Trip to Yamaguchi Prefecture- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

From Tokyo (Haneda Airport), the flight to Yamaguchi Ube Airport takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, I headed by car to Tsunoshima Bridge, renowned for its spectacular scenic views. Located in Toyohoku Town, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Tsunoshima Bridge stretches 1,780 meters, connecting Tsunoshima Island to the mainland. Construction began in 1993 and was completed in 2000, making it the longest of Japan’s bridges linking a remote island to the mainland.

Overview and Features

Tsunoshima Bridge is part of Yamaguchi Prefectural Route 276 and was constructed between 1993 and 1995. It was carefully designed to blend with the stunning seascape, ensuring the natural beauty of the surroundings remains intact. The bridge has been featured in many TV commercials and dramas, making it an extremely popular tourist destination.

At both ends of the bridge, there are observation spots and a lighthouse. The view from the lighthouse, in particular, is breathtaking and perfect for photography. Visiting early in the morning allows you to fully enjoy the expansive panorama of the Sea of Japan.

Tsunoshima Bridge- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Travel Tips and Points of Interest

It's best to visit Tsunoshima by car or rental bicycle. The area is surrounded by white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters, offering truly beautiful scenery.

Since the bridge can get crowded, visiting in the early morning or on weekdays is recommended. On Tsunoshima, highlights include the lighthouse, a nature center, and beaches, so you can enjoy these attractions alongside the stunning bridge views.

Motonosumi Shrine (Motonosumi-jinja)- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

The next stop is Motonosumi Shrine (Motonosumi-jinja).

This shrine is located in Yuya Tsuo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is famous for its spectacular sight: 123 vivid red torii gates lined up over more than 100 meters along a steep cliff facing the sea. Founded in 1987, the shrine is relatively new, established after a local fisherman dreamt of a white fox giving him a divine message. Motonosumi Shrine has also been selected as one of the "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan" by CNN.

Main Blessings and Unique Features

Blessings offered here include prosperity in business, bountiful fishing and maritime safety, good relationships, fertility, good fortune, protection from misfortune, family happiness, traffic safety, and academic achievement. The shrine is also known for its unique offering box placed atop a roughly 6-meter-tall grand torii gate, which is said to be the hardest offering box in Japan to reach (currently not in use). The site also features the "pass-through stone tunnel," believed to grant wishes, as well as breathtaking scenery with the sea and greenery framed by the red torii gates.

Visiting Information

Motonosumi Shrine is open for visitors from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Entry and photography at night are prohibited. Please note that from September to November 2025, the shrine will be closed to visitors on weekends and public holidays, making it impossible to walk through the torii gates. However, you can view the gates from a nearby observation deck. There may also be construction and access restrictions on weekdays, so please check the official information in advance.

Access by public transport is difficult, so taking a taxi from the nearest station is recommended. Parking is available for a fee (300 yen per hour, up to 500 yen), and the premises are equipped with a shop, toilets, and barrier-free parking.

Motonosumi Shrine is considered one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s top scenic spots. The contrast of the bright red torii gates against the cliffs and sea makes it highly photogenic and popular on social media. For sightseeing, photography, or prayers, be sure to check the latest official information and safety notices before your visit to avoid crowds and ensure a pleasant trip.

Resort Hotel Mihagi

This hotel is a seaside resort located in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, next to Kikugahama Beach. The hotel boasts an excellent location overlooking the Sea of Japan and features natural hot springs from its own source.

Ocean front- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Hot Springs & Open-Air Baths:
Natural hot spring water is drawn from 1,500 meters underground and supplied to the panoramic ocean-view large public baths, open-air baths, sauna, jacuzzi, and special jet baths. Non-staying guests can also use the day-use hot springs (15:00-22:00; ¥1,000 for junior high school students and above, ¥500 for children).

Private onsen- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Rooms & Facilities:
A wide variety of rooms are available, including Western-style, Japanese-style, group rooms, and guest rooms with open-air baths. The entire hotel offers free Wi-Fi. Facilities include a kids’ playroom, comic book corner, oxygen capsule, hand/foot baths, private bathing facilities, and powder rooms for a full resort and relaxation experience.

Dining:
The restaurant offers creative Japanese-Western kaiseki-style cuisine, featuring fresh seafood landed in Hagi and premium "Kenran" beef(Wagyu).