3 Days in Yamaguchi: Discover Local Culture, Cuisine, Sake, and Hot Springs

Located at the western tip of Honshu, Japan's largest island, Yamaguchi is widely regarded as a place of historical and cultural significance.

Yamaguchi’s Hagi City is the place of origin for Hagiyaki pottery. Hagi is also home to historic castle ruins and the preserved former homes of Japanese samurai. 

In addition to its plethora of cultural sites and historical areas, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a mecca of sorts for its culinary offerings that span from sushi and seafood to locally-made sake and signature sweets.

Yamaguchi’s Shimonoseki City is a hotspot for rare delicacies like fugu and boasts a port-side fish market where visitors can enjoy fresh sushi and other locally-sourced seafood.

Yamaguchi City is home to storied natural hot springs, including a luxurious onsen resort that’s fit for a king and a natural hot spring with an origin story that dates back centuries.

Whatever brings you to Yamaguchi, from its rich history and culture to unparalleled seafood and abundant natural hot springs, Japan Airlines is here as your guide to it all.

Day 1: Seafood, sake, and sightseeing in Shimonoseki

Day 1 Schedule

Hakata Station (transfer) → Shimonoseki Station (transfer) → Shimonoseki stroll, Karato Market (lunch) → Shin-Yamaguchi Station (transfer) → Yuda Onsen (overnight stay)

Your first day begins in the Western region of Yamaguchi in Shimonoseki, a coastal port city along Japan’s Kanmon Straits that is famous for its fresh seafood cuisines, sake, and historical sightseeing opportunities.

From Tokyo, Fukuoka Airport is about a 1-hour 50-minute trip via the JAL Japan Explorer Pass. Access from Hakata Station to Shimonoseki Station is mainly by bullet train or local train.

Discover Japanese fusion architecture at the Former Akita Co. building

A marvel of modern Japanese architecture history, the former Akita Co. building is a fusion of both Western and Japanese culture. 

Constructed in 1915, the three-story building was the first reinforced-concrete building to be built in West Japan. Today, the former Akita Co. Building is open for tours which offer visitors the chance to peer back in time as they explore the multi-level building. 

• Address: 23-11 Nanbucho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi 750-0006

Tour the former British consulate building and learn about history

Completed in 1906, this historic site is regarded as the oldest building constructed for diplomatic use in Japan. 

The two-story brick building comprises exhibitions and reproductions that were present in the former consular office. The building’s second floor features a resting area that is furnished with a cafe and pub. Its open-air courtyard is decorated with green plants and the former consulate’s outbuilding features a gallery of historic photos. 

• Address: 4-11 Karatocho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi 750-0005

Visit the picturesque Akama Shrine and take in scenic views

Among Japan’s many historical sites, Akama Shrine in Shimonoseki City commemorates the spirit of the child Emperor Antoku, who perished at just six years of age. The shrine also honors Taira Clan warriors that were lost in the battle of Dan-no-Ura with seven distinctive mounds.

Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, the bright red and white Akama Shrine is a popular sightseeing spot and offers a view of the nearby Kanmon Straits. 

• Address: 4-1 Amidaiji-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi 750-0003

Savor a seafood lunch and chat with local fishmongers at Karato Market

Located within walking distance of Akama Shrine, Karato Market is a bustling fish market where local fishmongers share their catch. Originating in 1909 as a street market, Karato Market has since grown into a much larger affair. Today, the market ships fresh fish to cities across Japan.

Great for a lunch stop, Karato Market is flush with fish and seafood like yellowtail and sea bream. Visitors can choose their own freshly-made sushi or savor the market’s iconic seafood donburi rice bowl. 

The popular port-side market is also known for its fugu (blowfish). In fact, Shimonoseki is Japan’s largest blowfish broker. At the Karato Market, visitors can sample fresh fugu that has been safely prepared in a traditional, distinctively Yamaguchi style. 

And, on weekends and national holidays, the Karato Market transforms into a lively street and fish market called Iki-iki Bakangai. A must-see for hungry, street food-loving travelers. 

• Address: 5-50 Karato, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi 750-0005

Enjoy drinks at an izakaya pub

Foodies and sake drinkers searching for an authentic nightlife experience in Shimonoseki should look for the nearest izakaya pub. 

Ubiquitous in Japan, izakaya, which means “stay-drink-place” in Japanese, are similar to tapas bars and offer light bites and drinks like sake and beer in a comfortable, communal setting.

Dip your toes into the Yuda Onsen hot springs

Day 2 Schedule

Yuda Onsen (transfer) → Shin-Yamaguchi Station (transfer) → Hagi City → Stroll in the castle town → Hagi Uragami Museum → Hagiyaki pottery → Onsen Inn (stay overnight)

Day two begins after bidding farewell to Yuda Onsen and traveling to Hagi City, a region that holds great cultural and historical significance that’s brimming with pottery studios, historic ruins, and hot springs. From Yamaguchi City, Hagi City is about a 1-hour trip by train or bus.

Explore the historic Hagi Castle Town area

Considered the heart of Hagi, the Hagi Castle Town area is easily accessible and walkable. 

The area comprises of shops, pottery studios, and numerous historical sites, including well-preserved former samurai residences, a museum, temple, and the Merchant District, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage.

At Hagi’s Shizuki Park, travelers can see the Hagi Castle ruins. These historic ruins have been preserved and remain in place nearby popular Yuigahama Beach.

Hagi Uragami Museum

Hagi Uragami Museum, located in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, exhibits a combination of history, culture, and nature. It was designed by the renowned architect Kenzo Tange. The museum houses approximately 5,400 ukiyo-e prints, East Asian ceramics, and local historical materials, and hosts a variety of special exhibitions. In 2009, it was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide and is highly regarded by visitors, along with the surrounding historical scenery.

Visit famous Hagiyaki pottery studios and try pottery-making for yourself

Named after the Hagi region, Hagiyaki pottery, also called Hagi ware pottery, is an important part of the local culture in Hagi. 

In fact, this style of poetry has been associated with tea ceremonies dating back to the Edo period. Today, Hagi has garnered national and international recognition as one of Japan’s most famous pottery areas. 

Hagi is brimming with pottery shops and potter’s studios. Here, creative travelers can try their hand at pottery-making while learning about the ancient tradition and the importance it holds in modern times.

Relax in historic accommodations at Tomoe Hagi and unwind at the Hagi Onsen Village

Established in 1925, the historic Tomoe Hagi is often referred to as the State Guesthouse of Hagi, since it once served as a place for dignitaries and honorable guests to rest their heads. 

Tomoe Hagi has expansive, lush grounds and just 24 guest rooms, resulting in an inviting, intimate traditional Japanese atmosphere. Surrounded by nature, the Hagi Tomoe grounds feature relaxing scenery and stunning Japanese gardens that bloom with azalea in the springtime. 

Tomoe Hagi also offers an unparalleled culinary program that features an array of cuisines, ranging from seasonal foods to fresh seafood delicacies. At Tomoe Hagi, dinner is generally served in the guest rooms to ensure that visitors have ample time to savor every bite in a relaxing setting.  

At "Tomoe Hagi," guests can enjoy a unique culinary program offering a wide variety of dishes, including seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. Dinner is generally served in the guest room, allowing guests to savor each dish at a relaxed pace in a tranquil atmosphere. In addition to staying at a traditional Japanese inn, guests at "Tomoe Hagi" can also experience the natural hot springs of Hagi Onsen Village, renowned for their rich mineral content which provides both physical and mental relaxation.

• Address: 608-53 Hijiwara, Hagi City, Yamaguchi 758-0025

Day 3: Divine dining and departure in Yamaguchi City

Day 3 Schedule

Hagi Station → Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Meal and Japanese cultural experience → Yamaguchi-Ube Airport ( → Tokyo)

Day three is spent exploring Yamaguchi City, renowned for its mountainous terrain and rich natural environment, both of which set the scene for unforgettable dining experiences. From Hagi City, Yamaguchi City is about a 1-hour trip via bus.

Michi-no-Eki Hagi Okan "Kenran Beef Dining Gen"

At "Kenran Beef Dining Gen" in Michi-no-Eki Hagi Okan, you can enjoy steaks and hamburg steaks made from "Mishima Beef," said to be the root of Wagyu, and "Kenran Beef," which inherits its lineage.

As a specialty butcher shop in Hagi involved in raising both Mishima Beef and Kenran Beef, the restaurant offers many unique menu items. Among them, the hamburg steak packed with the rich flavor and umami unique to Kenran Beef is especially popular. On weekends and holidays, a limited number of rare Mishima Beef hamburg steaks are also available for you to savor.
(*Please note that availability may vary depending on supply.)

Address: 1258 Kasegasaka, Tsubaki, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, inside Michi-no-Eki Hagi Okan
TEL: 0838-25-1113
Business Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays

Feast on Aio tiger prawns and fresh seafood staples

Yamaguchi’s proximity to the sea means that fresh seafood is always in season. Known as the birthplace of Japanese tiger prawn farming, Aio offers a selection of these fresh, plump pawns throughout the year at the area’s numerous inns and restaurants.

Freshly-caught seafood, including fish species native to the region, like blowfish, squid, mackerel, and pike, can be enjoyed across inns, restaurants, and markets in the sea-adjacent area.

Try Bari Soba Noodles and Kawara Soba Noodles

Bari Soba is the local specialty in Yamaguchi and can be enjoyed at many of the restaurants around the area. The hearty dish features thick, crispy deep-fried noodles and a chicken-based broth with a medley of vegetables.

Noodle lovers can also try green Kawara Soba noodles, a staple of the region. These unique noodles are made from buckwheat that contains green tea, which results in their greenish color. The noodle dish is cooked on a piping-hot kawara roof tile and is served with a variety of toppings.

Taste local Yamaguchi sake

Japan is internationally renowned for its sake. Here, Yamaguchi sake is made with pure water and only the highest quality of rice. The region’s premium local sake offering has captured the attention of sake aficionados from across the country and the world.

Local sake can be enjoyed at many Yamaguchi establishments. Plus, a bottle of local sake makes a great keepsake souvenir.

Sample Yamaguchi Uiro sweets

Uiro, a type of Japanese confectionery, are characterized by their unique taste and subtle sweetness. This unique taste is a representation of the Yamaguchi region.

The main ingredient in uiro is a warabi flour that’s made from components of a large type of fern. The warabi flour is kneaded with an azuki bean paste, sugar, and wheat flour before it’s steamed. Other inclusions commonly used to make uiro include matcha and yuzu.

The final result is a gelatin-like treat that can be enjoyed on its own or during a tea ceremony.

At long-established shops within the prefecture, you can purchase fresh uiro, which is rarely found outside the prefecture due to its short shelf life. It is also available at stores inside Yamaguchi Ube Airport, making it highly recommended as a souvenir.

Optional activities: Japanese Culture Experience (TSUBAKI Plan / KIKU Plan)

Includes a traditional sweets-making class, kimono experience, tea ceremony, and more. 

• Address: LAWAKU, 13-45 Shimoichi-cho, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-0058 (LAWAKU is within walking distance of Yuda Onsen)

Optional activity 1: TSUBAKI Plan

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Package details: Includes experience fee, Japanese sweets, green powdered tea, and English-speaking guide.

Optional activity 2: KIKU Plan

• Duration: 4 hours

Package details: Includes experience fee, Japanese sweets, green powdered tea, and English-speaking guide.

Optional activities are interchangeable between Day 2 and Day 3.

Departure

To get to Yamaguchi-Ube Airport from Yamaguchi Station in Yamaguchi City, take the Yamaguchi bus line for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Access from Yamaguchi City to Yamaguchi-Ube Airport is mainly by bus or train. From Yamaguchi-Ube Airport, Tokyo is about a 1-hour 50-minute trip via the JAL Japan Explorer Pass.

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