• Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

    Hofu Tenmangu is an impressive shrine that sits atop a hill in Hofu, Yamaguchi. It was the first in Japan to be dedicated to Tenjin, the god of learning. Tenjin…

  • The Mohri Residence and Garden

    In the middle of Yamaguchi’s southern coastline lies Hofu. The city is one of the prefecture’s most populous and was once home to the lords of the Choshu Domain―the Mohri…

  • Exploring Kikko Park

    When my colleague heard I would be visiting Iwakuni, she urged me to try the ice cream. There’s hundreds to choose from, she explained, including weird ones, like tomato. And…

  • Iwakuni Castle and Ropeway

    On the other side of Kintaikyo lies Kikko Park, the grounds of the former residence of the Iwakuni domain lords. The park is home to a number of historical buildings,…

  • A Walk Across Kintaikyo

    In the west of Yamaguchi prefecture, bordering Hiroshima, is the historical city of Iwakuni. It’s most famous for its arched bridge, which is one of the Nihon Sanmeikyo, or Three…

  • Motonosumi Inari Shrine

    In case you missed it, I’m back in Japan. And one of the best things about it is getting to catch up with old friends. I recently spent the day…