Yamaguchi recommended by local Japanese | Travel Guide 2024 | Sightseeing & Local delicacy

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Explore Yamaguchi Prefecture, ranked third by The New York Times for 2024, with a guide to its spectacular scenic spots, unique cultural experiences, and must-try local delicacies like fugu and kawara soba.

32 places · 3 experiences

1
Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge
Bridge · Shimonoseki
4.7 (8,907)Closed
Creator's voice
A popular spot for scenic drives, this bridge connects to Tsunoshima island, known for its highly transparent seawater that shifts through shades of marine blue, cobalt blue, and emerald green. It's a perfect photo spot, especially on a sunny summer day, with the contrast of the blue ocean, white road, and green island. You can also enjoy cycling or walking across the bridge, feeling the sea breeze.
Tsunoshima Bridge, Hohokucho Oaza Kanda, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 759-5331, Japan
2
Tsunoshima Lighthouse
Heritage preservation · Shimonoseki
4.2Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Located on Tsunoshima island, this lighthouse can be climbed for panoramic views. The island also features a church, shallow beach, and campgrounds popular for swimming and camping in summer.
Tsunoshima Lighthouse, 1 Hohokucho Oaza Tsunoshima, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 759-5332, Japan
3
Motonosumi Shrine
Shinto shrine
4.2
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Selected as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan by CNN in 2015, this shrine is famous for its row of 123 red torii gates contrasting beautifully with the blue Sea of Japan and green vegetation. It's a power spot where wishes are said to come true if you throw money into a 6-meter-high money box at the top of the large torii gate.
Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4712
- Ryugu no Shiofuki (Sea Spout) — If you're lucky, you can witness the 'Ryugu no Shiofuki' sea spout near the front torii gate, where seawater rises about 30 meters high from the rocky area.
4
Kiwa La Beach
Beach · Ube
4.0 (163)
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Known as the 'Salar de Uyuni of Japan,' this spectacular beach offers resort-like scenery. On a windless day, the sky and setting sun reflect on the mirror-like surface of the tide pools, creating a fantastic view. A vast 2 km wide sandbar can be crossed on foot. It's a 10-minute walk from Kiwa Station and popular for clam digging from late April to early May.
Japan, 〒755-0241 Yamaguchi, Ube, Higashikiwa, 字鹿の前54番地−３キワ・ラ・ビーチ（岐波海水浴場）
5
Akiyoshidai National Park
National park · Mine
4.3Closed
Expansive grassland with a network of hiking routes, limestone formations & vast underground caves.
Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, Mine, Yamaguchi 754-0602, Japan
6
Akiyoshido Cave
Scenic spot · Mine
4.4 (3)Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Located beneath Akiyoshidai, this is one of Japan's largest limestone caves, approximately 11.2 km long (with a 1 km tourist route). The temperature inside remains a comfortable 17°C year-round, making it cool in summer and warm in winter. Visitors can explore natural formations and access the cave via an elevator.
Akiyoshido Cave, 3506-2 Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, Yamaguchi 754-0511, Japan
7
Omi Island
Island · Nagato
4.4 (88)
Creator's voice
A representative scenic spot of Kita-Nagato Kaigan National Park, also known as the 'Alps on the Sea.' It features a 16 km stretch of cliffs, caves, stone pillars, and reefs. You can enjoy the scenery from the sea on a sightseeing boat or from land via the Omi Island nature path, which extends 1.9 km with interpretive signs. It's also a popular diving spot with high underwater transparency and diverse marine life.
Omi Island, Nagato, Yamaguchi, Japan
8
Shunan Factory Night View
Bridge · Shunan
3.9 (231)Closed
Shunan Bridge, Shunan, Yamaguchi 746-0006, Japan
9
Harumi Park
Park · Shunan
2.8 (19)Closed
Harumi Park, 13-38 Chikkocho, Shunan, Yamaguchi 745-0025, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Special Buddhist Image Viewing at Rurikoji
During the pagoda's renovation, you can experience a special viewing of the seated Amida Nyorai and Yoshihiro Ouchi statues, normally withheld from public view. These are temporarily moved to the temple hall, a valuable and rare opportunity as the Amida Nyorai statue has been relocated only once before in the temple's records.
10
Rurikoji Temple
Buddhist temple · Yamaguchi
4.4 (3,374)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
A grand, 5-story pagoda anchors this 15th-century Buddhist temple with an elaborate garden.
Rurikoji Temple, 7-1 Kozancho, Yamaguchi, 753-0081, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Engrave Your Name on a National Treasure Pagoda Roof Tile
As part of the pagoda's complete roof renovation, you can write your wishes and name on the hinoki bark pieces used for the roof. These pieces are then carefully stacked layer by layer and secured with bamboo nails. It's a rare chance to leave a commemoration on a national treasure during its first major renovation in about 70 years. The fee is ¥10,000 per bunch of hinoki bark, which cannot be taken home.
10
Rurikoji Temple
Buddhist temple · Yamaguchi
4.4 (3,374)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
A grand, 5-story pagoda anchors this 15th-century Buddhist temple with an elaborate garden.
Rurikoji Temple, 7-1 Kozancho, Yamaguchi, 753-0081, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Witness Rurikoji Pagoda Renovation Live
At the Rurikoji Museum, you can view live video of the renovation work happening inside the covered pagoda. This offers a realistic impression of the traditional techniques being used, right next to you. You can also watch a video showing the internal structure of the tower, witnessing these historical moments firsthand.
11
Rurikoji Museum
Buddhist temple · Yamaguchi
4.4 (3,374)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
A grand, 5-story pagoda anchors this 15th-century Buddhist temple with an elaborate garden.
Rurikoji Temple, 7-1 Kozancho, Yamaguchi, 753-0081, Japan
12
Senjojiki
Scenic spot · Nagato
4.1 (282)
Sweeping views across the Sea of Japan from a green hilltop, plus a popular campsite.
Senjojiki, 北山-1138-1 Hekinaka, Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4402, Japan
13
Susa Hornfels
Scenic spot · Hagi
4.3 (961)Closed
Creator's voice
Created 14 million years ago by magma's heat, this 12-meter-high cliff features beautiful stripes of black and light gray rocks. It's recognized as one of Japan's 100 best geological sites and a Japanese landscape heritage site. A promenade is maintained around the cliffs, and a sightseeing boat operates for a limited period.
Japan, 〒759-3411 Yamaguchi, Hagi, Susa, 高山 Susa Hornfels, 北海岸
14
Kintai Bridge
Bridge · Iwakuni
4.3Closed
200-meter wooden span comprising 5 arches with ornate timberwork, dating to 1673 & since rebuilt.
Kintaikyo Bridge, 2 Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0062, Japan
15
Kaikyokan
Aquarium · Shimonoseki
4.3 (110)Closed · opens Monday 9:30 AM
Modern aquarium featuring many species of pufferfish, a dolphin show & a tunnel tank with penguins.
Kaikyokan, 6-1 Arcaport, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0036, Japan
16
Hofu Tenmangu Shrine
Shinto shrine · Hofu
4.3 (4,082)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
The first Tenmangu Shrine in Japan, it worships Sugawara no Michizane as the god of learning, alongside Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto and Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka. The shrine hosts the Hatsumode New Year's visit, the Ume (Japanese apricot) Festival in early spring, and the Gojin-no-Matsuri Festival in November, known as one of Western Japan's roughest festivals. It also has a tea ceremony room and a history museum.
Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, 14-1 Matsuzakicho, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0029, Japan
17
Xavier Memorial Cathedral
Catholic church · Yamaguchi
4.1 (557)Closed · opens Tuesday 10 AM
Rebuilt modernist church, with exhibits on the journeys of 16th-century Jesuit, Francis Xavier.
Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church, 4-1 Kameyamacho, Yamaguchi, 753-0089, Japan
18
Beppu Benten Pond
Scenic spot · Mine
4.4 (244)Closed
Creator's voice
A beautiful cobalt blue spring pond found in the karst region, mainly used for domestic water and trout farming. Legend says that those who drink its water will be blessed with wealth and long life. The water is rich in calcium and bicarbonate, with a calcium content of 20 PPM, considered perfect for the human mouth.
Beppu Benten Pond, 1578 Shuhocho Beppu, Mine, Yamaguchi 754-0603, Japan
19
Yuda Onsen
onsen · Yamaguchi
Yudaonsen, Yamaguchi, 753-0056, Japan
20
Nagato Yumoto Onsen
onsen · Nagato
Nagato Yumoto Onsen, Fukawayumoto, Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4103, Japan
21
Tokuyama Onsen
onsen · Shunan
4.3 (3)
Tokuyama Domain was a feudal domain under the Tokugawa shogunate of Edo period Japan, in what is now southeastern Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Tokuyama, Shunan, Yamaguchi 745-0851, Japan
22
Kawatana Onsen
onsen · Shimonoseki
Kawatana Onsen, Toyouracho Oaza Kawatana, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 759-6301, Japan
- Kawara Soba (Fried Soba Noodles on Roof Tiles) — A popular staple of Yamaguchi Prefecture, this dish features flavorful choba green tea soba noodles served on a hot kawara tile, topped with ingredients like broiled egg and sweet and spicy beef. The sizzling soba is dipped in a thick sauce. Baked on a nearly 300°C tile, the choba is chewy on top and crunchy on the bottom, staying warm throughout. Add lemon slices or grated radish with chili pepper for a refreshing taste.
23
Yuno Onsen
Onsen · Yamaguchi
3.7 (952)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Onsen no mori, 4 Chome-7-17 Yudaonsen, Yamaguchi, 753-0056, Japan
24
Karato Market
Seafood market · Shimonoseki
4.1 (778)Open · until 3 PM
Creator's voice
Famous for its fugu blowfish, this market hosts the 'Ikiiki Bakangai' food stall event every weekend (Friday through Sunday) and on holidays. You can taste fugu sashimi, nigiri sushi, seafood rice bowls, and miso soup made with fresh ingredients at affordable prices on the spot. Early morning visitors can also observe the actual auction.
Karato Fish Market, 5-50 Karatocho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0005, Japan
- Fugu (Pufferfish) — Yamaguchi Prefecture is the home region for fugu, a fascinating luxury fish. You can easily find restaurants serving fugu for lunch as sashimi, fried fish set meals, or rice bowls, and even on izakaya snack menus at reasonable prices. It's so common that fugu sashimi is sold in supermarket fresh fish sections. Many tourists visit Yamaguchi just to experience authentic fugu.
25
Asahi Shuzo (Dassai Brewery)
Sake brewery · Iwakuni
4.2 (1,474)Open · until 5 PM
Shutomachi Osogoe
Dassai Inc., 2167-4 Shutomachi Osogoe, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 742-0422, Japan
- Dassai Sake — Dassai, brewed by Asahi Shuzo, is one of Japan's most famous sake brands, highly regarded domestically and internationally. The company focuses on producing sake to be savored, not just drunk. Their Junmai Daiginjo pure sake is made with a rice polishing ratio of less than 50%, using a revolutionary year-round production method. Brewery tours with Dassai tasting are recommended (reservations required).
26
Toyo Bijin Sake Brewery
Sake brewery · Hagi
4.4 (67)Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Sumikawa Sake Brewery Inc., 611 Nakaogawa, Hagi, Yamaguchi 759-3203, Japan
- Toyo Bijin Sake — Founded in 1921, Toyo Bijin Sake Brewery produces only one brand, Toyo Bijin, named by the first-generation head in memory of his late wife. It's an excellent sake loved by locals for its rich rice flavor, refreshing acidity, and lingering taste. It has become one of Japan's leading sake brands, even selected as the official sake of the FIFA World Cup South Africa.
27
Muju Hyo Brewery
醸造所 · Yamaguchi
Open · until 5 PM
Japan, 〒754-1277 Yamaguchi, Ajisu, 居蔵クラフト
- Muju Sake — Muju, produced by Muju Hyo Brewery (founded 1764) since 2015, is a vintage sake designed to be aged for a long time at home, overturning conventional sake wisdom. It's attracting global attention as a rice wine that becomes richer with age, with market prices reaching around $8,500 per bottle in Dubai and New York. In Yamaguchi Prefecture, it's exclusively sold at Yamaguchi Isetan.
28
Yamaguchi Isetan
department-store · Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi is the capital city of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2023, the city had an estimated population of 191,470 in 88,799 households and a population density of 190 persons per km². The total area of the city is 1,023.23 square kilometres.
Yamaguchi, Japan
29
Shin-Yamaguchi Station
Train station · Yamaguchi
3.8 (471)
Shin-Yamaguchi Station, 1-chome-2-１ Ogorireiwa, Yamaguchi, 754-0041, Japan
- SL Yamaguchi Steam Locomotive Ride — The SL Yamaguchi is the only steam locomotive remaining in JR West Japan, making one round trip daily from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Tsuwano Station. This 2-hour, 62.9 km journey offers a time-travel experience with its retro decor. Car 3 has interactive spaces for children, including a coal pitching game and a driving simulator with real images.
30
Tsuwano Station
Train station · Tsuwano
4.2 (346)
Tsuwano Station, Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane 699-5605, Japan
31
Nishiki-cho Station
Train station · Iwakuni
4.0 (126)
Nishikichō Station, Nishikimachihirose, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 740-0724, Japan
- Takao Train Ride — The Takao train is a cute, ladybug-themed trolley train that runs slowly for about 40 minutes on a 6 km local line in Iwakuni City, from Nishiki-cho Station to Kawanishi Station. Passengers can enjoy the great nature of the Usagawa River Basin and the fantastic sparkling dream tunnel.
32
Kawanishi Station
Train station · Iwakuni
3.2 (71)
Kawanishi Station, 2-chōme-8 Kawanishi, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0082, Japan