Sightseeing in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture: 10 Spectacular Spots! From Motonosumi Shrine to recommended hole-in-the-wall spots

The most famous spot in Nagato City, located in the northwestern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is Motonosumi Shrine, which was selected as one of the "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan," but did you know there are many other spots with spectacular views?

The blessings of nature and the activities of people, such as the Sea of Japan, satoyama, hot springs, and agriculture and fisheries, allow Nagato to offer a wide variety of scenery in each season.

This article describes 10 such scenic spots in Nagato City, as well as useful information to further enjoy your trip.

Why are there various spectacular views in Nagato City?

From scenic spots with spectacular nature to historical townscapes with a strong Japanese traditional culture, Nagato City offers many attractive sceneries. Here, we will explain the reasons why Nagato City has a variety of spectacular scenery from two perspectives.

1. Abundant Nature

The northern part of Nagato City faces the Sea of Japan and is characterized by a mild climate due to the influence of the Tsushima Current. Although there are many rainy days throughout the year, the area is relatively comfortable in winter with little snowfall except in mountainous areas.

In addition, the bounty of nature has a profound effect not only on the scenery but also on the food.

In addition to fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, the region also has a thriving agriculture industry, especially poultry farming, which takes advantage of the pleasant climate, so visitors can enjoy exquisite cuisine that takes advantage of the bounty of both the sea and the mountains.

2. Fascinating hot spring culture

Nagato City has five hot springs, known as the "Five Famous Hot Springs." In particular, Nagato Yumoto Onsen and Tawarayama Onsen have long been popular with many people, and the city is also known as a "hot spring town.

In the historic hot spring resort area, the old-fashioned townscape will stir your travel senses.

10 Spectacular Spots You Can't Leave Without Visiting in Nagato (2,000 words)

Here we introduce 10 scenic spots in Nagato City that you should definitely stop by when sightseeing in Yamaguchi. We have selected a wide range of spots, from scenic spots with beautiful views of the Sea of Japan to tourist spots with high historical and cultural value, so please take a look at them for reference on your trip.

1. Motonosumi Shrine

Photo by Koichi (@hakuchuu1882 )

Motonosumi Shrine was built by a local fisherman who had a dream. It is said to be blessed with various wishes that come true, including prosperous business, safe fishing, and venue safety, as well as academic achievement and the birth of a child.

The "123 red torii gates" lined up along the cliffs of the Sea of Japan are known as a mysterious sight that is rare in the world, and was selected as one of the "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan" by CNN.

Photo by Koichi (@hakuchuu1882 )/Model Ruka (@rk19_photo )

In addition to the red torii gate, the shrine is also home to various sightseeing spots such as a store by the parking lot and a "stone of difficulty," making it a sightseeing spot that should not be missed when visiting Nagato.

2. Squirting of the Dragon Palace

The " Tidal Wave of the Dragon Palace " is a sightseeing spot where visitors can observe a natural phenomenon in which the rough waves of the Sea of Japan, driven by the north wind, surge against the cracks in the rocks, sending tides of up to 30 meters high.

The tidal pillar rising with a roaring sound is so powerful that it resembles a dragon ascending to the heavens, hence the name.

It can be seen especially in winter when the north wind blows strongly, and is popular together with the nearby Motonosumi Shrine.

3. SENJIZUMI SHIKI (Thousand Tatami mats)

Sentatamijiki, located in the Hioki district, is a grassy plateau at an altitude of 333 meters and offers a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan and the sea side of Nagari.

The contrast between the spacious green plateau and the blue sea is beautiful, and on a clear day you can even see as far as neighboring Korea.

It is a great place for a drive or picnic, and is also used as a campground, attracting many campers from spring through fall. It is also a 10-minute drive from Motonosumi Shrine, and is a recommended spot to keep the two together.

4. Maritime Alps (Qinghai Island Tourist Steamship/Qinghai Island Nature Study Route)

Aomi Island, located in the northern part of Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a scenic spot known for its powerful landscape, also known as the "Maritime Alps.

The island is dotted with precipitous cliffs, oddly shaped rocks, and monstrous rocks created by volcanic activity some 90 million years ago and the rough waves of the Sea of Japan over a long period of time, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of natural formations firsthand. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from the sea on the " CheonghaeIsland Sightseeing Steamship " and from land on the " Cheonghae Island Nature Trail.

When the waves are calm (recommended on a sunny summer day), the Qinghai Island Tourist Steamship offers a variety of attractions, such as entering the cave and passing through the rocks.

On the "Cheonghae Island Nature Study Path," on a windy and wavey day during winter and spring, you can closely observe the deep blue ocean, white waves, and steep cliffs, a true world of Japanese-style painting. The Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama, who painted the mural on the Imperial Palace, also used the scenery of Qinghai Island as a motif in his works.

5. Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring

Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring Resort is the oldest hot spring resort in Yamaguchi Prefecture, boasting a history of approximately 600 years, and is lined with hot spring resorts along the Otosoregawa River that runs through the center of the resort.

After the renovations in 2020, the area will be lined with fashionable restaurants and cafes while maintaining the original landscape, and will also have a number of features to enjoy walking around the town, such as riverbeds and stepping stones, making it an attractive place to stroll around in an atmosphere full of emotion.

At night, the riverside is illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere, offering a different view than during the day. This hot spring resort is attracting attention as a place where visitors can enjoy the local hot spring culture in a modern way.

6. Daneiji Temple

Taneiji Temple is a Soto sect temple located near the Nagato Yumoto hot spring resort area. It is a famous temple that shows its beauty in each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall.

Although the time varies depending on the season, the best time to visit is from 10:00 in the morning to 15:00 in the afternoon. The sunlight shining in from the mountains makes the trees glow from an angle, adding to the solemn atmosphere.

On the southwest side of the temple's main building is Nagato Toyokawa Inari, where you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves on the approach to the temple.

7. Ojiyama Park

Ojiyama Park is located in the northern part of Nagato City, just across the Qinghai Bridge that crosses over to Qinghai Island.

It is a small park with an observatory at its center, and features a panoramic view of the Qinghai Bridge and the mainland side of Senzaki. If your timing is good, you can even see fishing boats and the "Cheonaikan Tourist Steamer" coming and going from Senzaki Harbor.

It is also a moderate spot for cherry blossoms, and you can view the "sea and cherry blossoms" together.

8. Refreshing coast

Sawayaka Beach is located in the Senzaki district in the north-central part of Nagato City. The beach faces westward toward Fukagawa Bay, and is characterized by several jetties (totei) extending toward the sea.

The bay offers a relatively calm view of the ocean and a beautiful sunset, and locals often come to watch the sunset around the magic hour.

Photo by Iwakura Shiori (@iwakurashiori )/Model: Muto ( @mt_story)

The best months to visit are May and September-October, when it is easy to encounter beautifully tinted sunsets.

9. Ohama

Photo by Iwakura Shiori (@iwakurashiori )/Model: Muto ( @mt_story)

Ohama " is a beautiful spot with clear blue ocean and white sandy beaches.

Not only is it crowded with families enjoying swimming and playing on the beach in summer, but it is also popular with surfers throughout the year due to the ease of surfing, and is famous as a "mecca for surfers.

The beautiful sea changes its hue with the seasons, showing a clear, slightly greenish tropical blue in summer and a deep, dark blue typical of the Sea of Japan in winter.

With a different look each season, it is an attractive spot that will keep you coming back time and time again.

10. Cape Kawajiri

Photo by Koichi (@hakuchuu1882 )/Supported by NICO STOP

Kawajiri Cape, located at the northernmost tip of Aburaya in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a long, narrow cape jutting out into the Sea of Japan.

A boardwalk leading to the tip of the cape offers a picturesque view of the blue ocean below and the white lighthouse.

The blue of the Sea of Japan, experienced in a 360-degree panorama, will fill your body with the grandeur of nature.

It is also a point where morning glow and sunset can be equally enjoyed at the magic hour because of its openness.

You can enjoy the spectacular view of Nagato City! Recommended Sightseeing Model Course

For an efficient tour of Nagato City's spectacular scenery, we recommend the following course of sightseeing spots.

1. rocky outcrop
2. Motonosumi Shrine
3. The Dragon spout
4. Qinghai Island Tourist Steamship
5. Ojiyama(Mt Oji) Park
6. Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Since you will arrive at the hot spring resort at the end of the tour, it is recommended for overnight visitors. This course can also be toured as a day trip if you use a car and arrive at Senjojiki early in the morning. Please arrange your trip according to the time of travel.

Also, please refer to the article below for more detailed information, including travel times for each attraction.

Scenic Spots of Nagato City to be Preserved in Photographs | Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture Sightseeing Website Nanavi

summary

In this article, along with the 10 most scenic spots in Nagato City, we also explained some useful information that will make your tour of the city's spectacular scenery more enjoyable.

Nagato City is a popular area in Yamaguchi Prefecture where beautiful nature, mainly the Sea of Japan and satoyama, and traditional culture from long ago are in harmony, and a wide variety of spectacular scenery can be enjoyed.

It is a perfect place to stay in a hot spring resort and enjoy the city's scenery while touring in a relaxed manner, or as a base for visiting various attractive spots in western Yamaguchi, such as Kakushima Island in Shimonoseki City, Akiyoshidai/Akihodo Cave in Mine City, and the castle town of Hagi City. Enjoy the stunning scenery with a travel plan that suits you best.