Yamaguchi is not the most popular place in Japan. If anything, when someone asks people living in Yamaguchi for things to do, you typically get two answers.
1) Go to Hiroshima
2) Go to Fukuoka
But I have come to learn and discover the great places to go in Yamaguchi and I can confidently say that there are lots to do in Yamaguchi...as long as it has nothing to do with shopping because if so, please go to Fukuoka. In this post, I will share with you my personal top 5 places I visited in Yamaguchi this year and give some tips and tricks on things to do in each spot. Hope you can get some ideas to help you if you ever go there!!
5. Hagi City
If you love Japanese history, Hagi is probably the first place you would want to visit. In Hagi, you can visit Shoka Sonjuku, the school where Yoshida Shoin, a great scholar born in Hagi, raised individuals that ultimately lead the Meiji Restoration. There are museums that explain his life in detail and gravestones of historical figures who fought for Japan.
Hagi is also known for Hagiyaki, a traditional Japanese pottery, that is considered one of the greatest pottery styles in Japan. Compared with other Japanese pottery, Hagiyaki has a soft colorful touch and you can find it in an array of colors. You can find many stores that sell them for a reasonable price and it makes a great gift for anyone who loves traditional Japanese pottery.
Other great places include the Hagi castle ruins, and I personally loved the Hagi Pudding store located near the castle ruins. Transportation is pretty convenient considering it's in Yamaguchi, where everyone owns cars. You can get to Hagi by train, but if you don't have a car I would recommend renting a bike near the Hagi station if you want to hit all the spots in one day.
4. Tsunoshima Bridge & Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Tsunoshima Bridge is probably the most iconic bridge in Japan. Many Japanese car commercials use this bridge because of the beautiful scenery of the sky and the clear blue ocean surrounding the bridge. Motonosumi Inari Shrine is famous for its amazing red Torii gates that lead you down to a cliff with an astounding view of the ocean. It's reminiscent of the Kyoto Shrine with the multiple Torii gates, but the only difference is that in Motonosumi Inari Shrine, you get a breathtaking view of the ocean. Unfortunately, these two locations aren't right next to each other, but if you have a car it only takes about 30 minutes to get to the other spot. If you don't have a car, then I would only recommend going to the Tsunoshima bridge because you can get there via train and bus (bus from Kottoi Station) but the Shrine is difficult to go to by public transportation. Also, one thing I did find out after going is that there isn't much to do near the shrine (You can't even swim since you're on a cliff) so it's probably best if you go to both Tsunoshima bridge and Motonosumi shrine if you have a car. When you do decide to go, please schedule your trip on a beautiful sunny day and enjoy the beach and scenery!!
3. Shimonoseki City
Karato Market's "sushi bento"
A view of Shimonoseki from Kaikyo Yume Tower
Shimonoseki would probably be the most popular pick out of anywhere to go in Yamaguchi simply because of its convenience regarding transportation, shopping, and the fish market....also because it's next to Fukuoka prefecture. You can get there using the Shinkansen or the train, and you would find a lot of things to do near the station. There is a good mall next to the station called the Seamall with a decent line-up of stores and restaurants. You can also visit a popular aquarium called the Kaikyokan, and near there, you will find a small-sized amusement park that you could enjoy if you have kids.
Probably, the biggest part of your experience in Shimonoseki would be in the Karato market. Karato market is a huge fish market with a lot of amazing seafood restaurants and cute cafes. There is a sushi market where you can make your very own "sushi bento box" by picking your favorite sushi out of the various kinds of sushi they have there. The sushi market is very generous with their portions and if you love sushi, you're going to have the time of your life eating freshly caught fish right from the market. Also, don't forget to eat Fugu (pufferfish) since Yamaguchi is famously known for them. There is even an area outside with places to sit where you can eat sushi while appreciating the ocean view but go there early because the market closes around 3. Basically, Shimonoseki is a must-go if you ever visit Yamaguchi.
2. Iwakuni
Kintaikyo running across the Nishiki river
Sanzoku rice ball and Chicken. It's way bigger than it looks, trust me
Iwakuni is on the opposite side of Shimonoseki, near Hiroshima. Iwakuni is known for its landmark Kintaikyo. Kintaikyo is a historical bridge made of wood with 5 arches running across the Nishiki river. This architectural masterpiece is the reason why many people even visit Yamaguchi in the first place. To get there, you would want to use the bus from the Iwakuni station, straight to the bridge. In the spring season, the cherry blossom blooms around the Kintaikyo, creating a stunning view of the historical sight. There is a lot to do near the Kintaikyo whether it'd be museums, parks, shrines, gardens, and even a castle you can get to by using a ropeway.
A little far from the bridge is a restaurant called the Irori Sanzoku. They have the biggest rice balls called the Sanzoku musubi and delicious chicken called the Sanzoku yaki. Although it's a bit out of the way, the atmosphere and the traditional Japanese-styled restaurant are worth checking out.
1. Yamaguchi City
Five-storied pagoda at Rurikoji
During my one-year stay in Yamaguchi, I loved Yamaguchi city the most. First, there is a beautiful path you can walk alongside the Ichinosaka river. What's amazing is that the whole area was made with respect to Kyoto's streets, so if you love the atmosphere of Kyoto, you'll love this place for sure. There are restaurants to eat delicious Kawara Soba (buckwheat noodles served on roof tiles), museums, parks, a memorial church dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, and a shopping district. If you love temples, the most famous temple in Yamaguchi is located in Yamaguchi city called Rurikoji. They have a five-storied pagoda with a beautiful pond just like the temples in Kyoto except Rurikoji is peaceful with fewer tourists and visitors.
a little south of Yamaguchi city is a town called Yuda Onsen. Onsen means hot spring in Japanese and you'll find a district of wonderful hot springs you'll love to go to. Even if you're not that comfortable going into a hot spring with strangers, there are free foot bath areas scattered around the town that do not require you to take off your clothes. I personally recommend a footbath spot called Kitsune no Ashiato, where it only costs 200 yen to enter and you can order food and drinks as you relax in the foot bath.
Conclusion
I hope you were able to get something out of the list of my favorite places to go. There are honorable mentions like the Akiyoshi cave and Tokiwa park but I think as long as you cover these spots you can confidently say you visited Yamaguchi. I find myself exhausted when I am in a place with a lot of people so I really appreciate the peace and quiet Yamaguchi provides. If you ever find yourself in Yamaguchi I hope this article comes in handy. Stay well and hope you enjoy your stay in Japan ;)
TK