[Yamaguchi] Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Nagato, Hagi, and Mine! From Must-Sees to Hidden Gems
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From breathtaking scenery that has caught the attention of international media to castle towns designated as World Heritage Sites, the northwestern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture is packed with must-see tourist spots. The routes connecting these areas are also popular as exhilarating driving courses.In addition to being moved by the beauty of nature, you can find solace at mystical power spots and encounter the legacy of the patriots from the Bakumatsu era—there’s plenty to enjoy. Here are the spots you definitely won’t want to miss.
“Must-See” Tourist Spots in Nagato, Hagi, and Mine
- 1 Akiyoshidai
- 2 Shuho-do Cave
- 3 Beppu Benten Pond
- 4 Motonosumi Shrine
- 5 Aomi Island
- 6 Hagi Castle Town
- 7 Shoin Shrine
- 8 Kakunoshima Bridge
"Hidden Gems" Known Only to Insiders
“Must-See” Tourist Spots in Nagato, Hagi, and Mine
1Akiyoshidai
Enjoy the panoramic view of nature! One of the largest karst plateaus in Japan
Akiyoshidai in Mine City (Mine-shi) is one of the most popular tourist spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Akiyoshidai is an impressive sight of white limestone rocks exposed like a "flock of sheep" in a grassy plain as far as the eye can see.
The limestone layers that form this "karst plateau" were originally coral reefs that existed in the sea near the equator about 350 million years ago. The movement of oceanic and continental plates brought them here, and millions of years of rain and groundwater erosion have brought them to their present state. The panoramic view from the observatory overlooking the magnificent scenery is a must-see.
It's a waste of time to just drive around! Feel the great nature of Akiyoshidai with your whole body.
A drive on the "Karst Road" that traverses Akiyoshidai is noteworthy for its supreme exhilaration. And we also recommend walking and cycling to fully enjoy nature with your whole body. At the Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center Karstar, a tourist base Property located next to the observatory, maps of the promenade maintained on the plateau are available, and rental bicycles are also available.
The trails vary from flat, easy-to-walk routes to rugged, undulating routes. The map also includes information on the highlights of the area and the time required to complete the trek, making it possible to take on the challenge of a full-scale trek.
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Don't miss the "Natsumikan Soft Ice Cream" at "Taikanmou Akiyoshidai Store," a souvenir store and restaurant located just a short distance from the observatory. This specialty is loved by many Yamaguchi Prefecture residents as well as tourists, and the refreshing taste of summer tangerine juice is irresistible.
- Akiyoshidai
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Akiyoshidaiyama, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 45 min. by car from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Stn.
9:00-17:00 (Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center Karstar)
Bicycle rental service is available from 9:30 to 16:30.
Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays (Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center Karstar)
Rent a bike for 1,000 yen or more per day
0837-62-0115（Mine City Tourist Association)
Free of charge
2Akiyoshidou
You must be impressed by the mysterious sight. Limestone caves formed by nature over millions of years
The underground limestone formations that make up Akiyoshidai are home to more than 450 limestone caves of various sizes, which were formed by rainwater and groundwater erosion. The largest of these, Akiyoshidai Cave, is the second largest in Japan, with a total length of over 10.7 km.
The 1-kilometer stretch of this cave, with a height difference of about 40 meters, is open to the public as a sightseeing course, where stalactites formed in mysterious shapes along the underground water vein appear one after another. The appearance of the stalactites floating in the light is both artistic and mysterious. The temperature inside the cave is a constant 17°C throughout the year, making it a comfortable place to visit regardless of the season.
There are many highlights in the caves. Pay attention to the names of the stalactites!
The "Hyakkaidara" (one hundred plates), located about 300 meters from the entrance, is one of the most popular spots in the cave. The terraced rice-field-like shape of overlapping pools of various sizes was created by the repeated flow of water, deposition of lime components, and drying. The actual number of plates is more than 500, and the sight spread out before one's eyes is a sight to behold.
Other spots are also intriguingly named according to the shape and sequence of stalactites, such as "Sentatobashiki," "Koganebashira," "Kabasazukushi," and "Goten in May Rain. The names are all very intriguing, and if you actually see them in person, you will be amazed at the beauty of nature's formations.
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Akiyoshidai above ground and Akiyoshido Cave below ground are formed in the same limestone formation and are recognized as one of the "Japan Geoparks" as "Mine Akiyoshidai. The two spots must be visited as a set to experience the grandeur and wonder of nature's workings in synergy.
- Shuho-do Cave
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- 3449-1 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- 5 min. from Akiyoshidai Interchange on Ogori Hagi Road.
Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station and get off at "Akiyoshidou".- 8:30-17:30 (16:30 from December to February)
- No holidays
- Adults 1,300 yen, junior high school students 1,050 yen, elementary school students 700 yen
- 0837-62-0115（Mine City Tourist Association)
- Charged
3Beppu Benten Pond
Mysterious pond with clear emerald green water
Beppu Itsukushima Shrine sits at the western foot of Akiyoshidai, a karst plateau. Beppu Benten Pond," which stretches across the shrine grounds, has 168 liters of water gushing out every second from the bottom of the pond, which is 4 meters deep at its deepest point. The clarity of the water and the beauty of its emerald green surface are impressive, and combined with its mysterious atmosphere, it is a popular photogenic spot.
The water temperature hardly changes throughout the year at 14 or 15℃, and the surrounding air is cool even in summer, making it a great place for cooling off. At the cafeteria on the grounds, visitors can enjoy trout dishes farmed in the spring water.
The delicious spring water is beneficial for "fortune" and "longevity. It is one of the most popular power spots in the prefecture.
The spring water in the pond has been selected as one of the "100 best waters" by the Ministry of the Environment as delicious water rich in minerals, especially calcium. Furthermore, there is a legend in the surrounding area that if you drink it, you will be blessed with wealth, and the more you drink, the longer your life span will be, making it one of the most popular power spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture. People gather here to enjoy the benefits of the spring water, which is highly efficacious.
There is a water-drawing station near the pond, and although there are many taps lined up, the place is so crowded with people that on holidays there is a waiting list for a turn.
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In Yamaguchi Prefecture, there are many cafes and restaurants that use the spring water from Beppu Benten Pond. Ohmine Sake Brewery, a popular nearby spot, also uses the spring water to brew their locally brewed sake, Ohmine.
- Beppu Benten Pond
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- 1951-2 Beppu, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 25 min. by car from Mine IC on Chugoku Expressway.
- Free of charge
- 0837-64-0203（Mine Trout Farm)
- Free of charge
4Motonosumi Shrine
The spectacular view of the torii gates stretching out from the sea has been featured in the American media.
Motonosumi Shrine in Yuya, Nagato City, is perched on a cliff that looms over the Sea of Japan. The mysterious sight of 123 torii gates rising from the sea toward the main shrine was broadcast to the world by the American broadcasting media CNN as one of the "Most Beautiful Places in Japan.
The rocky area beyond the torii gates is a spot known as "Ryugu no Ushiofuki," which is famous for the natural phenomenon of waves violently lapping against the rocks and blowing up through the gaps in the rocks in a misty mist. The more stormy the sea is, especially in winter, the more easily the tidal spray appears, and when exposed to Nikko, the mist can turn into a beautiful rainbow of colors.
Also popular as a power spot for good luck. Try making a wish at the airborne money box!
In addition to the mystical sight, the money offering box installed at the Otorii (Grand Gate) on the temple grounds has attracted much attention. The box is located in the center of the torii gate, about 5 meters above the ground, and if you are able to successfully throw money into the box, your wish will be fulfilled. Visitors to the shrine try one after another to make their wishes come true, but the difficulty level is quite high because the money box is purposely placed in a small size. Motonosumi Shrine offers a wide variety of benefits, such as prosperous business, academic achievement, traffic safety, good marriage, and fertility. Make a wish on a coin and try your hand at it.
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The parking lot next to the shrine has been improved, making it much easier to stop by than before. The Motonosumi Shop has opened next to the parking lot, where visitors can purchase locally grown seaweed and vegetables in addition to souvenirs.
- Motonosumi Shrine
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- 498 Aburatayatsukou, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 60 minutes by car from the Mine IC of the Chugoku Expressway.
- 5:30-17:30
- Free of charge
- 0837-26-0708（Michi no Eki Senza Kitchen Nagato City Tourist Information Center YUKUTE)
- Charged
No entry at night
*Recommended car navigation setting to the shrine TEL0837-32-2003 (Dining Area Shiofu)
5Aomishima
Alps on the sea with a series of spectacular views, including cliffs and oddly shaped rocks
Aomi Island is located just a stone's throw from Nagato City. In contrast to the calm scenery of the city side, which is dotted with quiet bays and villages, the Japan Sea side offers a series of cliffs and stone pillars protruding from the sea, creating a rugged landscape formed by the waves.
The spectacular view, also known as the "Maritime Alps," can be fully enjoyed from the "Aomi Island Nature Study Path," a promenade built on the cliffs. The path is approximately 1,900 meters long, with the horizon of the Sea of Japan in the distance and numerous oddly shaped rocks below.
A series of thrilling experiences. Touring the Alps on a cruise ship
The Alps can be enjoyed in a cruise boat operated by the Qinghai Island Tourist Steamship Company, which offers a powerful view of the Alps at sea. The boat will take you on a series of thrilling tours, including pulling up close to strange rocks and passing through caves that are just barely wide enough for the boat to pass through. The captain will guide you and give you explanations at each point of interest, which is also a nice feature.
The boarding area is next to Senza Kitchen, a roadside station in Senzaki, Nagato City. The basic course is a round-the-island tour, but the course may be changed or cancelled depending on weather and wave conditions. The operation status is posted every morning on the company's SNS, so it is best to check in advance.
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There are two types of sightseeing boats: a small "dolphin boat" that allows visitors to walk through the caves, and a medium-sized "whale boat" that allows visitors to feel the sea breeze on the deck. The boats are in operation throughout the year, but the Alps cruise in summer is simply exhilarating.
- Aomi Island
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- Senzaki Shizuura, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 50 min. by car from the Mine IC of the Chugoku Expressway
- Take a bus from JR Nagato City Station and get off at Senza Kitchen.
Take a bus from JR Nagato City Station and get off at "Shizugaura". - Sightseeing boat (1 lap course) 2,200 yen for adults, 1,100 yen for elementary school students
- 0837-26-0708（Michi no Eki Senza Kitchen Nagato City Tourist Information Center YUKUTE)
0837-26-0834（Aomi Island Tourist Steamship) - (There is a charge for the Qinghai Island Nature Study Path, and the sightseeing boat uses Senza Kitchen's free parking lot.
- https://www.omijimakankoukisen.jp/ (Chekaishima Tourist Steamship)
6Hagi Castle Town
The castle town, a World Heritage Site, preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1867)
From the early Edo period to the end of the Edo period, Hagi was the center of the Choshu domain (present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture) ruled by the Mori clan. The castle town section that was developed around Hagi Castle forms the present-day urban area, and visitors can enjoy walking around while looking at old maps and drawings of the time.
Buildings and earthen walls from those days still exist in many places, and in 2015 (Heisei 27), the area was registered as a World Heritage site. In addition to samurai residences and merchant houses, there are many spots where you can trace the faces of people who were active at the end of the Edo period and during the Meiji Restoration, such as the birthplace of Takasugi Shinsaku and Katsura Kogoro (Kido Takayoshi).
How to enjoy the castle town not only by visiting historical sites
The charm of Hagi Castle Town is not limited to history. One of the best ways to enjoy Hagi is to visit cafes, some of which are located in old townhouses or old private homes, others in vast Japanese gardens, and still others in the back of samurai residences, all of which have their own unique characteristics. In addition to cafes, there are also many other interesting places to visit, such as the "Hagi Museum's" summer orange soft serve ice cream.
New stores such as "Hagi Pudding Pavilion" and "Hagi Castle Town Beer MURATA" will open in 2021, and "Nero Bake," a store specializing in home-roasted coffee and baked goods, will open in 2022, attracting attention right away.
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Hagi City was the first national grand prix winner of the "Kimono Fitting Town Award". The entire town is photogenic and looks great in kimono. Kimono rental stores in the castle town (reservations required) are also recommended. Many of them offer special offers only for those wearing kimono.
- Hagi Castle Town
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- Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station
- Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station and get off at Hagi Meirin Center.
- 0838-25-1750（Hagi City Tourist Association)
- Charged
7Shoin Shrine
Shoin Shrine, dedicated to Shoin Yoshida, a charismatic figure among the Bakumatsu no Shishi (patriotic warriors at the end of the Edo period)
Yoshida Shoin was the mentor of such people as Takasugi Shinsaku, Ito Hirobumi, and Yamagata Aritomo, who became the driving force behind the Meiji Restoration at the "Shoukasonjuku". He was a Choshu clan member at the end of the Edo period who became their charismatic leader.
Shoin Shrine was built in 1907 as a shrine dedicated to Shoin, who lost his life in the Great Prison of Ansei (1858). Today, the shrine is not only a representative tourist spot in Hagi, but is also known as the god of academics in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and many students visit to pray for success in entrance examinations. Original amulets such as "Shi-Mamori" and "Shissei-Mamori" with characters and portraits written by Shoin are also popular.
Shoukason Juku, where you can feel the life of Shouin and the other samurai of the end of the Edo period.
The private school "Shoukasonjuku," which Shouin Yoshida opened, still exists in its original form within the shrine grounds, along with his parents' house where Shouin Yoshida was imprisoned (former residence of Yoshida Shouin's imprisonment). Although visitors cannot enter the building, they can see the space where Shoin's students studied and talked with him, and the shrine and its surroundings have a reputation as a power spot, as it was a gathering place of passionate people with great ambitions.
The "Shomon Shrine," dedicated to Shoin's students, is also located next to the main shrine, making it a truly sacred spot for history buffs of the final days of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
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At first glance, Matsushita-murajuku may appear to be a small building, but when you think of the many famous people involved in the Meiji Restoration who gathered here, you will find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that is filled with great power. This is a spot where you can feel the breath of great people.
- Shoin Shrine
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- 1537 Tsubaki-higashi, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
- Approx. 20 min. walk from JR Higashi Hagi Stn.
- Free of charge
- 0838-22-4643
- Free of charge
- Matsukamurajuku is closed at night
8Tsunoshima Bridge
A spot with a spectacular view that is attracting nationwide attention as a must-visit destination.
Kakunoshima Bridge is located in Toyokita-cho, Shimonoseki City, on the northwestern edge of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The bridge was completed in 2000 to connect Kakunoshima Island, located approximately 1.5 km offshore, to the mainland. The 1,780-meter-long bridge has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy an exhilarating drive on the sea and the beautiful scenery of the 1,780-meter-long bridge and the ocean.
Amagase Park on the mainland side and the neighboring hilltops are the perfect viewing spots. When the sea is calm and the weather is clear, the transparency of the bridge's surroundings becomes even more pronounced, and you can see even more beautiful scenery than described in the tourist brochures.
Crossing a bridge with a spectacular view, there is an even more spectacular view. Sunset view is also recommended.
A five-minute drive across to Kakunoshima Island will take you to the edge of the island where you will find the Kakunoshima Lighthouse and Yumesaki Nami no Koen, one of only five first-class lighthouses in the country, completed in 1876 (9th year of Meiji era) and designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2020. At approximately 30 meters high, it is the third tallest stone lighthouse in Japan. The white granite Western-style structure blends beautifully with the horizon in front of you and the blue and green of the cape, providing a spectacular view that is different in atmosphere from that of the Kakunoshima Bridge. It is possible to climb to the top of the lighthouse (for a fee), and from the balcony you can see the entire island and far out to sea in the Sea of Japan. The sunset from the park is also a must-see.
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The Kakunoshima area has some of the clearest waters in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and there are many beautiful beaches, including those at the foot of the bridge. In summer, many bathers come here to swim in the sea, and on their way home, they stop by Nagato Yumoto and other hot springs, which is a standard way to enjoy the area.
- Kakunoshima Bridge
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- Kanda - Kakunoshima, Toyokita-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 60 minutes by car from the Mine IC of the Chugoku Expressway.
- Free of charge
- 083-786-0234（Toyokita Town Tourist Association Tourist Information Center)
- Free of charge
- Admission to Kakunoshima Lighthouse is 300 yen for junior high school students and older (9:00-17:00 *Oct-Feb: ~16:30)
"Hidden Gems" Known Only to Insiders
9Mt. Kasayama
The top of the small volcano "Kasayama" is a great panoramic view spot
Kasayama (Mt. Kasasa), located north of Hagi city, is a small volcano 112 meters above sea level. You can drive up to the top of the mountain and see up close the crater, which is about 30 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep, leaving traces of an eruption that occurred about 10,000 years ago. The view from the observatory is magnificent, with a panoramic view of the nearby islands and the city of Hagi, as well as, if conditions are good, the horizon of the Sea of Japan and the remote island of Mishima, which lies about 45 km off the coast of Hagi.
There is also a café downstairs, where you can enjoy a cup of tea while savoring the spectacular view. At the northern foot of Mt. Kasasa is a camellia forest with approximately 25,000 camellia trees growing wild. The best time to see the flowers is usually from mid-February to late March.
Enjoy nature and gourmet food! Lots of things to see and do in the area!
There are many places to see and eat around Kasayama. Myojin Pond was formed when Mt. Kasasa was connected to the mainland, and Itsukushima Shrine is located on the shore. The pond is connected to the sea by a gap in the rocks, and fish released into the sea to pray for a bountiful catch, such as snappers and rock cod, breed in the pond, and the surface of the water rises and falls with the ebb and flow.
The "windhole" located behind the shrine is recommended in summer to enjoy the "natural cooler" air that flows out at a temperature of 12 to 13 degrees Celsius. The surrounding area is dotted with stores where you can taste squid, sea urchins, turban shells, and other seafood, as well as processed citrus products such as Hagi's specialty summer oranges. The gourmet foods that Hagi boasts are not to be missed.
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At the end of the road leading to the camellia forest, the "Tsubaki no Yakata" restaurant is a well-known restaurant run by the mothers of the local fishing cooperative. The set menus, which include sashimi, sea bream, and nodogurouro (nodoguro are cooked in a broth made of sea bream and nodoguroro), are both hearty and cosy.
- Kasasan (Mt.)
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- Tsubaki-higashigashigahama, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Higashi Hagi Station
- Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at Koshigahama and walk about 5 minutes to Myojin Pond.
- 0838-25-1750（Hagi City Tourist Association)
- Parking at Koshigahama, the top of Mt. Kasayama, and the camellia forest are free of charge; Myojin Pond is chargeable.
- Cab or rental car is recommended to get to the top of Kasayama and the camellia forest.
10Higashigohata Terraced Rice Fields
Spectacular view of the Japan Sea beyond the terraced rice paddies. The best time to visit is during the rice planting season.
In the Mukatsuku Peninsula in the western part of Nagato City, rice is cultivated in numerous terraced rice paddies. On the Sea of Japan side, beautiful scenes of terraced rice paddies and the sea can be seen everywhere, and the Higashi Ushirobata terraced rice paddies in particular are known as a spectacular spot. It is the only one in Yamaguchi Prefecture selected as one of the "100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan.
The best time to view the rice paddies is from early May, when the water is flooded for rice planting, to mid-June, when the rice is still small and the surface of the water can be seen. The entire area is a spectacular sight as the surface of the rice paddies is tinted with the blue sky and the setting sun, as well as the ocean.
The spectacular view of the terraced rice paddies and fishing lights from squid fishing boats is a spectacular sight that is only available during limited periods.
The true beauty of the Higashi Gobata terraced rice fields comes after nightfall in early summer. The terraced rice paddies, tinted azure by the setting sun, change their color to deep blue as night falls. The blue surface of the terraced rice paddies and the many fishing fires create a fantastic sight before your eyes.
This spectacular view can be seen only from early May to mid-June, when the surface of the rice paddies is visible, and it is very rare to find a spot in Japan where you can enjoy the concert of terraced rice paddies and fishing fires. Since only a few boats go out on Saturdays, weekdays and Sundays are recommended to visit.
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The popular spot Motonosumi Shrine is only a 10-minute drive away. If you have a chance to visit in early summer, this is a must-see spot along with a visit to the shrine. If you have time before dusk, a visit to the nearby "Senjojiki" is also recommended.
- Higashi Gobata Terraced Fields
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- 410-1 Gobata, Aburatani, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 60 minutes by car from the Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway
- 0837-26-0708（Nagato City Tourist Information Center (YUKUTE)
- Free of charge
11Unrin-ji Temple
A temple full of cats that will relax you if you visit.
Unrin-ji Temple is located in a village in the Mutsumi area in the mountains of eastern Hagi. The temple is the descendant of Tenjuin Temple (now closed), which appears in the "Nekomachi Legend" of Hagi Castle Town. The temple has been called "Neko-dera" (cat temple) because of the increasing number of cat-related ornaments collected by the temple's cat-loving priest and dedicated by visitors.
The cat figurines lined up in front of the main hall are a sight to behold! The temple has become so popular that it is now considered a "sacred place" for cat lovers, and many people from Japan and around the world have visited the temple.
Buddha, omikuji (fortune), gifts, and red seals! Anyway, the whole temple is covered with cats!
As you begin to climb the stairs to the main hall, cats appear one after another in your field of vision in various forms, such as signs, figurines, and placards for commemorative photos. In addition to the "Neko-mikuji" fortune, all of the amulets and other prizes are Unrin-ji originals designed by the temple's chief priest and his wife, and are available only here. Don't miss the cute red seals decorated with cats.
The "cat ema" (votive tablet) lined up above the entrance is popular for its uniqueness; visitors are asked to dedicate it by drawing a cat's face along with their wishes. Visitors strolling the temple grounds may encounter the temple's four cats.
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The wooden cats lined up on the shrine grounds are astounding in their elaborateness, some so realistic they appear to be alive, and others are picture book characters. All of them are chainsaw art, and the creator, Takao Hayashi, is a very famous person who is so skilled that he won a world competition.
- Unrinji Temple
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- 2489 Yoshibegami, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
- 50 min. by car from Yamaguchi IC on Chugoku Expressway
- 9:00-17:00
- Open irregularly (closed on short notice for Buddhist memorial services, etc.)
- 08388-6-0307
- Free of charge
- To prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, viewing of the main hall and wearing cat masks are suspended.
12Tainei-ji Temple
The temple where Nagato Yumoto hot spring opened
The temple was founded in 1410 by Hirotada Washinozu, a governor of Nagato. Once known as "Koya in the west," this famous Soto Zen temple enjoyed a prosperous period of time.
Daneiji Temple is also known as the site where Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring was founded. 600 years ago, the temple's Zen master Teian received a revelation from an old man who claimed to be the great god Sumiyoshi that a hot spring had sprung up in the area. The Onyu was discovered at that time and is known as "Shinju no Yu," and a stone where Sumiyoshi-daimyojin used to sit in zazen meditation can still be seen on the temple grounds.
The temple is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season, when the grounds are covered with colorful maple trees and ginkgo trees.
Take a walk around the temple grounds and enjoy the sights that tell the story of the temple's history.
In addition to the main hall, there are many other attractions within the spacious precincts of the temple. Banseki Bridge over the Daneiji River is one of the "Three Odd Bridges of Hochou," along with Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni City and Niji Bridge in Yamaguchi City. Dating back to the early Edo period, it is a beautifully sculpted combination of natural stones of various sizes.
Lining the hill behind the main hall are the graves of Yoshitaka Yoshitaka, the 31st head of the Ouchi clan that established a major culture in Yamaguchi Prefecture, his eldest son, and his vassals. There is also a pond where Yoshitaka, who was pursued for rebellion, realized his death when he could not see his own reflection in the water, and a rock where he is said to have hung his helmet. There are also many other attractions such as the 16 arhat statues, a historical museum, and the Toyokawa Inari Shrine in Nagato.
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The annual illumination of the park during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing periods is not to be missed. Check the website for the schedule and other details.
- Taneiji Temple
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- 1074-1, Fukagawa-Yumoto Monzen, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Sta.
- 0837-25-3469
- Free of charge
13Fukutoku Inari Shrine
Be impressed by the fantastic sunset! A shrine with over 1,000 years of history and a variety of benefits
With the keywords "spectacular view," "shrine," and "Yamaguchi Prefecture," I would like to recommend "Fukutoku Inari Shrine" along with the classic "Motonosumi Shrine. Located on a hill overlooking the Hibikinada Sea, about 15 minutes by car north of Kawatana hot spring in Toyoura-cho, Shimonoseki City, the shrine has a history of more than 1,000 years and has been worshipped since ancient times for its various benefits.
There are many highlights of the shrine, including the view from the precincts, the magnificent shrine pavilions, the Otorii (Grand Gate), and the Senbon-torii (Thousand torii gates) that lead through the mountains. The spectacular view of the horizon to the west was written in an ancient poem, and its beauty reaches its climax at sunset.
A spectacular view on the cliff after passing through the red tunnel of Senbon-torii (1,000 torii gates)
As you proceed deeper into the temple, you will feel a sense of excitement as if you are being drawn into another world. At the end of the tunnel of torii gates, which open up into the forest at two points along the way, and at the end of the tunnel, which opens up in an instant with the bright sunlight, a small Inari shrine is enshrined, making it like a small adventure to visit the gods.
The end of the tunnel, which opens up on the mountainside, is on a cliff overlooking Hibikinada Sea, the JR San'in Main Line, and the national highway below. Be careful where you step, as pit vipers may appear during the summer season.
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Supporters
It is recommended to watch the sunset as if it overlaps with the Otorii Gate. The reflection of the sun's rays on the sea seems like a path of light stretching toward the Otorii. If you can see the divine view after praying, you will surely have good luck!
- Fukutoku Inari Shrine
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- 2960-1 Uga, Toyoura-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 45 minutes by car from JR Shimonoseki Station.
- Take a bus from Kawatana hot spring and get off at "Fukutoku Inari-mae" bus stop.
- 083-776-0125
- Free of charge
- Red seals are available from 10:00 to 15:00 (may not be available on the day before or the day of a festival, etc.)
MAP
- “Must-See” Tourist Spots in Nagato, Hagi, and Mine
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- "Hidden Gems" Known Only to Insiders
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
- Naoka Takada Healing mood-maker
Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato
Nagato Yumoto hot spring, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Located in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a representative hot spring in Yamaguchi Prefecture, this hot spring hotel features a structure designed in the style of an Edo period "Ochaya-yashiki" (teahouse mansion).
Access by bus Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring Station
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From 21,000 yen