Noripy’s Exploration: Discovery of this Month Extra Edition
Away from Tokyo, Yamaguchi Prefecture is located on the western edge of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Visitors there can enjoy the sea, mountains, and the rich history and culture of Japan.
Yamaguchi City, the capital of the prefecture, has been ranked third after Paris in the New York Times’ list of “Places to Visit in 2024”.
This edition was created on visiting Noripy’s aunt, who lives in Nagato, celebrating her 100th birthday.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine
The rough waves of the Sea of Japan and the series of red torii gates are breathtaking! In 2015, this scenery was chosen by CNN as one of ‘Japan’s 31 Most Beautiful Places.’ Please visit this No.1 tourist attraction in Nagato City, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Samurai Residence Town
Hagi, also facing the Sea of Japan, produced many heroes of the Meiji Restoration. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the upper-class samurai residences in the castle town of Hagi have been converted into inns.
If you stroll around the town, what you will see are summer tangerine trees. Natsumikan cultivation was done to help the samurai who had lost the art of living. The long earthen walls and Natsumikan are the symbol of Hagi town. Of course, Hagi pottery is also famous. I bought a mug as a souvenir.
Hagi Castle Ruins
The ruins of Hagi Castle… was built by the Mōri clan in 1604 and dismantled at the beginning of the Meiji period due to the castle abolition order.
Showin Shrine/Showkasonjuku private school
One of the World Cultural Heritage sites. Yoshida Showin, who played a significant role during the turbulent end of the Edo period, bringing about a major change in the era. One of his sayings; ‘Knowledge is the source of action; action is the fruition of knowledge.’ I admired this.
Ruriko-ji Temple
The five-story pagoda, a national treasure at Ruriko-ji Temple, is currently undergoing restoration and cannot be observed. Carp swim in the pond in front of it.
Sesshu Garden
Yamaguchi, once referred to as the ‘Kyoto of West’, attracted many cultural figures. Among them was Sesshu, a Zen monk and famous ink painter. At Jōei-ji Temple, you can find the Sesshu Garden.
Xavier Memorial Chapel
Did you know that the first celebration of Christmas in Japan took place in Yamaguchi Prefecture? The feudal lord, Ouchi Yoshitaka, accepted the propagation of Christianity by Francis Xavier and permitted the construction of the first church in Japan.
Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle
One of the famous tourist attractions in Yamaguchi prefecture, Iwakuni Castle and Kintaikyo Bridge, are located very close to the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima prefecture.
Akiyoshi Cave
Imagine the inside the cave.
It’s huge and takes about an hour and a half to tour the interior. I respect the courage of those who explored the cave for the first time. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Foodie’s Delight!
Kawara Soba. The soba noodles are served on a tile – yum!
Foodie, satisfied!
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