Walking along the model course – spectacular scenery, food, hot springs, and more

Model Course "Spectacular Scenery, Food, and Hot Springs

Motonosumi Shrine," which is known for its photogenic contrast between the red of the torii gate, the blue of the sea, and the green of nature, Senza Kitchen, a roadside station that opened in 2018, and Nagato Yumoto Onsen, where tourism town planning is underway. In this issue, we present a report on an actual walking tour of a model course that takes visitors to these hot spots in Nagato City.

9:00 Tourist Information Center YUKUTE

THE NAGATO JOURNEY BEGINS HERE" is the eye-catching sign of the tourist information center "YUKUTE" at Senza Kitchen, a roadside station. This model course begins at this location.

The first thing that caught my eye at the information desk was "Nagato is calling," a pamphlet on sightseeing in Nagato City.

Pointing to the spot on the cover of the magazine, people are encouraged to say, "I've seen this spot on someone's social networking site before.

From how to get to the hottest spots to information on restaurants according to your preferences.

At the counter, you can talk with the staff of "YUKUTE" and imagine what kind of trip you would like to make.

Nagato City Tourist Information Center YUKUTE

[Location] 4297-1 Senzaki, Nagato City, Roadside Station Senza Kitchen
[Business hours] 9:00-18:00 (open all year round)

10:00 Motonosumi Shrine

About 20 km west of YUKUTE, a spectacular view can be encountered as the ocean is seen from beyond the mountains.

The best time to visit is early in the morning when the ocean looks blue and the parking lot is relatively empty.

A short walk down from the parking lot, we first view Motonosumi Shrine, with its 123 torii gates, from below.

This place is famous for its view from the top. The original order of the route is to go up from the bottom.

Passing through a red tunnel with a view of the sea seen between the torii gates.

At the end of the 123 torii gates, at the top of the 6-meter-high Otorii (grand gate) is a money-offering box.

The wish is placed in the money and thrown high into the air with a "Se-no! and throw it high into the air.

At the end of the tour, a photo was taken with the spectacular view in the background.

I was able to capture a vivid contrast of red, blue, and green.

Motonosumi Shrine

【Location】 498 Aburayatsukou, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
【Visiting Hours】Sunrise to sunset
【Parking】116 passenger cars, 6 buses, and about 20 motorcycles
【Parking Fee】 Passenger cars 300 yen per hour (100 yen per hour thereafter, maximum 500 yen), buses 1,500 yen per trip, motorcycles 100 yen per trip

11:00 Senjojiki

It is only a 15-minute drive from Motonosumi Shrine.

Sennojijiki, where you can enjoy the view from 333 meters above sea level, is another spot to visit.

Across the sea is "Qinghai Island" in the northern part of Nagato City.

After refreshing yourself with a full body of fresh breeze, drive to Senzaki with a view of the ocean again.

rocky outcrop

[Location] 1138-1 Hiokinaka, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
[Parking] Free

12:00 Roadside Station Senza Kitchen

Back again, Senza Kitchen, a roadside station.

There are many restaurants and eateries where you can fully enjoy the delicacies of the sea and mountains of Nagato City, including yakitori (grilled chicken) and seafood bowls.

Of these, we chose the "Grill House," a barbecue facility located at the back of the direct sales center. It is a place where you can grill and eat the food you just bought yourself while looking out at the ocean.

Even if you try to do everything from preparation to cleanup by yourself, you can easily enjoy barbecue here.

The famous yakitori and Senzaki squid. All were slowly cooked over charcoal.

After lunch, you can pick up some souvenirs or walk around the seaside deck overlooking the ocean.

Torii Candy, which is inspired by the torii gate of the Motonosumi Shrine we just visited, is one of the souvenirs that can only be purchased at Senza Kitchen, a roadside station.

Roadside Station Senza Kitchen

[Location] 4297-1 Senzaki, Nagato City
[Business hours] 9:00-18:00 (open year-round) *Some stores have different business hours.

14:00 Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring

The next stop was Nagato Yumoto Onsen, located about 15 minutes south by car from Michi no Eki Senza Kitchen.

The "Otosoregawa River," which winds through the hot spring resort area, is lined with inns on both banks of the river, and the view of the numerous bridges creates a nostalgic atmosphere.

Currently, the "Nagato Yumoto Onsen Tourism Town Development" is underway to renovate the hot spring resort area.

Visitors cross the river to and from both banks by crossing the "stepping stones" that have been built to allow visitors to enjoy their time by the river more.

The two walking along the river promenade stopped at a footbath.

We also enjoyed a hand bath surrounded by steam and breathed a sigh of relief.

As one of its community development efforts, a café renovated from a vacant house opened in 2017.

This is the Hagiyaki gallery café "cafe&pottery Oto," where you can see works by young Hagiyaki Fukagawa kiln artists and actually taste coffee and cheesecake using the pottery.

Café time in a cozy space that makes you want to take pictures.

I spent a blissful moment reflecting on today's journey.

The sun is about to begin to set.

Shall we go to the hot springs?" and exchange words.

After a good night's sleep, the two returned to their usual routine after a day of relaxation with a great view, food, and hot spring baths. We hope that many people will experience the "healing" that is typical of Nagato City.

cafe&pottery sound

[Location] 1261-12 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
[Business hours] 11:00-17:30 (Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

Nagato Yumoto Mirai Project

This is a citizen-participatory project that conducts various activities, including social experiments and events, to promote the renovation of hot spring resorts. Movements in the changing hot spring resort are disseminated on the official website above.

Related Links

• Model Course (Nanavi)