YAMAGUCHI PREFECTURE

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YAMAGUCHI PREFECTURES

Yamaguchi Prefecture is in the Chugoku region on Honshu island. The capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture is Yamaguchi city, but the most popular tourist destinations are Shimonoseki city and Kintai Bridge in the town of Iwakuni. The famous five arched wooden bridge is considered a symbol of Western Honshu. The area on the banks of the Nishiki river close to the Kintai Bridge are considered among the best places in Japan for Hanami, when groups of family and friends gather in early April to view cherry blossom.

YAMAGUCHI PREFECTURE CAPITAL

Yamaguchi is in the center of Yamaguchi Prefecture Chugoku region on Honshu island. Yamaguchi City is the capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Yamaguchi attractions include Ruriko-ji Temple which features a five story pagoda and Catholic cathedral.

YAMAGUCHI MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Shimonoseki is a city at the very south western tip of Yamaguchi Prefecture Chugoku region on Honshu island and just seperated from Kitakyushu on the island of Kyushu by the narrow Kanmon Strait. Shimonoseki is sometimes referred to as the "Fugu Capital" as the city area is the largest producer of puffer fish in Japan. Shimonoseki attractions include Kaikyo Yume Tower, Akama Shrine, Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine and Kinzan Kozanji Temple (National Treasure).

YAMAGUCHI CASTLES

Hagi Castle, also known as Shizuki Castle, is a flatland style Japanese Castle in the city of Hagi Yamaguchi Prefecture. While Hagi Castle was a flatland style castle, it was in many respects also a hilltop style castle as it had a turret part way up the mountain behind the castle and another on top of the mountain. These combined with sea on almost three sides of Hagi Castle, plus a water channel in front of the moat provided a high degree of protection. It was this high level of protection which allowed Mori Terumoto, who constructed Hagi Castle in 1604, and his descendents to maintain control of the castle until the Meiji Restoration. Prior to the destruction of Hagi Castle in 1874, it featured a five story donjon (turret). Today only ruins remain with walls and moat still in place. There still remains the associated historic castle which is a National Historic Site and popular tourist destination.

Iwakuni Castle was a Japanese Castle in Iwakuni Yamaguchi Prefecture which was completed in 1608, only to be dismantled in 1615 as part of the Tokugawa Shogun ate order of "One Castle Per Province". Today there is modern reconstruction of Iwakuni Castle.

YAMAGUCHI OBSERVATION DECK or LOOKOUT

Kaikyo Yume Tower is a 153m skyscraper with an observation deck in Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Kaikyo Yume Tower is the tallest tower in western Japan and it dominates the skyline of Shimonoseki. In addition to the observation deck which provides excellent views of Shimonoseki and the Kanmon Strait, the Kaikyo Yume Tower contains a conference centre and offices. Kaikyo Yume Tower was designed by NTT Power and Building Facilities.

YAMAGUCHI TEMPLES

Kinzan Kozanji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai sect which is in Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Butsuden of Kinzan Kozanji Temple was completed in 1320 and is a designated National Treasure, features elements of Japanese and Chinese architecture in its design. The Butsuden's architectural style is known as Zenshuyo (Zen style) and it is oldest remaining example in Japan. The other buildings in the Kinzan Kozanji Temple complex are more recent, with the Sanmon dating to 1773 and the Kyozo dating to 1799. Kinzan Kozanji Temple is the 19th temple on the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

YAMAGUCHI GARDENS and PARKS

Kikko Park is next to Nishiki River and next to the famous Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni Yamaguchi Prefecture on the land which used to be the residence of the Kikkawa family. Kikko is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Kikko Park also houses the reconstruction of Iwakuni Castle and is famous for white snakes which live in the park. The white snakes are considered a sign of good luck.

Tokiwa Park, in Ube in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is most famous for its cherry blossom being considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

YAMAGUCHI BRIDGES

Kintai Bridge is a historic wooden bridge in the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Kintai Bridge with its five wooden arches spans the Nishiki River to connect the base of Mt Yokoyama and Iwakuni Castle which is at the top of Mt Yokoyama to the main land. Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle form part of Kikkou Park, which along with its very popular cherry blossom, was declared a National Treasure in 1922. Kintai Bridge in close to its current design was built in 1673, but this was destroyed by a flood in the following year. The stone piers where redesigned and strengthened. A special tax was introduced to provide for the maintenance of the bridge. For most of the life of Kintai Bridge, the wooden arches stood without the use of metal nails. Instead well designed joints and metal straps were used.