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The bright modern concourse of Shin-Yamaguchi Station

Getting there

Getting to Yamaguchi, and getting around

Ride the shinkansen from Hiroshima, Fukuoka or Osaka, or fly into Yamaguchi Ube or Iwakuni from Tokyo. Here is how to reach Yamaguchi and how to get around once you are there.

By shinkansen

The Sanyo Shinkansen runs right across the south of the prefecture, linking it with Hiroshima, Osaka and Fukuoka. It stops at Shin-Iwakuni, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Asa and Shin-Shimonoseki. Shin-Yamaguchi is the main hub, with buses and local trains to Yamaguchi city, Akiyoshidai and Hagi. Not every train stops at every station, so check before you board.

Getting to Yamaguchi by shinkansen
FromToFastest time
Hakata (Fukuoka)Shin-ShimonosekiAbout 15–20 minutes
Hakata (Fukuoka)Shin-YamaguchiAbout 35 minutes
HiroshimaShin-YamaguchiAbout 35 minutes
HiroshimaShin-IwakuniAbout 15 minutes
Shin-OsakaShin-YamaguchiAbout 2 hours
TokyoShin-YamaguchiAbout 4½ hours

Times are for the fastest trains. Check current timetables before you travel.

By air

Yamaguchi Ube Airport, near the south coast, and Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, in the east, both have flights from Tokyo. For international flights, Fukuoka Airport is about an hour and a half from Shimonoseki and well connected by train, and Hiroshima Airport is closest to the east of the prefecture.

By sea

A ferry runs between Shimonoseki and Busan in South Korea. Small ferries cross the Kanmon Strait between Shimonoseki and Mojiko in Kitakyushu in a few minutes.

Getting to the north coast

Hagi, Nagato, Motonosumi Shrine and Tsunoshima are on the Sea of Japan coast, away from the shinkansen. Express buses run from Shin-Yamaguchi to Hagi in about an hour. The JR San’in Line runs along the coast, but trains are infrequent, and there is no bus to Motonosumi Shrine. A hire car makes the north coast far easier. Read our guide to driving the north coast.

Getting around

  • Car: the easiest way to reach the north coast, Akiyoshidai and Tsunoshima. Hire one at Shin-Yamaguchi, Shin-Shimonoseki or the airports.
  • Train: the shinkansen and the Sanyo Line cover the south coast. The Yamaguchi Line runs north from Shin-Yamaguchi through Yamaguchi city towards Tsuwano.
  • Bus: buses run from Shin-Yamaguchi to Akiyoshidai and Hagi, and around the cities, but rural routes are infrequent.
  • Taxi: useful for short hops, and the only public option for Motonosumi Shrine.

Read our full guide to getting around Yamaguchi.

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Getting there FAQ

Which airport do I fly into?

Yamaguchi Ube Airport and Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport have domestic flights, mostly from Tokyo. For international flights, Fukuoka Airport is closest to the west of the prefecture and Hiroshima Airport to the east.

Is there a shinkansen to Yamaguchi?

Yes. The Sanyo Shinkansen stops at Shin-Iwakuni, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Asa and Shin-Shimonoseki. Shin-Yamaguchi is about 35 minutes from Hiroshima and about 35 minutes from Hakata (Fukuoka) on the fastest trains.

How do I get to Motonosumi Shrine?

By car or taxi. There is no bus from the nearest station, and a taxi from Nagatoshi Station takes about 40 minutes. Day tours from Fukuoka are an easy alternative.

Is the JR Pass worth it?

A JR West or Japan Rail Pass covers the shinkansen and local JR lines in Yamaguchi, but not the buses to Akiyoshidai and Hagi. Compare the price with the trips you actually plan to take.