Model Itineraries in Yamaguchi

A full-day food-walking course through Yanai, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where white-walled merchant houses line the streets and local specialties abound. Welcomed by red goldfish lanterns swaying from the eaves, explore the historic town streets, then visit a brewing warehouse to learn about sweet soy sauce—a rich, doubly-fermented specialty. The sweet soy sauce soft-serve ice cream, available only at the brewery, is a must-try for any food lover. In the afternoon, try your hand at painting goldfish lanterns at Yanai Nishi-Gura, then take an afternoon sweet break at Kashino-Ki Souhonten, known for "Egg Found on the Moon" and other fresh-baked treats. End the day with a leisurely walk through the flower fields of Yamaguchi Flower Land. A perfect day for gourmet wandering: savoring soy sauce's fragrant depth, sweet confections, and retro town charm all in one experience.

This full-day course centers on the "Yanai Goldfish-Lantern Festival," where red-and-white goldfish lanterns sway through the white-wall townscape (August 13, 2026, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM, in Yanai City's white-wall townscape and Reitoro-dori area). Daytime activities include strolling the white-wall townscape, designated as a nationally important preservation district for traditional buildings; visiting Merchant Museum Muroya Garden to glimpse the lives of prosperous merchants; and experiencing traditional flavors at a soy-sauce brewery with 200 years of history. At Yanai Nishi-Kura, experience making Yanai's signature goldfish lanterns. After a light dinner on Reitoro-dori street, at 4:30 PM, the magical summer evening unique to Yanai begins, with countless goldfish lanterns illuminating the town.

A one-day course built around the Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival (柳井金魚ちょうちん祭り) held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, making the most of Yanai City (柳井市), Yamaguchi Prefecture, from midday onward. Yanai, where white-walled streets have remained since the Edo period, is an atmospheric port town also known as the birthplace of the goldfish lantern. In the daytime you stroll slowly through the White Wall Townscape (白壁の町並み), designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and connect with local culture and history. In the afternoon you rest at one of Yanai's leafy parks, then return to the townscape in the evening for the festival highlight, when the goldfish lanterns are lit all at once. It is a day plan that captures summer in Yamaguchi, colored by white-walled streets and the glow of goldfish lanterns.

山口県岩国市の「二鹿野外活動センター 河川プール」を主役にした夏の1日コースです。会場は岩国市二鹿742にある岩国市営の野外活動施設・二鹿野外活動センターで、二鹿谷川沿いの緑深い谷あいにあります。河川プールは夏季のみ開設され、2026年の期間は未発表ですが、センター自体は年末年始を除き通年開場しています。幼児用のプールも用意されているので、水に慣れていない小さな子どもでも安心して遊べます。センターにはキャンプ場、炊飯棟、レクリエーション広場、多目的広場、ゲートボールコート、体育館がそろい、水遊び以外の過ごし方も選べるのが市営施設ならではの魅力です。料金はテントサイトが1人につきデイキャンプ1日または1泊で104円(学校通学者等)または313円(その他)、体育館は1時間209〜1,047円と、家族連れにうれしい設定です。午前は岩国を代表する名勝・錦帯橋と岩国城を巡り、山と川の町の歴史を味わいます。お昼は錦帯橋のたもとで休憩をとり、午後は日差しで水温の上がった時間帯に二鹿谷川で思いきり水遊びをしましょう。

This one-day course stars the Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park Kirarando Water Play Plaza, newly created in 2026 at Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park in Ajisu, Yamaguchi City. It opened on Monday, July 27, 2026 and can be used from 10:00 to 18:00 until Sunday, September 27 (from next year it is scheduled to open from late April). Across roughly 2,800 square meters you will find a shallow wading pool about 5 cm deep, four arch fountains, six mist fountains and seven rime-tree fountains; with so many kinds of fountains, children never get bored. Both park admission and use of the water plaza are free, and the rest facilities and benches are another plus for families. Right next door is Kirarando, one of the largest combination-playground plazas in the Chugoku region, where play structures up to 20 m high with 25 units and 128 items, plus two air domes, are waiting. In the morning, browse local vegetables and specialties at Kirara Ajisu Roadside Station, then observe wild birds and other creatures of the reclaimed wetlands at Yamaguchi Prefectural Kirarahama Nature Observation Park. After lunch, play on the structures for a while, then spend the whole afternoon in the spray of the water plaza. Before setting out, it is reassuring to share with the family that the fountain water is sterilized recirculated water and is not drinkable, that you cannot enter barefoot or in diapers so footwear is required, and that pets cannot be brought in.

山口県周南市大字小松原、石城山県立自然公園の中にある「黒岩峡」を主役にした1日コースです。営業期間は未発表ですが、例年は夏休み期間が水遊びのシーズンになります。黒岩峡は黒岩川に沿って約400m続く静かな渓谷で、大きな岩と木々に囲まれた流れはゆっくりと穏やか。浅瀬が多く、小さな子どもでも足をひたして遊びやすい環境が整っています。夏になると水遊びを楽しむ家族連れでにぎわう、地元でよく知られた涼み場所です。駐車場とトイレがあり、料金は無料で利用できるのもうれしいところ。周辺には三丘温泉や呼鶴温泉があり、遊んだあとに汗を流して帰る組み立ても可能です。午前は同じ県立自然公園内にある国指定史跡・石城山神籠石をたずね、古代の石塁と山上の静けさに触れましょう。午後は日差しのある時間帯に黒岩峡へ入り、水の音に包まれてゆっくり過ごす。史跡と清流を1日で味わえる、周南の山あいらしいおでかけです。

山口県長門市の俵山にある「俵山七重川河川プール」を主役にした1日コースです。七重川の清流を汲み上げ、地元特産の木炭でろ過した水を使っているのが最大の特徴で、水道水のプールとはひと味違う冷たさと透明感があります。25m×9m・水深1mの大人用プールと、8m×6m・水深0.3mの幼児用プール、すべり台がそろい、しかも入場も駐車場も無料。例年7月中旬から8月下旬の開放です。午前はまず山あいの古刹・大寧寺へ。庭園と渓流に囲まれた境内は、真夏でも空気がひんやりとしています。続いて俵山温泉の湯治場の町並みを歩き、細い路地に旅館が軒を連ねる独特の風情を味わいましょう。お昼を回ったら俵山七重川河川プールへ。木炭でろ過した清流の水に浸かって、夕方まで過ごします。

A course to enjoy Asa area in Sanyo-Onoda City for a full day, centered around the Asa Fireworks Festival held on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Spend the noon leisurely in front of Asa Station, where the Shinkansen also stops, and in the afternoon head to Hanaoka Fukutoku Inari Shrine with its brilliant red torii gates. In the evening, stroll along the Asa River's riverbank, the venue, and wait for the show to start while enjoying street food. From 8 to 8:45 PM, approximately 1,500 fireworks light up the night sky over Asa River. A full-day plan rooted in the community where you can enjoy visiting shrines and riverside fireworks equally, with a warm hometown atmosphere.

A course to enjoy the idyllic scenery of the Shalino River basin flowing through Yamaguchi city for a full day, featuring the Fushino Summer Festival held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 as the star. At noon, experience nature at Kirara-Hama Nature Observation Park where waterfowl gather, and meet local flavors at Roadside Station Ajisu. In the evening, enjoy riverside walks near the venue Shalino River Higashi-Tsu Riverbank Park, and while eating at food stalls, wait for the show to begin. From 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM for 30 minutes, about 3,000 fireworks light up the Shalino River night sky. A unique full-day plan of Yamaguchi city where you can greedily enjoy both nature exploration and local summer festival activities.

A full-day course celebrating the Kikugawa Summer Festival Fireworks Display, held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) starting at 8 PM, exploring the peaceful rural scenery of Kikugawa town in Shimonoseki. At noon, encounter local flavors at Michi-no-Eki Kikugawa; in the afternoon, leisurely stroll along the riverside path through town. In the evening, gather at the Kikugawa Fureai Hall venue and wait for the show while enjoying street food. From 8 PM to 8:30 PM, approximately 2,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky for 30 minutes, concluding Shimonoseki city's summer with quiet warmth befitting the rural landscape. This unique Kikugawa plan features the homey atmosphere of a community-rooted festival.

A 1-day course enjoying the nature and history of Hikari City, centered on Niji Hama Beach in Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which opens from July 18 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun) 2026. In the morning, enjoy the greenery and views at DS Life Design Kazan Park, and spend a quiet moment at the historic Fugen-ji Temple in Murozumi overlooking the sea. For lunch, take a walk through the old streetscape of Murozumi Kaishoten. The climax is Niji Hama Beach in the afternoon. This beach with its pure white sandy shore is free for swimming, equipped with showers and about 280 parking spaces, plus a beach campground. It's an environment perfect for families to spend a relaxed day. Bring your swimsuit and towel and head out to summer beaches in Yamaguchi. Enjoy plenty of swimming in the afternoon when the sun is less intense, savoring the full day until evening.

This full-day course stars Kiwa-La Beach (キワ・ラ・ビーチ 岐波海水浴場) in Ube City (宇部市), open from Friday 10 July to Monday 31 August 2026. In the morning, stroll the multicoloured flower fields of Hana no Umi (花の海) just minutes from the beach and enjoy a photo session in the sea breeze. Next, head to Tokiwa Park (ときわ公園) to walk the shore of Lake Tokiwa (ときわ湖), the symbol of Ube City, taking in the sculptures and Tokiwa Zoo (ときわ動物園), and have an unhurried lunch inside the park. Then comes the climax of the day: Kiwa-La Beach. The shallow, gently lapping sands are reassuring even with small children, and Maru no Ie (マールの家), with changing rooms and hot showers, plus a cooking area and campsite, stand right alongside. Swimming is free, hot showers cost 200 yen, and the clam-digging experience costs 250 yen. There is also free parking for about 50 cars, which makes the trip easy by car. Splash at the water's edge, hunt for shells on the sand, and soak up summer until evening. Pack a swimsuit and a towel and set out for the sea at Ube.

This is a 1-day full experience course featuring Kirara Beach Takeno (きららビーチ焼野) in Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which opens from July 20 (Monday/National Holiday) to August 31 (Monday), 2026. In the morning, experience the scenic cape overlooking the Seto Inland Sea at Motoyama Cape Park (本山岬公園), then enjoy seasonal flowers and spacious grassy areas at Hana no Umi (Sea of Flowers). Lunch features local flavors and souvenirs at Michi no Eki Kirara Sanyo (道の駅きらら山陽). The climax is Kirara Beach Takeno in the afternoon. The shallow sandy beach facing Suo Bay is equipped with a parking lot for 209 vehicles (including 7 spaces for people with disabilities), toilets, warm water showers, and coin lockers—a family-friendly beach. Swimming is free; warm water showers cost 200 yen for 3 minutes, and coin lockers cost 100 yen. Enjoy water play at the water's edge, play freely on the sandy beach, and savor the sea until evening. Prepare your swimsuit and towel, and head out to Sanyo-Onoda for a summer adventure.

A full-day course circling around Tsushima in Shimonoseki City, centered on Tsushima Ōhama Beach, which will be open from July 17 (Friday) to August 31 (Monday), 2026. In the morning, first visit Tsushima Lighthouse, a symbol of the island, and enjoy views of the Suo-Nada Strait from the lighthouse park. Next, move to Yumezaki Nami Park to overlook Tsushima Bridge, where the whole family can marvel at the spectacular view of the bridge spanning the cobalt-blue sea. For lunch, enjoy local fresh seafood gourmet at Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Toyokita and stock up on beach gear. The climax is Tsushima Ōhama Beach in the afternoon. White sand and a shallow, calm sea await, swimming is free, and parking (200 spaces) is also free. With bungalows, rest areas, shower facilities, and a cooking station, it's a full-fledged beach perfect for camping and BBQ as well (marine sports not permitted). Bring your swimsuit and towel and head to summer Tsushima!

A full-day course held on August 13, 2026 (Thursday) featuring the Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival as the centerpiece, where you can enjoy the Shimonoseki and Kanmon area all day long from afternoon. Take a tour of Shimonoseki's classic spots overlooking the Kanmon Strait with the sea breeze, enjoy fresh seafood at Karato Market while having your evening meal, then settle in around Misonokicho Pier and Arukaporto as the sun sets to watch approximately 18,000 fireworks launching simultaneously from both shores of Yamaguchi Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture, accompanied by the sound of the strait's waves. The spectacular display of light filling the sea and night sky created by one of Japan's largest straits fireworks festivals leaves a deep impression in families' summer memories. The intensity of Kyushu's lights combined with the strait's tidal currents and launch sounds echoing from both shores is an extraordinary experience even among seaside fireworks festivals.

An ambitious full-day course through central Shunan that can be enjoyed on foot from Tokuyama Station. In the morning, visit the beloved Tokuyama Zoo to meet elephants, penguins, and small animals at the petting area. At the adjacent Shunan City Art Museum, leisurely appreciate photographs and paintings by artists from the region, then take a midday break at the Book Café in Tokuyama Station-Front Library surrounded by literature. In the afternoon, pay your respects at Toishi Hachiman Shrine (遠石八幡宮), an ancient shrine, and finish with views of the petrochemical complex's night lights from Harumi Waterfront Park (晴海親水公園). With many indoor facilities such as museums and libraries, this itinerary is a reliable choice for rainy day outings as well.

A greedy-but-delightful family course that lets you enjoy the zoo, botanical museum, and amusement park all in one day at Tokiwa Park (常盤公園), which circles around Tokiwa Lake (常盤湖), the symbol of Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Tokiwa Zoo (常盤動物園) is renowned for its habitat-based exhibits that recreate animals' natural environments—children are captivated by White-handed Gibbons gracefully crossing overhead and by laid-back Capybaras. The Botanical Museum offers a journey through world flora in one continuous greenhouse. Lunch and rides at the lakeside amusement park, a panoramic view from the Coal Memorial Hall's observation deck—a building that tells Ube's story as a coal-mining town—each stop offers changing scenery as you walk. The perfect finale: Kotosaki Hachiman Shrine (琴崎八幡宮) with its legendary variety of amulets, said to be Japan's finest. The flat park is stroller-friendly, making this a stress-free day even with small children.

A food-walk course where you can enjoy seafood while gazing at the Kanmon Strait in Shimonoseki, the home of fugu. In the morning, experience the vibrant food stalls of Karato Market, selecting and savoring fugu sushi and fresh seafood one piece at a time. At nearby Camon Wharf, enjoy a sweet snack break while watching ships traverse the strait. For digestion, visit the Dragon King's Palace-like Akama Shrine, and spend an indulgent afternoon exploring the history at the Nisshin Kowarekinen Hall, located next to Shunpanro, Japan's first officially licensed fugu restaurant. The day concludes with a photo at the "World's Greatest Fugu Statue" at Kameyama Hachiman Shrine and views of the strait at sunset. A perfect day for food-walk lovers who want to experience both market gourmet and the stories of a port town.

A family-friendly island time course circling Suo-Oshima (周防大島) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, known as the 'Hawaii of the Seto Inland Sea.' Enjoy island mandarin sweets and fresh seafood lunch at Michi no Eki Southern Seto Towa, then visit Makimiya Island (真宮島) where a sandy path emerges from the sea only at low tide. In the afternoon, walk along the white sand beach lined with palm trees at Katazoe-ga-hama, and encounter Seto Inland Sea creatures in the touch pool at Nagisa Aquarium (なぎさ水族館), one of Japan's largest. End your journey at the Mutsu Memorial Hall (陸奥記念館), where you can listen quietly to the history sleeping in the island's waters. Experience a leisurely island day with sea, mandarin oranges, and a small aquarium—a memorable outing for parent and child.

Starting from Nagato's Motonosumi Shrine (元乃隅神社), famous for its stunning vermilion torii gates leading to the sea, this is a classic all-day scenic drive route visiting Japan Sea coastal vistas. After passing through the tunnel of 123 torii gates, head to nearby Ryugu no Ushio-fuki where natural seawater geysers shoot up from the cliffs. At midday, enjoy a scenic lunch at a café on the highland plateau of Sensaishiki at about 333 meters elevation, overlooking the sea. In the afternoon, leisurely explore the village where the Yang Guifei legend remains, and finish at Higashiushirohata Rice Terraces, one of Japan's Top 100, where the sea and terraced paddies glow in the evening light. A perfect day packed with coastal scenery, ideal for photography enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Yamaguchi.

A full day drive course wrapped in cobalt blue sea as you cross the Tsuno Island Great Bridge, renowned as one of Japan's finest scenic roads. Start by photographing the complete view of the bridge stretching into the emerald shallows from the observation deck at Amakagase Park. Cross the free bridge to enter the island, where you'll find the Tsunoshima Nature Museum where you can learn about the newly discovered whale species, followed by Tsuno Island Lighthouse with its entirely granite construction—two spots brimming with the sea and history. The grand finale is Michi-no-Eki Kitaura-Kaido Toyohoku for fresh seafood lunch and souvenir shopping. Blue sea filling the windows, a 360-degree grand panorama from the lighthouse, and the Hibiki Strait bathed in evening light—this is the ideal drive date day that delivers both stunning photos and great conversation.

In the mountain valleys of Nishiki Town, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, embark on a clear stream journey that will delight those who love transportation. The star is the Tokotoko Train (ときとこトレイン), a trolley-style sightseeing car that runs along the ghost railway of the Iwaki-Kita Line, where rails were never actually laid. The approximately 40-minute journey through the Kirara Yume Tunnel (きらら夢トンネル), where fluorescent stones shimmer, will captivate both adults and children. In the morning, experience gorge trekking at Jiji Gorge (寂地峡), home to the Five Dragon Waterfalls from Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. At noon, enjoy the famous konnyaku dishes nourished by the clear stream at the roadside station. In the afternoon, head toward Sozu Gorge Hot Spring (雙津峡温泉) by trolley and take a break at a secluded hot spring inn. The finale is a gorge drive to Kiya Gorge (木谷峡), a renowned autumn foliage spot—a full day of enjoying both cars and trolleys combined into one perfect course.

A nature-filled family driving course that leisurely explores the Ato area of Yamaguchi city. In the morning, grab breakfast at Michi-no-Eki Nagato Gorge, then head to the walking trails at the nationally designated scenic Nagato Gorge. Walking through the valley with its emerald pools and striking rock formations will have children squealing with delight at the sound of the stream. At midday, enjoy a farm lunch at the expansive Funakata Farm, freshly-made milk soft-serve ice cream, and hands-on encounters with goats and ponies. In the afternoon, visit Tokusa Hachimangu Shrine, known for its weeping cherry tree approach, and finish at Michi-no-Eki Ganjouju Onsen for souvenir shopping and a rest. From gorge to farm to ancient shrine to hot-spring hamlet, this greedy itinerary packs all of Ato's peaceful charm into one unforgettable day.

A romantic date course touring the finest examples of Ouchi culture in Yamaguchi, known as the "Western Kyoto." In the morning, gaze up at the Ruri Koji-ji Five-Story Pagoda standing in Kouyama Park, entranced by its beautiful cypress bark-shingled silhouette, counted among Japan's three most renowned pagodas. After taking in the views of the city from the pristine white Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Cathedral, stroll leisurely along the Ichinozaka River, which reflects Kyoto's charm, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside café. The afternoon highlight is the Sesshu Garden at Joei-ji Temple, said to have been designed by master painter Sesshu. Sit side by side on the temple's engawa and gaze upon the garden—a landscape that appears as if an ink wash painting has been transformed into three dimensions. The perfect ending: at the foot bath café "Kitsune no Ashiato" in Yuda Onsen, soak in the hot spring while sharing reflections on your journey together. An adult's romantic getaway filled with history and tranquility.