A Center for Japanese Art and Beauty, from Mannered Gardens to Wild Canyons
The former domain of Kyushu's powerful Ouchi clan, Yamaguchi City is an essential stop between Hiroshima and Kyushu , renowned for its beautiful temples. A rich history including trade with China and contact with the Portuguese Jesuits has made this southern city a wealthy center for art and culture.
Visit Joeiji Temple , a 500-year-old Zen temple famous for the evocative landscapes of its extensive rock garden. The garden was created by renowned monk and painter Sesshu. Sesshu was renowned for his ink paintings, wonderful examples of the Japanese Zen aesthetic. He became a Zen Buddhist priest at the age of 11. Despite his youth, Sesshu was renowned for his artistic talent, and eventually became one of the greatest artists of his time. His creativity was applied to the Joeiji Temple gardens, creating an elegant and harmonious Zen rock garden. Located nearby is the five-storied pagoda of Rurikoji Temple, one of the most spectacular in Japan.
Possibly the most stunning historical site in Yamaguchi City, the five-storied pagoda of Rurikoji Temple is considered one of Japan’s 3 most outstanding five-storied pagodas in Japan. Rurikoji Temple and the pagoda sit in Kozan Park , a spacious, green oasis famous for plum and cherry blossoms in spring. Memorials to some members of the Mori family, the feudal clan which ruled Yamaguchi in the Edo period (1603-1867), stand in Kozan Park.
There is more to Yamaguchi than temples, shrines and food! Just outside of the city you’ll find an array of natural wonders to explore. In fact, the prefecture’s name translates to “mouth of the mountain” and for good reason. There are numerous mountain trails to explore, the best being the ones along the Ichinosaka River. If you are able to, you should also head over to Chomon Gorge and to see the mesmerizing waterfalls and canyons that are so popular among photographers.
Visit Joeiji Temple , a 500-year-old Zen temple famous for the evocative landscapes of its extensive rock garden. The garden was created by renowned monk and painter Sesshu. Sesshu was renowned for his ink paintings, wonderful examples of the Japanese Zen aesthetic. He became a Zen Buddhist priest at the age of 11. Despite his youth, Sesshu was renowned for his artistic talent, and eventually became one of the greatest artists of his time. His creativity was applied to the Joeiji Temple gardens, creating an elegant and harmonious Zen rock garden. Located nearby is the five-storied pagoda of Rurikoji Temple, one of the most spectacular in Japan.
Possibly the most stunning historical site in Yamaguchi City, the five-storied pagoda of Rurikoji Temple is considered one of Japan’s 3 most outstanding five-storied pagodas in Japan. Rurikoji Temple and the pagoda sit in Kozan Park , a spacious, green oasis famous for plum and cherry blossoms in spring. Memorials to some members of the Mori family, the feudal clan which ruled Yamaguchi in the Edo period (1603-1867), stand in Kozan Park.
There is more to Yamaguchi than temples, shrines and food! Just outside of the city you’ll find an array of natural wonders to explore. In fact, the prefecture’s name translates to “mouth of the mountain” and for good reason. There are numerous mountain trails to explore, the best being the ones along the Ichinosaka River. If you are able to, you should also head over to Chomon Gorge and to see the mesmerizing waterfalls and canyons that are so popular among photographers.
