The westernmost prefecture on the Honshu Island of Japan known for the international trade with Korea and China from the Muromachi period.

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the westernmost portion on Honshu Island bored by water on all sides. It is also this geographical advantage which allowed Yamaguchi Prefecture to accumulate massive wealth from as early as the Muromachi period by international trading routes between Korea and the Ming Dynasty of China. Yamaguchi is also a perfect location offering a mixture of scenic views, historical locations and deep cultural roots, which earns the nickname of “Kyoto of the West” in Japan.

The scenic ocean views with white sands and pine trees that are available on the Boyo-shoto Islands provide a unique atmosphere not of exotic resorts, but more a portrait of the beautiful rural area waiting to be explored by travelers visiting Yamaguchi. While at Hagi City, the former castle town and center of political power governed by the Mori Clan, provides a travel back in time, a view of well-preserved samurai residences and merchant quarters surviving to this day. Many museums in the area including the Hagi Museum and Kumaya Art Museum provide exhibits for visitors to learn about the history of Hagi, as well as displaying ancient treasures and artifacts from the feudal ages in Yamaguchi. Besides shopping at the prefectural capital of Yamaguchi City, many visitors come in search of the unique temples and shrines of the west. At Rurikoji Temple, visitors can experience both the religious atmosphere and view the famous five-storied pagoda, regarded as one of three national treasures among Horyuji Temple and Daigoji Temple. The Zen garden of Joeiji provides a special rock arrangement of vertically standing rocks, a traditional style commonly used during the Muromachi Period. While at the Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine, regarded as a smaller version of Ise Jingu enshrined with the same Shinto Deities, was built to offer religious worshipers a place to pray who couldn’t travel to the far Ise area. Varies summer events also attract visitors to attend including the Yamaguchi Gion Festival, an event inspired from the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, a large festive celebration consisting of locals dressed in traditional clothing and dancing alongside the Mikoshi. Be sure to try out some of the prefectural signature dishes like the Shirouo Ryouri and the Fugu cuisines for the more adventures travelers which Yamaguchi Prefecture is famous for.