Yamaguchi City: The Capital of Ouchi Culture Called the Kyoto of the West

Yamaguchi City: The "Kyoto of the West" That Flourished in Medieval Times

Yamaguchi City, the prefectural capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a capital governed by the Ouchi clan during the Muromachi period (15th century). The Ouchi clan actively incorporating Kyoto culture built such a cultural city that it was called "the Kyoto of the West," with remnants still visible throughout today.

Rurikoji Five-Story Pagoda

The national treasure Rurikoji Five-Story Pagoda, which could be called the symbol of "the Kyoto of the West Yamaguchi," is a graceful tower built in the early 15th century. Its beauty is counted among "Japan's Three Famous Pagodas" alongside Horyuji and Daigoji, and the reflection in Koyama Park's pond is particularly picturesque.

Xavier Memorial Cathedral

The "Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Cathedral" was built to commemorate Francis Xavier's visit to Yamaguchi in 1552 to spread Christianity. The current building features modern design rebuilt in 1998 and is one of Yamaguchi's symbols.

Yuda Onsen

Yuda Onsen near the center of Yamaguchi City is famous as a "beauty hot spring" of alkaline simple spring. It is also the birthplace of poet Nakahara Chuya, and the Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum is in the hot spring district.

Yamaguchi Gion Festival and Heron Dance

At the Yamaguchi Gion Festival held July–August, ceremonies similar to Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine are performed, and in particular the "Heron Dance" is a traditional performing art designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Access

City sightseeing from JR Yamaguchi Station is possible on foot or by bicycle. The Shinkansen stops at Shin-Yamaguchi Station (approximately 15 minutes from Yamaguchi Station by local train).