Why Yamaguchi Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List!
Look at this beautiful ocean and the pictures rescue bridge. This is somewhere in Japan. Can you believe that? [Music] Welcome to hidden paradise in Japan. I’m Mits. Today I’m going to show you this beautiful scenery and good seafood and also historic small town where there was a historically important fry bear school called Shoka Sonjuku. This is Yamaguchi Prefecture. It’s one of country size but it played very important role in Japan’s modern history. This scenic road connects the mainland of Yamaguchi Prefecture to the picturesque island of Tsunoshima and it’s often called one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan. Stretching about 1,780 m, the bridge seems to float above the emerald green waters of the sea of Japan. On sunny days, the color of the ocean shift from turquoise to deep blue. It almost feels like you’re driving straight into paradise. One of the best spot to see the bridge is from the top observatory. From here you can capture the entire span with the island in the background. [Music] [Music] This issima lighthouse. It was built in 1876. [Music] Tsunoshima [Music] itself is a hidden gem. The island is known for its quiet beaches and the relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great escape from the busy city life. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the summer, exploring local cafes and seafood restaurants, or simply soaking in the island’s peaceful vibe. [Music] [Music] It’s so beautiful. [Music] Welcome to this local seafood shop here in Tsunoshima. It’s not a big supermarket or fancy restaurant, but a place where you can really feel fresh seafood culture. You can buy fish here, and you can also have it grilled and eaten here. It gives you a taste of authentic Japan. I ordered squid or cuttlefish and also sazaya ton shell to have them here. If you want to see real local culture of Japan, make sure to step into a seafood shop like this. Squid is chewy. [Music] S tab shell is juicy and so good. [Music] [Applause] Next, let’s go to Monosumi Ginga Shrine. This shrine has gained popularity due to its photogenic qualities and scenic location. It’s located along the ragged coastline in the remote region far away from major towns. Moish main hall is a tiny building. A tunnel of 103 gates leads down to cliff. However, there are no structure at the end of the gates either. [Music] [Applause] [Music] The ice cream is good. Next we are in Hagi City. [Music] We are in a nostalgic town called Haggi where time seems to have stopped. Once home to samurai and revolutionaries, Hagi is one of Japan’s best preserved castle towns. [Music] Strolling through these streets feels like stepping into the Edo period. The town’s design is so well preserved that it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Music] Part of the sites of Japan’s maji industrial revolution. [Music] It’s not just history, it’s living history. [Music] Among these houses lies the birthplace of a man who helped shape modern Japan. Takasugi Shinsaku [Music] over 180 years ago. Takasugi was born at this place. He became one of the key figures in Japan’s revolution. The house is small and simple reflecting the modest life of a lowranking samurai family. [Music] Inside you can feel the atmosphere of the late Edo period. He studied under Yoshida showing one of the greatest thinkers and dreamed of a new Japan. Yoshida showing held a private school called Shoka Sonjugu. [Music] Back to the street. [Music] the This is Morinkham. It was built as a Haggi state round school in 1718 [Music] and it was used as an elementary school until 2014. [Music] [Music] This is an oldstyle Japanese restaurant. I’ll have a noodle called soba with the temper shrimp and oniiri. It’s so good. This small UN hat used to be a private school that had changed the course of Japan’s history. It was called Shoka Sunjuku. Simple classroom that produced some of Japan’s most influential leaders of Maji restoration. Shoka Sonjuku was founded in the mid 1800s by Yoshida Shouin, a passionate samurai and visionary thinker. Even though it was just a tiny private school only about eight tatami m wide, it became a bath place of ideas that transformed Japan. Yoshida showing dreamed of a strong independent Japan at the time when the country was closed off from the world. He encouraged his students to open their minds to study the west embrace new ideas and act for the good of the nation. He taught not just academics but courage, loyality, and the will to take action. Among his students were Takasi Shinsaku who formed the Ki militia that led the Miji restoration and Itito Hiroi who later became Japan’s first prime minister and Yamagata Aritomo third prime minister. Those small and humble, it reminds us that great change often begins with small places and bold ideas. Imagine the voice of young samurai dreaming of a new Japan. [Music] This small house is the birthplace of Japan’s first prime minister, Itto Hiroi. This place is located near Shoga Sonjuku. Itto was born here in 1841 to a lowranking samurai family. He studied at Shoka Sonjuku and went to England to study technologies and many things with the other four young men. [Music] All five young men later rose to prominent positions in Japanese political and civil life. They were called Chosu 5. I’d like to say thank you to those great people of the past. Goodbye Yoshida showing. Goodbye. chose you. Five.
Discover the hidden gems of Japan by adding Yamaguchi to your Japan bucket list. This often overlooked destination is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the stunning views of the Tsunoshima Bridge, also known as 角島大橋, to the serene atmosphere of the Motonosumi Shrine, or 元乃隅神社, Yamaguchi has something to offer every kind of traveler. Explore the charming town of Hagi, or 萩, with its well-preserved historic architecture and beautiful coastline. Visit the “Shoka Sonjuku”, also known as 松下村塾, a significant historical site that showcases the region’s educational heritage. Join me as I take you on a journey through this beautiful prefecture, showcasing why Yamaguchi should be on every Japan travel guide. With its unique blend of traditional and modern attractions, Yamaguchi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic Japan. “Hidden Paradise inJapan” will take you on a tour of the best spots to visit, eat, and explore in Yamaguchi, so be sure to watch until the end to start planning your trip to this incredible part of Japan.
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