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Yamaguchi City Tour: Explore with Local Guide
5.0
1 Rating
Yamaguchi
Explore Yamaguchi City, recently chosen for the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2024” list, and discover its major attractions with the guidance of a local storyteller.
Explore Yamaguchi City, recently chosen for the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2024” list, and discover its major attractions with the guidance of a local storyteller.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda - Celebrated as “impeccable” by the New York Times, the five-story pagoda of Ruriko-ji Temple, a national treasure, stands as the emblem of Yamaguchi City, recognized as the western capital of Japan and one of the three most renowned pagodas in the country. To ensure its preservation for future generations, the…
- Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda - Celebrated as “impeccable” by the New York Times, the five-story pagoda of Ruriko-ji Temple, a national treasure, stands as the emblem of Yamaguchi City, recognized as the western capital of Japan and one of the three most renowned pagodas in the country. To ensure its preservation for future generations, the hinoki bark roof is undergoing a complete replacement for the first time in nearly 70 years.
- Toshunji Temple - Toshunji Temple serves as the family temple of Mori Motonari. Originally, the site housed Kuniseiji, established in 1404 by Ouchi Morimi as a place for family peace and prosperity prayers. After the Mori clan relocated to Hochō, the temple became the family temple of Takamoto Mori, later transitioning to Motonari’s family temple and renamed Dōshunji. The current main hall was reconstructed during the Edo period (1603-1868) after a fire, but the gate is believed to date back to the construction of Kokushinji Temple. Although some gate materials were modified post-Edo period, the structure remains robust, particularly the large uncarved wooden toads, characteristic of Zen-style gates of that era. The roof, now gabled with pantile roofing, is thought to have originally been thatched with cypress bark or wood shingles.
- Ichinosaka River - During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the Ichinosaka River was designed to mirror the Kamo River in Kyoto, within the city of Yamaguchi, which was modeled after Kyoto. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and the river is illuminated at night for evening cherry blossom viewing. In early summer, fireflies, recognized as a natural treasure by the Japanese government, can be seen dancing, and “Firefly Viewing Week” is celebrated from late May to early June annually.
- Yasaka Shrine - An impressive vermilion Otorii (large gateway) stands by Tatekoji Street, lined with machiya (townhouse) style buildings. The head shrine was constructed by Ouchi Koyo in 1369 (Oan 2) and was recommended from Kyoto. Initially, the shrine was built on a vertical alley, but the site was later moved further up the water. In 1519, when Ouchi Yoshinori built the Daijingu Shrine at the base of Takamine Mountain, the head shrine was relocated to the same site, and a new building was erected.
- Ryufukuji Temple - Ryufukuji Temple, a Rinzai sect temple, was founded by Ouchi Mitsumori in 1206. Originally situated in Shiroishi, it was known as Hoshuzan Zuikuunji Temple. Rebuilt by Ouchi Hironao in 1336, it became his family temple. In 1454, Ouchi Norihiro invited monk Sesshin, renaming it Soto Zen temple and changing its name to Zuikuunzan Ryufukuji. Later, Ouchi Yoshitaka sought Emperor Gonara’s permission to rebuild the temple, but it was destroyed by fire in 1551 during the Tenmon War. In April 1557, Mouri Takamoto reconstructed Ryufukuji Temple as Yoshitaka’s family temple on the Ouchidate site. However, it was again destroyed by fire in 1881, leaving only the zendo and temple gate. When rebuilt, the main hall was relocated from Koryuji Temple, formerly the Ouchi clan’s family temple. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1954.
- Yamaguchi City Central Shopping Street - This shopping street is a fusion of seven shopping streets: Nishimonzen, Dojimonzen, Yoneyacho, Nakaichi, Oichi, Ekidori, and Shinmachi, all unified into a single shopping street. The street extends in front of the station, centered on a 700-meter-long arcade running east-west and Prefectural Road No. 194 running north-south. Festivals such as the Yamaguchi Gion Festival, Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival, and Yamaguchi Tenjin Festival are also celebrated here.
- TOUSHIRO Ouchikan-ten - A perfect spot for a break, featuring a tea house for relaxation.

What's Included
- Yamaguchi City Machiaruki Guided Tour
- Guide fee
- Experience Fee
- Yamaguchi City Machiaruki Guided Tour
- Guide fee
- Experience Fee
What's Not Included
- Travel expenses from home to departure and arrival
- Communication charges due to provision of services via the Internet
- community bus from JR Yamaguchi Station to Kozan Park at his/her own cost (200en).
- Travel expenses from home to departure and arrival
- Communication charges due to provision of services via the Internet
- community bus from JR Yamaguchi Station to Kozan Park at his/her own cost (200en).
Additional Information
- Many of the facilities in the course are old buildings and not equipped for wheelchair access.
- Many of the facilities in the course are old buildings and not equipped for wheelchair access.
Location
Yamaguchi Station
Exit the ticket gates of JR Yamaguchi Station and meet your guide wearing a yellow happi coat in front of the Yamaguchi Tourist Information Center on the right.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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(1 Rating)
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Virginia
Feb 14, 2025
Yamaguchi Walking Tour - Our guide (Kuni?) was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Yamaguchi. Although he didn’t speak English, an interpreter accompanied him. Janice, our interpreter was also very knowledgeable.
The five story pagoda was under renovation so we didn’t get to experience the full beauty. It was still a nice visit. Kozan Park was nice, but we were too early for the cherry blossoms.
We tasted “Uiroe?” - specialty treat for Yamaguchi and a candied fruit. Kino and Janice were very kind. We enjoyed our tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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