2026 Mine Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Akiyoshido Cave Mid-May I used to go there often when I was a student, but it's been a while since my last visit. It's one of the largest limestone caves in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It's a very large cave, and the round trip takes about an hour. The temperature inside the cave is around 17℃, so it's cool even in summer. There are many sights to see, such as the Hyakumaiwa rock formation. There seems to be an elevator for getting around. The adventure course is not free, but it looks like children would enjoy it too. How about making it a summer memory? 🗾 3506-2 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 📍 Akiyoshido Cave ⏰ 8:30 to 16:30 🗓 No regular closing days

"Akiyoshi Inarigu" ⁡ Akiyoshi, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ⁡ Akiyoshido Cave is a famous tourist destination in Yamaguchi. Located just a 15-minute walk from there is this shrine. ⛩ Although it isn't widely known to the public, it's said to be a hidden spiritual power spot for those in the know. ⁡ The stone steps are densely covered in moss. Walking up them feels soft and cushiony, a clear sign that they aren't trodden on by many. ⁡ Passing under the rusted torii gate and climbing the stairs, you'll find the main worship hall. The hall itself was beautifully kept. They also offered goshuin (shrine stamps), and the omikuji (fortune-telling) box was incredibly antique. ⁡ It was incredibly peaceful, with only the singing of birds echoing around. ⁡ It’s definitely a great place to stop by when you visit Akiyoshido Cave. ⁡ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈𖠚ᐝ𖠿𖠋𖧧┈ 【Akiyoshi Inarigu】 ⁡ ■ 3293-2 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture Closed: None Parking: Available ༶ஐ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ ⁡

#SeptemberDestinations2025 Akiyoshido Cave, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a limestone cave formed by millions of years of dissolution. It's Japan's largest and most spectacular stalactite cave, boasting what are considered the world's largest "travertine terraces," also known as "Thousand-Meter Plates" or "Hundred-Meter Plates." On weekdays, the cave isn't very popular. On the day my sons and I visited, there were fewer than five groups of visitors. Public transportation isn't easily accessible, so it's best to drive. We took the bus from Yuda Onsen. You can also take the bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, which takes about 45-60 minutes. Be aware that buses are infrequent! After arriving at the bus stop, signs will be displayed to walk to Akiyoshido Cave. You'll first pass through a small forest filled with phytoncides. Once you reach the ticket office, you'll gradually notice the increasing humidity. Soon, you'll see the cave entrance and a pool of water. The water in the pool is an underground stream (an underground river), and it's this flow that creates the wonders of Akiyoshido Cave. Be sure to stop and take a photo here; this scene is a well-known tourist attraction! Personally, I prefer the view I get when I look back after entering the cave. Look! (Cover photo) Light shines in from outside, and doesn't that bright spot resemble Taiwan Island?! Entering the cave, the pitch-black space is shrouded in mist, with occasional cool breezes taking away the stuffiness. It's said that Akiyoshido Cave is warm in winter and cool in summer, with a constant temperature of 17°C year-round. There's little artificial lighting inside, and if there is, it's only white. With few visitors, it's a peaceful place to admire this ingenious work of nature. The trail is only about one kilometer long, but the entire walk takes two hours. Because of the dense concentration of landscapes within the cave, you should include time to stop and admire and take photos! We walked to the bottom of the trail, took the elevator to the ground level, and then followed the signs to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park. Akiyoshido Cave was an underground cave, while Akiyoshidai is now an above-ground limestone formation. I think Akiyoshido Cave is more impressive! But since we're here, we might as well stop by Akiyoshidai! Because of this, I almost missed the last bus back to Shin-Yamaguchi Station!

📝﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏ Spot Details 📍Akiyoshidai Safari Land 📌1212 Aka, Mito-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🕛Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:45 PM (Last Entry: 4:00 PM) 　Closed: Open Year-Round 💰Admission Fee Adults (Junior High School Students and Up): ¥2,600 Children (Ages 4 - Elementary School): ¥1,600 Children 3 and Under: Free 🚗Parking Available (Free, Capacity: Approximately 1,000 Cars) ✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏ Tips 🦒 Popular safari drives allow visitors to get up close and personal with lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and more. 🚌 You can also enjoy an exciting feeding experience by boarding a dedicated "safari bus." 🐾 There's also an area where you can interact with small animals and kangaroos, as well as an amusement park, making this a fun-filled day out. 🌳 Experience an extraordinary adventure surrounded by the natural beauty of Akiyoshidai. 🚉 Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station / Approximately 15 minutes by car from Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway. --- #YamaguchiTourism #AkiyoshidaiSafariland #SafariExperience #FamilyTrip #AnimalLovers #ExtraordinaryExperience #TripWithKids #SummerThemePark

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Beppu Benten Pond is located in the tranquil countryside of Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, near Akiyoshi Cave, where the original Japanese landscape unfolds. The clear turquoise water springs from the groundwater connected to Akiyoshi Cave, a karst topography, and is one of the best in the prefecture, having been selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan. As the name suggests, this pond is located within the grounds of Beppu Itsukushima Shrine, where Benten is enshrined. It is a sacred area, so please be careful not to make any messes. There is a water station on the edge of the pond where you can draw spring water for free (environmental conservation fees are optional). In addition, the Mine City Trout Farm is adjacent, making use of the abundant and beautiful spring water. You can enjoy rainbow trout fishing at the fishing pond. There are also restaurants and cafeterias nearby, where you can enjoy freshly caught and grilled rainbow trout dishes. 📍Location: 1591-2 Beppu, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 💰Free admission and parking 🚗Access: 25 minutes by car from Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway #Yamaguchi Prefecture #Spectacular views #Spring-fed pond #Temples and shrines

🇯🇵 Japan 📍 Yamaguchi Prefecture ✅ Round trip on Hamayu Ferry from Busan to Shimonoseki ✅ 2 nights on the ferry, no overnight stay on land ✅ Yamaguchi one-day trip ⏰ Day 1 17. 00 Arrive at Busan Port, ticketing, and currency exchange 18. 00 Immigration check and duty-free shopping 18:30 Boarding, enjoy the public bath and restaurant onboard 17:45-21:30 Onboard duty-free shop open 21. 00 Hamayu Ferry departs 22. 00 Lights out onboard ⏰ Day 2 07. 30 Prepare for disembarkation 08. 00 Immigration check, breakfast at Shimonoseki Station 08. 30 Start Yamaguchi one-day tour 09. 30-16:00 Tour itinerary: (Tsunoshima Observatory - Motonosumi Inari Shrine - Lunch - Akiyoshido Cave - Akiyoshidai Plateau - Yuda Onsen) 17:00 Shopping at Shimonoseki Station mart 19:00 Board Hamayu Ferry ⏰ Day 3 07. 00 Arrive at Busan Port 08. 00 Disembark ✅ A one-day tour is recommended in Japan since it’s a day trip ✅ Traveling to Japan by ferry is romantic and fun

Akiyoshido Cave, located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest limestone caves and has been designated as a Special Natural Monument by the government. The total length of the cave is approximately 11.2 km, with about 1 km open to the public as a tourist route. Inside the cave, the temperature remains constant at around 17°C throughout the year, making it comfortable to explore with a light jacket during summer 💡 There are three entrances to the cave, but the most recommended one is the main entrance near Municipal Parking Lot No. 1. The scenery just before entering the cave is stunning. While the municipal parking lot costs 500 yen, there are privately operated parking lots nearby that charge between 100 to 200 yen, allowing for budget-friendly options◎ As a popular tourist destination, the cave tends to get crowded around noon, so visiting early in the morning is highly recommended. On weekends, there are circular sightseeing buses available, making it convenient to explore nearby attractions as well. ⸻ 🕒 Operating Hours · Regular Season (March–November): 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (Cave closes at 6:30 PM) · Off-Season (December–February): 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Cave closes at 5:30 PM) · Entry from Kurotani Entrance or Elevator Entrance is allowed until 4:30 PM ⸻ 💴 Admission Fees · Adults (High school students and above): 1,300 yen · Middle school students: 1,050 yen · Elementary school students: 700 yen ⸻ 📍 Access · Address: 3449-1 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshicho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 754-0511 · Public Transportation: About 40 minutes by bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, get off at "Akiyoshido" and walk about 10 minutes · By Car: About 5 minutes from "Akiyoshidai IC" via the Ogori-Hagi Road, accessible from the Chugoku Expressway "Mine East JCT" ⸻ 🚗 Parking Information · Municipal Parking Lot No. 1 (200 spaces) & No. 2 (300 spaces): 500 yen per car, free for motorcycles (No. 1 only) · Kurotani Entrance Parking Lot (120 car spaces, 10 bus spaces): Free · Elevator Entrance Parking Lot (150 car spaces, 2 bus spaces): Free ⸻ 🌟 Adventure Course Adventure Course (300 yen): Experience thrilling activities like climbing ladders and squeezing through gaps between stalactites while holding a flashlight. If you plan to take on this challenge, make sure to wear sneakers and pants!

#Travelwithme Hello! It's Sora. This time, I went to Akiyoshidai, one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, which spreads across the central and eastern part of Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, so I'd like to share the charms of Akiyoshidai with you! First of all, as you can see in the second photo, there are many bumpy rocks on the vast grassland, which gives you a mysterious feeling like you're in another world. You can really feel that you are away from your everyday life and in contact with nature. From the fourth photo onwards, you can feel the greatness of nature in the cave. Even in the summer, the cave is very cool, so it's perfect for summer sightseeing! Inside the cave, an automatic announcement is made to explain the cave. Therefore, even if you don't know much about caves, you can understand it well. When you leave the cave, you can see the spectacular view shown in the first photo. If you go to Yamaguchi, you can't miss this place!! #cave #yamaguchi #yamaguchitourism #yamaguchitrip #yamaguchiprefecture #nature #spectacularview

This is a large limestone cave that is also a special natural monument. The sightseeing course is about 1 km long, and the various beautiful formations inside the cave are overwhelming! The temperature is a comfortable 17℃. There is an adventure course for an additional fee, and you can explore by diving between the narrow stalactites or climbing up the ladders with a flashlight. (300 yen per person/time) This is a mysterious and impressive limestone cave, and is a recommended spot that you should see for yourself! [Akiyoshi Cave] Admission fee/Adult | High school students 1300 yen, junior high school students 1050 yen, elementary school students 550 yen (Group discounts available for 20 people or more) 📍 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshicho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🚗Parking available #Domestic travel #Tourism #Akiyoshi Cave #Outing with children #Limestone cave #Breathtaking views #Outing #Trip #Yamaguchi sightseeing #Special natural monument #Trip with children

Akiyoshidai Safari Land This is an area where you can buy your own food separately from the feeding bus and get up close and personal with the animals There was a baby kangaroo there and I was able to see it in its pouch🦘💕 Its fur is fluffy and friendly♩ Feeding the famous white tigers is very popular and there are only a limited number of them, so if you definitely want to experience it, you should plan your time accordingly🐯 There is also a kids' area where children can interact with them safely. There are guinea pigs and rabbits😊 #Yamaguchi #AkiyoshidaiSafariLand #Zoo #tripmemory2022

A restaurant in Akiyoshidai Safari Land If you sit by the window, you can see the red pandas☺️💕 You can also go around the outside of the restaurant to see them! I ordered the recommended roast beef bowl and the famous Yamaguchi kawara soba😋✨ I never thought I'd be able to eat kawara soba at a restaurant in a zoo...!! After the meal, you can look at souvenirs or take a leisurely stroll or play in the amusement park or zoo☺️ #tripmemory2022 #Yamaguchi #AkiyoshidaiSafariLand #Zoo #Restaurant

#WesternJapan A limestone cave in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture It's been years since I've been here. I used to drive there a lot when I was a student, but it's been a while since I've been to Akiyoshido I wonder if it was this big It's amazing how nature can be, and it's always a big surprise. There's a safari nearby, so families can enjoy it too. #YamaguchiTourism #Akiyoshidai #Akiyoshido #LimestoneCave #AkiyoshidoLimestoneCave

Mysterious cobalt blue pond🌊 📍Yamaguchi, Japan🇯🇵 . . About an hour by car from Shimonoseki city🚗 A spring quietly nestled in a shrine. . A wonder of nature. The cobalt blue was a beautiful and mysterious pond☺️ . The water is so clear that it has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters! It seems that trout are also farmed there🐟 Locals were also coming to draw water☀︎ . The food made with such clean water would definitely be delicious~🤤♡ . Akiyoshidai is nearby! (3rd photo) #photogenicspot

. A place I definitely wanted to stop by in Yamaguchi Prefecture. I went to Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido 🌿 . As one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, the land is so vast as far as the eye can see! A place that makes you want to stop the car and take a deep breath 😊☀︎ . . After enjoying Akiyoshidai, we went to Akiyoshido. It was my first time to see such a huge limestone cave! . There was also an adventure course where you could climb the limestone cave in an athletic way. It was more thrilling and scary than I thought 😂 . The limestone cave is large, so it took about an hour and a half to go there and back? I was able to get rid of my lack of exercise 🚶‍♀️lol #photogenicspot

The beauty of the shape, created over many years, is a mystical and healing spot!! The limestone cave is cool in summer and warm in winter, so it is recommended for sightseeing in any season🙆‍♀️The autumn leaves are also very beautiful right now🍁(I think they will become even more beautiful from now on🤲)【Akiyoshi Cave】Address: Akiyoshi Hiroya, Akiyoshicho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture#Autumn leaves #Ginkgo #Maple#Limestone cave#Historic site#Couple trip#Amazing nature#Trip with children

Akiyoshido Cave, recognized as a top spot to visit in Shimonoseki and Yamaguchi, is a premier Japanese tourist attraction and a Special Natural Monument that boasts the largest scale in Japan. For independent travelers, public transportation can be infrequent, so booking a package tour makes getting around much easier. I highly recommend an itinerary where you enjoy Yamaguchi's famous Kawara Soba (tile soba) for lunch and then travel comfortably on a private bus. The cave's interior stays at a cool and comfortable 17 degrees Celsius (about 63°F) year-round. It's truly awe-inspiring with its spectacular stalactites like the "Hyakumaizara" (Hundred Plates), crystal-clear underground pools that reflect like mirrors, and the majestic sound of echoing water. After your cave exploration, you can also enjoy the stunning emerald creek and cedar forest trail at the exit, making this a perfect addition to any successful Japan trip.

"I visited the Ohmine Shuzo cafe during my trip to Yamaguchi. It was such a chic and tranquil space, hard to believe it was set right in the middle of a rural landscape. The sake-infused cheesecake was incredibly aromatic, and the apple cake had a lovely, delicate sweetness—both were absolutely delicious. It’s a place I’d love to visit again to enjoy these unique brewery-crafted sweets." Ohmine Shuzo

It's hard to believe, but Zhijin Cave is home to a "magical terraced field" right under the ground! This breathtaking view is a striking resemblance to the world-renowned "Hundred Plates" in Japan's Akiyoshi Cave. Both are spectacular rimstone dams formed over thousands of years. The plate-like pools cascade down in layers, their impossibly calm and crystal-clear waters perfectly reflecting the massive stalactite walls glowing under an ethereal blue light. With one world above the water and another below, the vibrant display of light and color leaves you wondering which way is up. It’s absolutely surreal! Who would have thought such an otherworldly city of reflections existed deep in the pitch-black underground? If the stalagmites you saw earlier left you in awe, then the reflection of these "Hundred Plates" is the ultimate expression of romance—undoubtedly the most mesmerizing photo spot in the entire cave where you won't want to blink!

This time, I'm taking you to a breathtaking spot that even many locals might not know about—Beppu Benten Pond in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The color of the water is so stunning it almost looks unreal💦 It truly takes your breath away🏃♂️💨 Benten Pond is located in Mine City in western Yamaguchi Prefecture, nestled within the Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park. After arriving at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, you can hop on the Akiyoshidai Express Bus to the Akiyoshido Bus Terminal. From there, it's just a quick 15-minute taxi ride to your destination. While it does take a bit of transferring, the moment you lay eyes on the pond, you'll realize the journey was completely worth it🙌 As soon as you arrive at Benten Pond, you'll be absolutely captivated by the scenery before you. It's not a huge pond, but the water is crystal clear—you can easily see the aquatic plants and rocks at the bottom👀 When the sunlight hits it, the water sparkles in a dreamy cobalt blue. This is because the pond is fed by a deep underground spring that has been naturally filtered through limestone for ages, making it incredibly pure. When sunlight penetrates the water, the blue spectrum is intensely reflected☀️ Legend has it that this clear spring magically appeared after villagers prayed to the deity Benzaiten. Because of this, locals strongly believe that drinking the water brings longevity and good fortune. There’s even a designated spot by the pond where you can fill up your bottles🍶✨ For photography enthusiasts, Benten Pond is an absolute paradise📸 The calm, mirror-like surface beautifully reflects the surrounding forest and sky, creating an ultra-dreamy effect. I highly recommend visiting around noon on a sunny day, as direct sunlight on the pond floor brings out the most vibrant shades of blue. Right next to the pond, you'll also find a charming little vermilion shrine called Itsukushima Shrine⛩️ Honestly, while getting to Beppu Benten Pond involves a bit of travel, the crisp air and tranquil atmosphere make it so rewarding😌 If you love nature or are hunting for off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, I can't recommend Beppu Benten Pond enough!

Yamaguchi Prefecture, sitting right at the western edge of Honshu, is loaded with breathtaking views and mouthwatering local eats! This time, we're serving up a highly recommended 1-day driving route to help you hit all the best spots efficiently by car. 💯 📅 Recommended 1-Day Itinerary 📍9:00 AM | A Lively Breakfast at Karato Market (Shimonoseki City) Kick off your journey at Karato Market, known as the kitchen of Shimonoseki! At the "Iki-iki Bakangai" food event held on weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun, and public holidays), you'll find a massive lineup of fresh fuku (pufferfish) nigiri sushi, seafood bowls, and jumbo fried shrimp. Grabbing your favorite treats inside the market and chowing down on the wooden deck while gazing at the Kanmon Strait is the ultimate luxury. What a satisfying, seafood-filled start! 📍11:30 AM | Cobalt Blue Scenic Drive at Tsunoshima Bridge (Shimonoseki City) Hit the road and head to Tsunoshima Bridge, the absolute must-see spot when you think of Yamaguchi! Stretching around 1,780 meters and seemingly cutting through white sandy beaches and cobalt blue waters, driving across it feels just as exhilarating as flying over the ocean. Before you cross, make sure to snap that iconic "This is Yamaguchi!" photo from the elevated viewpoint. 📸 📍1:00 PM | A Hearty Lunch at Gohandokoro Banchaya (Near Agawa Station) Just a quick hop from the Tsunoshima area, this local eatery is a massive hit with the residents. They dish up comforting, delicious set meals—think fresh sashimi plates, massive homemade chicken cutlets, and juicy hamburger steaks. Fuel up here and get ready for an afternoon of exploring power spots! 📍2:30 PM | Striking Contrast of Red Gates and Blue Sea at Motonosumi Shrine (Nagato City) Next on the list is a miraculously scenic shrine featured on CNN's "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places." The sight of 123 vermilion torii gates winding toward the blue ocean like a dragon is absolutely stunning! Don't forget to test your aim by tossing a coin into "Japan's hardest-to-reach offertory box," which sits high up on the torii gate near the cliff. 🎯 📍4:30 PM | Explore the Mystical Akiyoshido Cave (Mine City) Cap off your trip at Akiyoshido, one of Japan's most massive limestone caves. The moment you step inside, it feels like a natural AC unit (and stays warm in winter), keeping a steady temperature of around 17°C (63°F) year-round. The jaw-dropping natural formations sculpted over hundreds of millions of years, like the "Hundred Plates" and "Golden Pillar," will leave you feeling like you've wandered into another dimension. 📌 Useful Tips & Driving Hacks ① Driving Distance: Yamaguchi Prefecture is huge, and this entire route covers roughly 130 km (80 miles). Remember to take plenty of breaks and drive safely. ② Karato Market Crowds: The weekend "Bakangai" can start running out of food by early afternoon. We strongly suggest getting there first thing in the morning when the options are endless! Be sure to steal this itinerary for your next weekend or holiday road trip!

While Yamaguchi Prefecture is strongly associated with pufferfish, there are also stunning scenic spots that can be visited in a single day! It's a hidden gem as it's not too crowded! Shin-Yamaguchi Station: Bus departs around 10 AM ▶︎Arrival at Akiyoshido Bus Center: Around 11 AM ▶︎Walk to Akiyoshido Cave (Browsing souvenirs in the shopping street along the way & trying Yamaguchi's famous Kawara Soba) ▶︎Exploring Akiyoshido Cave (approx. 1 hour) ▶︎Exploring Akiyoshidai Plateau & enjoying pear soft serve ice cream & pear tea soda at the visitor center (approx. 1.5 hours) ▶︎Boarding the Akiyoshidai bus ▶︎Arrival at Akiyoshido Bus Center ▶︎Boarding the bus to Shin-Yamaguchi Station around 4 PM ▶︎Arriving back at Shin-Yamaguchi Station around 5 PM! You can enjoy a full day at Akiyoshidai Plateau and Akiyoshido Cave! Personally, I recommend the shopping street in front of Akiyoshido Cave, as it sells many Hagi ware pottery and souvenirs, and you can enjoy local specialties (Gobo Soba, Kawara Soba) at the restaurant inside the souvenir center! I visited at the end of April, and the weather was lovely, and the fresh greenery of Akiyoshidai was beautiful. #YamaguchiPrefecture #DomesticTravel #BusTour #Akiyoshidai #AkiyoshidoCave #AkiyoshidoLimestoneCave #GoldenWeek

#MustSeeTouristSpot Akiyoshido Cave is located 100 meters underground in Akiyoshidai, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is one of Japan's largest Special Natural Monuments. The cave has a total length of over 11 km, with a sightseeing course of approximately 1 km. Various highlights, such as the 15-meter-tall Golden Pillar and the Hundred Plates (a series of stalagmites resembling rice paddies), are illuminated at night. It takes approximately 100 years for a stalactite to grow 1 cm. Nature is truly amazing! The temperature is a comfortable 17°C throughout the year, making it cool in summer and warm in winter, perfect for sightseeing. The karst topography of Akiyoshidai is so famous that it even appears in textbooks, so we recommend visiting both together. Address: Akiyoshihiroya, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture #AkiyoshidoCave #YamaguchiPrefecture

Located approximately 100 meters underground in Akiyoshidai, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, this is Japan's largest limestone cave and a designated special natural monument. Stretching over 10 kilometers in total length (with only about 1 kilometer open for tourism), the cave maintains a constant temperature of around 17°C year-round. Inside, visitors can marvel at spectacular formations such as the "Hundred Plates" and the "Golden Pillar," making it a popular destination to experience the geological wonders shaped over millions of years. ▪️ Formation History: Around 350 million years ago, this area was a coral reef in the southern seas. Over time, geological processes transformed it into the limestone cave we see today. ▪️ Famous Attractions: 👉 Hundred Plates: Terraced limestone formations resembling hundreds of stacked plates, truly awe-inspiring. 👉 Golden Pillar: A massive stalactite column approximately 15 meters tall. 👉 Cave Fuji: A stalactite formation resembling Mount Fuji. Akiyoshido Cave is often paired with a visit to the karst plateau above for a full-day trip, making it a must-see natural attraction in Yamaguchi Prefecture. 💢 Due to rain, I could only pass by Akiyoshidai without exploring it, leaving a bit of regret. But this gives me an excuse to come back again—this is the charm of traveling freely. Address: 〒754-0511 Yamaguchi Prefecture, Mine City, Shuho Town, Akiyoshi 3506-2

Akiyoshidai Safari Land was a total highlight of our trip! It’s amazing to see such a huge variety of animals, from lions and tigers to elephants and bears, in such a spacious, natural setting. The best part is the flexibility of the experience: · If you have a car: The drive-thru safari is incredible. You can go at your own pace and see the animals from the comfort of your own seats. It feels like a real adventure having a rhino or a pride of lions just a few feet from your window! · If you don’t have a car: Don’t worry! You can hop on the park’s Safari Bus. It’s a fantastic alternative that actually allows you to feed some of the animals through special screened windows, which is an experience you don't get in a private car. Whether you're driving yourself or taking the bus, it’s a must-visit. Don't forget to check out the petting zoo and the white tigers at the end!

Exploring #yamaguchi by car felt awesome — quiet coastal roads, open sea views, and peaceful spiritual spaces far from the crowds. ⛩️ Motonosumi Shrine Perched above the Sea of Japan, 123 vermilion torii gates stretch dramatically along the cliffs toward the deep blue ocean. Walking through them with the sea breeze and crashing waves below felt symbolic — like stepping into clarity. 💡 The offering box sits high above a gate — you have to toss your coin upward to make your wish! 🚆 Public transport: JR San’in Line to Nagato-Furuichi Station + 20 min taxi 🚗 By car: Easiest and most scenic option 💎 Beppu Benten Pond This natural spring glows in unreal shades of sapphire and emerald. The water is unbelievably clear, and watching koi glide beneath the surface felt deeply calming. 🚆 Public transport: JR Mine Line to Mine Station + 20 min taxi 🚗 Best combined with Motonosumi by car (about 1.5–2 hrs apart)

📅 Travel Itinerary Board the Sakura train from Shin-Osaka 🚄 Rent a car → Meet up with a friend at the airport ✈️ Motonosumi Shrine ⛩️ 🚗 To Tsunoshima 🏝️ 🍽️ Granvista Tsunoshima: Kawara Soba & Seafood Bowl Gelato 🍧 & souvenir shopping 🎁 at a roadside station 🚗 To Omijima 🏝️ Stroll along the walking trail 👟 🚗 🍽️ Hagi Shinkai: Fugu cuisine 🐡 🚗 To Airbnb 🚗 To Shimane ⛩️ Izumo Taisha Shrine 🍽️ Food strolling 🚗 Dinner Relax at a local izakaya 🍾 🚗 To Beppu Benten Pond Prayers & photos 🤳 🚗 To Akiyoshido Cave Strolling → Food tasting & souvenir hunting 🔍 🍽️ Burdock Soba 🍜 🚗 To Shin-Yamaguchi Return home via Nozomi 🚄

I went to the Safari Park in Yamaguchi. I recommend it because you can walk around it multiple times before coming back.

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, Motonosumi Shrine, Yuda Onsen Day 2: Akiyoshi Cave, Kintai Bridge, Miyajima Day 3: Sandan-kyo Trekking, Saijo Brewery Village 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Yuda Onsen Ubl Hotel Recommendation 🍴 Restaurant Recommendations 📌 Useful Tips: Akiyoshi Cave is truly stunning. Highly recommended.