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This is a blog that introduces Japan's hidden gems.
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⛩️ Is This Another World? Discovering Yamaguchi, One of NYT’s Top Travel Destinations!
Have you ever wondered where Yamaguchi Prefecture is?
Believe it or not, Yamaguchi City was ranked third—right behind North America and Paris—on The New York Times’ prestigious list of “52 Places to Go in 2024.” Today, I’m excited to share some hidden gems in Yamaguchi that are known only to those in the know. Let's dive into Day 1 of our journey!
🚗 Getting There: A Scenic Road Trip to the Edge of Honshu
Yamaguchi is the westernmost prefecture on Japan's main island, Honshu. You might think, “Isn’t it hard to get to?” but it's actually just a single Shinkansen ride away from Tokyo!
For this trip, we decided to rent a car and drive from Osaka.
Total drive time: About 6.5 hours (including rest stops)
The Highlight: Stopping at "Michi-no-Eki" (roadside rest areas) along the expressways in Okayama and Hiroshima Prefectures.
Because we spent the drive sampling amazing local cuisine along the way, the trip didn’t feel long at all!
📸 Stop 1: The Breathtaking Contrast of Motonosumi Shrine
Our itinerary was set for 2 nights and 3 days. Upon arriving in Yamaguchi, our very first stop was Motonosumi Shrine, a spot that has recently exploded in popularity on social media.
After navigating a winding, narrow mountain road, the ocean suddenly appeared on our left. The moment we parked, the vivid vermilion of the torii gates leapt out at us!
The contrast between the beautiful blue sea and the countless vermilion gates was so striking it left us speechless. Walking through the torii tunnel toward the sea genuinely felt like being transported to another world.
Traveler's Note: Even though the temperature that day was over 35°C (95°F), the sea breeze felt incredibly refreshing. I could have stayed in this little slice of paradise for hours.
♨️ Evening: Retro Vibes and Magic Hours at Nagato Yumoto Onsen
For our first night, we stayed at Nagato Yumoto Onsen in a traditional ryokan that beautifully retained its old-world charm. While the staff didn’t speak English, their hospitality was absolutely wonderful and heartwarming.
We also got incredibly lucky—a local summer festival was happening that night!
It wasn't a massive, grand festival, but it was cozy and gave us a rare chance to chat with friendly locals.
We spent the evening strolling along the riverbank, dipping our feet into the various public footbaths (ashi-yu).
As night fell, the lights from the ryokans reflected onto the river water. It looked exactly like a European Impressionist painting—absolutely magical.
Wrapping Up Day 1
After our walk, we headed back to the ryokan to soak in the large hot spring baths, perfectly wrapping up an amazing first day in Yamaguchi.
To be continued on Day 2... Stay tuned!
Link
＊Motonosumi Shrine: https://nanavi.jp/sightseeing/motonosumiinarijinja/
＊Nagato Yumoto hot spring: https://yumotoonsen.com/
Motonosumi Shrine
Nagato Yumoto hot spring
footbath (ashi-yu)
🚙 A Refreshing Escape: Riverside Fun and Thrills Near Osaka!
Just a picturesque hour and a half drive from the bustling city of Osaka, we recently discovered an incredible retreat perfect for camping, river play, and delightful barbecues!
This fantastic campsite offers the perfect blend of riverside fun and easy-going BBQs. And if you're looking to extend your escape, overnight stays are definitely an option.
Our Day of River Bliss and BBQ Delights
On our visit, we opted for a day trip, focusing on splashing around in the crystal-clear river and enjoying a delicious barbecue. What truly surprised us was how uncrowded it was, even on a weekend! Along the spacious riverbanks, families and friends had comfortably set up their tarps, relishing in the serene atmosphere and refreshing water.
The river itself was an absolute dream. The sparkling water boasted everything from shallow, inviting areas perfect for a paddle to deeper spots where you could take an exhilarating dive. The current was relatively gentle in many areas, making it a safe and enjoyable spot even for families with small children.
Feasting and Feeling Fine
After an invigorating swim, our appetites were perfectly primed for a hearty barbecue feast. Even though it was a warm 33°C (91°F) that day, a pleasant breeze consistently swept through, making our spot under the tarp incredibly comfortable. It was the perfect antidote to the summer heat!
A Daring Detour to Tanize Suspension Bridge
For day-trippers, cleanup and departure are required by 4 PM. But with so much fun still to be had, we just couldn't resist a detour to the Tanize Suspension Bridge, which had been an intriguing fixture in our view all afternoon!
This remarkable bridge stretches an astounding 297 meters (974 feet) long and hovers a dizzying 54 meters (177 feet) high above the valley floor! Surprisingly, it was originally built in 1954 for everyday local use.
A Thrilling Walk in the Sky
Stepping onto the bridge, you quickly realize just how long it truly is. And the sway! Oh, the thrilling sway! It was far more exhilarating than we expected, so much so that some children were even crying from the sheer excitement (or perhaps a little fear!). If you're not a fan of heights, this might be a bit of a challenge, but it's an unforgettable experience for the adventurous.
An Unforgettable Day in Nature
We arrived around 10 AM and spent a magnificent day, soaking up the natural beauty of Japan until about 5 PM. If you love playing in the water and are eager to experience the sensation of walking through the air, this spot is an absolute must-visit!
Essential Gear for Your Adventure
BBQ Set (if you plan to barbecue)
Tarp, Folding Chairs, Ground Sheet
Swimsuit, Life Jacket, Bath Towel, Sunscreen
Food and Drinks (vending machines are available)
Facility Fees
Admission: 1,500 yen
Shower Usage: 200 yen for 5 minutes
Link
＊Suspension Bridge: http://totsukawa.info/joho/kanko/
＊Camp site in Totsukawa Village : https://tsuribashino-sato.com/
