Yamaguchi in 4 days: explore the east and centre or stay in the west?
Spend one night in Iwakuni and two near Shin-Yamaguchi to visit Rurikoji Five-Story Pagoda and Akiyoshido on different days. Plan the cave return trip for the day after moving hotels. Alternatively, spend three nights at one Shimonoseki hotel and return there each day after visiting the aquarium, market, Kanmon undersea tunnel and Akama Shrine.
Choose a 4 days, 3 nights itinerary
Iwakuni, Yamaguchi city and the cave
Stay one night near Iwakuni Station, then two near Shin-Yamaguchi. Skip Shimonoseki to spend time at the eastern bridge and central pagoda, cave and footbath.
Iwakuni, Yamaguchi city and the cave →4 days, 3 nights BShimonoseki aquarium and strait
Stay three nights near Shimonoseki Station. Split indoor visits and outdoor walks, including the aquarium, without travelling to the cave or Iwakuni.
Shimonoseki aquarium and strait →Iwakuni, Yamaguchi city and the cave
Stay one night near Iwakuni Station, then two near Shin-Yamaguchi. Skip Shimonoseki to spend time at the eastern bridge and central pagoda, cave and footbath.
Day 1: Iwakuni Station, Kintaikyo and park, then station return
Iwakuni Station, Kintaikyo and park, then station return
- Iwakuni Station → Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park
Take a Kintaikyo-bound bus from Iwakuni Station bay 1. Routes 11 and 21 via Muronoki (室の木) cost JPY 300 one way or JPY 600 return for adults. Walk about one minute from Kintaikyo (錦帯橋) stop to the bridge entrance. Other routings may have different fares.
Open the official Kintaikyo Bridge guideIwakuni tourism transport guideIwakuni Station–Kintaikyo fares for routes 11 and 21Iwakuni Bus current fare tables
- Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park entrance → Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park visit and meal
Use the JPY 500 adult return bridge ticket to cross the river, then walk about five minutes to Kikko Park. The park’s official visiting estimate is about 30 minutes. Allow 90–120 minutes for bridge, park and lunch together. Ropeway and castle admission cost extra.
Open the official Kintaikyo Bridge guideIwakuni tourism transport guideKikko Park tourism guideIwakuni Bus October changes
- Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park → Iwakuni accommodation
Walk about five minutes from the park back to the bridge and cross with your return ticket. Walk another minute to the stop and take an Iwakuni Station-bound bus, distinguishing Shin-Iwakuni-bound services. Stay in Iwakuni tonight.
Open the official Kintaikyo Bridge guideIwakuni tourism transport guideKikko Park tourism guideIwakuni Bus October changes
Day 2: Iwakuni, Shin-Yamaguchi and Rurikoji, then Shin-Yamaguchi return
Iwakuni, Shin-Yamaguchi and Rurikoji, then Shin-Yamaguchi return
- Iwakuni Station and accommodation → Yamaguchi Station and Rurikoji
Take JR from Iwakuni to Shin-Yamaguchi. Sanyo Main Line local trains and Shinkansen from Shin-Iwakuni have different departure stations and fares; choose your route in the official search below. From Shin-Yamaguchi, take a Yamaguchi-bound local JR Yamaguchi Line train to Yamaguchi Station. The city tourism guide gives a ride of about 25 minutes. Locate the station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan Park on the official city map, then walk about 25 minutes to Rurikoji. Choose a return train before leaving that allows the walk back to the station.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide: about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiOfficial Yamaguchi city map: station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkJR train and fare search
- Rurikoji and Kozan Park entrance → Rurikoji and Kozan Park exterior visit
Allow 45–60 minutes for Rurikoji’s five-storey pagoda exterior and Kozan Park. Special pagoda interior visits with separate dates and booking conditions are excluded.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationRurikoji general visits and walk from the prefectural officeRurikoji special interior visit conditions
- Rurikoji and Yamaguchi Station → Shin-Yamaguchi accommodation
Retrace your walking route to Yamaguchi Station, then take a Shin-Yamaguchi-bound local JR Yamaguchi Line train. Choose a departure after the visit and station walk, leaving time for onward travel after arrival in Shin-Yamaguchi.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide: about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiOfficial Yamaguchi city map: station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkJR train and fare search
Day 3: Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Akiyoshido and same accommodation
Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Akiyoshido and same accommodation
- Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshi-do Cave
Take an Akiyoshido-bound Bocho bus from bay 2 at Shin-Yamaguchi Station’s north bus terminal. Choose outbound and return services together to allow the cave visit and lunch before returning. Check the current official timetable at the link below.
Current Bocho bus timetableOpen the official Akiyoshido guideBocho bus timetable revised in October 2026
- Akiyoshido entrance → Akiyoshido visit and meal
From Akiyoshido stop, walk through the shopping street to the main entrance. Follow the ordinary cave route and return to the same entrance. The official visiting estimate is about 90 minutes; allow extra time for the entrance approach and lunch.
Current Bocho bus timetableOpen the official Akiyoshido guideBocho bus timetable revised in October 2026
- Akiyoshi-do Cave → Shin-Yamaguchi accommodation
Leave by the main entrance, walk through the shopping street to Akiyoshido stop and take a Shin-Yamaguchi Station-bound bus. Choose a return bus that leaves time to walk to the stop. Stay in Shin-Yamaguchi tonight.
Current Bocho bus timetableOpen the official Akiyoshido guideBocho bus timetable revised in October 2026
Day 4: Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Yuda Onsen footbath and station return
Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Yuda Onsen footbath and station return
- Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Yuda Onsen information centre footbath
Take a JR Yamaguchi Line train towards Yamaguchi/Tsuwano from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yuda Onsen Station. Look up the returning Shin-Yamaguchi train and fare together as well.
Yuda Onsen footbath tourism guideYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursYuda Onsen ryokan association's current footbath list
- Yuda Onsen information centre footbath entrance → Yuda Onsen information centre footbath and nearby walk
Walk about 10 minutes from Yuda Onsen Station to the tourist information centre. The free footbath opens 10:00–22:00. This route visits between 10:00 and 18:00 while the centre is open, allowing 45–60 minutes for the footbath and a nearby walk.
Yuda Onsen footbath tourism guideYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursYuda Onsen ryokan association's current footbath list
- Yuda Onsen information centre footbath → Shin-Yamaguchi Station and accommodation
After the footbath, retrace the roughly 10-minute walk to Yuda Onsen Station and take a Shin-Yamaguchi-bound train. For the final day, choose a return leaving time after reaching Shin-Yamaguchi for departure preparations.
Yuda Onsen footbath tourism guideYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursYuda Onsen ryokan association's current footbath list
Included: Kintaikyo JPY 500, seasonal Akiyoshido admission and free park, pagoda exterior and footbath. Iwakuni Station–Kintaikyo routes 11/21: JPY 300 × 2. Adult JR fares: ordinary Iwakuni–Shin-Yamaguchi JPY 1,690, Shin-Yamaguchi–Yamaguchi JPY 240 × 2 and Shin-Yamaguchi–Yuda Onsen JPY 240 × 2, totalling JPY 2,650, based on separate tickets for each section.
Extra costs and conditions: The Shin-Yamaguchi–Akiyoshido return Bocho bus fare is unconfirmed and excluded from the partial total. For Shinkansen travel, look up access to the departure station and basic and limited express ticket costs separately; do not apply the local train fare above unchanged. Flights, accommodation, meals, travel to your arrival station, luggage storage, extra transport and activities are separate.
Open the official Kintaikyo Bridge guideOpen the official Akiyoshido guideKikko Park tourism guideRurikoji general visits and walk from the prefectural officeYuda Onsen footbath tourism guideYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursIwakuni Station–Kintaikyo fares for routes 11 and 21Iwakuni Bus current fare tablesBocho information desks and officesJR train and fare searchJR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide: about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiOfficial Yamaguchi city map: station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkOfficial JR adult local-train fares by section: checked October 9, 2026
Shimonoseki aquarium and strait
Stay three nights near Shimonoseki Station. Split indoor visits and outdoor walks, including the aquarium, without travelling to the cave or Iwakuni.
Day 1: Shimonoseki Station, Kaikyokan and station return
Shimonoseki Station, Kaikyokan and station return
- Shimonoseki Station → Kaikyokan
From Shimonoseki Station bay 1 or 2, take an ordinary Kokudo Line route 10–24 stopping at Kaikyokan-mae (海響館前). The reference ride is about five minutes, followed by about three minutes on foot to the entrance. Semi-express routes 121 and 127 skip this stop.
Kaikyokan official access guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking accessShimonoseki Station bus bays
- Kaikyokan entrance → Kaikyokan visit and meal
Kaikyokan visits start at 09:30, with last admission at 17:00. Allow two to three hours and choose performances from the day’s information. Adult admission of JPY 2,500 and JPY 520 return buses are included; meals and separate activities are excluded.
Kaikyokan official access guideCurrent Kaikyokan admission pricesCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line fares
- Kaikyokan → Shimonoseki accommodation
Walk about three minutes back to Kaikyokan-mae and take an ordinary Shimonoseki Station-bound bus. If watching a performance to the end, plan its timing together with your return service. Stay in Shimonoseki tonight.
Kaikyokan official access guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
Day 2: Shimonoseki Station, Karato Market and station return
Shimonoseki Station, Karato Market and station return
- Shimonoseki Station → Karato Market
Take a Kokudo Line bus towards Karato (唐戸) from Shimonoseki Station bay 1 or 2. The reference ride is about seven minutes, followed by about three minutes on foot to the market.
Karato Market sushi event scheduleCurrent Kokudo Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking accessShimonoseki Station bus bays
- Karato Market entrance → Karato Market visit and meal
The sushi event starts at 09:00 Fridays and Saturdays, or 08:00 Sundays and Japanese public holidays. Check event closing guidance and individual stalls’ hours. Allow 90–120 minutes for meals and a waterfront walk. Adult return buses cost JPY 520; food is separate. Swap the aquarium or tunnel dates if the event falls on another day.
Open the official Karato Market guideKarato Market sushi event schedule
- Karato Market → Shimonoseki accommodation
Walk about three minutes back to Karato stop and take a Shimonoseki Station-bound bus. Confirm your service’s boarding point among official bays 5 and 7, distinguishing sightseeing-bound bay 6. Return to your Shimonoseki accommodation.
Current Kokudo Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking accessKarato return bus baysCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line fares
Day 3: Shimonoseki Station, tunnel return walk and station
Shimonoseki Station, tunnel return walk and station
- Shimonoseki Station → Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
From Shimonoseki Station bay 1 or 2, choose an ordinary Kokudo Line route 10–24 stopping at Mimosusogawa (御裳川). The reference ride is about 11 minutes, then about one minute on foot to the tunnel entrance. Adult return buses cost JPY 600.
Open the official Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Kanmon pedestrian tunnel entrance → Kanmon pedestrian tunnel return walk
Take the elevator down, walk to the Moji side and return through the same undersea passage. Pedestrians enter free, 06:00–22:00. Allow 60–90 minutes for the suggested 1.56 km return walk.
Open the official Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel → Shimonoseki accommodation
Take the Shimonoseki-side elevator up and walk about one minute to Mimosusogawa stop. Return by Shimonoseki Station-bound bus, distinguishing Shin-Shimonoseki services. Spend your third night in Shimonoseki.
Open the official Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
Day 4: Shimonoseki Station, Akama Shrine and station return
Shimonoseki Station, Akama Shrine and station return
- Shimonoseki Station → Akama Shrine treasure hall
From Shimonoseki Station bay 1 or 2, choose an ordinary Kokudo Line route 10–24 stopping at Akama Jingu-mae (赤間神宮前). The operator’s reference ride is about eight minutes, followed by about one minute on foot to the shrine.
Akama Shrine tourism guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Akama Shrine treasure hall entrance → Akama Shrine treasure hall visit
The treasure hall opens 09:00–16:30, with admission of JPY 100. Allow 45–60 minutes to visit, within its opening hours.
Akama Shrine tourism guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Akama Shrine treasure hall → Shimonoseki Station and accommodation
Walk about one minute back to the shrine-front stop, then take a Shimonoseki Station-bound bus. Adult return buses cost JPY 540. Search station-bound services from this stop. The route ends at Shimonoseki Station; add separate JR travel and fares if departing from Shin-Shimonoseki.
Akama Shrine tourism guideCurrent Kokudo Line timetableCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
Included: Kaikyokan JPY 2,500, Karato return buses JPY 520, aquarium return buses JPY 520, tunnel access return buses JPY 600, shrine return buses JPY 540 and treasure hall JPY 100.
Extra costs and conditions: Ordinary Kokudo Line return buses for the specified Shimonoseki sightseeing sections are included. Flights, accommodation, meals, airport/arrival-station access, luggage storage, extra transport outside the table and activities cost extra.
Current Kaikyokan admission pricesCurrent Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line faresOpen the official Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel guideAkama Shrine tourism guide
Frequently asked questions
Does the cave visit fall on the day I move from Iwakuni?
No. Day 2, when you move to Shin-Yamaguchi, is for Rurikoji exterior viewing. Visit the cave on day 3 after staying overnight near Shin-Yamaguchi. This separates the city move from the cave return trip. The subtotal includes the ¥1,690 local-train fare from Iwakuni to Shin-Yamaguchi and ¥480 return JR travel to Yamaguchi Station. Add the return Bocho cave bus fare separately.
JR train and fare searchJR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationBocho bus timetable revised in October 2026Official JR adult local-train fares by section: checked October 9, 2026
Do all buses stop outside Kaikyokan?
Use a regular bus on routes 10–24 that serves Kaikyokan-mae. Semi-express routes 121 and 127 do not stop there. Events such as marathons may change bus services and access routes; check current facility and operator notices.
Sanden Kotsu stops and walking accessKaikyokan event traffic restriction notice
Official sources and check dates
- Current Bocho bus timetable ·
- Open the official Akiyoshido guide ·
- Open the official Kintaikyo Bridge guide ·
- Iwakuni tourism transport guide ·
- Open the official Karato Market guide ·
- Karato Market sushi event schedule ·
- Open the official Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel guide ·
- Kikko Park tourism guide ·
- Akama Shrine tourism guide ·
- Kaikyokan official access guide ·
- Yuda Onsen footbath tourism guide ·
- Current Kokudo Line timetable ·
- Current Kaikyokan admission prices ·
- Current Sanden Kotsu Kokudo Line fares ·
- Sanden Kotsu stops and walking access ·
- Rurikoji special interior visit conditions ·
- Yuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hours ·
- Iwakuni Bus October changes ·
- JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi Station ·
- Rurikoji general visits and walk from the prefectural office ·
- Shimonoseki Station bus bays ·
- Karato return bus bays ·
- Iwakuni Station–Kintaikyo fares for routes 11 and 21 ·
- Iwakuni Bus current fare tables ·
- Bocho information desks and offices ·
- JR train and fare search ·
- Bocho bus timetable revised in October 2026 ·
- Kaikyokan event traffic restriction notice ·
- JR Sanyo-San'in Area Pass prices and covered trains ·
- JR-WEST All Area Pass prices and covered trains ·
- Official prefectural travel guide: about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to Rurikoji ·
- Official Yamaguchi city map: station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan Park ·
- Official JR adult local-train fares by section: checked October 9, 2026 ·
- Yuda Onsen ryokan association's current footbath list ·