Akiyoshidai In Yamaguchi, A Stone-Speckled Terrain With An Eerie Underworld

Akiyoshidai is an area in Yamaguchi Prefecture where you can see a large expanse of karst formations. Akiyoshido Cave, lying beneath this plateau, holds the title of the longest limestone cave in Japan. Let's explore this area!

It was an afternoon in early April when a few Hiroshima-based friends and I decided to explore the Akiyoshidai Plateau area in Yamaguchi, our neighboring prefecture to the west.

Just a few hours' drive, we first visited Motonosumi Inari, a shrine unheard of by many tourists but arguably one of the most impressive in Japan.

The shrine features a line of 123 red torii gates, dramatically positioned on the cliffs of the Japan Sea, offering a stunning contrast of colors. You can read all about visiting Motonosumi Inari in this MATCHA article: Motonosumi Inari Shrine - The Hardest Shrine To Make An Offering At.

Hagi - A Former Castle Town on the Sea

After successfully conquering the ever-challenging Motonosumi Inari donation box, my friends and I headed to Hagi, a former a castle town in the north of Yamaguchi, right off the Sea of Japan. We spent the night at Guesthouse Hagi Akatsukiya where our host greeted us warmly upon arrival with offerings of tea and shōchū.

The accommodation itself was pleasant and inviting, a classic Japanese-style home with tatami and a toasty kotatsu to warm our legs in the morning. Guesthouse Hagi Akatsukiya is conveniently located within walking distance of the sea and several restaurants, and I would certainly recommend this hostel to anyone traveling in the area.

The next morning, we explored Hagi, a former castle town filled with historical relics and crafts. Still today, it appears to be straight out of the Edo period.

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https://matcha-jp.com/en/4492

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