Yamaguchi prefecture can be found in the Chugoku region of Japan. Yamaguchi prefecture borders the great Kyushu Island on the western coast of Honshu island. Like Kyushu, Yamaguchi prefecture is packed with attractions for you to enjoy.

Whether you love the natural world, (glorious mountains, dense forests, picturesque beaches) or major cities with fabulous shopping districts, Yamaguchi prefecture has something for everyone.

Yamaguchi prefecture is often overlooked by tourists who take the shinkansen on through to Kyushu. This means that attractions are often quiet with few crowds which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway in which you want to avoid bustling tourist traps.

In this article we will give you many reasons to visit Yamaguchi – perhaps after reading it you will want to live there! If you are fancying a move, we have you covered with living in Yamaguchi and moving to Yamaguchi. Our website features rental apartments all over the prefecture: from Shimonoseki to Ube, Hofu, and many more. 

So, let’s visit Yamaguchi!

What to See in Yamaguchi: Shimonoseki

Although Yamaguchi city is the capital of Yamaguchi prefecture, Shimonoseki is the cultural center of the prefecture. Many flocks to Shimonoseki for the city’s shopping district, or the fireworks festival in the summer. As the city is surrounded by water on three sides, the city is naturally famous for its array of delicious seafood. Karato fish market is a must for those wondering what to see in Yamaguchi. This fish market rivals even Tokyo’s world-famous Tsukiji market.   

Shimonoseki is famous around Japan for its fugu fish. This is known to westerners as the pufferfish or the globefish. The fish is deadly poisonous so only specially trained chefs are allowed to prepare the dish. Do not worry, you are safe in their hands.

Fugu is usually eaten raw in a thin sashimi-style. However, if raw fish isn’t for you then you can enjoy a fugu hotpot.

What to See in Yamaguchi: Kawara Soba

Another famous food from Yamaguchi prefecture is Kawara Soba, or ‘hot tile’ noodles. This popular food was invented by soldiers during a rebellion in 1877. After laying siege on Kyushu’s Kumamoto Castle, the soldiers began cooking wild grass and meat on hot roof tiles. Today, Kawara Soba is a staple food in the region. Enjoy green tea soba, beef, egg, daikon, and chili. Customers come from all over Japan to taste this food! 

What to See in Yamaguchi: Kintai Bridge

Kintai Bridge is a national treasure. Known throughout the country, and abroad, it has become the symbol of western Honshu. Kintai Bridge is as beautiful as it is a technical marvel. The five-arched wooden structure is made without a single nail being used!

Close to the town of Iwakuni, Kintai Bridge has become known nationally as one of the best places to experience Hanami. Cherry blossoms line the banks of the river; if you are to visit the Kintai Bridge, we recommend keeping an eye on the Hanami calendar!

Other days of the year that you should consider visiting the Kintai bridge are the Kintaikyo Festival – held in April, The Nishiki River Water Festival – held in August, and the Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival also held in August.

Kintai bridge combines nature and culture beautifully, why not take a stroll along the river and soak in the atmosphere?

What to See in Yamaguchi: Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Another world-famous attraction of Yamaguchi prefecture is the Motonosumi Inari shrine. Yamaguchi is full of culture and references to old Japan. It has come to be known as the ‘Kyoto of the west’ and the Motonosumi Inari shrine is a great example of this.

Much like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, Yamaguchi’s equivalent features hundreds of magnificent torii gates (123, in fact!) The pathway stretches over 100 meters across the scenic coastline, high up above the vast ocean and the roaring waves.

Motonosumi Inari shrine is fast becoming Yamaguchi prefecture’s number one travel destination, and for good reason! To say this place is atmospheric is an understatement. Walk this path and you will feel at one with nature. It is said to bring good luck in life, in pleasure and business, and, of course, fishing.

Visit Yamaguchi, enjoy the view and get a dose of good luck too! Maybe after all this, you would be thinking about living in Yamaguchi to get even more luck!

What to See in Yamaguchi: Akiyoshido Cave

Another reason to visit Yamaguchi is because of the prefecture’s vast natural beauty. Akiyoshido Cave attracts visitors worldwide for being Japan’s longest and largest limestone Cave. Akiyoshido Cave is so big that it has been officially termed a national park.

Of its nine kilometers, one kilometer is open to the public. The cave is easily navigated for people of all ages as you follow paths through the gigantic cave. Look out for wondrous rock formations and cobalt blue rivers running through. This is a sight not to be missed!

Living in Yamaguchi

After visiting all of these great sites you might be considering moving to Yamaguchi. Our website features rental apartments all over Yamaguchi prefecture: from Shimonoseki to Ube, Hofu, and many more. Yamaguchi prefecture is a great place to visit, but it is also a great place to live.  

So, let’s visit Yamaguchi! Start your adventure today.