Explore Yamaguchi City to Learn Both Japan's History and Contemporary Culture

The historical Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the western edge of Japan's main island, Honshu. This culturally significant destination is renowned as a center for art, manicured gardens, and natural beauty in Japan.

As a city of arts, culture, and history that is also endowed with natural beauty, there is something for everyone in Yamaguchi City. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, culture lover, or history buff, the region will provide an experience or activity for you to enjoy. 

Recently, Yamaguchi was ranked third on The New York Times’ list of "52 Places to Go in 2024" and has been recognized as a quiet and cultural city often referred to as "Kyoto of the West." Specifically, its attractions include the National Treasure Rurikoji Temple’s Five-Story Pagoda, Yuda Onsen, the historic Yamaguchi Gion Festival, as well as charming alleys lined with pottery workshops and cafes. In contrast to Kyoto, which is experiencing overtourism, Yamaguchi is drawing attention as a destination where visitors can escape the crowds and immerse themselves deeply in Japanese culture.

In this guide, you'll discover all about Yamaguchi City, its tourism initiatives, and its three best attractions.

Explore Yamaguchi City's tourism initiatives

Yamaguchi City is the historical domain of Kyushu's famous Ouchi clan. This crucial stopping point between Hiroshima and Kyushu is famed for its gorgeous temples. With a rich history that includes commerce with China and interaction with the Portuguese Jesuits, this southern city has become a prosperous center for art and culture.

Yamaguchi City is the capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture, as well as the intellectual and cultural hub of Japan's main island. The city prospered from the 14th through the 16th century under the leadership of the Ouchi clan. As a result, it became one of Japan's most affluent and prominent cities. Yamaguchi City was modeled like Japan's historic capital and dubbed "The Kyoto of the West" at the time. It is still sometimes called "Little Kyoto."

The exquisite silhouette of Rurikoji temple's five-story pagoda bears witness to the spirit of that golden age. Plus, the intricate shapes of the rocks in the Japanese-style garden at Joeji temple and the graceful branches of the cherry blossom trees along the riverbanks of the Ichinosakagawa river create a peaceful oasis. The quiet environment and natural surroundings, such as the woods around the city, the shore of the Seto Inland Sea, and the Chomonkyo Gorge, give a welcome respite from Japan's bustling metropolises.

Besides enjoying the local arts and culture, visitors can also relax in a steaming bath in the Yuda Onsen hot spring district. Bathing in its clear, alkaline waters leaves skin velvety and smooth, which is why it has attracted visitors for centuries. This hot spring is located in Yamaguchi City, where travelers can take a bath or just soak their tired legs in the foot baths. 

Yamaguchi City provides a number of tours and walking excursions that will introduce you to interesting historical sites in and around the city. Although there are many options to choose from, below you will discover some of the most popular experiences and activities you can do in Yamaguchi City.

Optional activity: One-day guided tour walking along Hagi Oukan

Hagi Okan was the main highway-like road that connects the castle town of Hagi, which is located by the Sea of Japan, to Hofu, which is situated on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea. The Hagi Okan was first constructed in 1607 after Hagi Castle was built as a way to connect Mitajiri (Hofu) and the castle within the shortest possible distance. Since the castle became the hub of the ruling clan, the Hagi Okan served as a direct link to other important parts of the country. 

The 52.7 km highway was used for over 250 years by people traveling between Hagi and Edo, which is now Tokyo. Because of this, the road played an essential role in the history of Japan. 

Although sections of the road have been incorporated into modern highways, the remaining parts are in good condition, and you can take a guided tour along the road. There are still paving stones and mile markers on this path, and you can even see where tea houses stood in the past, making it a truly interesting walk. You can book an English-speaking guide who will take you on a 4-hour walking tour of Hagi Okan and share its 400-year-old history.

If you don't want to take a long hike, then you can limit your exploration to Tate Koji Lane, which is in central Yamaguchi City. Here you will find numerous historical sites that line the Hagi-Okan, such as Jippotei.

How to get to Hagi-Okan: The meeting place for the guided tour is Yamaguchi Station, which is approximately 30 minutes from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.

• Address: 2F, JR Yamaguchi Station, 2-1 Sotayu-cho, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-0042 (Yamaguchi Tourism and Convention Association)

Explore Kozan Park and Rurikōji Temple’s Five-Story Pagoda

Kozan Park is a stunning Japanese garden full of historical sites and cultural attractions. While the main attraction is undoubtedly Rurikōji temple’s Five-Story Pagoda, there are other fascinating landmarks that you can find in the park as well. For example, the historically significant sites of Rozando and Chinryutei are there, as well as a bronze statue of Ouchi Hiroyo and the stunning Garden of the Full Moon. 

However, it is Rurikōji temple’s Five-Story Pagoda that makes Kozan Park so popular. The five-story pagoda at Rurikoji Temple is Japan's tenth oldest and is regarded as one of the three most beautiful pagodas in the country. It’s set against a verdant mountain backdrop and flanked by cherry blossoms in spring and maple trees in autumn. Not only is it a gorgeous sight during the day, but it takes on a rather mystical quality when illuminated by the setting sun.

The five-story pagoda was commissioned by one of the leaders of the infamous Ouchi Clan that ruled the Yamaguchi region. At 31 meters tall, it is regarded as one of the most outstanding structures that remain from the Muromachi period. As such, it has been designated as a National Treasure in Japan. The roofs are constructed from many layers of cypress bark that are held together with bamboo nails. Each of the five levels becomes smaller as it ascends, making the structure look pleasingly balanced.

In addition, due to the "Reiwa Era Grand Restoration" that began in January 2023—the first in about 70 years—the entire cypress bark roof has been newly re-covered, allowing visitors to admire its beautiful, almost newly-built appearance. (The restoration is scheduled to be completed in March 2026.)

It takes about an hour and a half to explore Kozan Park entirely but to enjoy the experience fully, take your time. There is plenty to discover if you follow the recommended walking route.

How to get to Kozan Park: The entrance to Kozan Park is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Yamaguchi Station.

• Address: 7-1 Kozan-cho, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-0081

Visit the zen garden at Joeiji Temple

Joeiji Zen Temple is popular for its remarkable garden, Sesshutei. The garden was designed by Sesshu, a well-known monk, painter, and garden designer. It's considered to be a living representation of one of Sesshu's landscape paintings.

Originally built around the private residence of the feudal lord Masahiro Ōuchi around 500 years ago, the garden stands out because of its use of vertically upright boulders. This kind of rock arrangement is unique to the Muromachi period. The residence was later rebuilt as a Buddhist temple, now known as Joeiji Temple. Since the garden remained, it was renamed in honor of its creator, becoming Sesshū’s garden.

When you visit the main Joeiji Temple structure, you can enjoy views of Sesshutei. You may also tour the building's wide tatami mat chambers before relaxing by wandering around the walkway that circles the beautiful garden. The peaceful environment includes lovely zen temple structures as well as the calming raked pebble zen gardens.

Joeiji Temple and the surrounding garden are even more striking because they are encircled by mountains and forest on three sides. On the remaining side is a 'dry landscape' version of the zen garden. There is a walking path to follow if you wish to explore the garden in its entirety.

How to get to Joeiji Temple: It is about a 20-minute walk to the temple from Miyano Station on the JR Yamaguchi line.

• Address: 2001 Miyanoshimo Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-0011

Discover Yamaguchi City

While taking a walking tour along Hagi Okan, wandering the grounds of Kozan Park, admiring the Five-Story Pagoda, and visiting Joeiji Temple's garden might be the most well-known attractions, there is much more to do in Yamaguchi City. For example, there is a Christian church built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the visit of Spanish missionary Francisco Xavier, as well as the opportunity to fully enjoy the hot springs at Yuda Onsen.

Discover Yamaguchi City and explore more of Japan by booking your trip using the JAL Japan Explorer Pass.