[Yamaguchi] Enjoy autumn leaves and exquisite gourmet food! 9 spots you'll want to visit

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Yamaguchi City can be reached in about 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Hiroshima and Fukuoka. We will introduce nine spots you should visit in Yamaguchi in autumn, including Ryufukuji Temple, which is known for its autumn leaves, and Yanagiya, where you can enjoy the local gourmet Kawara Soba.

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Yamaguchi city

Yamaguchi City, where history, culture, nature, hot springs and many attractions and encounters await. ー Stroll while feeling the vestiges of Ouchi culture ーLet's walk Hagi Okan, the historic road ーGoing to see SL Yamaguchi ーLeisurely enjoy Yuda Onsen Enjoy the great nature of the Chugoku Mountains to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south. When you visit a place to which you are drawn, See it, feel it, and experience it. Let's go on a trip to Yamaguchi where you can spend your time as you please.

Yamaguchi, a city modeled after Kyoto

Yamaguchi is said to have been modeled after the city of Kyoto long ago.

The quaint townscape is lined with shrines, historical museums, and shops that have been renovated from old townhouses. There are many narrow roads that will pique your curiosity, and it is sure to be a deep journey!

Experience the "good old days" of Japan in a location close to the Yuda Onsen area.

Table of Contents
1. The maple path to the shrine is spectacular! "Ryufukuji Temple"
2. To gather information, first go to “Oji Lobby” and “Jippoutei Ishinkan”!
3. Get familiar with Yamaguchi's famous sweets "Toushiro"
4. “Yamaguchi Fugetsudo”, a Japanese sweets shop that has been in business for over 120 years
Go to Ichinozaka area!
5. Yamaguchi Prefecture specialty! Piping hot “Kawara Soba” “Yanagiya”
6. Authentic sweets from a tea specialty store “Kosetsuen”
7. The lively streamers are a landmark! "Mimaji Soy Sauce Store"
8. Stretch out a little and try “Sho-chan croquettes”
9. Extend your visit a little further to “Yamaguchi City Center Shopping District”
Yamaguchi City tourist information site “Nishinokyo Yamaguchi”

1. The maple path to the shrine is spectacular! "Ryufukuji Temple"

Also pay attention to the beauty of the main hall and roof!

The main hall of Ryufukuji Temple has been designated as a national important cultural property, and you can experience the atmosphere of the Muromachi period.
It is famous for its autumn leaves and is visited by many people every year.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid-November to late November.
If you look up, you'll see a tunnel of autumn leaves filled with red and orange maple leaves.
It is a spot where you can enjoy the autumn leaves for a long time, with the colorful gradation at the beginning of the fall and the carpet of maple leaves at the end.

Enjoy the scenery of each season

The fresh greenery in summer is also beautiful. The perfect place to take a breather

Of course, autumn is not the only beautiful season.
In the summer, the approach to the shrine is beautiful and sparkling with fresh greenery. Please enjoy the expressions that can only be seen in that season.

Ryufukuji Temple

119 Odonoji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0093

This temple was founded in 1206 by the 18th Ouchi Mitsumori, and was rebuilt at its current location in 1557. The main hall is a representative temple architecture of the Muromachi period and has been designated as a national important cultural property. The on-site museum is stocked with valuable materials. During the autumn foliage season from mid-November to late November, many people visit the approach to the temple, which is covered with red maple trees.

2. To gather information, first go to “Oji Lobby” and “Jippoutei Ishinkan”!

After enjoying the autumn leaves, let's take a stroll around the city.
To enjoy walking around town, start by gathering information!

"Oji Lobby"

As a base for walking around town, we provide guidance around the area. Click here to collect travel information.
There is also a rest space so you can relax.

Oji lobby

115-3 Shimotatekoji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0034

As the "gateway to the town," we also provide information on surrounding sightseeing and lunch and sweets. A quaint building that was renovated from an old townhouse. Please stop by to gather information about your trip or take a break.

"Jippoutei Ishinkan"

Yamaguchi history museum. We will introduce you to Yamaguchi during the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration period.

It is an irresistible facility for history buffs, with historical materials and buildings where you can experience history for yourself.

You can also experience cosplay at “Jippoutei Ishinkan”!

Cosplay experience “Ishin de Cosplay” is now being held!

We also recommend wearing the costumes of Bakumatsu patriots and taking photos at your favorite location. We have sizes for small children.

[Cosplay experience “Ishin de cosplay”]
・High school students and above: 1,500 yen for 30 minutes, 2,000 yen for 1 hour ・Junior high school students and younger: 800 yen for 30 minutes, 1,000 yen for 1 hour

Jippoutei Ishinkan

112 Shimotatekoji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0034

Yamaguchi history museum. We will guide you through exhibits and projection mapping about Yamaguchi during the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration period. This is a facility where you can experience the Meiji Restoration era. ＼Cosplay experience “Ishin de Cosplay” is also being held! / You can wear the costumes of Bakumatsu patriots and take photos at your favorite location. We have sizes for small children, so the whole family can enjoy it. [Cosplay experience “Ishin de Cosplay”] ・High school students and above: 1,500 yen for 30 minutes, 2,000 yen for 1 hour ・Junior high school students and under: 800 yen for 30 minutes, 1,000 yen for 1 hour

Yudaonsen Ubl Hotel Matsumasa

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Yamaguchi

Business Hotel Ueno

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Yamaguchi

Cent Core Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Yamaguchi

Click here for details on “Jippoutei Ishinkan”

3. Get familiar with Yamaguchi's famous sweets "Toushiro"

``Toushiro'' is a Japanese sweets shop with a relaxing atmosphere, located in a renovated private house built about 100 years ago. The store opened in 2018 to mark the 70th anniversary of its founding.
Why not take a break and eat Toushiro, a long-loved Japanese sweet in Yamaguchi?

Inside the store, in addition to the signature product "Toushiro", various Japanese sweets are lined up.

In addition to selling products, the store also has a cafe space.
We offer "Matcha set" and "Brown sugar mitsumame" in a Japanese space.

"Matcha set" (700 yen) that includes Toushiro and matcha (Photo provided by Toushiro)

Toushiro Ouchiyakata store

52-2 Shimotatekoji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0034

Toushiro is a famous Japanese confectionery from Yamaguchi. The store, which opened in 2018 to mark the 70th anniversary of its founding, has a relaxing atmosphere in a renovated private house that was built about 100 years ago. In addition to selling products, the store also has a cafe space, so it's perfect for taking a break while strolling. You can enjoy the "Toushiro and matcha set", "brown sugar mitsumame", and more in a Japanese-style space.

"Toushiro" Click here for details

4. “Yamaguchi Fugetsudo”, a Japanese sweets shop that has been in business for over 120 years

Founded in 1897, Fugetsudo is a Japanese sweets shop that has watched over the ever-changing cityscape.
We offer ``famous sweets rooted in Yamaguchi culture'' that have been loved for many years.

A variety of colorful Japanese sweets are lined up in the store's showcase.

Colorful fresh sweets with flavors that change with the seasons

“Ouchi Monatan” 2 pieces 880 yen

``Ouchi Monatan'' is a model of the ``Ouchi doll,'' a traditional lacquer craft representing Yamaguchi.
The lord (left) has grain bean paste, and the princess (right) has matcha bean paste.
Made with carefully selected ingredients such as Hokkaido-produced red beans and carefully selected sticky rice, it has a flavor that is gentle on the body.

Cute and delicious! This is a popular item that is sure to sell out!

Yamaguchi Fugetsudo

2 Shimotatekoji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0034

Founded in 1897, Yamaguchi Fugetsudo is a Japanese sweets shop that has watched over the ever-changing cityscape. We offer "famous sweets rooted in Yamaguchi culture" that have been loved for many years. Monaka and Manju and seasonal Japanese sweets are lined up in a row. Fresh sweets whose types change depending on the season. Why not experience Japan's four seasons through your taste buds?

"Yamaguchi Fugetsudo" Click here for details

Go to Ichinozaka area!

During the Muromachi period, in the city of Yamaguchi, which was modeled after Kyoto, the Ichinosaka River was looked upon as the Kamogawa River in Kyoto. Yamaguchi City is the pride of Yamaguchi City, which shows off its beauty in each season, with cherry blossoms in the spring and fireflies dancing wildly in the summer.
There are also restaurants along the river, making it a great place to take a leisurely stroll.

5. Yamaguchi Prefecture specialty! Piping hot “Kawara Soba” “Yanagiya”

This is a popular store that often has long lines.

(Photo provided by Yanagiya)

Kawara Soba is a local dish from Yamaguchi Prefecture. In recent years, she has become famous throughout Japan after appearing in dramas.

(Photo provided by Yanagiya)

An impressive dish with green tea soba, eggs, beef, and condiments on top of a piping hot tile!
The crispy texture is addictive! This is a must-try food when you come to Yamaguchi.

・Kawara soba 1,342 yen ・Wakame musubi set 1,628 yen ・Beef rice set 1,848 yen

Counter seats overlooking the Ichinosaka River are also available (Photo provided by Yanagiya)

In addition to Kawara Soba, we also sell take-out items such as ramune noodles and ice lollies.
We also recommend picnicking along the river.

Yanagiya

2-2 Shinbaba, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0085

A restaurant where you can eat Kawara Soba, a local dish from Yamaguchi. "Kawaru Soba" is an impressive dish consisting of green tea soba, eggs, beef, and condiments on top of a piping hot tile. The crispy texture is addictive! This is a must-try food when you come to Yamaguchi. You can also take out items such as Kawara Soba and popsicles.

"Yanagiya" Click here for details

6. Authentic sweets from a tea specialty store “Kosetsuen”

A tea shop with cute dolls as its landmark.
Soft serve ice cream made with tea and warabi mochi drinks are popular. This is a popular restaurant that is crowded with customers not only in the hot summer, but also in the chilly season.

The restaurant, which is a renovated building that has remained since the Taisho era, has an eight-seat eat-in space. If you're tired from walking around town, take a break and eat something sweet.

“Soft serve ice cream cup” 350 yen

The wide variety of cafe menus are popular.
・Shiratama azuki soft serve 650 yen ・Kuromitsu kinako soft serve 550 yen ・Warabi mochi drink 500 yen, etc.

Kousetsuen

163 Gogawara, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0083

A sweets shop run by a tea specialty shop. Soft serve ice cream made with tea and warabi mochi drinks are popular. The restaurant, which is a renovated building that has remained since the Taisho era, has an eat-in space with eight seats. Sweet sweets are the best when you're tired from walking around town.

"Kosetsuen" Instagram is here

7. The lively streamers are a landmark! "Mimaji Soy Sauce Store"

This soy sauce shop is built over 90 years ago and makes you feel like you've stepped back in time when you step into it. The store was used to make soy sauce until 2008, and you can feel the traces of that time throughout the store.

"Soy sauce ice cream" 340 yen

When they stopped making soy sauce, they decided to leave the building and sell products that customers could enjoy, so they started selling soy sauce ice cream and rainbow-colored ramune.
This is a carefully selected product ordered from Kyushu.

“Nijiiro Ramune” 230 yen

Of course, we also sell various types of soy sauce!
We also display materials that allow you to learn about the process of making soy sauce.

Mimaji soy sauce store

109 Gogawara, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0083

When you step into this soy sauce shop, you feel like you've traveled back in time. The store was used to make soy sauce until 2008, and you can feel the traces of that time throughout the store. Currently, in addition to soy sauce, they sell "soy sauce ice cream'' and "Rainbow Ramune'', and it also serves as a resting spot for people walking around.

Super Hotel Yamaguchi Yuda Onsen

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Yamaguchi

Matsudaya Hotel

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Yamaguchi

Yudaonsen Ubl Hotel Matsumasa

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Yamaguchi

Along the river, reminiscent of Kyoto's Kamogawa River, you might be able to find your favorite shop.

From late March to early April, the rows of cherry blossom trees are spectacular!

8. Stretch out a little and try “Sho-chan croquettes”

``Sho-chan Croquette'' is located a little further down an alley downstream of the Ichinosaka River.

The ``Sho-chan croquette'', which won the number one prize in Japan at the ``National Handmade Croquette Contest'', is a familiar croquette that most Yamaguchi residents have probably tried at least once.

“Sho-chan croquette” 130 yen

A fresh taste that only comes from a butcher shop.
We also sell fried items! Please enjoy it piping hot.

・Sho-chan croquette 130 yen, ham croquette 130 yen, curry croquette 130 yen, etc.

1 minute walk from Ichinozaka area.
If you're feeling peckish, please take a short trip and stop by.

Sho-chan croquette

15 Sentokoji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0084

The "Sho-chan croquette'', which won the number one prize in Japan at the "National Handmade Croquette Contest'', is a familiar croquette that most Yamaguchi residents have probably tried at least once. A fresh taste that only comes from a butcher shop. We also sell fried items! ・Sho-chan croquette 130 yen ・Ham croquette 130 yen ・Curry croquette 130 yen And so on♪

"Sho-chan croquette" Click here for details

9. Extend your visit a little further to “Yamaguchi City Center Shopping District”

A shopping street located about 5 minutes walk from the Ichinosakagawa area. From gourmet food to shopping, there are shops that are essential to the lives of Yamaguchi citizens.

I'll introduce you sometime soon.

Yamaguchi City tourist information site “Nishinokyo Yamaguchi”

"Nishinokyo Yamaguchi" is a site that introduces tourist information about Yamaguchi City, including tourist spots, experience information, accommodation, and gourmet food. Please refer to it.

Yamaguchi City tourist information site “Nishinokyo Yamaguchi”

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Yamaguchi city

Yamaguchi

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