Prefecture capital and City in Chūgoku, Japan
Photo: 663highland, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Yamaguchi (山口市 Yamaguchi-shi) is the capital of Yamaguchi prefecture, at the western tip of the island of Honshu, Japan. In the city, there is a beautiful Japanese town which flourished as "Kyoto in the West" during the Medieval Period.
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瑠璃光寺
This temple's five-story pagoda, which was built around 1442, is something of a city symbol. Also noteworthy are the lovely temple grounds (called "Kōzan park") and the tombs of several medieval lords.
一の坂川
Over the clean and beautiful small river, many cherry blossoms can be seen in spring, and in summer you will find many fireflies glowing.
常栄寺雪舟庭
A temple with a garden designed by the famous Zen Buddhist monk and artist Sesshu (1420-1506).
ザビエル記念聖堂
Dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, who visited Japan as a missionary in 1549–51 and spent close to a year in Yamaguchi. The first floor is a museum in honor of "Sabieru", and mass is held on the second floor. An Italian architect designed the church's dazzling white interior and angular sea-blue windows. See also Christian sites in Japan.
山口大神宮
The shrine was built as a branch shrine of Ise Shrine in the Muromachi Period. Like Ise Shrine, it is rebuilt every 20 years. The shrine was especially popular during the Edo Period among people in the west who were not able to make the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine; they came here instead.
YCAM, 山口情報芸術センター, yamaguchi jōhō geijutsu sentā
The Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media (YCAM) was established in November 2003 as a cultural-arts complex that accommodates a hall for stage performances, an exhibition space, a mini film theatre, and the Yamaguchi City Library. A platform for sharing computer- and IT-based media technology, YCAM hosts among others a variety of theatre and dance performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, sound-related events, workshops and lectures.
洞春寺
Tojun-ji Temple is a historic temple near Kozan Park. The temple gate and Kannon-do Hall are registered Important Cultural Properties. It is also the 16th temple of the Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage.
山口七夕ちょうちん祭り
The city center becomes decorated with red impressive lanterns.
ANDO吉祥 小郡店
Cocktails and creative takes on Japanese hors d'oeuvres. It's outside the north entrance of Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
浪漫酒場電氣ブラン
Discrete, sophisticated bar in heart of Yamaguchi. Serves gourmet bar food, cocktails and notable for extensive range of authentic single malts. Very pleasant atmosphere with a hint of smooth jazz.
コンフォートホテル新山口
Western style rooms with free continental breakfast and Internet access. As the name suggests, it's about 40 meters from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
松田屋ホテル
Beautifully sculpted hotel situated in a garden from the Edo period. Natural hot springs and seasonal cuisine are available.
てしま旅館
By train
7 km to the southwest and is a stop on the San'yo Shinkansen. Regular trains connect the two stations in 15-25 minutes.
JR Yamaguchi Line goes through the city. The main tourist stops are at Yuda Onsen Station for Yuda Onsen and Yamaguchi Station. Joeiji Temple is closer to Miyano Station.
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