Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the western tip of Honshu and offers varied appeal woven from history and nature. Historically, the castle town of Hagi, which produced the activists of the Meiji Restoration, is famous, and spots that let you feel the dawn of modern Japan are scattered around, including the Shokasonjuku Academy, which is also a World Heritage site. Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni, a wooden bridge with five beautiful arches, also captivates visitors with scenery in every season. Turning to nature, Akiyoshidai, one of Japan's largest karst plateaus, and Akiyoshido, the huge limestone cave spreading beneath it, are of overwhelming scale. Also not to be missed are scenic spots that harmonize with the emerald-green sea, such as Motonosumi Shrine and Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, which have become topics on social media. And what you cannot skip when visiting Yamaguchi is the pleasure of food. Shimonoseki's "fugu" (pufferfish) in particular is famous nationwide, and you can enjoy authentic fresh sashimi and hot pot dishes. Distinctive local dishes such as "kawara soba," in which tea soba is grilled on a roof tile, are also popular. Pondering history, touching the mysteries of great nature and tasting superb food: such a luxurious journey can be had here in Yamaguchi.