8 Recommended Spots to Enjoy Yamaguchi Prefecture with Children
If you're going on a family trip, you want your children to be fully satisfied! Knowing spots that tickle children's curiosity in advance will broaden your options for destinations during your trip. Here are 8 recommended spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture where both adults and children can have a great time, ensuring the whole family enjoys the journey.
1Nagato Toy Museum
Full of wooden toys for parents and children to play with
Located on the premises of "Michi-no-Eki Senzakitchin" in Senzaki, Nagato City, this is a spot that parents and children can enjoy together. The facility's highlight is its wooden toys made from Yamaguchi-grown timber. The interior, with flooring made of cypress, cedar, and chinquapin, is filled with a gentle, woody scent and is packed with toys that pique children's curiosity, such as puzzles and building blocks.
Adults will also naturally feel soothed by the warm texture of the toys and the atmosphere of the space. There is also a dedicated "Baby Plaza" for children up to 2 years old, so you can use it with peace of mind even with small children.
Depart for a kids' cruise from the art museum pier to Senzaki Bay
The "Umi no Hiroba" (Sea Plaza), a wooden deck facing the harbor, is a private space exclusively for museum visitors. You can enjoy the harbor scenery while basking in the pleasant sea breeze, such as spotting fish with your children or watching the sightseeing boats depart for Omijima Island.
We also recommend boarding the kids' cruise ship "Benten," operated by the same facility. During the 20 or 40-minute cruise through Senzaki Bay and Fukagawa Bay, there are plenty of memorable fun activities, such as playing with wooden toys loaded on board or experiencing being a captain at the child-sized helm. There is also a commemorative photo opportunity wearing a captain's uniform.
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The wooden toys you can play with freely inside the building can also be purchased at the museum shop. There are many items that even adults can enjoy, such as cute animal-themed puzzles and building blocks. They also make very stylish interior decorations.
- Nagato Toy Museum
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4297-1 Senzaki, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 45 minutes from the Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway
Take a bus from JR Nagato-shi Station and get off at "Senza Kitchen"
10:00–16:00 (Last admission 15:30)
Every Thursday, year-end and New Year holidays (However, it may be open on Thursdays during busy periods such as public holidays, Golden Week, and summer vacation)
Winter holidays: Every Wednesday and Thursday (during the period from December to March)
0837-27-0337
Free
Kids' cruises may be suspended depending on weather and wave conditions
2Nagato Yumoto Onsen Town
A charming hot spring town spreading along a river in the mountains
Nagato Yumoto Onsen boasts a history of approximately 600 years. The quiet hot spring town, nestled along the clear Otuzure River, was reborn through a renewal project completed by 2020 into a modern space that harmonizes with nature while retaining its good old-fashioned charm.
With the rebirth of the town's symbol, the "Onto" public bathhouse, and the opening of stylish cafes in renovated traditional houses, there is plenty to see and do. You can enjoy a slow-paced family trip, whether playing with children in the Otuzure River with its stepping stones or enjoying takeout sweets on the river terrace.
Photogenic spots can be found all over the hot spring town
The photogenic scenic spots created throughout the town during the renewal have become new attractions. The "Bamboo Forest Stairs," which connect the Yumoto Onsen parking lot along the national highway to the hot spring town spreading along the Otuzure River, create a magical atmosphere at night with lantern-style lighting.
With the "Onto-dori" street along the river, walking paths, and the "Autumn Leaves Stairs" where you can enjoy a fiery landscape in the fall, strolling through the hot spring town has become even more enjoyable. If you walk with your children, you will likely be able to take plenty of photogenic family photos of your trip.
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The Otozure River is designated as a national natural monument as a breeding ground for Genji fireflies. From late May to mid-June, you can watch fireflies flying about at night, and during the season, the lights in the hot spring town are dimmed to one-tenth of their usual brightness to accompany the glow of the fireflies.
- Nagato Yumoto Onsen Town
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- Fukawa Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 45 minutes from the Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway
- Take the shared jumbo taxi bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station and get off at "Nagato Yumoto Onsen"
- 0837-25-3611
- Paid
3Akiyoshidai Safari Land
Get excited by the power of the animals in your own car or on the feeding bus
Located north of Akiyoshidai in Mine City, this is a classic weekend outing spot for families with children in Yamaguchi Prefecture. You can enter the "Safari Zone" by drive-through in your own car, allowing you to observe herbivores like elephants and zebras, as well as carnivores like lions and cheetahs, up close.
We also recommend using the "Feeding Bus," which allows you to feed the animals directly and tour the park thoroughly while listening to live commentary from the staff. Even through the wire mesh, the animals that come right up to you are incredibly impressive.
Kids will love it too! Hands-on experiences with animals
The "Animal Interaction Plaza" is home to about 500 animals of 50 different species, including popular white tigers, giraffes, and red pandas, and is full of animals you can interact with directly, such as red kangaroos, capybaras, and African spurred tortoises. Feeding experiences are always available, so be sure to check the event information on the facility's website. You can also enjoy pony riding experiences.
"Kids Safari" is especially recommended for children. It features playground equipment that lets them experience animal ecology, such as crawling into burrows like meerkats or looking through telescopes that give them the same visual acuity as hawks.
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The facility's official social media accounts share the unique daily gestures of the animals, information about babies, and recommendations from the staff's perspective, so checking them before your visit will further enhance your experience on-site.
- Akiyoshidai Safari Land
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- 1212 Aka, Mitou-cho, Mine-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 3 minutes from Edo IC on the Ogori-Hagi Road
- Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station and get off at "Safariland," right there
- Private Car Course Reception 9:30–16:00 (15:30 from Oct to Mar)
Feeding Bus Course Reception 9:00–15:30 (First bus at 9:30)
Restaurant 11:00–16:00 (L.O. 15:30), Shop 9:30–17:00 (16:30 from Oct to Mar) - Open every day
Private Car Admission
Adults 2,600 yen, Children 1,600 yen, Seniors 2,300 yen
Tablet Guide 600 yen per unit (Required for all vehicles; 100 yen for same-day re-entry)
*Convertibles, cars with soft tops, and motorcycles are not permitted
*Pets are not permitted in the park (kennels available)
Feeding Bus Admission
Adults 3,700 yen, Children 2,700 yen, Seniors 3,400 yen
*Private car admission is also possible on the same day at no extra charge- 08396-2-1000
- Free
4Shimonoseki Aquarium "Kaikyokan"
Parents and children alike will be thrilled by the charming dolphins and various fish
Located in the Karato area, where popular tourist facilities line the Kanmon Straits in Shimonoseki City. There are plenty of attractions for parents and children to enjoy together, including a joint dolphin and sea lion presentation, an underwater tunnel, sunfish, and a touching pool. Don't miss the exhibit of pufferfish species, which boasts the largest number of varieties on display in the world.
For lunch or a cafe break, we recommend the "Dolphin-viewing Restaurant" inside the facility. The windows are actually the dolphin tank, so you can see them swimming right in front of you, and if you're lucky, they might even come close while you're peering into the tank, which is sure to delight the children.
Observe penguins living in their natural habitat
One of the most popular areas in the facility is "Penguin Village." It consists of two zones: the "Sub-Antarctic" zone, where four species including gentoo penguins and king penguins live, and the "Temperate" zone, where Humboldt penguins live, allowing you to fully enjoy watching them walk and swim.
The temperate zone in particular is designated as a "Humboldt Penguin Special Protection Area," modeled after the islands in South America that are their actual habitat, recreating an environment as close to the real thing as possible. During the breeding season, you can witness their wild behavior firsthand, such as them warming eggs and raising their chicks.
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Whales are also special in Shimonoseki, which has long been a whaling base. The full-body skeletal specimen (real) of a blue whale displayed in the hall is the only one of its kind in Japan and is a very rare and valuable item worldwide. Its size, with a body length of approximately 26 meters when alive, is breathtaking.
- Shimonoseki Aquarium "Kaikyokan"
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- 6-1 Arkaport, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Take a bus from JR Shimonoseki Station and get off at "Kaikyokan-mae," then walk for about 5 minutes
- 9:30–17:30 (Last admission at 17:00)
- Open every day
- Adults (high school students and older) 2,500 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 1,200 yen, Infants (3 years and older) 500 yen
- 083-228-1100
- None (paid parking available nearby)
5Tokiwa Park
With outdoor sculptures scattered throughout, the park also offers a variety of fun, including an amusement park and a botanical garden
Tokiwa Park is a popular spot in Ube City, located in the southwestern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The vast grounds surrounding the lake feature an amusement park as well as a zoo centered on various monkeys from around the world, bustling with many families on holidays.
A key feature is the "habitat exhibition," which recreates the environments where the animals live. Zones such as "Waterside of Central and South America," "Forests of Asia," and "Hills of Africa and Madagascar" are packed with elements of exploration for children. Adults will also be soothed by the cuteness of animals like the white-handed gibbon and the ring-tailed lemur.
Experience a simulated world tour at the Botanical Garden within Tokiwa Museum
Tokiwa Museum is located on a hill overlooking Lake Tokiwa. The outdoor "Sculpture Hill" features works from the "UBE Biennale (International Sculpture Competition of Ube)," creating a photogenic landscape.
The indoor "World Botanical Garden" is divided into eight zones from around the world, such as "Tropical Asia," "Tropical America," and "Africa," allowing you to encounter rare plants, flowers, and fruits as if you were traveling the world. The tropical zones have high humidity, just like a real jungle. It is full of rare plants that both parents and children can enjoy.
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There are 100 outdoor sculptures in the park, including past winning works of the "UBE Biennale." There are plenty of photogenic spots where "scenes with children" look great, such as a work modeled after a bus.
- Tokiwa Park
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- 3-4-1 Norisada, Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 5 minutes from the "Ube Minami" IC on the Yamaguchi Ube Road
- Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station and get off at "Tokiwa Koen Iriguchi"
- Tokiwa Amusement Park 10:00–17:00
Tokiwa Museum 9:00–17:00 (World Plant Museum 9:30–16:30 *Last admission 16:00)
Tokiwa Zoo 9:30–16:30 *Last admission 16:00
*Tokiwa Park is open at all times - The park is open every day; the amusement park, museum, and zoo are closed on Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday)
- Tokiwa Park: Free
Please check the website for Tokiwa Amusement Park, Museum, and Zoo fees - 0836-54-0551
- Paid
6Senjojiki
Enjoy the grassy plains on the hill overlooking the superb view with your family
Located in the Heki area of western Nagato City, this is a popular scenic spot alongside the nearby Motonosumi Shrine and Higashiusirobata Rice Terraces. Situated on a 333-meter-high plateau overlooking the Sea of Japan, you can see the horizon on a clear day, and the summer night view with countless fishing fires appearing offshore is a must-see beauty.
For those with children, the vast grassy field is the biggest attraction. You can play ball, run around, and enjoy the panoramic nature with your children, which will also leave adults feeling refreshed. There are public restrooms, so it is safe even for those with small children.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, camping is also an option. It can be used without a reservation.
The greatest appeal of the "Senjojiki Plateau Campground" is the ability to fully enjoy the local scenery, including the breathtaking blue of the sea and sky during the day, the sunset, the star-filled night sky, and the sunrise. Because it can be used casually without a reservation, it is popular not only for overnight stays but also for families enjoying day trips.
There are many points of interest for children, such as athletic playground equipment and free binoculars at the observation deck. Nearby is the "Sugemuta Park," famous for its azaleas, and a stroll from the campground is recommended when they are in full bloom in late April.
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Senjojiki has a popular cafe called "Country Kitchen," which is one of the attractions of visiting the area alongside the superb view. The menu is full of items that children will love, such as hamburger steaks and curry for lunch, and crepes and waffles for sweets.
- Senjojiki
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- 1138-1 Hioki-naka, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 60 minutes from Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway
- Free
- 0837-27-0074 (Nagato City Tourism Convention Association)
- Free
- Country Kitchen 11:00–17:00, Closed Thursdays
*Recommended car navigation setting for Senjojiki: TEL 0837-37-3824 (Country Kitchen)
7Funakata Farm
To a lush, green satoyama farm where cows live.
Funakata Farm is surrounded by the rich nature of Ato, Yamaguchi City.
With vast grassy fields, it is a place where children can spend time freely in nature.
Depending on the season and weather, you may even encounter grazing cattle. You can enjoy a relaxing time with your family in the open landscape
surrounded by mountains.
Let the whole family enjoy the delicious flavors of the farm!
The original hamburger made with beef raised on the farm is a popular menu item you must try. The rich soft-serve ice cream made with homemade milk is also a specialty of Funakata Farm, loved by both children and adults. Why not enjoy the delicious flavors that can only be tasted here with your whole family at this farm surrounded by nature?
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This is a spot I would definitely recommend for children in terms of food safety as well. Don't miss the original products available for purchase at the shop, such as "Funakata Farm Cheesecake," as well as ice cream, bacon, and sausages.
- Funakata Farm
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- 11450-39 Tokusashimo, Ato, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 45 minutes from Yamaguchi IC on the Chugoku Expressway
- Funakata Farm CAFÉ 10:00–16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
BBQ: Reservation required for groups of 20 or more
SHOP 10:00–16:00 - Please refer to the business calendar on the Funakata Farm website
- 083-957-0369
BBQ Reservations: 083-957-0808 - Free
8Hana no Umi
A vast flower field colored by seasonal flowers, and the seasonal sweets are also exquisite!
Located along the Seto Inland Sea in Sanyo-Onoda City, this is one of the largest system farms in western Japan. In a corner of the approximately 16-hectare site where flower and vegetable seedlings are grown, you can enjoy vast flower fields that change with the seasons, such as nemophila (mid-April to mid-May), sunflowers (late July to mid-August), and cosmos (mid-October to mid-November).
The shop offers a variety of seedlings along with locally grown vegetables, and the "Italian Shokudo" is well-regarded for its pizzas and pastas that make generous use of these vegetables. Seasonal sweets made with farm-grown fruits are also recommended.
Strawberry picking and blueberry picking, harvest experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition to strawberry picking from winter to spring and blueberry picking starting in early summer, you can enjoy harvesting experiences with your children, including sweet corn, sweet potatoes, raw peanuts, and potatoes.
We are thoroughly committed to every aspect of cultivation, from soil preparation to seedling production, ensuring both food safety and outstanding flavor. The fact that many people visit not only from Yamaguchi Prefecture but also from the Kyushu region is a testament to the quality of the taste. The facility's website posts an experience schedule, so it is recommended to check it before visiting.
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You can enjoy the beautiful flowers from various perspectives, as the flower garden not only allows you to view them from the perimeter, but also has paths inside the fields and platforms built for taking pictures. Check the facility's website for the blooming status!
- Hana no Umi
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- 3392 Habu, Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 5 minutes from the Sanyo Expressway "Habu" IC
- Take a bus from JR Ozuki Station and get off at "Seinen no Ie-mae" stop, then it is right there
- Shop/Harvest experience 9:30–17:00
Italian Restaurant 11:00–15:00 - New Year's Day
- Please check the website for strawberry picking and harvest experiences
- 0836-79-0130 (Hana no Umi Shop)
- Free
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- Naoka TakadaHealing mood maker
KAI Nagato
Nagato Yumoto Onsen, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Located in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a representative hot spring resort in Yamaguchi Prefecture, this inn features a design inspired by the "Ochaya-yashiki" (tea house villas) of the Edo period.
Access Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Nagato-Yumoto Onsen Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥32,000
RISONARE Shimonoseki
Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
A hotel with a prime location overlooking the Kanmon Straits, allowing guests to fully enjoy the strait during their stay.
Access Approx. 10 minutes by local bus from JR Shimonoseki Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥12,000