is a quiet, creative time unique to a historic residence. The cool sound of the completed wind chimes will bring a moment of respite to the Japanese summer. Walking through the dignified rooms and corridors of the Mori family, a branch of the Choshu Domain, and leaving your own colors there will become an elegant memory that overlaps history...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Local Treasures

Discover hidden gems loved by locals.

Beppu Benten Pond

Beppu Benten Pond

Located in Mine City, this pond is characterized by an amazingly clear cobalt blue water surface and is selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters. Spring water gushes from the bottom of the pond at a rate of 168 liters per second, and its transparency is so high that the swimming fish look as if they are floating in the air. There is a legend that "if you drink one cup, you live one year longer, and two cups for two years," and anyone can drink it. The pond is surrounded by a quiet forest, making it a...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Unrinji Temple (Cat Temple)

Unrinji Temple (Cat Temple)

Unrin-ji Temple in Hagi City, commonly known as the "Cat Temple," is a unique Buddhist temple that attracts cat lovers from all over the world. Its origin lies in a story of loyalty from the Edo period, where a samurai's pet cat died of grief at its master's grave. Today, the temple grounds are lined with hundreds of wooden cat sculptures and figurines, and you can encounter cute cats wherever you look. In particular, "cat head masks" that you can wear for photos, as well as Goshuin (temple stamps) and charms with cat illustrations, are very popular with international tourists....

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Susa Hornfels

One of the highlights of the Kita-Nagato Coast Quasi-National Park, this is a massive striped rock wall about 15 meters high towering toward the sea. Born from crustal movements tens of millions of years ago and the heat of magma, the geometric cliff where black mudstone and white sandstone overlap alternately is as powerful as witnessing a cross-section of a giant geological layer. The sight of the waves of the Sea of Japan crashing against it is full of dynamism, letting you directly feel the Earth's energy. You can enjoy the overwhelming graphic art drawn by nature while walking on...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
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

Omijima Island

Omijima, referred to as the "Alps of the Sea," is a dynamic scenic spot where cliffs, strange rocks, and sea caves carved by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan over many years continue. It is the highlight of the Kita-Nagato Coast Quasi-National Park, and if you take a sightseeing boat, you can fully enjoy the formative beauty created by nature's fury and mystery up close. Especially beautiful are sea caves like the "Blue Grotto" and the panorama of standing strange rocks. The sea with outstanding transparency is also known as a sanctuary for diving, and you can enjoy...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Irori Sanzoku

This is a restaurant resembling a theme park, with massive traditional folk houses, countless lanterns, and high-flying banners appearing in the mountains. Amidst a lively atmosphere like a festival, the highlight here is devouring "Sanzoku-yaki" (charcoal-grilled chicken) grilled grandly in a hearth and the giant "Sanzoku Musubi" rice ball. In the outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal as if you've slipped back in time to the Edo or Warring States period while feeling the fresh air of nature. It is a sacred place for Yamaguchi Prefecture's youth and families, and its overwhelming visual impact and bold cuisine will surely...

Yamaguchi
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Motoyama Cape Kuguri-iwa

Motoyama Cape Kuguri-iwa

Located at Motoyama Cape at the southern tip of Yamaguchi Prefecture, "Kuguri-iwa" is a natural work of art created over many years by the erosion of the Seto Inland Sea's waves, which carved large holes through the rock. At low tide, you can pass through the holes in the rock, and the blue sea and sky seen from there are as beautiful as a painting contained within a natural frame. At dusk, the sunlight of the setting sun dyes the rock face red, creating an even more mysterious atmosphere. It is also a geologically valuable spot, a hidden gem where...

Yamaguchi
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kanyoji Temple

Kanyoji Temple, located in the mountains of Shunan City, is an ancient temple founded by the Ouchi clan in the Muromachi period, and is a place where you can encounter modern garden art boasting some of the best beauty in Japan. More than 10 gardens with different atmospheres, such as the "Kyokusui Garden" by the world-famous landscape architect Mirei Shigemori, are arranged, and the creative and powerful designs woven by water and stone stimulate the viewer's sensibilities. The clear water drawn from the mountains flowing through the garden, coupled with the surrounding silence, produces the ultimate world of Zen. It...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chofu Castle Town

Chofu Castle Town

Chofu in Shimonoseki City is an atmospheric castle town that has been a stage for history since ancient times. Samurai residences from the Edo period still remain, and walking through the old streets lined with earthen walls makes you feel as if you have slipped back in time to the Edo period. Dotted with spots like Kozanji Temple, which holds a national treasure, and the Chofu Mori Residence with its beautiful garden, you can quietly enjoy the depth of history. Recently, modern cafes and general stores renovating traditional buildings have increased, allowing you to enjoy a city walk that blends...

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mikawa Mu Valley

Mikawa Mu Valley

An adventure park themed after a "Subterranean Kingdom" utilizing a former mine in Iwakuni City. In the vast underground exploration course, stone statues reminiscent of ancient civilizations, mysterious light-ups, and various gimmicks are prepared, allowing both adults and children to enjoy puzzle-solving like explorers. The cave stays at a constant 17 degrees Celsius year-round, making it comfortable regardless of weather. Also, with gold panning experiences, camping facilities, and hot springs attached, you can play all day in nature. It's a popular, excitement-filled spot where you can enjoy Japan's historical mining heritage as entertainment.

Yamaguchi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Yamaguchi City

The prefectural capital located in the center of the prefecture, thriving as a center of politics and culture since the Ouchi clan modeled it after Kyoto during the Muromachi period, earning the nickname "Kyoto of the West." Historical heritages like the "Rurikoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda," a national treasure, and the "Yuda Onsen" district with a history of 800 years are attractive. The cityscape, where historical townscapes and modern culture merge, has a unique elegance and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Blessed with rich nature, you can enjoy seasonal landscapes and Yamaguchi's delicate food culture. It is a city where...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hofu City

Located in the central part of the prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea, this is a city with deep connections to the Imperial Court and the Mori family, thriving as a center of history and culture since ancient times. It is home to "Hofu Tenmangu," Japan's first Tenmangu shrine, and the "Mori Residence and Museum," which tells of the former glory of the Choshu Domain, allowing you to enjoy a variety of historical architecture. The townscape, where traditional salt-making history and modern industrial power coexist, has a unique charm. Facing the calm sea and blessed with warm weather, you can...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Abu Town

A town in the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, rich in nature where the mountains and the sea are close, and primary industries such as agriculture and fishing are active. Facing the Sea of Japan, the "Michi-no-Eki Abu-cho" is famous as the birthplace of Japan's roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki), where you can taste fresh local seafood and "Mutsumi Beef." Also, the "Abu Volcano Group," including the strange rock "Meiwa," is a place where you can feel the wonders of Earth's history, and part of the coastline is designated as a Geopark. With warm hospitality and a nostalgic original Japanese landscape, it...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ube City

Located in the southwestern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Ube City is a "City of Greenery, Flowers, and Sculpture" where industry, art, and nature merge dynamically. It has a powerful history of supporting Japan's modernization as a coal mining town, and today it has a face as an art city where world-class sculpture exhibitions are held. From "Industrial Tourism," where you can see double-connected trucks going back and forth on giant dedicated roads, to "Tokiwa Park," where you can meet rare plants and animals, the highlights are diverse. Additionally, the beautiful coastline facing the Seto Inland Sea and gourmet food using...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sanyo-Onoda City

Sanyo-Onoda City

Sanyo-Onoda City is a city that stimulates intellectual curiosity, where "industrial heritage" and "glass art" that supported Japan's modernization live on. Historical buildings like the "Tokuri-gama," Japan's oldest bottle-shaped cement kiln, remain to tell the story of the passion for craftsmanship at that time. In recent years, it has become known as a city of glass crafts, where you can touch world-class glass art primarily at the "Kirara Glass Future Hall." On the coast, there is "Yakeno Coast," selected as one of the "Top 100 Sunsets in Japan," where you can enjoy a resort atmosphere with meals against a backdrop...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimonoseki City

Shimonoseki City

Located at the westernmost tip of Honshu and flourishing as a gateway to Kyushu, Shimonoseki City is a "city of history and straits" surrounded by sea on three sides. Historical spots from the Genpei War and the Meiji Restoration are dotted throughout the city, letting you encounter stories of Japan's turning points as you walk. Additionally, "Karato Market," where you can enjoy fresh seafood starting with "fugu" (pufferfish)—of which Shimonoseki boasts the highest handling volume in Japan—is a sanctuary for international food lovers. Dynamic scenery such as the Kanmon Bridge spanning the strait, the underwater pedestrian tunnel, and coastlines with...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hagi City

Known as the "Birthplace of the Fetal Movements of the Meiji Restoration," Hagi City is a historic city that is like an open-air museum. It is said that Edo-period maps can still be used today because the castle town streets, samurai residences, and white-walled storehouses are preserved in perfect form, and it is also registered as a World Heritage site. By visiting historic sites like Shoka Sonjuku, which produced patriots of the end of the Edo period, you can feel firsthand the passion of the young people who accomplished Japan's modernization. Also attractive is touring the kilns of "Hagi-yaki" pottery,...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagato City

Nagato City, located in the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a city attractive for its dynamic coastline facing the Sea of Japan and rich food culture. Not to mention world-famous breathtaking views like "Motonosumi Shrine" and "Tsunoshima Bridge," it also offers abundant gourmet food such as fresh seafood caught at Senzaki Port and "Nagato Yakitori," which is said to be number one in Japan. Additionally, it has the charm of Nagato Yumoto Onsen with 600 years of history and the atmosphere of being the hometown of nursery rhyme poet Misuzu Kaneko, showing different expressions in every place you visit....

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shunan City

Shunan City, located in the central part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a dynamic city where Japan's largest "factory night view" and calm nature in the mountains coexist. At night, the industrial complex along the Seto Inland Sea transforms into a sea of light that looks like scattered jewels, and the cruise experience viewed from a ship gives an extraordinary feeling as if you've wandered into a science fiction movie. On the other hand, in the northern part, there are beautiful terraced rice fields, hot spring areas, and old temples, where you can also touch traditional Japanese life. In addition, you...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yanai City

Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Yanai City is a charming town known for its "White-walled District" that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. In the streets lined with white-walled storehouses and merchant houses extending for about 200 meters, cute "Goldfish Lanterns" hanging under the eaves sway and color your walk. Traditional craftsmanship, such as soy sauce brewing and weaving, still lives on and is reflected in the many facilities where you can actually try these crafts. Away from the city hustle, you can enjoy a calm journey touching the old streets of Japan and the warmth of handwork while...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iwakuni City

Located in the eastern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Iwakuni City is a charming city where history, nature, and tradition coexist, symbolized by the "Kintai Bridge," one of Japan's three most famous bridges. Starting from the Kintai Bridge with its beautiful five-arched curves, there are surprises and discoveries at every step, such as Iwakuni Castle atop the mountain, the castle town where samurai residences remain, and the "White Snakes" considered messengers of God. Also, local specialties like "Iwakuni Sushi" (square sushi), sweetfish from the clear Nishiki River, and local sake are exquisite. The four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, cormorant...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mine City

Located in the center of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Mine City is a town of "Stories of the Earth" where you can directly feel the Earth's pulse. Its greatest appeal lies in the majestic natural landscapes created over hundreds of millions of years, such as "Akiyoshidai," one of Japan's largest karst plateaus, and "Akiyoshido," the top limestone cave in the East. Touring the karst plateau, where white rocks look like a flock of sheep, by driving or hiking makes you feel like you are traveling through the Earth's history. Also, with spots like the mysterious cobalt blue "Beppu Benten Pond" and fossil...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Located at the western tip of Honshu, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a treasure trove of breathtaking views surrounded by the sea on three sides. Photogenic landscapes such as the Tsunoshima Bridge stretching across the clear blue sea, the Motonosumi Shrine with its 123 red torii gates, and the mysterious Akiyoshido limestone cave are drawing attention from all over the world. The prefecture is steeped in deep history and culture, including Yamaguchi City, which once flourished as the "Kyoto of the West," and the castle town of Hagi, which strongly retains the atmosphere of the samurai era. Additionally, the gourmet food of...

Yamaguchi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

View Spots in Yamaguchi