Photo: Samuel Berner / Unsplash ()
A number of publications often disseminate travel lists at the beginning of the year, providing readers with information about emerging trends and popular destinations. The New York Times recently released their "52 Places to Visit in 2024" list, and a Japanese city made the cut.
Yamaguchi, as the list notes, often receives the nickname of "the Kyoto of the West", but it's not burdened with the same over-tourism issues prevalent in some parts of Japan. While the list focuses on sights in Yamaguchi City, such as Ruriko-ji and Toshun-ji Temples, Yamaguchi Prefecture as a whole has plenty of gems to captivate just about any traveler's interests.
For instance, the city of Hagi is known for its Edo-period castle town and unique pottery, and Motonosumi Inari Shrine in the Nagato area is a great alternative to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine if you're looking for an iconic stacked torii arch photo.
Tsunoshima is a particularly gorgeous spot for travelers seeking cobalt blue waters and pristine beaches, and for history buffs, Iwakuni Castle and Kintaikyo Bridge are well worth the visit. The surrounds of the latter are known as being one of the country's top cherry blossom viewing spots in the spring season.
If you are looking for more information about the Yamaguchi region of Japan, be sure to peruse our site – the articles below are a great place to start!
GETTING THERE
Yamaguchi Station is served by the JR Yamaguchi Line. Most travelers to the area transit through Shin-Yamaguchi Station, however, which is served by the San'yō Shinkansen, the San'yō Line, the Ube Line, and the Yamaguchi Line.
Flights are also available to Yamaguchi Ube Airport (Airport Code UBJ) from Tokyo's Haneda (HND) airport, with the travel time taking around two hours.
