Yamaguchi

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*Distance and required time is reference time.

Shimonoseki Tourist attractions

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  1Ganryujima Island

  The Funashima Island floating in the Kanmon Strait is a small, flat and deserted island 250m off the eastern bank of Hikoshima enoura. Famous for the duel between legendary swordsmen Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. The name of the island derives from the “Ganryu” fighting style used by the defeated Kojiro. The island has expanded in size since the time of that decisive battle and now sports a promenade.

  Approx. 33 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (17km)

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  2 Shimonoseki Marine Science MuseumKaikyokan

  Shimonoseki is No. 1 for hauls of blowfish, so it is fitting that 100 varieties of blowfish are exhibited here. The highlight here is the full skeletal framework of a blue whale, on loan from the University of Tromsø museum in Norway, which is related to the fact Shimonoseki is a whaling research base. The penguins and dolphins are also popular attractions.

  Approx. 33 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (17km)

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  3Akama Shrine

  This shrine commemorates the child emperor Antoku, who was plunged into the river in the arms of his grandmother Taira no Tokiko, Niino Ama, after the Battle of Dannoura. The vermilion gate, Suitenmon, facing the Kanmon Straits visible on the white walls are styled after the Palace of Dragon King. Within the compound, there is a Buddhist treasure temple containing precious items reminiscent of the Taira clan glory days. Here you can see the Nanamori-zuka (seven mounds) representing the Taira clan tomb and Hoichido Hall dedicated to Hoichi from the famous Japanese ghost story “Hoichi the Earless”.

  Approx. 33 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (17km)

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  4Kawatana Onsen

  Kawatana Onsen was once a favorite of the wandering haiku poet Taneda Santoka, who stayed for 100 days. He left behind many noted haiku, including one verse that reads, “Gushing out and overflowing: I immerse my body in it.” This is specifically a salt spring, rich in radium content said to be widely effective for conditions like digestive, skin and gynecological diseases.

  Approx. 54 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (35km)

Nagato・Hagi Tourist attractions

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  5Tsunoshima Bridge

  Spanning brilliant emerald green waters, this bridge is designed to be in harmony with the landscape. Not only the most picturesque part of the West Nagato coastal area, it also features in a number of TV commercials and filming locations in the guise of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s newest sightseeing spot. The well-loved scenery alters the inherent charm of every passing season and time.

  Approx. 93 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (64km)

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  6Nagato Yumoto Onsen

  The oldest hot spring in Yamaguchi Prefecture, the “baths for beautiful skin” comprise of pure alkaline waters that are said to sooth both nerve and muscular pain. The spring, still active today, was discovered by a chief priest of Tainenji temple guided by a prophecy from Sumiyoshi Daimyojin, at Nagato Ichinomiya. This spring is still owned by the same temple today.

  Approx. 98 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (70km)

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  7Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park

  Founded in 1955, Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park is host to Akiyoshidai Plateau, which was designated as a special natural treasure by the Japanese government in 1964. It is the largest karst plateau in Japan and stretches out from the center and eastern part of Mine. No matter when you visit, the constantly unfolding seasonal changes in the natural surroundings ensure there is always something new to discover in the Akiyoshidai Valley.

  Approx. 108 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (73km)

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  8Akiyoshido Cave

  Located 100m beneath the south end of Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, the gaping entrance takes you deep into one of Japan’s premier limestone caverns, Akiyoshido Cave. Cool in summer and warm in winter, the tourist route that covers approximately 1 km of the cavern remains a comfortable 17°C throughout the year. This pleasant way to experience the natural wonders continues to draw a steady stream of visitors.

  Approx. 104 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (69km)

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  9Hagi Castle Historical Site and Shizuki Park

  Built at the foot of Mt. Shizuki by Mori Terumoto in 1604, Hagi Castle is also known as Shizuki Castle. As a castle constructed on a hill within a plane, it is a combination of a flatland and mountain peak castles. However, only the stone walls and part of the moat remain to indicate where it once stood. The ruins and its surroundings are listed on the National Register of Historical Sites and are now a place of tranquility for those who visit.

  Approx. 125 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (97km)

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  10Shokasonjuku Academy

  A private school presided over by Yoshida Shoin from the Choshu domain, during the end of the Tokugawa period. As the center of anti-Shogunate teaching in the Choshu domain, it established a unique stance in opposition to the Meirinkan School. Many students who studied under Yoshida Shoin later went on to play an important role in the modernization and industrialization of Japan.

  Approx. 91 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (98km)

Yamaguchi ・ Ube Tourist attractions

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  11National Treasure Rurikoji Temple Five-storied Pagoda

  Soto Buddhism Rurikoji Temple can be found in the town of Kozancho in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The mountain associated with the temple is Mt. Honeizan and the principle image of worship here is the Buddha of Healing. The National Treasure Five-storied Pagoda is counted as one of Japan’s three great towers, alongside Horyuji Temple in Nara and Daigoji Temple in Kyoto. It is also famous for cherry blossoms and plum trees. The temple is yet further renowned for Ouchi culture from the glory days of the Ouchi clan and, as a sightseeing attraction, it represents a “Yamaguchi, the metropolis of the West”.

  Approx. 77 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (86km)

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  12Yamaguchi Yuda Onsen

  Besides being a hot spring, Yuda Onsen is well known as a health resort, offering relief for a wide range of symptoms including; nerve and muscle pain, stiff or aching joints, stiff shoulders, motor paralysis, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, sensitivity to cold, recovery from illness or fatigue, and general promotion of good health. A simple alkaline hot spring, characterized by lotion-like water that leaves the skin smooth and soft, has understandably stayed popular with many people for many years.

  Approx. 72 min by car from Hankyu Ferry (84km)