Yamaguchi Attractions

Near Fukuoka and Hiroshima, Yamaguchi is the westernmost prefecture of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan and Seto Inland Sea. It has a mild climate and is a very comfortable place to live and visit. With so many wonderful natural landscapes and well-preserved historical relics, Yamaguchi is praised as the “Little Kyoto”. Besides, you may experience Japan’s most authentic and freshest puffer fish delicacy in Yamaguchi.

Top Yamaguchi Attractions to Visit

1. Motonosumi Jinja Shrine

Motonosumi Jinja Shrine, also called Motonosumi Shrine, is listed as the third of Japan’s 31 Most Beautiful Places by CNN. It is said to be built under a divine white fox’s instruction. Next to the Sea of Japan, this shrine features its 123 red torii gates stretching from the seaside to the main shrine. Also you can admire Dragon Palace Geyser - a water spurting phenomenon at the cliff near the shrine.

2. Tsunoshima Bridge  

Connecting the mainland of Japan and Tsunoshima Island, this bridge was constructed in 2000, stretching over 1,780 meters (1.1 mi.) and leading people’s sight to the blue sea and clear sky. With simple and straight design, Tsunoshima Bridge is the setting of many Japanese TV series and movies. 
The Amagase Park beside the bridge on the mainland side is the best place to admire the bridge and the coastal scenery. Also you can take a taxi across the bridge and enjoy a getaway from hustle and bustle of life.

3. Akiyoshidai Plateau

Used to be coral reefs under the sea, Akiyoshidai Plateau is now the largest Karst plateau in Japan. From the Observation Deck on the plateau you will easily get a panorama of the vast grassland which is dotted with white limestone. Under the plateau there are over 400 intricate limestone caves, of which Akiyoshido Cave, Kagekiyodo Cave and Taishodo Cave are worth a visit.

4. Beppu Benten Pond

Originating from Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau, the water of Beppu Benten Pond shows beautiful cobalt blue all year round. The clear water is drinkable and believed to be the “Water for Gods”. It’s said those who drink it will be blessed with good luck and longevity. Also you can try some fresh rainbow trout raised by the pond water in local restaurants. 

5. Kintaikyo Bridge & Iwakuni City

First built in 1673 and rebuilt in 1953, Kintaikyo Bridge is one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. It is composed of five wooden arched sections, stretching across the 200-meter-wide (220 yards) Nishiki River. It is said that the original bridge was constructed without a single nail.

The nearby Kikko Park is a historical site with Japanese style buildings and beautiful cherry trees. From the park you can take the cable car to Iwakuni City - an ancient architecture built on the hill with a history of over 400 years, which is a good place to overlook Yamaguchi and admire the picturesque scenery. You may visit them together if time permits. 

6. Rurikoji Temple, Kozan Park

Located in Kozan Park, Rurikoji Temple is a Buddhist temple completed in 1471. It’s a symbol of Ouchi Clan which ruled Yamaguchi from 14th to 16th century. The Five-Storied Pagoda inside Rurikoji Temple is the only designated national treasure of Japan in Yamaguchi, which is 31.2 meters (102 ft.) tall, being one of the three most distinctive pagodas in Japan. The pagoda is in traditional Japanese style and somehow influenced by Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-904 AD) architectural style. The roofs of it are made of cypress bark and now are being replaced for the first time in about 70 years. Rurikoji Temple and Kozan Park are accessible but visitors need to wait until Mar. 2026 to admire the Five-Storied Pagoda.

More Yamaguchi Attractions to Visit

1. Karato Market

Karato Market is a seafood wholesale market by the sea in Shimonoseki – a port city known as “Home of the Puffer Fish” in Japan. People can buy and enjoy various fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices, especially on weekends and holidays when the Iki-iki Bakangai food stall event is held. You may taste some sushi and sashimi on the deck outside the market as well as enjoy the sea view and breeze. 

2. Akama Jingu Shrine

Akama Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Antoku (1178-1185) who died in the famous naval Battle of Dannoura at the age of only 6. The buildings inside show a vibrant contrast of color with white base and vermilion roofs. Facing the sea, the shrine is believed to bring blessings related to water. The nearby Karato Market is also a good option to taste and buy fresh seafood.

3. Hot Springs: Nagato Yumoto Onsen & Yuda Onsen

Nagato Yumoto Onsen, to the northeast of Shimonoseki, is a hot spring town with a history of about 600 years. Nagato Yumoto Onsen was renovated in 2020 with more spa facilities, restaurants and shops.

Yuda Onsen is an 800-year-old hot spring town near JR Yamaguchi Station. Along the street there are a lot of Japanese-style inns offering hot spring bath. It is said that long time ago, a wounded white fox came here and was cured by the spring, so Yuda Onsen is also called “White Fox Hot Spring”.

4. Hagi Castle Town

Hagi Castle Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historical and traditional Japanese houses. The layout and buildings are well-preserved just like those of 400 years ago. Here visitors can stroll in the streets and explore the former residences of Japan’s historical figures.  

5. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, constructed in 904, is Japan’s oldest Tenjin shrine and one of the three greatest Tenjin shrines along with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu shrine. It enshrines the god of learning so worshippers can pray for success in studying.

6. Joeiji Temple

Joeiji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple featuring traditional Japanese dry gardens – gardens with delicate arrangements of rocks and plants, and Zen architecture. It houses Sesshutei – a garden which is designed by the famous monk Sesshu. Joeiji Temple is a good place to admire the paintings and architectural style of the Muromachi Period (1333-1573).

1-3 Days Itinerary Recommendation

Most people visit Yamaguchi’s top attractions in a day trip. If time permits, a 2-day trip will be enough for major attractions. If you have plenty of time, you can take a 3-day trip with more flexible itinerary.

Day 1: Karato Market → Tsunoshima Bridge → Motonosumi Jinja Shrine → Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Day 2: Nagato Yumoto Onsen → Beppu Benten Pond → Akiyoshido Cave → Akiyoshidai Plateau → Rurikoji Temple → Yuda Onsen

Day 3: Yuda Onsen → Kintaikyo Bridge → Iwakuni City

On the first day you can try sushi made by fresh fish or puffer at Karato Market. Then take some pictures and admire the beautiful view of the Sea of Japan at Tsunoshima Bridge and Motonosumi Jinja Shrine. You may have lunch before or after going to Motonosumi Jinja Shrine. In the afternoon you can stroll around and drink some coffee in Nagato Yumoto Onsen and take a hot spring bath in the evening.

On the second day you may visit Beppu Benten Pond and then go to Akiyoshido and Akiyoshidai, exploring the limestone caves and Karst landscapes. In the afternoon, move on to Kozan Park to admire Rurikoji Temple and the Five-Storied Pagoda. In the evening, have a bath and experience the charm of Yuda Onsen.

On the last day you are recommended to capture the beauty of Japanese ancient buildings at Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni City, overlooking the city and the flowing Nishiki River.