A rich natural landscape surrounded by the sea,
full of history and romance through some of Japan’s most turbulent eras
Yamaguchi Prefecture is located on the westernmost tip of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Yamaguchi’s coastal areas offer a diverse array of environments, including the calm beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and its many islands, and the rough, rugged coastline along the Sea of Japan. The inland area of the prefecture includes the sprawling Chugoku Mountains and their lush greenery. With its mild climate and rich natural environments, Yamaguchi Prefecture offers a wide variety of attractions, from natural and historical sightseeing locations to delicious gourmet cuisine.
Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors shouldn’t miss Akiyoshidai, one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, and Akiyoshi-do, a magnificent limestone cave located beneath the plateau—an impressive natural landscape sculpted over time by natural forces. Other popular destinations in Yamaguchi include Tsunoshima Bridge, which stretches 1,780 meters over a cobalt-blue seascape, and Omi Island, known as the Maritime Alps for its numerous sheer cliffs and unique rock formations.
Throughout history, Yamaguchi Prefecture has been an important transportation hub and gateway between Japan's islands of Kyushu and Honshu. It has also been the setting of many influential historical events and watershed moments. Yamaguchi is home to numerous historical sites where visitors can experience the remnants of history up close, including the site of the Battle of Dan-no-Ura, a major sea battle that decided the fate of the Genpei War, and sites closely associated with the revolutionary warriors that helped settle the turbulent times at the end of the Edo period. Other popular destinations in Yamaguchi include Shokasonjuku Academy, the private school overseen by the samurai Yoshida Shoin, where many influential men from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji Restoration—including Takasugi Shinsaku, Kusaka Genzui, and Ito Hirobumi—studied, and the castle town of Hagi Castle, built in 1604. Both sites are registered as World Heritage sites and attract many visitors every year. In Hagi Castle Town, visitors can find various samurai residences surrounded by earthen walls and summer orange trees, traditional Namako walls, and other remnants of the splendor of this once-great castle town. Come and experience the romantic history of Yamaguchi!
Yamaguchi is also quite famous for its many hot springs, with many unique hot spring resorts throughout the prefecture. From majestic ocean views to quiet mountain settings and nostalgic atmospheres, Yamaguchi offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy its many hot springs. Yamaguchi’s rich natural environment provides visitors with an enjoyable culinary experience as well. The prefecture offers a wide variety of ingredients, including pufferfish, a Shimonoseki specialty; pike conger eel, a summer delicacy; and locally raised Choshu Kurokashiwa chicken. Yamaguchi is truly a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to enjoy delicious food!
Read more Hide Yamaguchi Prefecture is located on the westernmost tip of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Yamaguchi’s coastal areas offer a diverse array of environments, including the calm beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and its many islands, and the rough, rugged coastline along the Sea of Japan. The inland area of the prefecture includes the sprawling Chugoku Mountains and their lush greenery. With its mild climate and rich natural environments, Yamaguchi Prefecture offers a wide variety of attractions, from natural and historical sightseeing locations to delicious gourmet cuisine.
Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors shouldn’t miss Akiyoshidai, one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, and Akiyoshi-do, a magnificent limestone cave located beneath the plateau—an impressive natural landscape sculpted over time by natural forces. Other popular destinations in Yamaguchi include Tsunoshima Bridge, which stretches 1,780 meters over a cobalt-blue seascape, and Omi Island, known as the Maritime Alps for its numerous sheer cliffs and unique rock formations.
Throughout history, Yamaguchi Prefecture has been an important transportation hub and gateway between Japan's islands of Kyushu and Honshu. It has also been the setting of many influential historical events and watershed moments. Yamaguchi is home to numerous historical sites where visitors can experience the remnants of history up close, including the site of the Battle of Dan-no-Ura, a major sea battle that decided the fate of the Genpei War, and sites closely associated with the revolutionary warriors that helped settle the turbulent times at the end of the Edo period. Other popular destinations in Yamaguchi include Shokasonjuku Academy, the private school overseen by the samurai Yoshida Shoin, where many influential men from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji Restoration—including Takasugi Shinsaku, Kusaka Genzui, and Ito Hirobumi—studied, and the castle town of Hagi Castle, built in 1604. Both sites are registered as World Heritage sites and attract many visitors every year. In Hagi Castle Town, visitors can find various samurai residences surrounded by earthen walls and summer orange trees, traditional Namako walls, and other remnants of the splendor of this once-great castle town. Come and experience the romantic history of Yamaguchi!
Yamaguchi is also quite famous for its many hot springs, with many unique hot spring resorts throughout the prefecture. From majestic ocean views to quiet mountain settings and nostalgic atmospheres, Yamaguchi offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy its many hot springs. Yamaguchi’s rich natural environment provides visitors with an enjoyable culinary experience as well. The prefecture offers a wide variety of ingredients, including pufferfish, a Shimonoseki specialty; pike conger eel, a summer delicacy; and locally raised Choshu Kurokashiwa chicken. Yamaguchi is truly a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to enjoy delicious food!