one of the best things about Japan is that it’s bursting with places to see and things to do wherever you go. It’s expected when it concerns global tourism favorites like Osaka and Tokyo. but even destinations that are practically unheard of among international tourists also have so much to offer. case in point: Yamaguchi.
Punctuating the southwestern suggestion of Honshu Island, Yamaguchi Prefecture is often overlooked in favor of its much more recognizable neighbors — Fukuoka to the south and Hiroshima to the north. many travelers coming from Fukuoka airport on their way to Hiroshima typically just breeze through it without giving it a second look. This is why Yamaguchi often surprises visitors.
The prefecture’s history has a strong link to the samurai ruling class. Today, it is one of the most industrialized prefectures in the country. It attracts tourists to its lush natural parks, coasts, and cultural sites. the most popular destinations are Yamaguchi City, Shimonoseki, Iwakuni, Hagi City, and the Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park.
If you are adding Yamaguchi in your itinerary, here are some of the things to do and places to visit.
Cosa è coperto da questa guida?
1. Motonosumi Inari Shrine
2. Tsunoshima Bridge
3. Tsunoshima Island
4. Kintai Bridge
5. Iwakuni Castle
6. Iwakuni Sushi
7. 100 flavors of ice cream at Musashi
8. Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park
9. Yudaonsen
10. Hagi Castle Town
11. Ruriko-ji Temple
12. Irori Sanzoku
13. Karato Fish Market
14. Akama-Jinju Shrine
15. Kawara Soba
More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:
1. Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Adorning the coast of Yuyatsuo in the coastal city of Nagato in the north, Motonosumi Inari Shrine is included in CNN Travel’s list of “31 many beautiful places in Japan.”. Its many striking feature is the path of red torii gates leading to the coast and the rock formations below. The contrasting deep red color of the conventional torii gates against the green woods and the blue waters of the Sea of Japan is a sight to behold.
The construction of the shrine started in 1987, forming a tunnel of 123 torii gates crawling from the hilltop entrance down the rocky coast. but the most noteworthy of them all is the tallest one with an offertory box perched high above. visitors believe that their wish will be given if they successfully toss a coin into the box.
Another attraction in the vicinity is the Ryūgū Wave Splash, just a few meters from the last torii gate at the base.
Location: 498 Yuyatsuo, Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759-4712, Japan
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily). Basically, the shrine is open from sunrise to sunset, so hours miht differ.
Admission: FREE
Nearest Station: Nagato-Furuichi station or Hitomaru Station. note that you might need to hail a taxi because access to the shrine through public bus is very challenging and limited.
Official Website: www.motonosumi.com
2. Tsunoshima Bridge
On the northwest coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, a beautiful bridge stretches 1,780 meters over Amagaseto Strait, connecting the mainland to Tsunoshima Island, a resort island off the coast of Shimonoseki. Curving slightly to avoid the spot occupied by a small uninhabited island (Hato Island), the bridge is hailed as the second-longest in Japan.
Officially opened in November 2000, the bridge starts at Hōhoku in Shimonoseki. Both ends of the bridge are adorned by parks — Amagase Park in Shimonoseki and Sezakiyono Park on Tsunoshima Island.
Although tourists cannot cross the bridge on foot, the beautiful drive is one of its draws aside from the attractions on the island. Amagase Park in Shimonoseki features the Tsunoshima Observatory and other viewpoints.
Location: Hohokucho Oaza Tsunoshima, Shimonoseki, 〒759-5332 Yamaguchi, Japan
Nearest Station/Stop: Shimonoseki Station, Takibe Station, hotel Nishinagato Bus Stop
3. Tsunoshima Island
Situated northwest off the coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, the island is under the jurisdiction of Shimonoseki and is part of the Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park. before the construction of the Tsunoshima Bridge, the island was linked to the mainland by ferry. The bridge contributed mostly to the island’s tourism industry by making it a lot simpler to access.
Some of the Tsunoshima Island’s points of interest are Shiokaze Cobalt Blue Beach, Tsunoshima Ohama Beach, Tsunoshimaohama camping Ground, Tsunoshima Lighthouse, Makizakikazeno Park, and other parks.
The island is also a popular film and ad shooting location. camping and sports fishing are some of the common activities on the island.
Location: Hohokucho Oaza Tsunoshima, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 759-5332, Japan
Nearest Station/Stop: Shimonoseki Station, Takibe Station, Kottoi Station, Tsunoshima Bus Stop
4. Kintai Bridge
Originally constructed in 1673 leading to the main gate of Iwakuni Castle, the Kintai Bridge is one of the most amazing historic landmarks in Yamaguchio.
Part of the Kikkou Park, the bridge stretches about 200 meters in length and crosses over Nishiki River. It is well-known for its series of five wooden arches supported by four stone piers and two wooden piers on each end of the bridge. It underwent several reconstruction over the years. It was recognized as a national Treasure in 1922.
Kikkou Park is a popular hanami (flower viewing) spot during the cherry blossom season and momiji (Japanese maples) seeing destination during the autumn season.
Location: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0062, Japan
Opening Hours: Bridge 24/7; Ticket booth 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Summer), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Winter). If you visit outside the ticket booth operating hours, kindly drop your payment in the toll/ticket box provided. note that the opening schedule might change, so check for updates and announcements prior to your visit.
Admission: ¥310 (Adults), ¥150 (Children)
Nearest Station/Stop: Nishi-Iwakuni Station, Iwakuni Station, Kintaikyo Bus Stop
Official Website: www.kintaikyo.iwakuni-city.net
5. Castello di Iwakuni
Also part of the Kikkou Park, Iwakuni Castle is nestled on mount Yokoyama, overlooking the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Commissioned by Kikkawa Hiroie to serve as his official residence, the original castle was completed in 1608. However, it was demolished in 1615 following the Tokugawa Shogunate’s policy of “one castle per province.”
The current four-story structure dates back to 1962. The castle also hosts a collection of samurai-related artifacts.
From Kikkou Park, you can reach the castle either on foot or through ropeway.
Location: 3 Chome Yokoyama, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0081, Japan
Opening Hours: Castle 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM (Daily); Ropeway 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily), closed (Inspection/Maintenance Day). note that the opening schedule might change, so check for updates and announcements prior to your visit.
Admission: ¥270 (Adults), ¥120 (Children)
Nearest Station/Stop: Nishi-Iwakuni Station, Iwakuni Station, Kintaikyo Bus Stop
Official Website: www.kankou.iwakuni-city.net
6. Iwakuni Sushi.
While in the Kikkou Park area, don’t miss Iwakuni’s popular specialty dish — Iwakuni sushi. In form, this layered pressed sushi (oshizushi) looks like a savory cake.
There may be variations but the original basic ingredients are sushi rice, Iwakuni Renkon lotus root, denbu (or fresh fish), thinly sliced eggs, and mushrooms. These ingredients are then pressed together using a wooden sushi mold. The sushi is served by slicing the “sushi cake” into small pieces by layer.
It’s sold and served at restaurants and stalls in Kikkou Park, particularly around the Kintai Bridge area.
7. 100 sapori di gelato a Musashi
WARNING: This is not for the indecisive! but if you have so much time on your hands, then delight in browsing through the menu boards for the ice cream flavor that will catch your interest.
You may opt for the classic flavors or the odd one if you are feeling bold. A hundred flavor of ice cream might be a bit overwhelming, right? Nessun problema! There are lists of ice cream flavors grouped by category: bestsellers, seasonal limited flavors, special flavors, and new flavors. Flavors are also categorized per ice cream base: fruit-based, tea-based, and more.
Musashi Ice cream is located at the other end of the Kintai Bridge. look for the second establishment to your left facing Kikkou Park. The price range for the regular flavor soft-serve ice cream is ¥200 – ¥400.
Location: 2 Chome-1-23 Yokoyama, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0081, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday, Wednesday – Sunday); closed (Tuesdays). note that opening hours might vary and change without prior notice.
Price Range: ¥200 – ¥400 (Regular Flavors)
8. Akiyoshidai Quasi-Park National
Established in 1955, the Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park is a protected area covering about 45 square kilometers of karst plateau and large grassland.
The park’s many well-known feature is the Akiyoshidō, the longest cave in Japan and one of the longest in Asia. The cave spans practically nine kilometers in length,; however, only about one kilometer is available to the public for sightseeing. The cave trip entails traversing a walkway and bridge system and an synthetic elevator. inside are dozens of rock formations that can capture your imagination.
Aside from Akiyoshidō, there are over 400 much more limestone caves in the park. The park also includes the Akiyoshidai Groundwater System, which was declared as a Ramsar site and wetland of international importance. There are several hiking routes within the park leading to beautiful spots. There’s a visitor center, the park headquarters, a natural history museum, a rest house, and a youth hostel. The park is managed by the local prefectural government.
Highlights: Akiyoshidō, Akiyoshidai Karst Lookout, Akiyoshidai Eastern (Chōjagaminé) seeing Platform, Kanzan, Chōjagamori, Jigokudai, Kaerimizu, Karst Road, Mt. Wakatake, Mt. Nishinonishi
Location: Mine,Yamaguchi 754-0602, Giappone
Orari di apertura: area generale del parco 24/7; Akiyoshidai Informazioni sui viaggiatori Centro 8:30 AM – 17:00; Akiyoshidō 8:30 AM – 17:30 PM (marzo – novembre), 8:30 – 16:30 PM (dicembre a febbraio). Si noti che il programma di apertura potrebbe cambiare, quindi verificare gli aggiornamenti e gli annunci prima della vostra visita.
Ammissione: Akiyoshidō ¥ 1.300; General Park Area GRATIS. Puoi esplorare da solo o puoi prenotare uno dei viaggi se vuoi essere accompagnato da una guida locale. Le tariffe si applicano per visite guidate.
Stazione / arresto più vicina: terminal bus Akiyoshidō, stazione della miniera. Se non sei un fan di passeggiate e escursioni, puoi salutare un taxi carsico che opera nel parco.
Sito ufficiale: www.akiyoshidai-park.com
9. Yudaonsen.
La cultura onsen (naturale caldo primavera) è forte in Giappone. È una delle dogane che definisce che i locali praticano ancora religiosamente. L’esperienza può essere scioccante ai primi timer, ma per la gente del posto, è un modo di vivere.
I bagni onsen sono incredibilmente ben noti per i loro benefici per la salute. Ci sono varie città e villaggi onsen in Giappone, ma questo a Yamaguchi ha uno sfondo mistico. Secondo le leggende, una volpe bianca riguardava il santuario di Kumano e ha immerso la sua zampa ferita nello stagno del Santuario e alla fine guarita.
Oggi il distretto Yudaonsen nella città di Yamaguchi è disseminato di statue di volpe e imprese a tema volpe come ristoranti, souvenir e altro ancora. La stazione di Yudaonsen è dominata da un’enorme statua della volpe bianca per celebrare il simbolo del distretto. I bagni naturali della molla sono noti per le sue acque alcaline. Ci sono numerosi stabilimenti Onsen nel distretto, ma è anche fornito da ryokans e hotel.
Se sei troppo timido da provare, scegli una delle sei strutture totalmente gratuite del bagno.
Ubicazione: Yudaonsen, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Giappone
Stazione più vicina: stazione di Yudaonsen
10. HAGI Castle Town
Hagi era una castella affluente durante il periodo Edo. È sede del clan Mori, uno dei clan più popolari e potenti in Giappone durante quel periodo. I signori Mori governarono il Giornata attuale Yamaguchi per oltre 250 anni. Il castello di Hagi funge da residenza ufficiale dei Signori. I giardini del castello servivano anche come sede dei samurai, dei mercanti e degli artigiani.
Oggi la città di Hagi trasmette ancora l’atmosfera convenzionale della vecchia città del castello. L’ex castello fu costruito ai piedi di una collina (Mount Shizukiyama), adiacente alla spiaggia di Kikugahama ai margini della città. Solo le rovine del castello rimangono sul sito oggi, mentre la città del castello nel centro della città oggi era la zona in cui si sistemò i Samurai e i Comincianti. La città del castello sfoggia strutture ben conservate come vecchie case mercantili e ex palazzi samurai.
Highlights: Castle Rovins, Kikugahama Beach, Edoya Yokocho, Kuchiba Residence, Kubota Residence, Kido Takayoshi Residence, Kikuya Residence, Museo di Hagi e altri musei, Tempio Enseiji
Posizione: 1 chome, 呉服 町 hagi, yamaguchi 758-0072, Giappone
Stazione più vicina: stazione di Higashi-Hagi. Dalla stazione, puoi guidare il Bus Maru o andare lì a piedi, che ti porterà circa 30 minuti. Se ti trovi in bicicletta, puoi esplorare Hagi affittando una bicicletta alla stazione.
11. Tempio Ruriko-Ji
Risalente alla fine del XV secolo, Ruriko-Ji è una delle principali attrazioni di Yamaguchi. Il tempio buddista vanta una pagoda a cinque piani, salutata come una delle tre migliori pagode in Giappone.
La pagoda è la struttura più antica all’interno dei terreni del tempio, esistenti già anche prima della fondazione del tempio come istituzione. Il complesso comprende la sala principale, un campanile, un museo e un magazzino del tempio.
Ruriko-Jo si trova all’interno del Kozan Park, che ospita anche il sito di sepoltura del clan Mori e la casa da tè storicamente significativa, Chinryutei.
Ubicazione: 7-1 Kozancho, Yamaguchi, 753-0081, Giappone
Orari di apertura: terreno del tempio 24 ore su 24, 7 giorni su 7; Pagoda 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (quotidianamente). Si noti che il programma di apertura potrebbe cambiare, quindi controlla gli aggiornamenti e gli annunci prima di te