Yamaguchi City is the capital as well as the academic and cultural nucleus of Yamaguchi Prefecture, in the westernmost part of Japan’s main island.
From the 14th to the 16th centuries, and under the leadership of the Ouchi clan, one of the most powerful at the time, Yamaguchi City flourished into one of the most wealthy and influential cities of Japan. Modelled after Japan’s old capital, Yamaguchi City was then known as “The Kyoto of the west”. One can still perceive the essence of that golden era in the elegant silhouette of Rurikōji temple’s five storied pagoda, the complex forms of the rocks in the Japanese style garden at Joeji temple, and the graceful branches of the cherry trees along the riverbanks of Ichinosaka river. Yamaguchi City tranquil atmosphere and natural scenery (such as the lush green forests surrounding the city, the coast of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, and the scenic Chomonkyo canyon) provides a delightful contrast to Japan’s busy metropolises.
To end the journey, treat yourself to a steaming spa at the Yuda-onsen hot spring district, enjoyed by many visitors throughout the centuries. A bath in its transparent, alkaline waters will make your skin silky-smooth.
This hot spring is out from the city, and of course you can take a bath; there are also footbaths, which you can put your legs in.
After refreshing your body, have a taste of the best local specialties either at your ryokan (Japanese style hotel) or at the many izakaya (Japanese-style pub) nearby: don’t miss the chance of trying kawara-soba (green tea-flavored buckwheat noodles served on a hot tile), and fugu (pufferfish), accompanied by a glass of one of the regional sake brands, such as the world-famous Dassai.
There’s a chapter of Japanese history and culture that you can only find here.
Oidemase! Welcome to Yamaguchi city!