Day tour
Season: Year-roundMotonosumi Shrine and Tsunoshima Bridge day tour
- Walk the tunnel of 123 red torii above the Sea of Japan
- Cross the long, curving bridge to Tsunoshima island
The essentials
| Location | The western tip of Honshu, Japan, between Hiroshima and Kyushu |
|---|---|
| Capital | Yamaguchi city; the largest city is Shimonoseki |
| Population | About 1.3 million in the whole prefecture |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9), with no daylight saving |
| Currency | Japanese yen (JPY) |
| Plugs | Type A (and B), 100 volts |
| Emergency numbers | 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance |
When to visit
Yamaguchi has a mild climate, with four clear seasons. The Sea of Japan coast is a little cooler and greyer in winter than the Inland Sea coast.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | Warm and pleasant, with cherry blossom at Kintaikyo and Rurikoji in late March and early April. Busy in Golden Week. |
| June to mid-July | The rainy season, with frequent rain and humid days. Fireflies glow along rivers in June. |
| Mid-July to September | Hot and humid, with highs above 30°C. The best time for the beaches of Tsunoshima. Typhoons are possible. |
| October and November | Clear and comfortable, with autumn leaves and silver grass on Akiyoshidai. |
| December to February | Cool to cold, with occasional snow inland. Fugu season and the best time for hot springs. |
Read more about the best time to visit.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes for summer, and layers and a warm coat for winter
- A compact umbrella, especially in June and July
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for the coast
- Comfortable shoes that are easy to take off, for temples, shrines and ryokan
- A light jacket for Akiyoshido Cave, which stays at about 17°C
- A small towel and a bag for your rubbish, as public bins are rare
Money and costs
Cards and mobile payments are accepted in hotels, chain stores and many restaurants, but small restaurants, market stalls, shrines and rural buses may take cash only. Convenience store ATMs accept most foreign cards. Tipping is not expected in Japan.
Driving
A car is the easiest way to see the north coast and Akiyoshidai. You need an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or an official translation of your licence for some countries. Japan drives on the left. Read our guide to getting around Yamaguchi.
Health
- Fugu: eat it only at licensed restaurants.
- Heat: drink plenty of water in summer. Heatstroke is common.
- Insurance: take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment.
Safety
- Crime: very low, but take normal care of your belongings.
- Weather: heavy rain in the rainy season and typhoons in late summer can close roads and stop trains. Check the forecast.
- Earthquakes: follow official instructions, and learn the evacuation signs where you stay.
- The coast: keep away from rocks and cliff edges in rough seas, especially at Motonosumi and Omijima.
Local customs
- At a shrine, bow at the torii gate, rinse your hands at the water basin and walk to the side of the central path.
- Take your shoes off when you enter a home, a ryokan room or a temple hall.
- Wash before you get into a hot spring bath, and keep your towel out of the water.
- Do not eat while walking along busy streets, and take your rubbish with you.
