top of page

Tour details - Yamaguchi Coastal Life & History

Highlights:

  • Discover the little-known towns, coast and countryside of the Yamaguchi Prefecture and surrounding areas, steeped in history and culture, and blessed with scenic beauty

  • Lose yourself in historic Hagi, the regional port significant in the transformation of Japan as a modern Westernised nation from the 19th century

  • Unwind in family-run traditional accommodation with coastal views and enjoy a feast of local seafood specialities fresh out of the ocean

  • Enjoy strolling around a small offshore island where relaxed life continues as it has for centuries, or staying in a coastal village renowned for its squid cuisine

  • Take a day-walk along a 17th-century historic trail over forested mountains and verdant countryside, and imagine life during the times of Samurais

  • Explore beautiful Tsuwano, a town of history, culture, and arts set in a tranquil mountain-rimmed valley

  • Stay in a restored historic country house and invigorate yourself on a scenic day-hike in a nearby gorge

  • Visit small pottery studios, marvel at the variety of individual styles in the artisans’ creations, and delve into the fascinating history of regional ceramic traditions

  • Travel on a Showa-period steam train through the scenic countryside (subject to availability)

An itinerary that focuses on Yamaguchi Prefecture, a little-known and scenic region of western Japan that has held a place of political and cultural significance throughout Japanese history. Designed as an introduction to the region, the itinerary includes mostly easy-grade walks in picturesque historic towns, countryside and forested areas, both in coastal and inland areas. You will enjoy a range of accommodation styles including several ‘village-stay’ type accommodation in private houses and a traditional (but modernised) ryokan, and a variety of regional cuisine including some of the freshest seafood available in Japan. Observe daily life on a small offshore island and enjoy interactions with the friendly villagers, or unwind with a quiet stay in a coastal village. Learn about the region’s renowned ceramic traditions through visits to small artisan studios. Through your participation in this tour, you will be directly supporting small, family-run businesses that uphold regional food and craft traditions.

 

MAIN DESTINATIONS COVERED: Hagi, Yamaguchi, Tsuwano

 

TOUR LENGTH: 9 days (8 nights)

 

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS: 4 to 6 depending on the selected option

 

SEASON: mid-May to mid-June, late October to early December, late February to late March (weather and snow conditions permitting)

 

BOOKINGS CLOSE: 90 days before agreed departure date

 

START LOCATION: JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Yamaguchi Prefecture [MAP]

 

END LOCATION: JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Yamaguchi Prefecture [MAP]

 

FITNESS LEVEL: moderate–high

 

CULTURAL TOLERANCE: moderate to high depending on the selected option (must be able to sleep on traditional futon bedding on at least 4 nights; must be able to enjoy traditional Japanese coastal cuisine featuring raw and cooked seafood frequently; for some options, must be able to sleep in a traditional open-plan room with up to 4 persons on 1 night)

 

COST: from AUD $3000/person (6 persons) to $5000/person (2 persons), including ALL ground transport, accommodation, meals, tour guiding, fees and charges

bottom of page