- Regional Sightseeing -
Enjoy Yamaguchi fully with Tsunoshima Bridge, Kintaikyo Bridge, and Akiyoshido Cave!
Tsunoshima Bridge
A superb scenic road of 1780m crossing the cobalt blue sea. Popular for driving & cycling.
Kintaikyo Bridge
A wooden bridge with five beautiful arches. A famous spot in Iwakuni where the colors of the four seasons like cherry blossoms, cormorant fishing, and autumn leaves shine.
Akiyoshido Cave
One of the largest limestone caves in Japan. Explore a mysterious underground world with the huge "Hundred Plates" and "Blue Ceiling" hall.
Straight line to the emerald sea! Superb scenic driving route
"Ocean Road" invited by Cobalt Blue
A 1,780 m bridge floats on the clear Sea of Japan, and the blue of the sea and sky approaches in a panorama every time you turn the wheel.
In the evening, the setting sun illuminates the road surface in gold, creating a "mirror time" where the car silhouette and the sea surface synchronize, a perfect photo chance.
◆History/Origin: Opened in 2000, it was a long-cherished wish of the islanders as a toll-free bridge, and tourists surged to over 2.3 million per year.
◆Highlights: The S-curve looking down from the north observatory is called "Instagrammable Three Stars."
◆Trivia: Speed limit on the bridge is 40 km/h. Local signs warn against violations as "Superb View Fine."
◆Access: 80 min by bus from JR Shimonoseki Station to "Tsunoshima Todai Koen," 45 min from Shimonoseki Kita IC by rental car.
A power spot where 123 red torii gates dye the sea cliff
Vermilion corridor diving into the sea!
A torii tunnel continuing for over 100 m descends the cliff where rough waves hit, drawing an extreme color contrast between Sea of Japan blue and vermilion.
The offertory box on the cliff top is 5 m high. It is said that wishes come true if you succeed in throwing a coin in, and challengers' cheers never cease.
◆History/Origin: Founded in 1955 by a revelation from a white fox, faith spread as a guardian deity of fishermen.
◆Highlights: At sunset in May and September, the torii shadow reflects on the sea surface, creating a "W Tunnel."
◆Trivia: The offertory box success rate is about 10%. Coins that fall cannot be retrieved, so some call it "Donation to the Sea."
◆Access: 20 min by taxi from JR Nagato-Furuichi Station, route bus "Motonosumi" runs only on holidays.
The Orient's best limestone cave! Overwhelmed by Hyakumaisara and the large ceiling
"Limestone Palace" 100 m underground
A large hall 40 m wide opens in a 10 km long limestone cave, and stalactites on the ceiling shine like natural chandeliers.
The tiered limestone shelf "Hyakumaisara" (Hundred Plates) created by dripping water floats in emerald light up, a different world where you forget time.
◆History/Origin: Coral reefs from 300 million years ago uplifted, and long-term groundwater erosion formed the huge space.
◆Highlights: Cave temperature is 17°C even in summer. The temperature difference with outside is praised as "Natural Air Conditioner" on SNS.
◆Trivia: Cave Wi-Fi is weak to protect stalactites, jokingly promoted as "Radio Wave Stalactite Cave."
◆Access: 45 min by bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station to "Akiyoshido," 5 min walk from parking to cave entrance.
Aesthetics of a wooden bridge crossing five arches and castle town walking
"Poem of Five Arches" drawn by woodwork
Five arches assembled with wooden girders without using nails hang over the Nishiki River, an elegant scenery reflecting the mountains of the four seasons like a mirror.
In the night illumination, an arc of light appears under the bridge, and when river mist flows, it flickers like a "glowing dragon."
◆History/Origin: Built by Lord Kikkawa in 1673 as a flood control measure. After being washed away and rebuilt, restoration was completed in 1953.
◆Highlights: In early April, 3,000 cherry blossoms wrap the bridge and river in a cloud of flowers.
◆Trivia: Bridge boards are replaced every 4 years. Old wood is reincarnated as "Kintai Chopsticks" and is very popular as a souvenir.
◆Access: 20 min by bus from JR Iwakuni Station to "Kintaikyo," direct bus also available from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport.
White walls and summer orange hedges, alleys walked by Restoration patriots
"Restoration Labyrinth" that slips back in time
Earthen walls of samurai residences and summer orange hedges retain the town layout from 400 years ago. Following the stone pavement revives the breath of Yoshida Shoin and Takasugi Shinsaku.
At dusk, lanterns light up, dyeing the white walls orange, and the castle town quickly transforms into a "Japanese Broadway" state.
◆History/Origin: Founded by the Mori clan after Sekigahara. The grid pattern layout remains as is and registered as a World Heritage component.
◆Highlights: The contrast between summer orange soft serve and white walls is reputed as an "Instagram Triple Crown."
◆Trivia: Even postboxes are earthen wall colored, affectionately called "Stealth Post" by citizens.
◆Access: 15 min walk from JR Higashi-Hagi Station, Gururin Bus "Jokamachi Iriguchi" stop is also convenient.
Japanese symphony woven by National Treasure pagoda and pond garden
Night when the "Famous Pagoda of the West" reflects in the water mirror
Built in the Muromachi period, the five-story pagoda features elegant gently curved roofs and cypress bark roofing. The inverted pagoda reflected in the pond is a sacred place for photography enthusiasts.
In the night illumination, the pagoda floats in pale white, and the silence wrapping the precincts is as if the time stop button has been pressed.
◆History/Origin: Built in 1442 to mourn Ouchi Yoshihiro. Escaped the anti-Buddhist movement of Meiji and designated a National Treasure.
◆Highlights: In early summer firefly season, a fantastical collaboration called "Glowing Warrior Monks" appears.
◆Trivia: The Sorin (spire) on top is a lightning charm, taught to local children as "Pagoda's Lightning Rod."
◆Access: 10 min by bus from JR Yamaguchi Station to "Kozan Koen Gojunoto-mae," right there.
Hawaii of Setouchi! Palm tree lined avenue and cobalt coastline
"Setouchi Hawaii State" where palms sway
200 Washington palms continue for 2 km, and the white sand and cobalt blue sea create a tropical resort feeling.
When the setting sun draws an orange road on the sea surface, the sandy beach instantly becomes a world like a beach resort PV.
◆History/Origin: Planted with donations from Hawaii immigrants returning home in the early Showa period, trademarked as "Hawaii of Setouchi" since then.
◆Highlights: Every July, 1,000 dancers color the beach at "Hula in Suo-Oshima."
◆Trivia: Shop banana ice cream is topped with a whole "Edible Banana" (skin and all).
◆Access: 25 min by bus from JR Obatake Station to "Southern Seto Iriguchi," Oshima Bridge toll free.
The first Tenmangu Shrine in Japan! Academic achievement and Plum Festival
God of Learning, Guardian of Setouchi
Founded the year after Sugawara no Michizane's death, it is the oldest Tenmangu in Japan. The vermilion shrine and stone steps stand majestically with the Seto Inland Sea in the background.
In February, 1,100 white and red plum trees bloom, filling the nostrils with a "Plum Scent Wi-Fi" state.
◆History/Origin: Founded in 901, traditionally said to be the "First Shrine" where Michizane's soul first rested.
◆Highlights: The brave fire festival "Hadakabo Festival" in May carrying a 6m large torch is a must-see.
◆Trivia: Prayer pencils come in a set of 10, playing on the pun "Gokaku (Pentagon) = Gokaku (Pass)."
◆Access: 15 min walk from JR Hofu Station, rental cycles from station front are also convenient.
Sculpture forest coloring the lake and night illumination zoo
"Amusement Park of Art and Lake" where swans dance
80 domestic and international art pieces dot the Tokiwa lakeside, giving you the feeling of an open-air museum tour just by walking.
At night, "ZOO Light" illuminates the zoo, and penguins march on a neon road.
◆History/Origin: Opened as a civic park in 1930, continuing to hold world sculpture exhibitions under Ube City's "City of Sculpture Concept."
◆Highlights: Japan's longest class tube slide "Spider Web" makes even adults scream.
◆Trivia: Swan boats have GPS auto-stop, so runaway boats won't become a lakeside drama.
◆Access: 10 min by bus from JR Ubeshinkawa Station to "Tokiwa Park," 15 min by car from Sanyo Expwy Ube IC.
2.4km white sand! Pleasant bathing beach where sunset dyes sea surface rainbow color
"Sunset Beach" shifting in seven colors
The shallow and calm beach sky and sea graduate from orange to purple at dusk, allowing you to experience the rainbow shore as named.
In the early morning, the sun rising from the horizon dyes the white sand gold, and in winter, the north wind clears the clouds, making the cobalt blue sea surface even more striking.
◆History/Origin: Loved as a bathing beach since the Taisho era, certified as a special selection of "Top 100 Pleasant Bathing Beaches" in 2006.
◆Highlights: August's Sand Beach Light Fes turns the sea surface into a starry sky with crystal sphere lights.
◆Trivia: Shell art on the coast disappears with the tide, reputed as "Japan's most eco-friendly Instagram spot."
◆Access: 5 min walk from JR Hikari Station, Bocho Bus "Nijigahama" stop is also nearby.
Japan's largest karst plateau with continuous limestone pillars
"White Grassland" where limestone flocks
Limestones called "Sheep Flock Field" dot 500 ha. Fresh green in summer, and a monochrome world of black and white after controlled burning in winter spreads out.
A cycling road pierces through the undulating view as far as the eye can see, making you feel like time traveling on Earth as you ride.
◆History/Origin: Coral reefs from 300 million years ago uplifted, and rainwater erosion formed the karst topography.
◆Highlights: During autumn pampas grass season, the setting sun dyes limestones gold, becoming "Golden Flock of Sheep."
◆Trivia: Local guides warn that smartphones dropped in limestone crevices usually never come back.
◆Access: 45 min by bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station to "Akiyoshido," 20 min walk to Karst Observatory.
"Japanese Las Vegas" where factory lights dye the sea
Flame trees illuminating the sea surface!
Flare stacks of petrochemical plants spew orange flames, and countless mercury lamps turn the sea into a mirror illumination.
The maze of pipes and steam seen from the deck looks like an SF movie set, and the captain's live commentary doubles the realism.
◆History/Origin: Started operation in 2011, roared nationwide as the spark of the factory night view boom.
◆Highlights: Dry winter nights are perfect conditions called "Jewel Box Mode" where lights don't blur.
◆Trivia: "Common Shunan Night knowledge" among passengers is that counting factory chimneys makes wishes come true.
◆Access: Departs from Tokuyama Port Pier, 10 min walk from JR Tokuyama Station, duration 60 min.
Hillside garden and greenhouse where 1500 seasonal flower species bloom
"Yanai Flower Theater" where flowers and light dance
300,000 Nemophila in spring, sunflower maze in summer, and 20,000 dahlias in autumn turn the hill into a canvas.
Tropical water lilies bloom year-round in the greenhouse, floating like stage lights during night illumination.
◆History/Origin: Opened in 1996, a flower and greenery theme park reclaiming the old Yanai Port landfill.
◆Highlights: The Candle Night every December turns flower beds into a starry sky with 5,000 lights.
◆Trivia: Shop's "Petal Soft Serve" contains edible violas, balancing photogenicity and vitamin supply.
◆Access: 10 min by bus from JR Yanai Station to "Flower Land-mae," right there.
West Japan's longest roller slide and hill of 4000 roses
Scream on the slide, deep breath with roses
If you slide down the 255 m long roller slide at once, the Seto Inland Sea and Iwakuni city center approach in a panorama.
In May, 4,000 roses of 400 varieties dye the slope, and the sweet scent resets your heartbeat raised by the slide.
◆History/Origin: Opened in 1988, born from the townspeople's concept of "Park moving both body and mind."
◆Highlights: The autumn cosmos maze has a moderate difficulty with a parent-child lost rate of 30%.
◆Trivia: Stopping midway on the slide is jokingly called "Slide Congestion Tax" by children.
◆Access: 20 min walk from JR Waki Station, 15 min by car from Iwakuni IC.
Setouchi's fastest tide! Whirlpool viewing and sea bream pole-and-line fishing
"Setouchi Niagara" with 10 km/h tidal current
The tide runs through the 600 m wide strait, creating whirlpools due to tidal differences. From the observatory, white streaks look like map contour lines.
Sea bream gather at slack tide, allowing pole-and-line fishing experience. The catch can be cooked immediately at the strait cafe.
◆History/Origin: Said to be the origin of "Kanmon" (Barrier Gate) as a difficult spot for maritime traffic since the Muromachi period.
◆Highlights: The collaboration of old Kaminoseki Highway stone pavement and the strait is a time-slip superb view.
◆Trivia: Boatmen laugh that "Setouchi Timer" decides tide speed more than the moon.
◆Access: 50 min by bus from JR Yanai Station to "Kaminoseki" terminus, 45 min by car from Sanyo Expwy Kuga IC.
100,000 Azaleas coloring the lakeside and seasonal flower paths
"Photo Walk Corridor" of flowers and lake
Seasonal flowers relay on the promenade surrounding Lake Eshio, and in May's Azalea Festa, the hill becomes a red-pink carpet.
If you BBQ with cherry blossoms blooming at the lakeside day camp site, even "Meat over Flowers" fans will be very satisfied.
◆History/Origin: Former coal mine site regenerated by citizens' planting, opened as a citizen's forest of relaxation in 1975.
◆Highlights: Momijidani (Maple Valley) illumination in November reflects autumn colors double on the lake surface.
◆Trivia: Park squirrels are so used to people they are called "Camera Eye Contact Part-timers."
◆Access: 15 min by bus from JR Asa Station to "Eshio Koen Iriguchi," 10 min by car from Sanyo Expwy Onoda IC.
Enjoy natural hot spring, bedrock bath, and bowling 24h
Hot water, play, and sleep all in one stop!
With free-flowing sodium chloride spring large bath, 5 types of bedrock baths, adjacent bowling alley and nap room, it is a "stayable hot spring theme park."
The food court serving fried chicken set meals even at 2 AM is a sanctuary for "night owls."
◆History/Origin: Opened in 1993, renewed on the site of a public pool under the banner of "Health and Entertainment."
◆Highlights: Every Saturday's foam snow open-air bath reflects the starry sky with microbubbles, becoming a "Milky Way Bath."
◆Trivia: Regulars calculate sauna after 1 bowling game as "minus 30 pins consumption."
◆Access: 8 min walk from JR Kushigahama Station, 15 min by car from Tokuyama Higashi IC.
Mid-June, 10,000 Genji fireflies flow down the river surface
"River Boat of Light" flowing in the dark night
Genji fireflies dance wildly over 1 km on both banks of the Tabuse River, creating a fantasy show drawing bands of light on the river surface for a week.
Waiting for fireflies while eating shaved ice from a stall is the local style; the "contrast of cold and warm" becomes addictive.
◆History/Origin: Started in 1985 by local residents' firefly protection movement, developed into a festival.
◆Highlights: Peak dance is around 20:00. Lanterns floating on the river and fireflies emit double beams.
◆Trivia: Smartphone shooting is secretly advised by the info desk as "ISO 1600, shutter 2 seconds" for "Instagrammable settings."
◆Access: 10 min walk from JR Tabuse Station, free temporary parking opens during the festival.
Sucked into spring water blue, a pond with one of Japan's best transparencies
"Cobalt Eye" shining in the forest
With 8,000 tons of spring water daily and 10 m transparency, you can clearly see the bottom sand, changing color from blue to green depending on the light angle.
Famous water you can scoop with your own bottle is rich in calcium, making coffee surprisingly mellow.
◆History/Origin: Underflow water gushing from cracks in limestone layers, a spiritual pond of Benzaiten faith since ancient times.
◆Highlights: In autumn foliage season, the water mirror reflects inverted autumn leaves, a "Duet of Crimson and Blue."
◆Trivia: Pond carp are buzzing on SNS as "Flying Carp" photos can be taken due to high transparency.
◆Access: 25 min by car from JR Mine Station, use Akiyoshidai Road Beppu Benten Pond Parking (free).
Roadside station where you can taste seaside natural hot spring and "Local Fish Pizza"
"Stayable Direct Sales Depot" with Onsen
The open-air bath overlooking the Sea of Japan is a chloride spring with excellent heat retention. After the bath, enjoy sea breeze terrace time with local fish pizza and local beer.
The morning fresh fish direct sales office inevitably has a line at 9 AM. Adults cheer louder than children at the Hamachi (Yellowtail) filleting show.
◆History/Origin: Opened in 1993 as the nation's first "Roadside Station with Onsen," becoming an oasis for travelers.
◆Highlights: Sunset dyes the open-air bath surface orange, transforming it into a "Natural Infinity Bath."
◆Trivia: The salt topping on shop soft serve is "Onsen Salt" reusing salt precipitation from the hot spring.
◆Access: 20 min by car from JR Hagi Station, right off San'in Expwy Abu Town IC, overnight car stay possible at RV Park.
Overlook Kintaikyo! 3-minute aerial walk to 200 m elevation
"Overhead View Express" where sky and river intersect
As the gondola slides up the mountainside, Nishiki River, Kintaikyo Bridge, and Iwakuni City spread out in a panorama. Cherry blossom clouds in spring and autumn foliage seas of clouds in autumn unfold below.
From the summit, you can overlook Iwakuni Castle (built after Sekigahara) and the beauty of Seto Inland Sea islands, shutter not stopping with a feeling like a small drone.
◆History/Origin: Opened in 1964, connecting total length 550 m/elevation difference 200 m in about 3 minutes.
◆Highlights: The "Glass Floor Spot" at the summit observatory offers the thrill of Kintaikyo reflecting under your feet.
◆Trivia: Bring your ropeway ticket stub to Iwakuni White Snake Museum for a discount on "White Snake Fortune."
◆Access: 5 min walk from Kintaikyo bus stop to Sanroku Station, parking available.
8-and-a-half tatami mat private school where Yoshida Shoin raised young patriots
"Restoration Engine" born from 10 tatami mats
Talents like Takasugi Shinsaku crowded into the wooden 8.5 tatami classroom. The "heat" of debating all night still permeates the pillars.
In the adjacent Shoin Shrine Museum, brain time travel activates with exhibits of handwritten lecture notes and overseas stowaway plans.
◆History/Origin: Opened in 1857, produced many key persons of the Meiji Restoration in just 2 years.
◆Highlights: The Shoin Dance performed by local high school students at the annual "Shisei Festival" in October expresses ambition through dance.
◆Trivia: Rumor says hitting your head on the school beam "awakens you," but actually beware of severe pain.
◆Access: 7 min by bus from JR Higashi-Hagi Station to "Shoin Jinja-mae," right there.
80-minute cruise touring "Alps of the Sea" strange rocks and caves
"Stone Labyrinth" with towering columnar joints
The boat threads through a 16 km open sea course with 40 m high cliffs and caves. At sea erosion caves, the Spouting Whale Rock sprays huge jets up close.
In fine weather, the sea surface is transparent cobalt, and a "water projection" of the boat bottom shadow reflecting on the rock surface appears.
◆History/Origin: Started operation in 1955, fascinating tourists as the signboard activity of Omijima Quasi-National Park.
◆Highlights: Autumn-only sunset flights turn golden caves and sunset into silhouette art.
◆Trivia: Captain's joke "Caves are tunnel toll free" comes out 3 times every trip.
◆Access: 15 min by bus from JR Nagato-shi Station to "Senzaki Port" boarding area, 10 min by car from San'in Expwy Nagato IC.
Aug 6 & 7, 100,000 red lanterns dye the city vermilion
Milky Way of Flame flowing through the city!
"Yamaguchi Lanterns" hanging 3 red lanterns on bamboo skewers fill the shopping streets, and the light swaying in the night wind continues like the Milky Way.
When people in yukata gather from inside and outside the prefecture and the circle of Goldfish Lantern Dance spreads, the whole city quickly turns into a red sea.
◆History/Origin: A traditional event continuing for 600 years since the Ouchi clan brought Tanabata from Kyoto in the Muromachi period.
◆Highlights: The "Giant Lantern Float" in the final row of the parade has a visual of a 5 m high pillar of fire.
◆Trivia: An old jinx says if lantern wax drips and scorches your yukata, "love will burn."
◆Access: Main venue is in front of JR Yamaguchi Station, shuttle bus runs from temporary parking during the period.
15,000 fireworks launched simultaneously from both banks across Kanmon Strait
"Battle of Light" across the strait
Large shells launched in sync from both Shimonoseki and Moji banks intersect in the center of the strait, dyeing the water surface and bridge piers in seven colors.
The 2 km wide Star Mine finale has such power it is rumored to shake Kanmon Bridge with the audience's cheers.
◆History/Origin: Started in 1988 to commemorate the opening of Kanmon Tunnel, Yamaguchi's largest fireworks display.
◆Highlights: Strait cruise seats are premium seats where the entire 180° overhead is a fireworks dome.
◆Trivia: The launch countdown is signaled by Kanmon Bridge lights in Morse code, a production known to those in the know.
◆Access: Karato area, 15 min walk from JR Shimonoseki Station. Beware of traffic restrictions on the day.