History / Culture / Tour Spots in Yamaguchi Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Akama Shrine

4.0

330 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Shimonosekishi Amidaijichou 4-1

The Akama Shrine is dedicated to the Antoku Emperor, whose maternal grandfather was Taira no Kiyomori, and who drowned at the age of eight following the defeat of the Taira Clan in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. The Shrine is located in Amidaiji district, Shimonoseki City. The red-painted Suiten-mon gate (the Shrine’s main gate) which faces Dan-on-ura has magnificent decoration that evokes the supposed appearance of the underwater palace of the Dragon King. The Shrine grounds also contain the Nanamori-zuka (Seven Mounds), dedicated to the Heike (Taira) clan generals who died in the Battle of Dan-no-ura, and a statue of Hoichi, a character in the ghost story “Hoichi the Earless”. The Homotsu-den (Treasure House), for which there is an admission charge, preserves various literary works including a copy of the 20-chapter “Nagatobon Heike Monogatari” which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property, etc. After sunset, the Suiten-mon gate is illuminated, creating a beautiful spectacle which is not to be missed.

It is one of the main attractions in Shimonoseki. I strongly recommend you to visit this shrine. The entrance gate, painted in red and white, is photogenic.
Shokasonjuku school

4.0

345 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Tsubaki East 1537 Shoinjinsha in

This is a private school which Yoshida Shoin’s uncle, Tamaki Bun’noshin opened in his own home. After which, Shonin’s uncle in law, Kubo Gorozaemon inherited the school and in 1857 Shoin started to preside over the school. The building is small, a single story building made of wood with a tiled roof, and a plaster figure of Shoin, a portrait and his desk sit in the 13.2 meters squared tatami room which was the class room. It is a private school that raised many patriots who became the driving force of the Meiji Restoration such as Takasugi Shinsaku, Ito Hirobumi and Yamagata Aritomo.

There was the Meiji Restoration now on a day 150 years ago. This is the school which leader Shouin Yoshida (Japanese call him Yoshida Shouin Sensei ) opened. Shouin Yoshida died at the age of 28...
Monument of Hagi Castle Town

4.0

308 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Gofukumachi 2

"This is a monument standing in a corner of ""Edoya Yokocho Alley"" and ""Onarimichi"" in Hagi city, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Visitors can view the charming alleys, shops and samurai residences in the surrounding area which was where merchants and middle to lower class samurai warriors once lived. The area has also been selected as a nationally designated historical site. Rental cycles, are available and many tourists make use of them to explore the castle town."

Pleasant street of vendors. You can buy the hagi yaki pottery that they are famous for here. Note: the feature is a notched bottom. People were friendly. They boxed and wrapped each box.
Kintaikyo Bridge

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Iwakunishi Iwakuni

Kintaikyo Bridge is ranked as one of Japan’s three most famous bridges, and is a wooden construction with five consecutive arched bridge that span the clear streams of the Nishikigawa River in Iwakuni City. It was built in 1673 by the Iwakuni clan’s lord Kikkawa Hiroyoshi. With a total length of 193 meters and a width of five meters, the bridge has been constructed using timberwork technique involving joints and coupling. Although it was swept away by a typhoon in 1950, it was restored in 1953. There are numerous opportunities to appreciate the scenery in all four seasons such as cormorant fishing during the summer and colorful changing leaves in the autumn, yet the blossoming cherry trees in spring are particularly beautiful, and the area has been designated as one of Japan’s top 100 places to see cherry blossoms.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Nagatoshi Yuyatsuou 498

A Shinto shrine located in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Although there are many “Inari” shrines in the country, Motonosumi Inari Shrine uses characters which differ from those normally used to write “Inari” and is one of only two shrines in the country to use these specific characters for “Inari.” After a white fox appeared besides the pillow of the head of a local fisherman’s union and made a pronouncement, this shrine was established here as a branch shrine of the Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine in Shimane Prefecture in 1955. The shrine is said to provide worshipers with a variety of boons, including prosperous business, maritime safety, luck in love and marriage, luck in having children, improved fortunes, and protection from evil and misfortune. The shrine’s biggest highlight is the 123 red torii gates which form a tunnel along a path leading from the sea to the shrine at the top of a hill. In the background, blue ocean stretches to the horizon and the area’s famed “Ryugu no Shiofuki” (“The Dragon Spout”) occasionally bursts into the air in a shower of mist, and this site was even elected by the CNN television network in the US as one of the 31 most beautiful spots in Japan. The giant torii gate at the end of the trail has an offertory box on top famous for being the most difficult to place a coin into in Japan.
Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum

4.0

102 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Nagatoshi Senzaki 1308

This is a memorial hall located in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, dedicated to the poet of children poems Kaneko Misuzu, and built on the site of Kaneko Buneido where she spent her childhood. Her kimonos and personal belongings are on display. In addition, the museum is designed to replicate the atmosphere of the time she spent there, and visitors can immerse themselves in the world of her stories in the retro atmosphere.

長門市の仙崎の町中にある金子みすゞ記念館。この記念館がある場所は、金子みすゞが幼少期を過ごした書店、金子文英堂の跡地建てられているそうです。ですから、記念館の上に掲げられている看板には、「金子文英堂」と書かれていました。入館料はかかりますが、内部には金子みすゞの部屋が再現されていたり、みすゞギャラリーなどがありました。
The Hagi Museum

4.0

105 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Horiuchi 355

A museum dedicated to Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which prospered as a castle town in the ancient Choshu Domain and where many historic buildings from that time still stand. The museum was built to serve as the central facility of the Hagi Machiju Museum project, which aims to turn the entire neighborhood into a giant museum. The museum contains some 190 thousand items connected to Hagi, including historical materials and works of art. There’s a section of the museum which presents historic figures affiliated with Hagi, such as Takasugi Shinsaku and Yoshida Shoin, a gallery where visitors can come in contact with the culture and natural environment of Hagi, and more. Four times a year, the museum holds special exhibits.

A nice museum about the area. If you dont speak Japanese you can still enjoy it quitte a bit. The staff was nice.
Kozanji Temple

4.0

93 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Shimonosekishi Choufukawabata 1-2-3

"This is a Soto sect temple in Shimonoseki City and the statue of ""Senju Kannon Bodhisattva"" is revered as the main idol of worship. The temple was established in 1327, and was designated as a national treasure during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) as an example of Zen Buddhist architecture. It is also known as a place of many historical events. There is a statue of Takasugi Shinsaku on horseback in the precincts and the temple loved by history fans."

It is one of the highlights of the sightseeing in Chofu. It is known as the place where Takasugi Shinsaku, an activist of anti Shogunate monument, took up arms.
Hagi Meirin Gakusha

4.0

87 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Emukai 602

"This wooden facility in Hagi city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, makes use of the site of the ""Hagi Clan School Meirin-kan"", famous as one of the largest wooden school buildings in Japan. The facility consists of the main building and a second building, and visitors can view exhibitions presented on panels, inspect inside the school and attic. The school is visited by many interested in the end of the Edo period."

This is a relatively new museum based in the historic old school. Half the museum is free and a small entrance fee for the rest. The most friendly and helpful people to guide and there is a lot of...
Iwakuni Shirohebi Shrine

4.0

82 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Iwakunishi Imadumachi 6-4-2

"This is a shrine in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The deity worshipped at ""Itsukushima Shrine"", in Hiroshima Prefecture was relocated, and the shrine founded in a sacred festival in 2012. The ""white snake"" have been designated as a natural monument, and with their faith and protection many worshipers visit praying for luck with money and business prosperity. Visitors are able to find decorations and design elements based around white snakes."

The Shirohebi Shrine is one of my favorites in Iwakuni. This shrine is newer, well kept up, and is home to several of the famous White Snakes. I have been here numerous times and its always fun to...
Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine

4.0

88 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Shimonosekishi Nakanochou 1-1

This shrine, known locally as Seki no Ujigamisama, enshrines Emperor Ojin, Emperor Chuai, Empress Jingu, and Emperor Nintoku. The approximately 12.7-meter-tall gate is made with white granite is famous as the largest in Japan. The grounds also hold the Fuku-no-Zo, a statue of a blowfish, and the charms and ema prayer plaques are also shaped like blowfish.

Kameyama Hachimangu is located on the top of a small hill, and so the view of Kanmon Strait from the shrine is wonderful. Kameyama battery once stood in the precinct of this shrine.
Toko-ji Temple

4.5

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Tsubaki East 1647

The Toko-ji Temple is a temple in Hagi City belonging to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism; it was the Bodai-ji (family temple) of the Mori family, the lords of the Hagi Domain. The temple was built in 1691 on the orders of Mori Yoshinari, the third lord of Hagi; the tombs of the fifth, seventh, ninth and eleventh lords of Hagi, along with those of their wives and concubines, are in the Mori family graveyard within the Temple grounds. The Toko-ji Temple features several interesting examples of Chinese-style architecture, including the So-mon (main gate), the Daioho-den hall and the Shoro (bell tower), all of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

A shrine with a different perspective, hundreds of lanterns and some interesting stories to hear if you have interest about Japanese history.
Sumiyoshi Shrine

4.0

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Shimonosekishi Ichinomiyasumiyoshi 1-11-1

This shrine is known as one of the three biggest Sumiyoshi Shrines in Japan along with the Sumiyoshi Shrine in Fukuoka City and Osaka City. The main shrine is designated as a national treasure, and the hall of worship, built by donations from MOTONARI Mori, is an Important Cultural Property. An annual festival is held from December 8th to 15th , where shimenawa rope is spread all over in the grounds, meaning that general visitors cannot enter, and priests cannot leave and must purify themselves.

駐車場に停めて入ったら裏口だったらしく。表面から行きたかった。奥に御神木があり、なかなかの大きさ！圧巻です。
Former British Consulate in Shimonoseki

3.5

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Shimonoseki-shi Karatocho 4-11

In Shimonoseki, near the fish market and wharf are a few Western-style buildings. The former British Consulate is one of the buildings that still stands today. You can enter the building, free of...
Important Cultural Property - Kikuya Residence

4.0

88 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Gofukumachi 1-1

This is the residence of the Kikuya family who were wealthy merchants of Hagi domain. The Ouchi clan lived in attendance in Yamaguchi but following the downfall of the Ouchi they became merchants. In 1604, accompanying Mori Terumoto’s move to Hagi, the Kikuya family were bestowed land where their residence is now located and set about constructing a home. This residence which has a 400-year history is among the oldest surviving examples in the whole country as an existing merchant. The main house which has a spacious tatami room was constructed in the early Edo period. Five buildings starting with the main house have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Like all rich merchant families in the old times, this house is full of memorabilia, and all are so special. And it will be incomplete if you do not visit the garden, it was so beautiful, esp, Autumn...
Kaiten Memorial Museum

4.5

54 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Shunanshi Odushima 1960

This memorial hall has exhibits connected to the kaiten, a torpedo shaped special weapon, built in the remains of barracks once used by former kaiten trainees and staff. Stone monuments are lined up at the entrance, and inside panels introduce kaiten history, and lives of those involved in it. There are around 1,000 items connected to the staff in the collection. There are also dioramas recreating the base, and films of the staff speaking at the time.

Having lived in Yamaguchi prefecture many years ago, I had heard of the museum but never thought to go there. Finally 30 years later, for a ALT 30 year reunion, we took the ferry to spend time there...
Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum

3.5

40 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Kameyamachou 3-1

Built on the site of the former Kameyama campus of the Faculty of Economics, Yamaguchi University, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum is a public art museum with a strong local flavor that is closely integrated with the local community. The Museum’s collections are oriented toward artists with a connection to Yamaguchi Prefecture; for example, they include works from Kazuki Yasuo’s “Siberia Series,” works by Kobayashi Wasaku, etc. The collections also include many outstanding Nihonga paintings (including the “Landscape Scroll After Kegong Gao,” which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property) and photographic works, etc. The Museum holds several exhibitions of works from its own collections and special exhibitions every year. The bright, cheerful cafe facing the central atrium is very popular with visitors.

ちょうど雪舟展を開催していて山口に来たのだからせっかくなので行ってみた時間予約要学芸員の説明動画が見れるパッドを無料で貸してくれます作品の前のQRコードを読み取ると動画が始まります少々説明動画が長くてはしょってしまいました空いていたので雪舟を堪能できよかったです
Birthplace of Takasugi Shinsaku

3.5

74 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Minamifuruhagimachi 23

Takasugi Shinsaku created the first auxiliary irregular militia in Japan known as Kiheitai which, with its novel idea and dynamism, led to the triumphant victory over the shogunate. The birthplace of Takasugi Shinsaku, the lucky mercenary of the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate, is located in Minamifuruhagi Town, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Currently, the southern part of the former residence is open to the public. In addition to the well said to be used to give the newborn Shinsaku his first bath and a memorial stone with Shinsaku’s haiku engraved on it, there are a number of artifacts connected with Takasugi Shinsaku on display in the old house. * Because the house is privately owned only viewing from outside is permitted.

萩の古い町並みの一番奥にあって、中央公園駐車場に車を止めてとほでやく５-１０分で行くことができます。屋敷の中には高杉晋作の銅像もあり古きをしのべます。
Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum

4.0

64 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Yudaonsen 1-11-21

This is a memorial museum located in Yamaguchi City, the birthplace of the poet, Chuya Nakahara. It has been built on the site of the Nakahara clinic, Chuya’s childhood home. The museum exhibits manuscripts and personal belongings of Chuya Nakahara. There is a permanent exhibition where visitors can view books on the first floor, and visitors can enjoy CDs, a document search room and special exhibitions on the second floor.

展示品など多すぎず、ちょうどよく感じました。この時代の文芸作家たちとの交流、彼の人生の経過も書かれていて、作品と言うより彼の人生について知ることが出来たと思います。
Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine

3.0

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Houfushi Matsuzakichou 14-1

The Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in Hofu City that is dedicated to the poet and statesman Sugawara no Michizane, deified as Tenjin, the God of Learning. It ranks alongside the Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine in Kyoto and the Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine in Fukuoka as one of the Three Great Tenjin Shrines of Japan. As Sugawara no Michizane had been very impressed by Hofu while traveling to Dazaifu in Kyushu, it was believed that his spirit had returned to Hofu after his death, and so the first Tenman-gu Shrine in Japan was built here in 904. The imposing vermillion-painted Ro-mon (two-storied gate) and the view from the Shumpuro-ro hall inside the Shrine precincts should not be missed.

防府天満宮の階段の下に在る酒樽がお賽銭箱の珍しい神社です。説明書からですが、もともと美味しい水が出ていたところが菅公の神威により美味しい美酒の味に変わったと喜んだそうです。これだけでは酒になったのか、酒の味だけなのか分かりませんが前者なら米が焚けずに困ったのではないかと突っ込みたくなります。

Yamaguchi

Iwakuni / Yanai / Suooshima Shunan / Kudamatsu / Hikari / Kasado Island Yamaguchi / Hofu Hagi Shimonoseki Nagato Mine City (Akiyoshidai) / Ube City

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Yamaguchi Areas

Heading west along Japan’s largest island, Honshu, the very last prefecture you’ll reach is Yamaguchi, separated from Kyushu by a small strip of water known as the Kanmon Straits, which the far-reaching harbor city Shimonoseki looks over. With water at every turn, the seafood of Yamaguchi is an indisputable highlight, and we’re not talking just the usual fish dishes - the notorious fugu, or puffer fish, is a Japanese delicacy that was discovered in Yamaguchi prefecture, making it the best place to try it out.