Yamaguchi Prefecture: A Comprehensive Guidev

Yamaguchi Prefecture: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Fugu (Pufferfish)
   Yamaguchi is synonymous with fugu, a delicacy known for its potential toxicity if not prepared correctly. Only licensed chefs are permitted to handle this fish, ensuring safety. Fugu is most commonly served as tessa (sashimi), thinly sliced to highlight its delicate texture and subtle flavor. Shimonoseki, particularly the Karato Fish Market, is a prime spot to sample fresh fugu. Hikari is another city renowned for its fugu, as many are caught locally. The dish is often paired with ponzu sauce and garnished with green onions.
2. Iwakuni-Zushi
   Originating in Iwakuni, this pressed sushi is a visually striking dish with layers of vinegared rice topped with colorful ingredients like shrimp, lotus root, shiitake mushrooms, egg, and sakura denbu (flaked fish with red coloring). Historically, it was developed as a portable meal for samurai in the 1600s, pressed into large molds and cut into portions. Today, it’s a festive dish enjoyed during special occasions, with one or two layers being common.
3. Kawara Soba
   A Yamaguchi specialty, kawara soba is a unique dish where green tea-infused buckwheat noodles are cooked on a heated roof tile (kawara). Topped with beef, egg, green onions, radish, and a squeeze of lemon, the dish is served with a dipping sauce. The sizzling presentation and herbal notes from the matcha make it a must-try. Look for it in restaurants across Yamaguchi City and Shimonoseki.
4. Ayu (Sweetfish)
   In Iwakuni, ayu is a local favorite, known for its sweet, watermelon-like scent. Caught using traditional cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River, ayu is typically grilled on skewers with salt. For the adventurous, Shokujidokoro Musashi near Kintaikyo Bridge offers ayu-flavored ice cream among its 100 ice cream varieties. The Fushinogawa Fisheries Cooperative has also developed Kanmi Ayu, fed on mikan (mandarin oranges) to impart a citrusy aroma.
5. Sanzoku Chicken
   At Sanzoku, a themed restaurant in Iwakuni, diners can enjoy grilled chicken skewers slathered in a savory “sanzoku sauce.” The restaurant, designed to resemble a mountain bandit hideout, offers a rustic dining experience with indoor thatched shacks and outdoor tables in the woods. The chicken, served on thick bamboo skewers, reflects the region’s historical tales of mountain bandits.
6. Uiro (Sweet Rice Jelly)
   For dessert, try uiro, a soft, steamed rice jelly made from warabi mochi. Available in flavors like matcha, chestnut, and chocolate, uiro is freshest when purchased locally. Another sweet treat is Tsuki de Hirotta Tamago (“Eggs from the Moon”), a castella cake filled with custardy cream, a popular Yamaguchi souvenir.
7. Bari Soba
   Despite its name, bari soba is not traditional yakisoba but a dish of fried champon noodles in a slightly thick, smooth broth, topped with abundant vegetables. Found in Yamaguchi City, it’s a hearty meal that’s surprisingly easy to finish. Diners can adjust the flavor with pepper or chili oil.

• Choshuya Yuda (Yamaguchi City)
  Located in the Yuda Onsen area, this restaurant is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, including fugu dishes and kawara soba. The cozy ambiance and fresh ingredients make it a favorite among locals and tourists.
• Shunraiken (Yamaguchi City)
  A popular spot for bari soba and other local specialties, Shunraiken offers a casual dining experience with generous portions. Its lemon steak, served with a bread and drink set, is also highly praised for its tender meat.
• Isokura Yuda (Yamaguchi City)
  Another Yuda Onsen gem, Isokura Yuda specializes in seafood dishes, including tessa and Iwakuni-zushi. The restaurant’s attention to presentation elevates the dining experience.
• Sanzoku (Iwakuni)
  Tucked into the mountains, Sanzoku is as much about the atmosphere as the food. The bandit-themed setting and signature chicken skewers draw crowds, especially in the evenings.
• Shokujidokoro Musashi (Iwakuni)
  Near Kintaikyo Bridge, this eatery is famous for its 100 ice cream flavors, including the quirky ayu ice cream. It’s a fun stop for dessert after exploring the bridge.
• Karato Ichiba Fish Market (Shimonoseki)
  For a vibrant dining experience, visit the Karato Fish Market, where sushi shops serve ultra-fresh fugu, sea bream, and monkfish. Arrive early (around 4 AM) for the freshest catches and a lively atmosphere.
• Toushiro Sakuraan (Yamaguchi City)
  A confectionery shop with a historic garden, Toushiro is ideal for sampling uiro and other traditional sweets. The nearby Mount Zouzu offers a short hike with city views, perfect for post-meal exploration.

• Reservations: Popular restaurants like Choshuya Yuda and Shunraiken can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Call ahead to secure a table.
• Seasonal Menus: Yamaguchi’s cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients, so menus may vary. Ask about daily specials for the freshest offerings.
• Local Sake: Pair your meal with Dassai, Yamaguchi’s world-famous sake, known for its smooth, refreshing taste. Many restaurants offer sake tasting sets.

1. Fugu (Pufferfish)
   Yamaguchi is Japan’s fugu capital, particularly in Shimonoseki and Hikari. The prefecture’s coastal waters yield high-quality pufferfish, and its preparation by skilled chefs has made it a global culinary icon. Yamaguchi even uses a cute fugu mascot to promote the dish.
2. Kintaikyo Bridge
   The five-arched wooden Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, built in 1673, is a National Treasure and one of Japan’s most iconic structures. Its elegant design, featured in ukiyo-e art by Hokusai, draws visitors year-round.
3. Historical Significance
   Known as the “Kyoto of the West,” Yamaguchi was a cultural and political hub during Japan’s warring states period, rivaling Kyoto under the Ouchi clan. The prefecture played a pivotal role in the Meiji Restoration, with Hagi City as a birthplace of key figures like Shoin Yoshida.
4. Dassai Sake
   Produced in Iwakuni, Dassai is one of Japan’s most renowned sake brands, made from a unique strain of sake rice. Its smooth, crisp flavor has earned international acclaim.
5. Natural Wonders
   Yamaguchi boasts Japan’s largest limestone cave, Akiyoshido, and the Akiyoshidai Plateau, a rare karst landscape. The Tsunoshima Bridge, stretching over emerald waters, and the Motonosumi Inari Shrine’s red torii gates are also iconic.
6. Hagiyaki Pottery
   Hagi is famous for Hagiyaki, a 400-year-old pottery tradition prized for its earthy textures and simplicity. Tea ceremony masters favor it, and workshops allow visitors to create their own pieces.
7. Hot Springs
   Yamaguchi is home to numerous onsen (hot springs), particularly in Yuda Onsen and Nagato, known for their health and beauty benefits. Many offer scenic mountain views.
8. Cultural Heritage
   The Rurikoji Temple’s five-storied pagoda, built in 1442, is one of Japan’s top three pagodas. Yamaguchi’s Christian history, highlighted by the St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, adds a unique dimension to its cultural landscape.

1. Kintaikyo Bridge (Iwakuni)
   This architectural marvel, with its five wooden arches, spans the Nishiki River. Rebuilt multiple times since 1673, it’s a symbol of resilience. Cross the bridge for stunning views, and visit nearby Kikko Park for cherry blossoms in spring.
2. Rurikoji Temple (Yamaguchi City)
   The five-storied pagoda at Rurikoji, a National Treasure, is renowned for its elegant design and seasonal beauty. Illuminated at night, it’s a photographer’s dream. The adjacent park includes a museum showcasing Japan’s pagodas.
3. Motonosumi Inari Shrine (Nagato)
   Famous for its 123 red torii gates leading to a cliffside overlooking the Sea of Japan, this shrine is a spiritual and visual spectacle. It’s often compared to Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari but offers a coastal twist.
4. Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai Plateau (Mine)
   Japan’s largest limestone cave, Akiyoshido, features dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground waterfall. Above, the Akiyoshidai Plateau offers hiking and cycling through a karst landscape formed 300 million years ago.
5. Hagi Castle Town (Hagi)
   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hagi’s samurai quarters and castle ruins offer a glimpse into the Meiji Restoration era. Stroll through Horiuchi and explore historic homes of figures like Shoin Yoshida.
6. Tsunoshima Bridge (Shimonoseki)
   This 1,780-meter bridge connects the mainland to Tsunoshima Island, surrounded by emerald waters. It’s a scenic drive or photo stop, especially at sunset.
7. St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church (Yamaguchi City)
   This modernist Catholic church commemorates the 16th-century Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier. Its architecture and exhibits on Japan’s Christian history are unique in a predominantly Buddhist and Shinto region.
8. Joei-ji Temple and Sesshutei Garden (Yamaguchi City)
   Designed by the painter-priest Sesshu in the 15th century, this Zen garden features raked pebbles, moss, and a stone resembling Mount Fuji. It’s a serene spot for meditation.
9. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine (Hofu)
   Japan’s first Tenjin shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning, features a turquoise roof and vermillion pillars. Stop at the tea house on the long stairway for matcha and sweets.
10. Karato Fish Market (Shimonoseki)
    Beyond dining, this market is a cultural experience. Watch fish auctions, sample fresh sushi, and explore nearby attractions like the Kanmon Straits.

1. Explore Hagiyaki Pottery Workshops (Hagi)
   Join a pottery class to craft your own Hagiyaki piece. Many shops in Hagi offer hands-on experiences, teaching traditional techniques passed down for centuries.
2. Cycle the Akiyoshidai Plateau
   Rent a bike to explore the karst landscape, with rolling hills and panoramic views. Guided tours are available for deeper insights into the area’s geology.
3. Soak in Yuda Onsen
   Relax in one of Yamaguchi’s premier hot spring resorts. Yuda Onsen’s mineral-rich waters are said to promote health and beauty. Many ryokan offer day-use baths.
4. Witness Cormorant Fishing (Iwakuni)
   On summer nights, watch traditional cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River, where trained birds catch ayu. Be aware of ethical considerations, such as the treatment of cormorants, before participating.
5. Visit the Dassai Sake Brewery (Iwakuni)
   Tour the brewery to learn about sake production and sample Dassai’s signature blends. Reservations are recommended for guided tours.
6. Hike Mount Zouzu (Yamaguchi City)
   This short, steep trail near Toushiro Sakuraan offers sweeping views of Yamaguchi City. It’s ideal for a quick outdoor escape.
7. Attend the Yamaguchi Gion Festival (July)
   Held in Yamaguchi City, this festival features parades, traditional dances, and mikoshi (portable shrines). It’s a vibrant celebration of local culture.
8. Explore the Hagi Uragami Museum (Hagi)
   This museum houses an impressive collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, including works by Hokusai. It’s a must for art enthusiasts.
9. Strawberry Picking (Yamaguchi City)
   Visit local farms to pick fresh strawberries (eat on-site only). It’s a fun, family-friendly activity during the winter and spring seasons.
10. Shunan Industrial Night Cruising (Shunan)
    Take a nighttime boat tour to see the illuminated factories along the coast, a unique blend of industry and beauty.

• Background: Shiori Fujisaki joined BANZAI JAPAN on April 14, 2017, initially as part of ASHIGARU JAPAN, a trainee group. She was promoted to a full member on September 27 and is also part of the elite BANZAI JAPAN Front 7. Shiori is known for her sparkling eyes and energetic personality, earning the nickname “Shio-rin.”
• Local Pride: As a “trainee evangelist of Yamaguchi,” Shiori promotes the prefecture’s natural beauty, including its mountains, sea, and numerous National Natural Treasures, which she claims are the most in Japan. Her local introduction emphasizes Yamaguchi’s rich nature, inviting fans to visit.
• Hobbies and Characteristics: Shiori is an avid idol performance enthusiast, particularly fond of K-pop. She’s a self-proclaimed “sweets junkie” and a “doctor of Doraemon,” showcasing her playful side. Her greeting to fans is: “I’m Shio-rin, looking at you with my sparkling eyes! A trainee evangelist of Yamaguchi, Shiori Fujisaki.”
• Unit: Shiori and her older sister Fumi form the unit NIRA within BANZAI JAPAN, blending their talents to create unique performances.

• Background: Fumi, the elder Fujisaki sister, is also a member of BANZAI JAPAN. While less detailed information is available about her specific join date or roles compared to Shiori, she is an integral part of the group and the NIRA unit. Fumi’s presence complements Shiori’s energy, creating a dynamic sibling duo.
• Role in NIRA: As part of NIRA, Fumi contributes to the unit’s performances, which likely highlight Yamaguchi’s cultural heritage. Her collaboration with Shiori strengthens the group’s regional representation.
• Personality: Fumi is described as supportive and charismatic, balancing Shiori’s bubbly demeanor with a more grounded presence, though specific details about her hobbies or characteristics are less documented.

• Cultural Advocacy: Shiori and Fumi use their platform to spotlight Yamaguchi’s non-culinary attractions, such as Akiyoshido Cave, Rurikoji Temple, and the prefecture’s historical significance in the Meiji Restoration.
• Fan Engagement: Through social media and live events, the sisters connect with fans, sharing insights about Yamaguchi’s natural beauty and inviting tourism. Shiori’s greeting emphasizes her role as a cultural ambassador.
• Performances: As idols, their concerts and appearances promote Yamaguchi’s identity, often incorporating themes of nature and history rather than food.

1. Shoin Yoshida (1830–1859)
   A samurai, educator, and intellectual from Hagi, Yoshida was a key figure in the Meiji Restoration. His teachings at the Shoka Sonjuku school inspired revolutionaries who modernized Japan. His former home and school in Hagi are now historical sites.
2. Chuya Nakahara (1907–1937)
   A celebrated poet born in Yamaguchi City, Nakahara is known for his modernist and surrealist poetry. The Chuya Nakahara Memorial Museum in Yamaguchi City showcases his life and works, attracting literature enthusiasts.
3. Mori Motonari (1497–1571)
   A powerful feudal lord of the Mori clan, Motonari unified much of western Japan. Toshunji Temple, near Rurikoji, is his family temple, offering insights into his legacy.
4. Eight Prime Ministers
   Yamaguchi has produced eight Japanese prime ministers, more than any other prefecture, including Katsura Taro, Tanaka Giichi, and Shinzo Abe. Their calligraphy is displayed at Saikotei Pavilion, a Meiji-era restaurant in Yamaguchi City.
5. Ouchi Clan Leaders
   The Ouchi clan, particularly lords like Yoshioki and Moriharu, shaped Yamaguchi’s cultural and political landscape in the Muromachi period. Their influence is evident in sites like Rurikoji Temple and Ouchinuri lacquerware.