Yamaguchi Travel Recommendations

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located in the western part of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and cultural heritage. The prefecture is famous for its hot springs, beautiful gardens, and scenic coastline. Its capital is Yamaguchi City, which is also the largest city in the prefecture.

Getting to Yamaguchi from Tokyo

Getting to Yamaguchi from Tokyo is easy, with several options available. The quickest and most convenient way is by plane, with regular flights departing from Haneda Airport to Yamaguchi Ube Airport. Alternatively, you can take the shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Yamaguchi Station, which takes around 4 hours. You can also drive or take a bus, although these options take longer and are less convenient.

The best time to visit Yamaguchi

The best time to visit Yamaguchi is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Spring, from March to May, is the perfect time to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, while autumn, from September to November, offers breathtaking views of the autumn leaves.

Must-see places in Yamaguchi

Akiyoshido Cave

The largest limestone cave in Japan, Akiyoshido Cave is a natural wonder that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The cave is over 8 kilometers long, with stunning rock formations and underground lakes.

Ruriko-ji Temple

One of Yamaguchi’s most iconic landmarks, Ruriko-ji Temple is known for its beautiful five-story pagoda. The temple dates back to the 15th century and is considered one of the most important cultural assets in Japan.

Akiyoshi Plateau

A stunning natural landscape that stretches for kilometers, Akiyoshi Plateau is a must-see for nature lovers. The plateau is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of plants and animals.

Tsunoshima Bridge

One of the longest suspension bridges in Japan, Tsunoshima Bridge offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and is a popular spot for photography.

Hagi Castle Town

Located in the historic town of Hagi, Hagi Castle Town is a beautifully preserved district that dates back to the Edo period. The town is home to many historic buildings, including samurai residences and merchant houses.

Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art

One of Japan’s largest art museums, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art is home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Japanese and international artists.

Shimonoseki

A bustling port town located at the southern tip of Honshu, Shimonoseki is known for its delicious seafood, including fugu, or blowfish.

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

A beautiful shrine located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Motonosumi Inari Shrine is known for its stunning torii gates and breathtaking ocean views.

Hagi Uragami Museum

A must-visit for pottery enthusiasts, the Hagi Uragami Museum is home to a vast collection of Hagi-yaki ceramics, one of Japan’s most famous types of pottery.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Yamaguchi

Fugu (blowfish)

Yamaguchi is famous for its fugu cuisine, which requires special preparation to remove the poisonous parts of the fish. There are many restaurants in the prefecture that specialize in fugu, and it is often served in various ways such as sashimi, hot pot, or grilled.

Tsunoshima oysters

Yamaguchi is also known for its high-quality oysters, especially those from the Tsunoshima Island area. These oysters are often served fresh and raw or grilled with soy sauce and butter.

Kawara Soba

This dish is a local specialty from Yanai City and is served on a heated kawara (roof tile). The soba noodles are served on top of the tile, which is heated over a charcoal fire. The heat from the tile gives the noodles a crispy texture, and they are usually served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi.

Iwakuni-zushi

This type of sushi is made with freshwater eel, which is skewered and grilled before being placed on top of the sushi rice. The eel is often marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before grilling, giving it a delicious flavor that pairs well with the sushi rice.

Recommended Accommodations in Yamaguchi

Hagi No Yado Tomoe

This traditional ryokan-style inn is located in the historic city of Hagi and offers spacious rooms with tatami flooring, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can also enjoy delicious traditional Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients.

Hotel Kamefuku

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Yamaguchi City and offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and private baths. The hotel also features a large public bath, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a bar with a wide selection of drinks.

Yuda Onsen Hotel

This historic hotel is located in the Yuda Onsen hot spring district and offers comfortable rooms with traditional Japanese decor, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals made with local ingredients and soak in the hotel’s natural hot springs.

Tsunoshima Resort

This luxurious resort is located on the beautiful Tsunoshima Island and offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the Sea of Japan. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities such as cycling, hiking, and fishing, as well as delicious meals made with local seafood.

Hotel Wellness Yamaguchi Iwakuni

This modern hotel is located in Iwakuni City and offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel also features a large public bath, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Sekitei

This traditional Japanese inn is located in the historic city of Hagi and offers spacious rooms with tatami flooring, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding gardens. Guests can also enjoy delicious traditional Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients and soak in the inn’s natural hot springs.

Nakanobo Zui-en

This luxurious ryokan-style inn is located in the Yuda Onsen hot spring district and offers spacious rooms with traditional Japanese decor, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities such as cycling, hiking, and fishing, as well as delicious meals made with local ingredients.

Hotel New Tanaka

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Yamaguchi City and offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, private baths, and stunning views of the city. The hotel also features a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, as well as a bar with a wide selection of drinks.

Ryotei Matsubaya

This traditional Japanese inn is located in the historic city of Hagi and offers spacious rooms with tatami flooring, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can also enjoy delicious traditional Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients and soak in the inn’s natural hot springs.

Ohto Ryokan

This traditional Japanese inn is located in the historic city of Hagi and offers spacious rooms with tatami flooring, private baths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can also enjoy delicious traditional Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients and soak in the inn’s natural hot springs. The inn also features a beautiful Japanese garden and a tea room where guests can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers visitors a wide range of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring its stunning natural