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.
Qu’est-ce qui est couvert dans ce guide?
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
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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.
Frais d’admission
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 Yamaguchje.
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. Iwakuni Castle
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 flavors of ice cream at 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? Pas de soucis! 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-National Park
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, Japon
Heures d’ouverture: Zone du parc général 24/7; Akiyoshidai Voyageur Info Centre de 8h30 à 17h00; Akiyoshidō 8 h 30 à 17 h 30 (mars – novembre), de 8h30 à 16h30 (décembre – février). Notez que le calendrier d’ouverture pourrait changer, alors recherchez des mises à jour et des annonces avant votre visite.
Admission: Akiyoshidōō ¥ 1 300; Général Park Zone libre. Vous pouvez explorer vous-même ou vous pouvez réserver l’un des voyages si vous souhaitez être accompagné d’un guide local. Les frais s’appliquent aux visites guidées.
Station la plus proche / Arrêt: terminal de bus Akiyoshidō, la gare. Si vous n’êtes pas un fan de marche et de randonnée, vous pouvez grêler un taxi karst qui fonctionne dans le parc.
Site officiel: www.akiyoshidai-park.com
9. yudaonsen
Onsen (printemps chaude naturelle) est fort au Japon. C’est l’une des coutumes déterminantes que les habitants pratiquent encore religieusement. L’expérience peut être choquante pour les première fois, mais pour les habitants, c’est un mode de vie.
Onsen Baths sont incroyablement connus pour leurs avantages pour la santé. Il y a diverses villes et villages d’Onsen au Japon, mais celui-ci à Yamaguchi a un fond mystique. Selon les légendes, un renard blanc concernait le sanctuaire de Kumano et trempa sa patte blessée dans l’étang du sanctuaire et éventuellement guéri.
Aujourd’hui, le quartier Yudaonsen de la ville de Yamaguchi est jonché de statues de renard et d’entreprises à thème Fox tels que les restaurants, les souvenirs et plus encore. La gare de Yudaonsen est dominée par une énorme statue du renard blanc pour célébrer le symbole du district. Les bains de printemps naturels sont connus pour ses eaux alcalines. Il existe de nombreux établissements d’Onsen dans le district, mais il est également fourni par des ryokains et des hôtels.
Si vous êtes trop timide pour essayer, choisissez l’une des six installations de bain de pieds totalement libres à la place.
Lieu: Yudaonsen, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japon
Station la plus proche: Station Yudaonsen
10. Town Castle Hagi
Hagi était une affluent Castletown pendant la période EDO. C’est le siège du clan Mori, l’un des clans les plus populaires et les plus puissants au Japon au cours de cette période. Les seigneurs Mori ont dominé le jour de la journée Yamaguchi depuis plus de 250 ans. Le château de Hagi sert de résidence officielle des seigneurs. Les terrains du château servaient également à la maison des Samouraïs, des marchands et des artisans.
Aujourd’hui, la ville de Hagi dégage toujours l’ambiance conventionnelle de l’ancienne ville du château. L’ancien château a été construit au pied d’une colline (mont Shizukiyama), adjacent à la plage de Kikugahama au bord de la ville. Seules les ruines du château restent sur le site aujourd’hui, tandis que la ville du château du centre-ville était aujourd’hui la région où les samouraïs et les roturiers se sont installés. La ville du château affiche des structures bien préservées telles que les vieilles maisons marchands et les anciens manoirs de Samouraïs.
Faits saillants: Château Ruines, Plage de Kikugahama, Edoya Yokocho, Résidence de Kuchiba, Residence Kubota, Résidence Kido Takayoshi, Résidence Kikuya, Musée Hagi et autres musées, Temple Enseiji
Lieu: 1 Chome, 呉服 Hagi, Yamaguchi 758-0072, Japon
Station la plus proche: station de Higashi-Hagi. Depuis la gare, vous pouvez monter dans le bus Maru ou y aller à pied, ce qui vous prendra environ 30 minutes. Si vous êtes au cyclisme, vous pouvez explorer Hagi en louant un vélo à la gare.
11. Temple Ruriko-Ji
Rencontrer à la fin du 15ème siècle, Ruriko-Ji est l’une des principales attractions de Yamaguchi. Le temple bouddhiste possède une pagode de cinq étages, saluée comme l’un des trois plus grands pagodes au Japon.
La pagode est la structure la plus ancienne dans les terrains du temple, déjà déjà avant la fondation du temple en tant qu’institution. Le complexe englobe la salle principale, une clochette, un musée et un magasin de temple.
Ruriko-Jo est situé dans le parc de Kozan, qui abrite également le site de l’inhumation de Mori Clan et la maison de thé historiquement importante, Chinryei.
Lieu: 7-1 Kozancho, Yamaguchi, 753-0081, Japon
Heures d’ouverture: Temple Terrain 24/7; Pagoda de 9h00 à 17h00 (quotidiennement). Notez que le calendrier d’ouverture pourrait changer, alors vérifiez les mises à jour et les annonces précédentes.