Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.

Join us we take a short virtual journey to Yamaguchi in Japan.

The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible within five hours from Tokyo via Shinkansen bullet train. From MCAS Iwakuni, it’s only a two-hour drive.

Known for countless historical buildings and natural beauty, Yamaguchi is a top-notch attraction. Here you’ll find unique samurai heritage, numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, along with an otherworldly karst plateau and limestone cave, which make Yamaguchi a great getaway.

Some of the must-see spots in Yamaguchi include:

•            Yamaguchi City - Often called “Kyoto of the West,” the capital city of Yamaguchi is home to traditional Japanese and Western-style historical buildings. Rurikoji is a Zen Buddhist temple and national treasure, which boasts a five-story-high wooden pagoda built in 1442. St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church’s eye-catching contemporary structure looks like a large white tent made of stone. You can check out the history of Christianity in Japan at the church museum. Nearby, Yuda Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in the region offers a relaxing break from exploring the city with warm alkaline waters.

•            Hagi City - Hagi is a scenic castle city, home to many historical buildings designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Shoin Jinja Shinto shrine and the Hagi Reverberatory Furnace. The city center is preserved as samurai and merchant quarters with earthen walls, which will transport you to the bygone era. Meirinkan Museum, a former samurai school-turned-elementary school-turned-museum displays historical school items and documents young samurai training and education. Nearby, Kikugahama Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach with a view of the blue ocean with a line of uninhabited islands.

•            Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido - The natural wonder and beauty of the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau and Akiyoshido limestone cave form part of the Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park. Fresh green hills and mountains dotted with a cluster of karst formations made of white limestone, which is a fantastic scene is visible along the main road.  

One-hundred meters below the plateau is Japan’s largest and longest limestone cave where you can escape the summer heat as it boasts a comfortable 17-degree Celsius temperature. The cave has many otherworldly formations, terraces of limestone pools and underground waterfalls.

While you’re there, don’t forget to sample Choshu chicken karaage, as each deep-fried morsel features a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior marinated in a flavorful soy sauce-based broth.

I hope you enjoyed a look at Yamaguchi through my travel photos and that it’s inspired your next trip. Get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

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