Experience the Best of Japan in Yamaguchi Prefecture: Regional Highlights and Must-Try Activities

*This article is sponsored by the Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation.

Experience the Cosmopolitan Heritage of Ouchi Culture: Yamaguchi and Hofu Area

For architecture enthusiasts, the Yamaguchi and Hofu area in central Yamaguchi Prefecture offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rich history. Accessible via the Sanyo Shinkansen at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, this region was once the heart of the remarkable "Ouchi Culture" that flourished for two centuries from the mid-14th to mid-16th century. The Ouchi clan, powerful feudal lords who controlled much of western Japan from their base in Yamaguchi, developed this unique cultural blend. While operating within Japan's traditional power structure under the emperor and shogunate, the clan maintained active diplomatic relations with neighboring Asian powers - the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, Ming Dynasty China, and the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa).

This international influence is beautifully preserved in national treasures such as the Five-Story Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple* and the Main Hall of Ryufukuji Temple. These architectural masterpieces showcase the distinctive Ouchi style - an elegant fusion of classical Kyoto aesthetics (then Japan's capital) with continental Asian elements.

*As of 2025, the Five-Story Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple is undergoing its first complete cypress bark roof restoration in approximately 70 years, with completion scheduled for March 2026.

The region also features distinctly Japanese landscapes that mirror ancient Kyoto. Known as the "Western Kyoto," the area's traditional townscape and historic sites like Hofu Tenmangu Shrine (founded in 904) showcase classical Japanese architecture and design. Visitors can explore both the international Ouchi style and traditional Japanese elements, comparing their unique characteristics.

After a day of sightseeing, unwind at Yuda Onsen, a hot spring resort steeped in legend - local folklore tells of an injured white fox that found healing in these therapeutic waters. This abundant hot spring destination offers various ways to enjoy its rejuvenating waters, from traditional “ryokan” (Japanese inns) to casual foot baths and convenient day-spa facilities.

Immerse Yourself in Traditional Japanese Culture at Yuda Onsen: Create Wagashi and Experience Tea Ceremony

At LAWAKU in Yuda Onsen district, visitors can discover Japanese aesthetic sensibilities through the art of “wagashi” (traditional Japanese sweets). These palm-sized confections showcase Japan's seasonal beauty through intricate craftsmanship and vibrant natural colors.

At LAWAKU, guests can learn to make “nerikiri,” an elegant type of wagashi crafted from bean paste known for its smooth texture and refined sweetness. The experience emphasizes natural ingredients, using fruit and vegetable-derived powders for coloring.

This mindful moment of creating these delicate sweets becomes a cherished memory of Japanese cultural craftsmanship.

LAWAKU offers more than just wagashi-making - visitors can fully embrace Japanese culture through various experiences. Choose from several engaging options, including a combined kimono dressing and tea ceremony course, or don a kimono for a stroll through the historic hot spring district.

You can preview these experiences through our video guides.　　　　　　　　　　www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UUFiD9ofis

Discover Nature's Wonders: Shimonoseki, Akiyoshidai, and Ube Area

Western Yamaguchi Prefecture invites you to explore its stunning natural landscapes!

The crown jewel is Akiyoshidai, one of the prefecture's most spectacular attractions featuring a vast karst plateau. These unique geological formations have been sculpted over millennia by rain and groundwater erosion, creating a truly remarkable landscape. Experience its changing beauty throughout the seasons - from sweeping green vistas in summer to the mesmerizing sight of silver grass swaying in the autumn sunset. 

The entire city of Mine, home to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, has earned recognition as the "Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark." Visitors can join guided tours led by certified geoguides (available in English and Korean) who share fascinating insights about the plateau's formation. These educational walks offer a deeper understanding of both Akiyoshidai's unique environment and how local communities have historically lived in harmony with this extraordinary landscape.

Explore the Dynamic Natural Art of Akiyoshido Cave

Deep beneath Akiyoshidai National Park lies Akiyoshido Cave, one of Japan's most magnificent limestone caverns, extending 100 meters below the surface. This vast cave network spans over 11.2 kilometers, with a visitor-friendly walking course of about 1 kilometer.

The cave maintains a constant temperature of 17°C year-round, offering a cool retreat in summer and warmth in winter. Among its natural wonders, the "Hundred Plates" formation stands out as a masterpiece of nature, with its terraced limestone deposits resembling traditional rice paddies.

For adventure seekers, the cave offers an exciting "Adventure Course" (additional fee) where you can climb ladders and weave between stalactites with a flashlight in hand.

While the cave typically features white lighting, visitors may have the opportunity to experience the limited-time " KoKyo FANTASY" illumination event. This spectacular show is designed by world-renowned lighting artist Motoko Ishii, famous for illuminating landmarks like Tokyo Tower and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The cave transforms into an otherworldly space through a carefully choreographed display of colored lights and sound, revealing Earth's natural mysteries in a whole new way!

Discover Scenic Views Along the Kanmon Straits

Shimonoseki City, situated at the westernmost tip of Honshu, offers numerous attractions overlooking the Kanmon Straits. Visit the historic Akama Shrine, famous for its brilliant vermillion Suiten-mon Gate, or head to Karato Market to savor fresh seafood specialties, including the city's renowned fugu (pufferfish).

Shimonoseki, Akiyoshidai, and Ube areas are accessible by the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train that stops at Asa Station (Sanyo-Onoda City) and Shin-Shimonoseki Station (Shimonoseki City), and from Yamaguchi-Ube Airport.

Experience the Charm of Historic Castle Towns: Iwakuni, Yanai, and Shunan Area

Eastern Yamaguchi Prefecture's Iwakuni, Yanai, and Shunan area transports visitors back to the Edo period (1603-1868) with its well-preserved historical districts. Explore the white-walled merchant houses in Yanai Furuichi Kanaya district, visit the majestic Iwakuni Castle, and discover the crown jewel of the region - the Kintaikyo Bridge.

This remarkable wooden bridge, built in 1673, spans 200 meters with five graceful arches and offers stunning views throughout the year. Experience the beauty of 1,500 cherry trees in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and serene snow scenes in winter.

The bridge takes on a different character during evening illuminations, when lighting highlights its intricate wooden architecture. These special illuminations run from late March to June 1st and again from early August to mid-January, with changing light colors throughout the seasons.

 Beyond its historical attractions, the area boasts magnificent natural scenery. Suo Oshima Island, floating in the picturesque Seto Inland Sea, offers modern amenities including beaches, campgrounds, and stylish seaside cafes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

 The Iwakuni-Yanai-Shunan area is accessible by the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train, which stops at Shin-Iwakuni Station (Iwakuni City) and Tokuyama Station (Shunan City), and Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport.

Immerse Yourself in Setouchi's Natural Bounty: Sauna & BBQ Experience

SHIOKATSU HARBOR offers a unique wellness experience combining traditional barrel saunas with seaside BBQ, allowing guests to embrace the Seto Inland Sea's natural elements inside and out. From your private temperature-controlled sauna, take in breathtaking views of the fishing village's ferry dock and the stunning archipelago scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, where 3,000 islands of varying sizes dot the horizon.

After a rejuvenating sauna session, invigorate your body in the mineral-rich plunge pool filled with natural seawater drawn from deep-sea springs. Complete your experience with a delicious BBQ featuring the bounty of both sea and land - from freshly caught Setouchi octopus and seafood to premium Yamaguchi chicken. Even the seasoning enhances the local experience, with salt produced from the same deep-sea spring water. For those wanting to extend their stay, comfortable trailer house accommodations are available.

Discover World Heritage Sites and the “Alps of the Sea”: Hagi and Nagato Area

Northern Yamaguchi Prefecture's Hagi and Nagato area showcases Japan's remarkable transition into the modern era through its World Heritage sites. Explore the well-preserved Hagi Castle Town, featuring castle ruins, samurai residences, and historic merchant districts. The area also includes key sites from Japan's Industrial Revolution: the Hagi Reverberatory Furnace, Ebisugahana Shipyard, and Ohitayama Tatara Iron Works - all part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" World Heritage designation.

To access the Hagi/Nagato area, take a 70-minute bus ride from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Higashi Hagi Station. It is also accessible from Hagi-Iwami Airport. This area makes an excellent addition to the three experiences mentioned earlier.

Don't miss Omijima Island, known as the "Alps of the Sea" for its dramatic coastal scenery. Though surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the island is conveniently connected by bridge. Marvel at the magnificent cliffs and stone pillars carved by powerful ocean waves on three sides of the island. Experience this natural wonder from two perspectives: aboard a sightseeing cruise or by walking the Omijima Island Nature Research Road.

 Complete your visit with a trip to Motonosumi Shrine, just 40 minutes by car from the "Alps of the Sea." Featured in CNN's 2015 list of "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places," the shrine offers a stunning visual harmony of the blue Sea of Japan, lush greenery, and a line of vermillion torii gates.

Beyond simply visiting tourist spots, immersing yourself in hands-on experiences offers deeper insights into Japanese culture and traditions. We hope you found inspiration among the three unique experiences we've shared. Why not enrich your Yamaguchi journey by including one or more of these activities in your travel plans? They're sure to create lasting memories of your time in this fascinating region!