大内 弘世
Ouchi Hiroyo
In the 14th century, Ouchi Hiroyo unified the area that is now Yamaguchi Prefecture. In his new base, he built a city modeled after Kyoto. The prosperity of the Ouchi clan eventually led to the development of "Ouchi Culture" and the origin of many festivals that have been continued to the present day. In 2024, the New York Times called Yamaguchi City "a must-visit place in the world." The charm of Yamaguchi City cannot be described without mentioning Hiroyo and the Ouchi Clan!
Portrait of Ouchi Hiroyo owned by Ryufukuji Temple
Yamaguchi City was placed 3rd on the New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Go in 2024.” The article looks at the history and the charms of the city.
Yamaguchi City was placed 3rd on the New York Times' list of "52 Places to Go in 2024" on January 9, 2024. It has been about 650 years since the feudal lord Ouchi Hiroyo built the city. The article looks at the history and the charms that the city has made over the years.
he creation of a city modeled after Kyoto in Yamaguchi is a representative episode related to Ouchi Hiroyo. He also brought craftsmen to Yamaguchi. It is said that the lacquerware made by the craftsmen at that time became the prototype of today's traditional craft, "Ouchi-nuri". It is also said that Hiroyo invited doll makers to make many dolls and released fireflies from Kyoto into the Ichinosaka River to please the young wives from noble families, which has become legends of the modern Ouchi dolls and Genji-botaru (Japanese fireflies).
Ouchi Morimi built the five-storied pagoda of Rurikoji Temple, one of the representative buildings of the Ouchi culture. His lantern decorations are said to be the origin of the Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival.
Ouchi Masahiro invited cultural figures, court nobles, and Buddhist priests to Yamaguchi from Kyoto, which had been devastated by war. The garden he had the ink painter Sesshu create is still extant as Joeiji Temple Sesshu Garden.
During the reigns of Yoshioki and Yoshitaka, when the Ouchi clan was at its peak, Yamaguchi developed into one of the largest cities in Japan, later known as the "Kyoto of the West". Yoshioki welcomed the shogun who had been banished from the capital in Yamaguchi. His hospitality was described as the greatest banquet in the Middle Ages, and the garden from that time has been restored at the site of his mansion.
The encounter between the missionary Francis Xavier and Ouchi Yoshitaka led to the first Christmas in Japan. Today, the Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church has been built, and exchanges between Yamaguchi City and Pamplona, Xavier's hometown, as well as between Yamaguchi Prefecture and Navarra, are active.
Based on the historical fact that the first Christmas was celebrated in Yamaguchi, the "Christmas City" project is held every December in Yamaguchi City. The "Christmas City Ceremony" and the "Yamaguchi Kotansai Festival" are staged to honor the ties between Ouchi Yoshitaka and Francis Xavier.
Rurikoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda, a national treasure, is currently undergoing renovation, but is still worth a visit. The hidden Buddhas inside the pagoda can be viewed in the temple's main hall only during the construction period.
The Ryufukuji Temple approach, the Ichinosaka River, and a coffee shop in the central shopping district were featured in the New York Times, and all spots are close enough to walk around. The Yamaguchi City Tourist Circulation Taxi connects JR Yamaguchi Station and various sightseeing spots, and shared bicycles are also convenient. The Yamaguchi City Community Bus is the best way to get to Yuda Onsen (hot spring). At Yamaguchi City Saikotei, visitors can try on kimono, yukata, other Edo-period costumes, and armor (available only at the facility). Also, at Jippotei Museum, You can rent various costumes from the Edo period and enjoy taking pictures and touring the town in costumes.
Yamaguchi has an abundance of old maps from the Edo period. The Yamaguchi Prefecture History Tours will be held again this year.
September 14, 2024 - March 31, 2025
Visitors can enjoy a historical tour guided by a local guide while looking at these old maps and exploring old routes and castle towns that have continued since the Edo period.
The tours will begin in September, with 37 courses in various parts of the prefecture and Masuda City in Shimane Prefecture. The Yamaguchi course includes the Rurikoji Temple in Yamaguchi City featured in the New York Times, and the Yamaguchi-yakata, the domain government headquarters moved from Hagi, which you can find on the old map.
Walking along the paths marked on the old map, you will discover traces of the town's history and imagine the lives of the people who lived there in the past. With this map, you can travel back in time to the Edo period!
Inquiries:
Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation TEL 083-924-0462
This character called “Fuku Daruma” was created by mixing “Fuku (pufferfish),” a specialty of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and “Daruma,” a Japanese doll of good luck.
This character was created by mixing "Fuku (pufferfish)," a specialty of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and "Daruma," a Japanese doll of good luck. The character is named "Fuku Daruma."
With an adorable appearance that will make you smile, it conveys the charms of Yamaguchi Prefecture, filled with happiness (fuku).
In addition to the basic dark blue color, the character is now also available in three other colors, inspired by Yamaguchi's "sceneries," "experiences," and "local cuisine."
Inquiries:
Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
TEL 083-924-0462
The “Yamaguchi Gion Festival” was introduced in the New York Times article about Yamaguchi City. Check out the festivals and events around the prefecture!
This traditional summer event with a history spanning about 600 years is said to be one of the three major fire festivals in Japan. Today, tens of thousands of red lanterns are lit throughout the shopping streets of Yamaguchi City, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.
WEB
Starting with the "Heron Dance," the highlights of the first day of the festival are the floats of the Gion music and three portable shrines parading in the streets. There is a large dance performance by the citizens on the 24th, and the portable shrines will be returned to the Yasaka Shrine on the final day.
WEB
This is a unique ritual even in Japan, where you may win a live cow, "shingyu" by lot drawing. Thousands of donated prizes are prepared, including bulls, gold, silver, and bronze bull figurines, and the event is crowded with worshippers who wish for good fortune in the New Year.
WEB
This annual festival is held to honor the memory of the Heike family and Emperor Antoku. On the 3rd, Tayu (the highest class of traditional courtesan) can be seen in their stunning attire, walking in their tall wooden clogs, around Akama-jingu Shrine.
WEB
This boat race started under the Mori clan in the Edo period and has been passed down to the present. Young men on the boat paddle the oars in harmony, competing for speed on a 1.2 km round-trip course along the Hashimoto River.
WEB
The origin of the festival dates back to approximately 1,800 years ago. You witness the powerful feat of men dressed in white carrying bamboo streamers that are 20 to 30 meters long and weigh 100 kilograms.
WEB
"Goldfish Chochin" is a folk craft of Yanai City inspired by the "Goldfish Neputa" of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Thousands of goldfish lanterns are displayed throughout the city, creating a magical atmosphere. The "Goldfish Nebuta" parading through the streets is also a must-see.
WEB
There is a legend that water suddenly began to spring out after a cheif of the clan prayed to the goddess Benzaiten according to a prophecy in a dream, and a dance called the Beppu Nenbutsu Odori is offered to the goddess during the annual festival.
WEB
Nagato City, where the poultry farming industry has developed, is famous for its "Nagato Yakitori" (grilled chicken). In addition to popular restaurants in the city, famous restaurants from outside the prefecture are scheduled to open their stores, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of yakitori.
WEB
Various performances such as dance, brass band, and float parades will be held, and a 15-meter-long paper mache of "Iwakuni white snake" (designated as a national natural treasure) will parade through the town.
WEB
This festival is held to give thanks for a good harvest and has its origins in a tradition concerning a couple of white foxes. The highlight of the festival is the "Fox's Wedding," in which a total of 600 people take part in the procession.
WEB
This festival is held to give thanks for a good harvest and has its origins in a tradition concerning a couple of white foxes. The highlight of the festival is the "Fox's Wedding," in which a total of 600 people take part in the procession.
WEB
Over 200 people participate in the "Hagi Daimyo Procession" and parade through the city. The highlights of the parade include the "Zori Tori no Mai", a dance with zori sandals, and the "Choshu Ippon Yari," in which long-handled spears are manipulated in a dynamic manner.
WEB
It is famous as one of the roughest festivals in western Japan, with about 5,000 men carrying portable shrines back and forth between Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and Katsumaura. The sight of a crowd carrying portable shrines with shouts and cheers is nothing short of spectacular.
WEB
The event is held in honor of the "bond" and "history" that began with Ouchi Yoshitaka and Francis Xavier, and is solemnly celebrated with the participation of many artists. The light projection is also a must-see.
WEB
The area around JR Tokuyama Station is decorated with approximately 1 million colorful LED bulbs, making it one of the largest illumination events in the Chugoku region, and it has been selected as a "Japan Night View Heritage".
WEBread more
Enjoy spectacular sceneries, history and local cuisine. Check out the recommended spots throughout Yamaguchi Prefecture!
This masterpiece of the Japanese garden is said to have been created by Sesshu, an ink-wash painter and Zen monk. It is designated as a national historical site and scenery.
WEB
Highlights of the expansive garden include seasonal flowers and trees such as cherry blossoms and maples. The museum houses cultural assets inherited from the Mori family.
WEB
There are seven elegant gardens with flowing water and ornamental stones around the temple and visitors can experience copying sutras and Zen meditation.
WEB
It was built in 709, and was worshipped by many feudal lords including Toyotomi Hideyoshi. There are many valuable cultural assets, including the two-story pagoda located on the grounds.
WEB
In the birthplace of the monk Gessho, who influenced many figures involved in the Meiji Restoration, you can participate in traditional Japanese experiences such as sword dances and calligraphy.
WEB
It is a beautiful wooden bridge with five arches. The surrounding area is full of attractions, including Iwakuni Castle and the Iwakuni White Snake Museum.
WEB
The beautiful five-storied pagoda, a symbol of Ouchi culture, is undergoing a major renovation. The hidden Buddhas inside the pagoda can be viewed in the temple's main hall only during the construction period.
WEB
The townscape, where old buildings and earthen walls remain intact in the alleys of the Edo period, is registered as a World Heritage site. Kimono experiences are also popular.
WEB
The shrine is famous for offering as many as 928 types of lucky charms. During the summer Wind Chime Festival, you can fully enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere.
WEB
Highlights include the spectacular view of the grasslands on the karst plateau and the mysterious limestone caves of "Akiyoshido". Outdoor experiences are also recommended.
WEB
Every weekend, stores lining the aisles compete to sell sushi, seafood rice bowls, and fried seafood. Local delicacies such as pufferfish and sea urchin are also available at reasonable prices.
WEB
The spectacular coastal scenery, also known as the "Maritime Alps," is best viewed from a sightseeing boat. You can approach the oddly shaped rocks and pass through the caves.
WEBread more
What's hot in Yamaguchi right now? The Choshu Times is a free paper that brings you the hottest topics on local cuisine, sightseeing, and culture in Yamaguchi.
In the Edo period, traveling from Edo to Choshu took about a month, but now, you can fly from Tokyo to Yamaguchi in one go!
※Travel time: 85-105 minutes (varies by route)
Driving is the best way to travel in Yamaguchi!
(Travel times by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport to each destination)
