Yamaguchi Prefecture sits at the western tip of Honshu and has long been shaped by trade, religion and political influence. Often described as a quieter, more understated Kyoto, the former castle town of Yamaguchi was once a centre of culture and learning, leaving behind refined temples, gardens and historic streets. Highlights include Rurikoji Temple with its striking five-storey pagoda, one of Japan’s finest, and the atmospheric Jokamachi districts that reflect the area’s samurai past.
Nature is a defining part of Yamaguchi’s appeal. The Akiyoshidai Plateau, Japan’s largest karst landscape, combines open grasslands with vast limestone caves such as Akiyoshido, while the coastline offers scenic views across the Kanmon Straits linking Honshu and Kyushu. The iconic red torii gate of Motonosumi Inari Shrine, set dramatically above the Sea of Japan, is another standout sight. With its mix of history, spiritual sites and distinctive landscapes, Yamaguchi suits travellers who enjoy cultural depth, striking scenery and regions that remain largely off the mainstream tourist trail.