Small guide of Yamaguchi prefecture: unknown Japan between sea and mountains

Worth visiting during any season, Yamaguchi prefecture offers mountain onsens in winter, gorgeous blooming cherry trees in spring that surrounds historical remains, paradisiac beaches in summer, and bright leaves colors in automn. Forgotten by the touristic crowd, travelling to Yamaguchi means discovering an unknown and traditional Japan, with its temples and sanctuaires between sea and land. 

Motonosumi sanctuary: With 123 Torii, this iconic temple isolated on the shores of the prefecture is breath-taking. In 1955, a divine message was sent from the spirit of fox to the resident of Nagato-city, Yamaguchi prefecture, and told to build a shrine on the steep cliffs where he usually went fishing. These 123 torii gates are all along a path leading to the shrine. Most of the gates originally came from its sister shrine; Daikondani Inari Shrine in Shimane prefecture. The path continues over 100 meters and is said to bring good fortune in fishing, business, travel and pregnancy.

Kintaikyo bridge: In the Iwakuni city at the south of the prefecture, the Kintaikyo bridge crosses the Nishiki river and has been contemplated for centuries. Despite numerous reconstructions due to typhoons and river's flood, its architectures remains very old and the surrounding landscape still looks like a typical Edo period countryside. 

Motonosumi sanctuary

Kintaikyo bridge

Rurikoji temple

To do 

Cross the Tsunoshima bridge: Driving a car, you can reach the Tsunoshima island where you will find gorgeous beaches such as Shiokaze beach; through this almost 2 kms long bridge over a transparent blue water. The panorama from the bridge is incredible. 

Take a stroll around the castle of Hagi : This historical town is a must see in Yamaguchi prefecture. Founded by Mori Terumoto in 1604, it evolved into a castle town during many centuries. Nowadays, Hagi preserves the castle's remains and ancient samurai houses at the heart of districts full of the Edo atmosphere: a true jump through time. 

Climbing to Iwakuni's castle : You can also get on a ropeway. This castle from the 17th century is located on top of a mountain where you will enjoy an outstanding view of Iwakuni city. It is also surrounded by a majestuous parc. 

Tsunoshima bridge

Hagi

Hagi castle

What to eat?

Kawara Soba : local dish from Shimonoseki, the legend says that soldiers holding a castle during Seinan war, used tiles to cook meat and vegetables. Ingredients are tea noddles, beef, eggs, seaweeds, daikon (japanese radish) and two slices of lemon cooked on tiles to commemorate History. 

Kawara soba

Fugu sashimi

Festivals
 

Kaikyo festival : When Spring comes, many decorated boats sail across the sea to commemorate the famous sea battle of Dannoura in 1185, between the fleet of Minamoto and Taira, the two most influent families by the end of Heian period. 

Sentei festival : This festival also commemorates Dannoura battle: it is held to honor the young emperor Antoku who died at the age 6 during the confrontation. The seaside Akama temple hosts rituals every year and marvelous parades of women wearing somptuous kimonos. 

Fireworks by Nishiki river: During the first week of August, fireworks are shot from the river next to Kintaikyo bridge. On board of small pagodas or on the shores at the foot of luxuriant nature, enjoy a variety of small events and the beauty of the show. 

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