Local Guide
6 Activity Experience Spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture where you can enjoy nature to the fullest

To spice up your trip, there are many activities that you cannot experience on a regular basis. The Nagato, Mine, and Sanyo Onoda areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture are full of activities that allow you to move your body, feel nature, and encounter delicious food. We hope you will take home a taste of it with your whole body. The extraordinary experience will be an unforgettable memory of your trip.

Swim with migrating fish on Aomi Island, designated as a natural monument.

Enjoy the beauty of the San'in Sea on a snorkeling tour. The high degree of transparency and the abundance of migratory fish are attractive.
Enjoy the beauty of the San'in Sea on a snorkeling tour. The high degree of transparency and the abundance of migratory fish are attractive.

Located in the center of the Kita Nagato Kaigan National Park is Aomi Island, which has a circumference of about 40 km. Also known as the "Maritime Alps," the island is famous for its numerous oddly shaped rocks, such as caves, precipitous cliffs, and stone pillars, created by nature.
The Cheonghae Island Diving Center offers snorkeling, Experience Diving, and other activities that allow visitors to fully enjoy the beautiful sea. The center offers a wide variety of menus, but for a casual marine leisure experience, the snorkeling tour, which does not require a high level of swimming ability, is recommended.

Don't miss the mysterious "Blue Cave" created by sunlight and the crystal clear sea.

The Blue Cave is a popular spot with a mysterious atmosphere. The beauty of the emerald green water surface is breathtaking!
The Blue Cave is a popular spot with a mysterious atmosphere. The beauty of the emerald green water surface is breathtaking!

The main attraction of the snorkeling tour is the mysterious "Blue Cave. The surface of the water glows a beautiful emerald green as the sunlight shines through the rocks in the crystal clear water. Visitors can also look underwater and enjoy the sight of colorful fish migrating through the water.
Both snorkeling tours and Experience diving are accompanied by an instructor. The park is also equipped with changing rooms, showers, and rest areas, so even first-timers can enjoy marine activities safely and comfortably.

Local Guide Comment
Snorkeling tours are guided in the ocean according to the participants' swimming ability as well as weather and ocean conditions. Qinghai Island is also popular among photo divers because rare deep-sea creatures rarely blend in.
Omijima Diving Center
  • Address 2059-1 Senzaki, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Nagato City Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Nagato City Station, get off at "Shizugaura" and walk about 2 minutes.
  • Business hours 8:00-17:00
  • Regular holidays Tuesdays, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
  • Entrance Fee Snorkeling tour: 6,050 yen on weekdays, 6,600 yen on weekends and holidays, 7,150 yen during Bon Festival
  • TEL 0837-26-4023
  • Parking Yes (500 yen per entry)

The famous large roller slide is a must-see. A comprehensive park that both children and adults can enjoy

The most popular playground equipment,
The most popular playground equipment, "Large Roller Slide. It is located on top of a small hill and offers a panoramic view of the park, which is another reason for its popularity.

A general park that serves as a place of relaxation and exchange for Nagato citizens and as a base for sports, recreation, and cultural activities. Equipped with a grass plaza, playground complex, tennis courts, and other facilities, it is loved not only by locals but also by tourists visiting from outside the city.
The most popular piece of playground equipment is a large 113-meter-long roller slide (for elementary school students and older) with a drop of approximately 21 m. The entrance to the slide is located on a small hill, making it not only an exhilarating experience to slide down at once, but also an excellent view. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the park and the lush greenery of Nagato City.

Suitable for all ages, from toddlers to the elderly.

The
The "Little Slope" where you can enjoy grass skiing. You can play on the artificial grass regardless of the season.

The park is full of Properties that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, including "Chibiko Hiroba" for infants, "Wanpaku Hiroba" for early elementary school students, "Boken Hiroba" for upper elementary school students, "Shiba Hiroba" for strolling, and "Kenko Hiroba" to stimulate foot pressure points.
The Nagato City Library and the Yamaguchi Prefectural Theater "Renessa Nagato" are also located on the premises, allowing visitors to experience culture and art. Incidentally, second in popularity to the roller slides is the artificial grass "Chibi Geland" (children's slope), which can be skied year-round on fine days. Sledding is not allowed, so don't forget to bring your own cardboard boxes.

Local Guide Comment
All playground equipment is available free of charge, so the island is crowded with families on holidays. The roller slide is said to be one of the longest in Yamaguchi Prefecture, providing a pleasant breeze and a thrilling experience!
Nagato City General Park
  • Address 10815-1 Senzaki, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 7 minutes by car from JR Nagato City Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Nagato City Station, get off at the "Library-mae" bus stop, and walk about 1 minute.
  • Business Hours Always open *Please refrain from using the park at night.
  • Closed None
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0837-23-1147（Nagato City Hall Urban Construction Division)
  • Parking Available

Run through one of Japan's largest karst plateaus while feeling a pleasant breeze

Cycling with a view of the magnificent karst plateau of Akiyoshidai is very popular. Rental bicycles are available for unlimited rides until 4:30 p.m.
Cycling with a view of the magnificent karst plateau of Akiyoshidai is very popular. Rental bicycles are available for unlimited rides until 4:30 p.m.

Bicycle rentals are available at the Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center "Karstar" located next to the Akiyoshidai Karst Observation Deck. This is a popular way to enjoy Akiyoshidai, one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, while feeling the pleasant breeze and the sounds of nature.
Two types of bicycles are available for rent: cross bikes for those who are physically fit and assisted bicycles for those who want to enjoy the area casually. We recommend riding along the Akiyoshidai Karst Road, which passes through a wide grassy plain.

Free rest area with coffee stand

Karstar
Karstar" also provides Geopark information. Another attraction is the coffee stand where you can take a breather.

In addition to bike rentals, "geotours" (for a fee) of Akiyoshidai with Mine Akiyoshidai Geoguides are also very popular. One of the most recommended tours is the "One-Coin Tour: The Secrets of Akiyoshidai," which provides a fun and easy-to-understand explanation of Akiyoshidai's origins and the workings of the earth from a geological perspective.
In addition, a free rest area with a coffee stand in "Karstar" offers a panoramic view of Akiyoshidai's natural beauty through a large window. Coffee time while enjoying the powerful panoramic view is sure to be an unforgettable moment.

Local Guide Comment
Karstar" is a coined word combining "Karst" and "Star," and is said to express the hope that many people will come here as a landmark of the area, like the shining first star of Akiyoshidai.
Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center Karstar
  • Address 11237-862 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, get off at Akiyoshidai and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  • Entrance Fee Cross bike 1,000 yen/day, electric bicycles 2,000 yen/day
  • TEL 0837-63-0040
  • Parking Available

Catch and taste trout grown in spring water selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan

A fishing pond near Beppu Benten Pond. Even beginners and children can enjoy the thrill of rainbow trout fishing!
A fishing pond near Beppu Benten Pond. Even beginners and children can enjoy the thrill of rainbow trout fishing!

Beppu Benten Pond is known for its beautifully clear spring water, selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan. The Mine City Trout Farm, located near the pond, has a fishing pond for farmed rainbow trout. Fishing rods can be rented, so there is no problem even if you drop by empty-handed. Even beginners and children can enjoy the thrill of fishing.
Fishing for rainbow trout, which is possible because of the clean spring water, is a unique and precious experience. If fishing is not your thing, we recommend that you enjoy watching the rainbow trout swim by.

Freshly caught rainbow trout can be enjoyed right next door.

The taste of rainbow trout caught by fishermen themselves is exceptional.
The taste of rainbow trout caught by fishermen themselves is exceptional.

Fished rainbow trout can be purchased for 180 yen per 100 grams (average 250 grams per fish) and taken home. If you bring them to the adjacent Benten Kaikan, they will cook them for 400 yen per fish, which can be enjoyed as araya, deep fried, grilled with salt, or fried.
The experience of having a fresh rainbow trout that you caught yourself cooked and enjoyed immediately will surely be an unforgettable memory of your trip. Don't forget to stop by Beppu Benten Pond before or after your fishing and dining experience. The mysterious cobalt blue surface of the water will surely impress you.

Local Guide Comment
The spring water used for aquaculture is highly transparent at 14 degrees Celsius. It was selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan in 1985 by the Environment Agency. At the "Shuho Meisui Specialty Store" located near the trout farm, visitors can enjoy trout burgers and Benten Meisui coffee.
Mine City Trout Farm Fishing Pond
  • Address 1951-2 Beppu, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Ohfuku Sta.
  • Business hours 9:00-16:00
  • Closed None
  • Entrance Fee Fishing rod (with bait) 300 yen per rod, rainbow trout 1,800 yen/1 kg
  • TEL 0837-64-0203
  • Parking Available

Enjoy "Somen-nagashi" while gazing at the cool waterfall

Soumen-nagashi, or flowing noodles made with natural water, is very popular among men and women of all ages. Frankfurters, yakitori, and other snacks are also on the menu.
Soumen-nagashi, or flowing noodles made with natural water, is very popular among men and women of all ages. Frankfurters, yakitori, and other snacks are also on the menu.

The "Somen-nagashi" experience at Suijin Park in Ofuku, Mine City, is a summer tradition that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. The event attracts a large number of visitors every year, as they can taste somen noodles in cold natural water. In addition to somen noodles, there are also snacks such as frankfurters and yakitori, as well as juices and alcoholic beverages, so visitors can enjoy themselves without getting bored.
The open-air pavilion is a great place to enjoy nature to the fullest, with its clean air and cool sound of the waterfalls. On hot days, you can even see children enjoying playing in the water.

Suijin-no-taki waterfall is located right next to the pavilion.

Suijin-no-taki
Suijin-no-taki" waterfall with its cool sound. Many tourists visit in summer to cool off, and in autumn to enjoy the tasteful scenery of the changing leaves.

The best spot in Suijin Park is "Suijin-no-taki" (Water God Falls), where more than ten waterfalls are formed in the shade of dark greenery along a 500-meter mountain path along the Suijin River. The waterfalls, with their cool sound, are beautiful in each of the four seasons as they pass over strange and mysterious stones. Therefore, while many visitors come in summer to enjoy the famous "Somen-nagashi" (flowing noodles) and the natural coolness provided by the waterfall, many people come in autumn for the autumn leaves.
The udder-shaped rock that appears along the way is called the "Milk God," and legend has it that if you drink a drop of water from it, your milk supply will increase. Please look for them when you visit.

Local Guide Comment
Somen noodles served with cold natural water are exceptional. The park also has a 500-meter long walking trail, so a leisurely stroll while admiring the trees is recommended.
Suijin Park
  • Address Kamisaiji Suijin Park, Ohfuku-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Ohfuku Sta.
  • Business Hours Somen-nagashi (Noodle float)
    Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays from May to June: 10:00-15:30 (L.O.)
    July and August: 10:00-17:00 (L.O.)
    Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in September: 10:00 - 16:00 (L.O.)
  • Closed Somen-nagashi (Noodle float)
    October through the following April, irregular holidays
    May be closed in case of rain.
    *Temporary closure may occur for certain reasons.
  • Entrance Fee Inquiry required.
  • TEL 0837-56-0817
  • Parking Available
  • Memo Soumen-nagashi https://karusuto.com/gourmet/somennagashi/
    Suijin Park https://karusuto.com/spot/suijinkoen/
    The information is current as of 2022.

Visitors can experience harvesting seasonal vegetables throughout the year.

Strawberry picking
Strawberry picking" is available from December to the end of May. The all-you-can-eat, unlimited-time strawberry picking is very popular every year.

This Property offers seasonal agricultural experiences throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy picking new onions and potatoes in spring, sweet corn and blueberries in summer, peanuts and sweet potatoes in fall, and strawberries in winter.
The most popular is strawberry picking, which runs from December to the end of May each year. Visitors can enjoy unlimited all-you-can-eat strawberries grown by professional strawberry production Staff/staff members. During the strawberry picking season, the café in the Property also sells sweets and drinks made from strawberries.

There are many places to enjoy such as beautiful flower gardens and special gourmet foods.

Kochia (broom grass) can be enjoyed from late July to mid-October. The green fluffy grass turns beautiful red in the fall.
Kochia (broom grass) can be enjoyed from late July to mid-October. The green fluffy grass turns beautiful red in the fall.

Within the expansive grounds are flower gardens, where visitors can enjoy a beautiful "sea of flowers": nemophila in spring, sunflowers and kochia in summer, and cosmos in fall. One thing you should see once is the field of fujibakama flowers, which bloom neatly in the fall. When the flowers are in full bloom, they also attract the "Asagimadara," a butterfly with asagi-colored wings that migrates from the south to the north in spring and summer and then to the south in autumn.
Visitors can also feed goats and rabbits, and enjoy seasonal pasta lunch, pizza lunch, and homemade sweets at the Restaurant.

Local Guide Comment
Strawberries are grown using as little pesticides as possible and plenty of organic fertilizers. Specialist Staff/staff members handle everything from soil preparation to seedling cultivation and cultivation management, so you can enjoy a unique delicacy. The sunflower fields in summer and cosmos fields in autumn are also magnificent!
Hana no Umi
  • Address 3392 Haniu, Sanyo-Onoda-shi, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes from Haniu IC on Sanyo Expressway
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Kozuki Station and get off at "Seinen no Ie-mae" bus stop.
  • Business hours Shop/Harvest Experience 10:00-17:00 (9:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
    Iri-Arian Restaurant 11:00-15:00
  • Regular holiday New Year's Day
  • Admission fee For information on strawberry picking, blueberry picking, and harvest experience, please refer to the website.
  • TEL 0836-79-0092
  • Parking Free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.