Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine 山口大神宮

Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine bears a resemblance to Ise-jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture . Known as the “Ise-jingu Shrine of western Japan,” Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine was constructed here in 1520, based on its more famous counterpart.

Pass through the torii gate and climb up the gently sloping steps to the shrines at the top. The Shinmei-zukuri inner shrines, with their steep roofs, are protected by a fence; however, there are many buildings around the shrine precinct to see.

Walk or take a taxi from JR Yamaguchi Station.

Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine is a 25-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride from JR Yamaguchi Station. If you arrive by shinkansen at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, take a bus from the station entrance (30 minutes), and get off at the Kencho-mae stop. Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine is a five-minute walk from there.

Like Ise-jingu Shrine , Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Located in a forested area on the edge of Yamaguchi City , the shrine is very beautiful in autumn, when the fall leaves turn.

There are many interesting stone lanterns around the shrine precincts, and the red torii gates add a flash of color to the calm landscape.

The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art is the main art gallery of Yamaguchi Prefecture . It is a walkable distance from Yamaguchi Daijingu Shrine, at around one kilometer away. There are special exhibitions that change periodically, as well as permanent collections, including both traditional and modern Japanese art.