Akiyoshidai・Akiyoshidō (Mine City)
Akiyoshidai is one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, with rolling hills as far as the eye can see, dotted with white limestone rocks that look like flocks of sheep. Located 100 meters below the surface, you will find Akiyoshidō Cave, one of the most famous limestone solutional caves in Japan.
This area is filled with the beauties of nature including Beppu Benten Pond, a transparent cobalt blue pond fed by pure spring water.
Access from Hagi
70mins by Bōchō Bus (2 Buses per day) / 40mins by car.
Tsuwano
Tonomachi Street still retains a charming old-fashioned appearance and its white-walled streets and red roof tiles,colorful carp swimming in the waterways make it a memorable spot.
Be sure to visit Taikodani Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of red-lacquered torī gates.
Access from Hagi
Approx. 105mins by Bōchō Bus / 60mins by car
Nagato City
Chosen by CNN News as “One of the 31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan”, the beautiful contrast between the red of the torī gates, the blue of the sea and the green of the surrounding hills makes Motonosumi Shrine a superb scenic spot. Feel the attraction of the area’s natural beauty spots including Senjōjiki, a grassy plateau overlooking the sea at an elevation of 333m, and Ōmijima Island where visitors can see a magnificent natural formation of strangely shaped rocks.
This area is also famous for its hot springs, notably Nagatoyumoto Onsen and Tawarayama Onsen.
Access from Hagi
- Approx. 40mins by JR Sanin Main Line (8 trains per day)
- Approx. 60mins by Bōchō Bus / Approx. 30mins by car
Yamaguchi City
As the home to Rurikōji Temple, designated as a National Treasure and famed as one of the three best pagodas in Japan, as well as Sesshū-tei, a traditional garden filled with beautiful rock formations, the city offers visitors a chance to experience culture and history. The town is also famous for the steam locomotive SL Yamaguchi, the Ichinosaka River with its beautiful cherry blossoms and fireflies, and for hot springs such as Yuda Onsen.
Access from Hagi
Approx. 65~80mins by JR bus / approx. 50mins by car