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【せんりみち公式】Japan’s Attractive Remote Island Travel: Must-See Tourist Spots and How to Enjoy the Trip

Yamaguchi Prefecture is one of Japan's lesser-known tourist destinations. Hidden behind the fame of the Kanto and Kansai regions, this area is home to authentic Japanese culture and breathtaking scenery, remaining virtually untouched by foreign tourists. Located on the western edge of the Chugoku region, Yamaguchi Prefecture offers a comprehensive look at the attractions foreign tourists can enjoy when visiting Yamaguchi Prefecture. From standard tourist destinations to hidden local spots, access methods, and foreigner-friendly services, we'll introduce you to the "deep Japan" that can only be experienced in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

What kind of place is Yamaguchi Prefecture? Basic information and attractions for foreigners

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the westernmost tip of Honshu, between Fukuoka and Hiroshima. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it borders diverse ocean areas such as the Sea of Japan, the Seto Inland Sea, and the Suo-Nada Sea. As a result, it is rich in natural environments, with beautiful coastlines and scenic views to enjoy. Historically, it was home to the Choshu Domain, which was the driving force behind the Meiji Restoration, and is known as a place that played a part in Japan's modernization.

Why the historical background is one of the attractions

Yamaguchi Prefecture is home to many birthplaces of great figures from the end of the Edo period, such as Yoshida Shoin, Takasugi Shinsaku, and Ito Hirobumi. For foreign tourists, the stories of samurai and the Meiji Restoration are very exotic and intriguing, making it a highly popular destination for historical sites. In particular, the fact that real historical traces of samurai culture remain intact, such as at the Shoka Sonjuku School and the samurai residence district in Hagi City, is a point that resonates with Western tourists.

Popular tourist spots for foreign tourists

Yamaguchi Prefecture has many tourist spots worth visiting. We will introduce you to some of the most distinctive spots in nature, history, and culture.

Tsunoshima Bridge and the magnificent cobalt blue scenery

Tsunoshima Bridge, located in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a beautiful bridge spanning 1,780 meters, and is known as one of Japan's top driving tourist spots. The straight bridge spanning the crystal clear waters has become a hot topic on Instagram among foreign tourists, and boasts overwhelming popularity as a photogenic spot.

Kintai Bridge and the atmosphere of the castle town of Iwakuni

Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni City is famous as a wooden five-arch bridge. It is also popular as a famous spot for viewing the flow of the Nishiki River and cherry blossoms from the bridge. In spring and autumn, the foliage seasons are fantastic. Nearby, you'll also find Iwakuni Castle and Hakuhebi Shrine, making it a great place for a day trip to enjoy some sightseeing.

A journey to historical spots that will take you into Japan's past

Historical sites that allow foreign tourists to experience the real Japan are extremely appealing, and Yamaguchi Prefecture is the perfect place for this.

Hagi City: A historic city that retains the Edo period

Hagi City, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site, is a place where the atmosphere of a former castle town remains strong. The reason it is so popular with foreigners is that there are English pamphlets and information boards available, and the historical area can be explored on foot. There are many well-preserved buildings, such as Kagimaki and the Kikuya Residence, and it has been described as "as if you have traveled back in time."

Experience the spirit of Shoka Sonjuku and the Meiji Restoration

The private school "Shoka Sonjuku" opened by Yoshida Shoin is an important place that is said to be the foundation of the formation of the modern Japanese nation. It allows visitors to experience Japanese educational thought, which differs from Western history education, and many foreigners are impressed by its significance.

A spot where you can fully enjoy Yamaguchi's nature

For foreigners visiting Japan in search of natural beauty, the natural spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture are a must-see.

The geological wonders of Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido Cave

Akiyoshidai, located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is famous for being one of Japan's largest karst formations, and beneath its surface lies a gigantic limestone cave called Akiyoshido. The unusual topography of the "Hyakumaizara" (100 plates) that spreads out like a carpet inside the cave, and the underground river, are the very mysteries of the Earth. It is a popular tourist destination for foreigners as part of geoscience and nature exploration tours.

Walking through the torii tunnel at Motonosumi Shrine

Motonosumi Shrine, located in Nagato City, has a unique landscape with 123 red torii gates lined up facing the sea. It has been ranked as one of CNN's "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan" and frequently appears on social media among foreigners. It is also a valuable opportunity to experience mythology and Japanese Shinto culture.

Foreigner-friendly tourist services and guidance system

Yamaguchi Prefecture is also making progress in inbound tourism for foreign tourists, with a wide range of services being offered to make tourism more comfortable, including English-language signs and guides, Wi-Fi hotspots, and cashless payment options.

Foreign language guide signs and tourist maps

Language support is often thought to be more difficult in regional cities than in urban areas, but Yamaguchi Prefecture has put in place a wide range of multilingual signs in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages at major tourist facilities, stations, bus stops, etc. English-speaking staff are especially available at tourist information centers in Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Hagi, Shimonoseki, and other areas.

Letting foreigners taste Yamaguchi's local cuisine

Yamaguchi Prefecture's food culture is rich in local delicacies that cannot be found in other regions. While it may be a little unusual for foreigners, experiencing the food culture is also part of the appeal of traveling there.

Fugu cuisine: A Shimonoseki specialty known worldwide

Fugu (pufferfish), a symbol of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is served in a variety of dishes, including sashimi, hotpot, and fried food, after being safely processed. Shimonoseki is home to a tourist market called Karato Market, where you can easily sample sushi and fugu sashimi on the spot, making for a memorable dining experience.

Kawara Soba: A Local Delicacy with a Beautiful Appearance

"Kawara Soba" is a dish made by placing green tea soba noodles and other ingredients on a hot tile and grilling it, and is a dish that has its roots in the Shimonoseki and Chofu areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is a visually appealing dish that also looks great on social media. For foreign tourists, it is an opportunity to experience "a slightly unusual Japanese food culture."

Experience traditional crafts and encounter local culture

Yamaguchi Prefecture is not just a place for sightseeing; there are also spots where you can experience local culture and traditional crafts.

Hagi ware pottery experience

Hagi ware is considered one of Japan's six ancient kilns and is characterized by its warm colors and shapes. There are many workshops offering pottery experiences for tourists, where you can actually make your own tea bowl or teacup. Some workshops will fire and mail your creations to you, making them a popular souvenir from your trip to Japan.

Making washi paper with a papermaking experience

In Yamaguchi City and Iwakuni City, there are facilities where you can experience the traditional craft of washi paper. The process of making paper by hand, painting pictures on it, and letting it dry is unusual for foreigners, and has been highly praised as an experience-based tourism experience.

How to get to Yamaguchi Prefecture and access information

Yamaguchi Prefecture is an area that is easily accessible from major cities in Japan, so it is important for foreign tourists to know the appropriate means of transportation to visit efficiently.

Use the Shinkansen and air routes

The Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Tokyo or Osaka. Using Shin-Yamaguchi Station as a base makes it easy to access the entire Yamaguchi region. You can also fly from Tokyo or Sapporo using Yamaguchi Ube Airport.

Recommendations for traveling independently by rental car

Tourist attractions are scattered over a wide area, so renting a car is the most efficient way to get around. There are also rental car services that accept overseas driver's licenses, making it ideal for a relaxed trip.

Enjoy seasonal events in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture holds festivals and events for each season, allowing you to experience the culture while feeling the changing of Japan's seasons.

Setsubun Festival and Fireworks Display at Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

One of the attractions of Yamaguchi Prefecture is the opportunity to experience unique Japanese Shinto rituals that are unfamiliar to foreign tourists. In particular, at the Setsubun Festival at Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, you can experience unique events such as bean throwing.

Interacting with local people and experiencing homestays

For foreign travelers, interacting with hospitable locals is also an unforgettable part of the trip. At farmstays and guesthouses, you may have the opportunity to converse in English while being treated to home-cooked meals.

Participating in local events

Systems are being put in place that allow tourists to participate in local events, such as volunteering to replant flowers and rice harvesting. With experiences that go beyond just travel, the number of repeat foreign visitors is increasing.

summary

Yamaguchi Prefecture is a particularly valuable place in Japan where you can experience "authentic Japanese culture." From Tsunoshima Bridge and the historical areas of Hagi City to the natural beauty of Akiyoshidai and gourmet cuisine like fugu, there's a wide variety of things to enjoy. The prefecture is also beginning to establish a solid system for welcoming foreign tourists, offering multilingual support, as well as improving access and experiential tourism. Because Yamaguchi Prefecture is still relatively unknown, you can experience the depths of Japan while avoiding the crowds. We hope this article will inspire foreign travelers to visit Yamaguchi Prefecture.

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