Top Yamaguchi Prefecture Cultural Tours

Visited Hiroshima? There's another side of WWII to be uncovered. Just 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Hiroshima, followed by a ferry ride from Tokuyama, this tour takes you to Ozushima, a peaceful island once home to a training base for the Kaiten, Japan's human torpedoes during World War II. Walk through former military sites, explore the Kaiten Memorial Museum, and read the farewell letters of young Kaiten pilots before their one-way missions. Because the museum's exhibits are almost entirely in Japanese, this English guided tour opens the door to stories and historical context that can be difficult to access independently. Led by a unique duo—a local university student who conceived the tour and a former international journalist—the experience offers another lens on the human stories of World War II, complementing a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Museum.

Dressed in original costumes and riding a white horse as the Shogun, the procession of 20 people, including extras, will parade through the Ōdono area, which retains the historical atmosphere to this day. Afterward, the procession will move to Sansuien Garden, a National Registered Tangible Cultural Asset, where guests can enjoy Yamaguchi’s traditional performing arts and savor the Ōuchi Feast, faithfully recreated from the historical banquet. Please enjoy Yamaguchi City, which has been selected by The New York Times as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2024.”

Explore Hagi’s UNESCO World Heritage castle town and temple districts at a relaxed pace, away from the crowds. Walk through the well-preserved streets of the former samurai town while learning about Hagi’s history, culture, and daily life. Along the way, visit historic merchant houses, admire beautiful Japanese gardens, and experience the unique atmosphere of Hagi’s many temples—including the chance to ring a temple bell. Because this is a walking tour, there is also flexibility to stop at local Hagi-yaki pottery shops and traditional stores along the way, making the experience feel personal and unhurried.

This private and customizable tour for Yamaguchi is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

This tour is designed for travelers who visit Shimonoseki by cruise ship. We will pick you up at Shimonoseki Port or hotels near the port. This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Shimonoseki. Enjoy a 6-hour private tour with your own guide and vehicle, customized to your interests. From the bustling Karato Market famous for fugu and fresh sushi to the dramatic Kanmon Strait with its great bridge, the vermilion Akama Shrine, the historic castle town of Chofu, and the breathtaking views from Mount Hino, you will discover the very best of this storied port city at the western tip of Honshu. You can choose 3-4 sites from the itinerary list, and your guide will tailor the route to make the most of your limited time in port. Sit back, relax, and let your private guide handle all the logistics for a stress-free and memorable day in Shimonoseki.

Yamaguchi City, which has been selected for the New York Times’ list of “52 places to go in 2024”, was ruled and developed by Ouchi clan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). This activity has been arranged as Ouchi kemari based on the assumption that Ouchi might have also enjoyed kemari. Participants will wear Muromachi-style costumes and play kemari with a specially handmade mari ball.

This tour is conducted in your own private car. Departs from Hakata Station or Fukuoka City hotel lobby by chartered car. Due to the long travel distance, a professional driver and English-speaking guide will accompany you. At Karato Market in Shimonoseki City, located on the border between Kyushu and Yamaguchi prefectures, you will enjoy weekend-only sushi made with fresh fish landed that day. The tour will then take visitors to four scenic spots representative of Yamaguchi Prefecture created by nature. Amagase Park with a view of Kakushima Ohashi Bridge, Motonosumi Shrine with its impressive red torii gate and dynamic sea, Akiyoshidai, one of the largest karst formations in Japan, and Akiyoshido Cave with its cool year-round temperature of 17°C. This tour will take you to these unique sights.

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover the highlights of Shimonoseki efficiently, in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed, English-speaking guide! Shimonoseki sits at the western tip of Honshu, where the Kanmon Strait separates it from Kyushu. Sample the city's famous fugu (pufferfish) at the lively Karato Market, take in the soaring Kanmon Bridge, and visit Akama Shrine, steeped in the legends of the Heike clan. Wander the historic castle town of Chofu and Kozanji Temple, enjoy sweeping strait views from Hinoyama Observatory and the Kaikyo Yume Tower, and drive out to the brilliant turquoise waters beneath Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge. We welcome you to come and explore the unique history, scenery and flavors of Shimonoseki with us! Note*1: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government and requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.