On the western edge of the Honshu island is Yamaguchi Prefecture. This area is home to many sightseeing spots, from the great limestone cave "Akiyoshido Cave," the famous bridge "Kintai Bridge," and the enjoyable "Hagi Castle Town." For those visiting for the first time FUN!JAPAN has gathered together the top 3 ranking spots to announce! We will go over not only the basics but also information and trivia you want to know ahead of time! We will also go over the “Discover West Japan” Setouchi area pass which will allow you to explore the Yamaguchi area efficiently!
#3 - Kintai Bridge, One of Japan's 3 Great Bridges! Snap a Shot of Their Magnificent Arches
The "Kintai Bridge" is one of Japan's 3 Great Bridges, and the world's only 5 arch wooden bridge. Take some photos not only from on top of the bridge but try and get one from by the river to get a nice angle. From the east side of the riverbed you can also get Iwakuni Castle on the summit for a photograph with nice composition. You can also enjoy the bridge while riding on the tourist boats as well. There is a sightseeing boat that you can enjoy riding during every season, from the "Sakura Boat" during the cherry blossom season (from March 20th to March 31st in 2020), the "Cormorant Fishing Viewing Boat" that lets you view a special method of catching sweetfish known as "Cormorant Fishing" (from June 2nd to September 10th in 2020), and the "Jizake Boat" during the autumn season when the tree colors change, where you can enjoy the local sake and many local dishes such as Iwakuni Sushi (from September 11th to November 30th in 2020).
*Operating Days: Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays (Everyday during Sakura season)
Highlights and Specialties
The Kintai Bridge was built with an original framework design and woodworking techniques to ensure it doesn't get washed away by the river. If you would like to view the masterful techniques used by the builders from back then, then head to the bottom of the bridge! You will witness a line of complex woodworking which demonstrates order and structure.
More Ways to Have Fun
Along with Kikko Park adjacent to it, the Kintai Bridge area is designated as one of the "Selection of 10 Famous Sakura Spots" with nearly 3000 sakura trees planted including Yoshino Cherry Blossoms and Yaezakura, blooming every year from end of March to the beginning of April. During the autumn season, try visiting the Momiji-dani Park just 10 minutes away by foot. View the wonderful scene of Japanese Momiji and Kaede leaves changing colors.
Kintai Bridge
- Access: From JR Iwakuni Station, take the Iwakuni Bus towards "Kintai Bridge" and get off at the stop "Kintai Bridge" (25 minutes).
- *The Iwakuni bus is not covered by the Setouchi Area Pass
- *The bridge is accessible 24 hours a day, however after 10:00PM the lights are turned off and there will be no staff at the toll booth so insert the toll fee into the toll box at the booth.
#2 Tsunoshima Bridge - A Grand Collaboration of Sea and Bridge
On the western edge of the Honshu Island is Tsunoshima Bridge, a massive bridge 1780 meters in length connecting the islands of Yamaguchi Prefecture together across the Japan Sea. It is a free public road and is Japan's longest bridge. The highlight is no doubt the amazing view you get from the bridge. The cobalt blue sea, the grand bridge crossing it, and the golden atmosphere the sunset provides is amazing. This scenery is often used in movie filmings and TV dramas. Drive across the cobalt blue sea!
Highlights and Specialties
The sea around Tsunoshima Bridge changes colors with the light of the sun, from an emerald green to a deep blue color at times. This scene of a long bridge laid out across this vast blue sea is something you definitely want to see!
More Ways to Have Fun
Viewing Tsunoshima Bridge only during the daytime and not at night is a waste! The bridge between the islands light up when the sun goes down, showing a completely different atmosphere! The sunset, the view at night - perfect for a romantic drive during a date! Why not keep this memory by taking a memorable photo?
Tsunoshima Bridge
- Access: From JR Kottoi Station take the Blue Line Kotsu Bus towards "Tsunoshima" for 20 minutes, and get off at the stop "Hotel Nishi-Nagato Resort Entrance" and take a 5 minute walk
- *The Blue Line Kotsu Bus is not covered by the Setouchi Area Pass
#1 Motonosumi Inari Shrine - The Shrine of a Thousand Toriis that Even CNN was Amazed At!
American news channel CNN announced their "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places" selection, which included Motonosumi Inari Shrine. From 1987, ten years were dedicated to putting up these 123 torii. Spanning over 100 meters, any photos of this marvelous scene posted to social networks will surely get views!
Highlights and Specialties
Past the torii and beyond the cliff, you can witness the "Ryugu Wave Splash." From sea level, the waves splash to the heavens when waves hit the 1 meter high, 20 cm wide holes in the rocky area, causing water to spew like a dragon rising to the sky - which is where it gets its name from.
More Ways to Have Fun
On top of a giant torii nearly 6 meters high, is a saisenbako (monetary offering box). It is said that if you manage to throw your offering into the box that your wish will be granted. Coins with weight to them are supposedly easier to get in. Try this challenge!
Motonosumi Inari Shrine
- Access: From JR Nagato-Furuichi station, 20 minutes by car
Lodging Recommendations for Beginners
Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel - Stay Near Kintai Bridge
5 minutes by walking from Kintai Bridge, this is the one hotel you can stay and see the Kintai Bridge below you. There are two hots springs here that are popular, "Yugiri no Yu" where you can see Iwakuni Castle from, and "Asagiri no Yu" where you can see Kintai Bridge from.
Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel
- Access: From JR Iwakuni Station take the Iwakuni Bus to "Kintai Bridge" (25 minutes), and arrive at the stop "Kintai Bridge."
- *The Iwakuni bus is not covered by the Setouchi Area Pass.
The best way to get around Yamaguchi Prefecture - Discover West Japan's Setouchi Area Pass
There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in Yamaguchi Prefecture, so many so that you might not be able to choose just one. If you're looking to travel with ease, the Setouchi Area Pass is your best bet! This pass offers unlimited travel via shinkansen, train, and buses (some excluded) over a 5-day period throughout Okayama Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and other areas within Setouchi, so it's a must-have for first-time and seasoned travelers! We'll introduce the best way to use this pass in a separate article, so don't miss it!
For more information on the Setouchi Area Pass:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/setouchi/
Links to related articles:
Okayama Prefecture:
- The Top 3 Major Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes for Your First Okayama Trip! (For Beginners)
- The Top 3 Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes as Recommended by Okayama Experts! (For Previous Visitors)
- Check Out FUN! JAPAN's Top 3 Places to Eat in Okayama Prefecture!
Hiroshima Prefecture:
- The Top 3 Major Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes for Your First Hiroshima Trip! (For Beginners)
- The Top 3 Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes as Recommended by Hiroshima Experts! (For Previous Visitors)
- Check Out FUN! JAPAN's Top 3 Places to Eat in Hiroshima Prefecture!
Yamaguchi Prefecture:
- The Top 3 Major Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes for Your First Yamaguchi Trip! (For Beginners)
- The Top 3 Tourist Spots to Read About in 5 Minutes as Recommended by Yamaguchi Experts! (For Previous Visitors)
Okayama and Hiroshima Prefecture:
sponsored by West Japan Railway Company
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