Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県) is the westernmost part of Honshu in the Chugoku region. Shimonoseki City (下関市), which is located at the westernmost tip of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is connected to Kyushu and is prospering as a port city famous for seafood. Akiyoshidai (秋吉台) in Mine (美祢市) is known as the largest karst plateau in Japan.
Yamaguchi Prefecture is divided into the following 4 areas.
- Yamaguchi (山口), Hofu (防府) Area
- Shimonoseki (下関), Akiyoshidai (秋吉台), Ube (宇部) Area
- Iwakuni (岩国), Yanai (柳井), Shunan (周南) Area
- Hagi (萩), Nagato (長門) Area
Yamaguchi, Hofu Area
Yamaguchi City is the prefectural capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture. There are many temples and shrines in this area, such as Hofu Tenmangu Shrine (防府天満宮) and Amidaji Temple (阿弥陀寺). In addition, Yuda Onsen (湯田温泉) in this area has the one of the best hot spring town in the Sanyo region.
Shimonoseki, Akiyoshidai, Ube Area
Shimonoseki City is the largest city in Yamaguchi Prefecture and is connected to Kyushu by road and railroad. In particular, Tsunoshima Island (角島) and Tsunoshima Bridge (角島大橋) are popular as photogenic tourist destinations because of the beautiful sea and long bridges. In addition, Akiyoshidai (秋吉台) is known as the largest karst plateau in Japan and is visited by many tourists.
Iwakuni, Yanai, Shunan Area
This area is located in the eastern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture and borders Hiroshima Prefecture. Kintaikyo Bridge (錦帯橋) in Iwakuni City is one of the three major bridges in Japan and is known as a popular tourist destination.
Hagi, Nagato Area
This area is located in the northern part of Yamaguchi prefecture. Motonosumi Shrine (元乃隅神社) is famous for many red torii gates. Hagi castle town (萩城下町) is one of the most important historical heritages in Japan and it is a popular tourist destination.
