Yamaguchi Prefecture

Formerly known as 長門国 (nagato-no-kuni) and 周防国 (suō-no-kuni), Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the western tip of 本州 (honshū—the largest of Japan’s four main islands). With abundant natural beauty, it’s the birthplace of many prominent figures in Japanese history. Among them are Itō Hirobumi, Japan’s first Prime Minister, and Yoshida Shōin, a renowned teacher whose students went on to play leading roles in the Meiji Restoration. Yamaguchi Prefecture is also the birthplace of Katsura Tarō, the founder of Takushoku University. Even today, Yamaguchi Prefecture is well known for having produced more Prime Ministers than any other prefecture in Japan.

Even if one has never visited Japan before, there’s a good chance one has heard of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Every year, the world-renowned newspaper The New York Times publishes its list of "52 Places to Go", highlighting destinations around the world that are especially worth visiting that year. In the 2024 edition, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, ranked third. Public transportation in Yamaguchi Prefecture is relatively limited, and a car is often the most convenient way to get around. However, many areas in the city of Yamaguchi can be reached using public transportation. This city is perfect for those who’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and sightsee at a relaxed pace.

Nowadays, when people think of Yamaguchi Prefecture, many may immediately think of 獺祭 (dassai). Produced by DASSAI Inc., Dassai is one of Japan's most internationally acclaimed wines, playing a significant role in reviving interest in rice wine both in Japan and overseas. As beer, whisky, and other alcoholic beverages have become increasingly popular, the consumption of rice wine (in Japan) has declined. However, the success of Dassai helped spark renewed interest in rice wine. Today, it's enjoyed not only throughout Japan but also around the world.

With other rice wines such as 五橋 (gokyō)—made by Sakai Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.—and 東洋美人 (tōyōbijin)—made by Sumikawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.—Yamaguchi Prefecture is home to many highly regarded rice wine breweries. Some of these breweries offer tours, while others even have cafés on their premises, making this one of the best places in Japan to experience a wide variety of rice wine. Every autumn, the Yuda Onsen Sake Festival is held in the city of Yamaguchi, where visitors can sample rice wine from breweries across Yamaguchi Prefecture. For those who love rice wine, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Yamaguchi Prefecture is heaven.

Yamaguchi Prefecture is known not only for its rice wine but also for its long-established Japanese inns and historic hot spring towns. In the city of Yamaguchi, there’s Matsudaya Hotel, a long-established inn founded in 1675 during the Edo period (1603–1868). Despite being located in the heart of the city, its peaceful grounds make it hard to believe one is in an urban area. Here, visitors can experience the beauty of traditional Japanese culture in a tranquil setting. The inn is in Yuda Hot Springs, a hot spring town that’s unusually situated within a city. Thanks to its convenient access by public transportation, it’s popular with tourists alike. Another famous inn in Yamaguchi Prefecture is Otanisanso. Founded in 1881, it was relocated to its current location in Yumoto Hot Springs in 1960. Yumoto Hot Springs is the oldest hot spring resort in Yamaguchi Prefecture, spanning roughly 600 years. Surrounded by nature, it's an ideal destination for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a hot spring at a slower pace.

With its rich history, outstanding rice wine, long-established inns, and hot spring towns, Yamaguchi Prefecture is home to a lot that the locals can take great pride in. Although the city of Yamaguchi was selected as one of The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2024", the prefecture still receives relatively few tourists compared with many other prefectures in Japan. As a result, visitors can enjoy a relaxing trip at their own pace with (almost) no crowds. We at MORIKOBOSHI hope the articles below will help others discover the many charms of Yamaguchi Prefecture. We also hope it will be useful when planning a visit here.

NOTE
Although Yamaguchi Prefecture is a wonderful place to explore, traveling without a car can be difficult. Some areas can be reached by public transportation, but driving is often easier and more convenient. If one would like to explore the prefecture more extensively, renting a car is the best way to do so.