Recommendation Sightseeing Spots

It is thought that Ouchi Hiroyo established Yasaka Shrine in 1369 as an offshoot of the Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. In 1520 his descendant Ouchi Yoshioki reconstructed the inner shrine building, which is now a nationally designated important cultural property. The inner shrine’s 13 “frog-legged struts” are carved with a variety of unusual patterns reflecting characteristics of the Muromachi period (circa 1336–1573). Held from July 20–27, the shrine’s annual festival—the Yamaguchi Gion Festival—is one of the “Big Three” festivals in Yamaguchi. Its many highlights include a unique Heron Dance and portable shrines carried through the city.