Yamaguchi in 5 days and 4 nights: east to west or the reverse direction?
For Kintaikyo Bridge, Karato Market and the Kanmon underwater tunnel, move west with one night in Iwakuni, two in Shin-Yamaguchi and one in Shimonoseki. For Kaikyokan, Akama Shrine’s Treasure Hall, Akiyoshido and the footbath, spend two nights in Shimonoseki then two in Shin-Yamaguchi. The Shimonoseki-start course excludes the sushi event, so needs no matching event day. The Iwakuni-start course ends at Shimonoseki Station; the Shimonoseki-start course ends at Shin-Yamaguchi Station. Choose an ending station convenient for your onward city too.
Choose a 4 nights, 5 days itinerary
From the eastern bridge to the western market and tunnel
Spend one night in Iwakuni, two in Shin-Yamaguchi and one in Shimonoseki. Visit Rurikoji’s five-storey pagoda and Akiyoshido on different days before travelling west. On the final day, walk through the Kanmon Tunnel and back, then end at Shimonoseki Station.
From the eastern bridge to the western market and tunnel →4 nights, 5 days BFrom the western aquarium to the cave and footbath
Spend two nights in Shimonoseki, then two in Shin-Yamaguchi. Visit Kaikyokan and Akama Shrine’s Treasure Hall before moving to Shin-Yamaguchi for the pagoda, cave and footbath. This course excludes the market sushi event. Finish with Yuda Onsen on the final day and depart from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
From the western aquarium to the cave and footbath →From the eastern bridge to the western market and tunnel
Spend one night in Iwakuni, two in Shin-Yamaguchi and one in Shimonoseki. Visit Rurikoji’s five-storey pagoda and Akiyoshido on different days before travelling west. On the final day, walk through the Kanmon Tunnel and back, then end at Shimonoseki Station.
Day 1 · Iwakuni Station → Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park → station
Iwakuni Station → Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park → station
- Iwakuni Station → Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park
Take a bus to Kintaikyo Bridge from stand 1 at Iwakuni Station. Routes 11 and 21 via Muronoki (室の木) cost JPY 300 one way or JPY 600 return for adults. Walk about 1 minute from Kintaikyo (錦帯橋) stop to the bridge entrance. Do not apply this fare to routes travelling via other stops.
Open Kintaikyo Bridge’s official guideIwakuni tourism transport guideIwakuni Station–Kintaikyo routes 11/21 fare tableIwakuni Bus current fare-table listIwakuni Bus October changes
- Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park entrance → Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park visit and meal
Cross the bridge with the JPY 500 adult return ticket, then walk about 5 minutes to Kikko Park. The official suggested park visit is about 30 minutes. Allow 90–120 minutes for the bridge, park and lunch. The ropeway and castle admission cost extra.
Open Kintaikyo Bridge’s official guideIwakuni tourism transport guideTourism guide to Kikko ParkIwakuni Bus October changes
- Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park → Accommodation in Iwakuni
Walk about 5 minutes from Kikko Park back to the bridge and cross using your return ticket. Walk another minute to the bus stop and board for Iwakuni Station, distinguishing it from buses to Shin-Iwakuni Station. Stay in Iwakuni tonight.
Open Kintaikyo Bridge’s official guideIwakuni tourism transport guideTourism guide to Kikko ParkIwakuni Bus October changes
Day 2 · Iwakuni → Shin-Yamaguchi → Rurikoji → station
Iwakuni → Shin-Yamaguchi → Rurikoji → station
- Iwakuni Station and accommodation → Yamaguchi Station and Rurikoji
Travel by JR from Iwakuni to Shin-Yamaguchi. Sanyo Main Line local trains and Shinkansen services departing Shin-Iwakuni use different departure stations and fares; choose your route in the official search below. From Shin-Yamaguchi Station, take a JR Yamaguchi Line local train towards Yamaguchi and alight at Yamaguchi Station. The city’s tourism guide gives a journey time of about 25 minutes. Locate Yamaguchi Station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan Park on the official city map, then walk about 25 minutes to Rurikoji. Before leaving, choose a return train that also allows time to 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 RurikojiYamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkJR journey 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 visits inside the pagoda have separate dates and booking conditions and are excluded from this course.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationRurikoji ordinary visits and walk from the prefectural officeRurikoji special interior-visit conditions
- Rurikoji and Yamaguchi Station → Accommodation in Shin-Yamaguchi
After visiting, retrace your walking route to Yamaguchi Station and take a JR Yamaguchi Line local train to Shin-Yamaguchi. Choose a train you can catch after the visit and walk, and allow time for your next journey after reaching Shin-Yamaguchi.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide · about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiYamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkJR journey and fare search
Day 3 · Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshido → station
Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshido → station
- Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshido
Take a Bocho Bus bound for Akiyoshido from stand 2 at Shin-Yamaguchi Station’s north bus terminal. Choose the outbound and return services together so that you can return after the cave visit and lunch. The current official timetable is linked below.
Current Bocho Bus timetableOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable
- Akiyoshido entrance → Akiyoshido visit and meal
From Akiyoshido bus stop, walk through the shopping street to the front entrance. Follow the ordinary cave route out and back to the same entrance. The official suggested visiting time is about 90 minutes; allow extra time for the walk to the entrance and lunch.
Current Bocho Bus timetableOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable
- Akiyoshido → Accommodation in Shin-Yamaguchi
Leave through the front entrance and walk through the shopping street to Akiyoshido bus stop. Take a bus back to Shin-Yamaguchi Station. Choose a return service that allows time to reach the stop on foot. Stay in Shin-Yamaguchi tonight.
Current Bocho Bus timetableOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable
Day 4 · Shin-Yamaguchi → Shimonoseki → Karato Market → station
Shin-Yamaguchi → Shimonoseki → Karato Market → station
- Shin-Yamaguchi Station and accommodation → Karato Market
Take a JR Sanyo Main Line train from Shin-Yamaguchi towards Shimonoseki. Check transfers and arrival time for your date, then take a National Route Line bus towards Karato (唐戸) from Shimonoseki Station stand 1 or 2. Allow about 7 minutes on the bus and a 3-minute walk to the market.
JR journey and fare searchKarato Market sushi-event scheduleCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking accessShimonoseki Station bus stands
- Karato Market entrance → Karato Market visit and meal
The sushi event starts at 09:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 08:00 on Sundays and Japanese public holidays. Check the event’s closing notice and individual stalls’ hours. Allow 90–120 minutes for food and a waterfront walk. The adult return bus fare is JPY 520; food costs extra. If no event is scheduled on day four, choose another Shimonoseki visit rather than treating a market sushi meal as part of the default plan.
Open Karato Market’s official guideKarato Market sushi-event scheduleSanden Kotsu current National Route Line fares
- Karato Market → Accommodation in Shimonoseki
Walk about 3 minutes back to Karato bus stop and board towards Shimonoseki Station. Check which of the officially listed stands 5 and 7 your chosen bus uses. Distinguish these from sightseeing-direction stand 6, then return to your Shimonoseki accommodation.
Current National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking accessKarato return bus stands
Day 5 · Shimonoseki Station → Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel return walk → station
Shimonoseki Station → Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel return walk → station
- Shimonoseki Station → Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
From stand 1 or 2 at Shimonoseki Station, choose an ordinary National Route Line bus on routes 10–24 that stops at Mimosusogawa (御裳川). Allow about 11 minutes on the bus and a 1-minute walk to the pedestrian tunnel entrance. The adult return bus fare is JPY 600.
Open the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel’s official guideCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel entrance → Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel return walk
Take the lift down, walk to the Moji side and return through the same underwater passage. Pedestrians enter free, from 06:00 to 22:00. Allow 60–90 minutes for the suggested 1.56 km return tunnel walk.
Open the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel’s official guideCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel → Shimonoseki Station and accommodation
Take the lift up on the Shimonoseki side and walk about 1 minute to Mimosusogawa bus stop. Take a bus to Shimonoseki Station, distinguishing it from services towards Shin-Shimonoseki. On your final day, allow time to prepare for departure after reaching the station.
Open the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel’s official guideCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
Included: Kintaikyo Bridge JPY 500 + Akiyoshido JPY 1,350–1,900 + Karato return buses JPY 520 + tunnel return buses JPY 600. Iwakuni Station–Kintaikyo buses 11/21: JPY 300 × 2. Adult JR fares: Iwakuni→Shin-Yamaguchi local train JPY 1,690 + Shin-Yamaguchi–Yamaguchi JPY 240 × 2 + Shin-Yamaguchi→Shimonoseki JPY 1,170, giving a JR subtotal of JPY 3,340 with separate tickets for each segment.
Extra costs and conditions: The return Bocho Bus fare between Shin-Yamaguchi and Akiyoshido remains unconfirmed and is excluded. If choosing the Shinkansen, check access to its departure station and both the basic fare and limited express charge separately; do not apply the local-train amount above. Flights, accommodation, meals, access to the arrival station, luggage storage, additional transport and activities also cost extra.
Open Kintaikyo Bridge’s official guideOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresOpen the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel’s official guideIwakuni Station–Kintaikyo routes 11/21 fare tableIwakuni Bus current fare-table listBocho Bus information centres and officesJR journey and fare searchJR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide · about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiYamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkOfficial JR adult local-train segment fares · searched 2026-10-09
From the western aquarium to the cave and footbath
Spend two nights in Shimonoseki, then two in Shin-Yamaguchi. Visit Kaikyokan and Akama Shrine’s Treasure Hall before moving to Shin-Yamaguchi for the pagoda, cave and footbath. This course excludes the market sushi event. Finish with Yuda Onsen on the final day and depart from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
Day 1 · Shimonoseki Station → Kaikyokan → station
Shimonoseki Station → Kaikyokan → station
- Shimonoseki Station → Kaikyokan
From stand 1 or 2 at Shimonoseki Station, take an ordinary National Route Line bus on routes 10–24 that stops at Kaikyokan-mae (海響館前). Allow about 5 minutes on the bus and a 3-minute walk to the entrance. Semi-express routes 121 and 127 do not stop here.
Kaikyokan official access guideCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking accessShimonoseki Station bus stands
- Kaikyokan entrance → Kaikyokan visit and meal
Visit Kaikyokan from 09:30; last admission is 17:00. Allow 2–3 hours and choose shows from the day’s programme. The subtotal includes JPY 2,500 adult admission and JPY 520 return bus fare, excluding meals and additional activities.
Kaikyokan official access guideKaikyokan current admission feesSanden Kotsu current National Route Line fares
- Kaikyokan → Accommodation in Shimonoseki
After visiting, walk about 3 minutes back to Kaikyokan-mae and take an ordinary bus to Shimonoseki Station. If staying to the end of a show, plan its timing alongside your return service. Stay in Shimonoseki tonight.
Kaikyokan official access guideCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
Day 2 · Shimonoseki Station → Akama Shrine Treasure Hall → station
Shimonoseki Station → Akama Shrine Treasure Hall → station
- Shimonoseki Station → Akama Shrine Treasure Hall
From stand 1 or 2 at Shimonoseki Station, choose an ordinary National Route Line bus on routes 10–24 that stops at Akama Jingu-mae (赤間神宮前). The operator gives a journey time of about 8 minutes, followed by a 1-minute walk to the shrine.
Tourism guide to Akama ShrineCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Akama Shrine Treasure Hall entrance → Akama Shrine Treasure Hall visit
Akama Shrine’s Treasure Hall opens 09:00–16:30 and costs JPY 100. Allow 45–60 minutes and visit within the hall’s opening hours.
Tourism guide to Akama ShrineCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
- Akama Shrine Treasure Hall → Accommodation in Shimonoseki
After visiting the hall, walk about 1 minute back to the stop in front of the shrine and take a bus to Shimonoseki Station. The adult return bus fare is JPY 540. Search for station-bound services from this stop. Spend a second night in Shimonoseki before moving to Shin-Yamaguchi the next day.
Tourism guide to Akama ShrineCurrent National Route Line timetableSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresSanden Kotsu stops and walking access
Day 3 · Shimonoseki → Shin-Yamaguchi → Rurikoji → station
Shimonoseki → Shin-Yamaguchi → Rurikoji → station
- Shimonoseki Station and accommodation → Yamaguchi Station and Rurikoji
Take a JR Sanyo Main Line train from Shimonoseki towards Shin-Yamaguchi. Check transfers and arrival time for your date, then take a JR Yamaguchi Line local train towards Yamaguchi from Shin-Yamaguchi Station and alight at Yamaguchi Station. The city’s tourism guide gives a journey time of about 25 minutes. Locate Yamaguchi Station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan Park on the official city map, then walk about 25 minutes to Rurikoji. Before leaving, choose a return train that also allows time to 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 RurikojiYamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkJR journey 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 visits inside the pagoda have separate dates and booking conditions and are excluded from this course.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationRurikoji ordinary visits and walk from the prefectural officeRurikoji special interior-visit conditions
- Rurikoji and Yamaguchi Station → Accommodation in Shin-Yamaguchi
After visiting, retrace your walking route to Yamaguchi Station and take a JR Yamaguchi Line local train to Shin-Yamaguchi. Choose a train you can catch after the visit and walk, and allow time for your next journey after reaching Shin-Yamaguchi.
JR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide · about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiYamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkJR journey and fare search
Day 4 · Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshido → station
Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshido → station
- Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Akiyoshido
Take a Bocho Bus bound for Akiyoshido from stand 2 at Shin-Yamaguchi Station’s north bus terminal. Choose the outbound and return services together so that you can return after the cave visit and lunch. The current official timetable is linked below.
Current Bocho Bus timetableOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable
- Akiyoshido entrance → Akiyoshido visit and meal
From Akiyoshido bus stop, walk through the shopping street to the front entrance. Follow the ordinary cave route out and back to the same entrance. The official suggested visiting time is about 90 minutes; allow extra time for the walk to the entrance and lunch.
Current Bocho Bus timetableOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable
- Akiyoshido → Accommodation in Shin-Yamaguchi
Leave through the front entrance and walk through the shopping street to Akiyoshido bus stop. Take a bus back to Shin-Yamaguchi Station. Choose a return service that allows time to reach the stop on foot. Stay in Shin-Yamaguchi tonight.
Current Bocho Bus timetableOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable
Day 5 · Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Yuda Onsen footbath → Shin-Yamaguchi Station
Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Yuda Onsen footbath → Shin-Yamaguchi Station
- Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Yuda Onsen information-centre footbath
Take a JR Yamaguchi Line train towards Yamaguchi/Tsuwano from Shin-Yamaguchi Station and alight at Yuda Onsen Station. Check the return train to Shin-Yamaguchi and its fare too.
Tourism guide to Yuda Onsen footbathsYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursYuda Onsen ryokan association 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. Its free footbath opens 10:00–22:00. This course visits between 10:00 and 18:00, while the centre is open. Allow 45–60 minutes for the footbath and nearby walk.
Tourism guide to Yuda Onsen footbathsYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursYuda Onsen ryokan association current footbath list
- Yuda Onsen information-centre footbath → Shin-Yamaguchi Station and accommodation
After the footbath, walk about 10 minutes back to Yuda Onsen Station and board for Shin-Yamaguchi. On this final day, choose a return train that gives you time to prepare for departure after reaching Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
Tourism guide to Yuda Onsen footbathsYuda Onsen ryokan association footbath hoursYuda Onsen ryokan association current footbath list
Included: Kaikyokan JPY 2,500 + aquarium return buses JPY 520 + shrine return buses JPY 540 and Treasure Hall JPY 100 + cave JPY 1,350–1,900. Adult JR fares: Shimonoseki→Shin-Yamaguchi local train JPY 1,170 + Shin-Yamaguchi–Yamaguchi JPY 240 × 2 + Shin-Yamaguchi–Yuda Onsen JPY 240 × 2, giving a JR subtotal of JPY 2,130 with separate tickets for each segment.
Extra costs and conditions: The return Bocho Bus fare between Shin-Yamaguchi and Akiyoshido remains unconfirmed and is excluded. If choosing the Shinkansen, check access to its departure station and both the basic fare and limited express charge separately; do not apply the local-train amount above. Flights, accommodation, meals, access to the arrival station, luggage storage, additional transport and activities also cost extra.
Kaikyokan current admission feesSanden Kotsu current National Route Line faresTourism guide to Akama ShrineOpen Akiyoshido’s official guideBocho Bus information centres and officesJR journey and fare searchJR access from Shin-Yamaguchi to Yamaguchi StationOfficial prefectural travel guide · about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to RurikojiYamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan ParkOfficial JR adult local-train segment fares · searched 2026-10-09
Frequently asked questions
Which direction should I choose for onward travel from Shimonoseki?
Choose westbound course A: one night in Iwakuni, two in Shin-Yamaguchi and one in Shimonoseki. On the final day, walk the Kanmon Tunnel out and back, then finish at Shimonoseki Station. Course B spends two nights in Shimonoseki then two in Shin-Yamaguchi, visiting Yuda Onsen before ending at Shin-Yamaguchi Station. Returning to Shimonoseki by JR after B is excluded from its costs and sightseeing days.
JR journey and fare searchOpen the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel’s official guideTourism guide to Yuda Onsen footbaths
Which option works if the market event does not match my dates?
The Iwakuni-start course suggests Karato’s sushi event on day four when it is a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Japanese public holiday. If no event runs that day, choose another visit and recheck costs. The Shimonoseki-start course visits the aquarium, Treasure Hall, pagoda, cave and footbath, excluding the sushi event.
Open Karato Market’s official guideKarato Market sushi-event scheduleKaikyokan current admission fees
Official sources and check dates
- Current Bocho Bus timetable ·
- Open Akiyoshido’s official guide ·
- Open Kintaikyo Bridge’s official guide ·
- Iwakuni tourism transport guide ·
- Open Karato Market’s official guide ·
- Karato Market sushi-event schedule ·
- Open the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel’s official guide ·
- Tourism guide to Kikko Park ·
- Tourism guide to Akama Shrine ·
- Kaikyokan official access guide ·
- Tourism guide to Yuda Onsen footbaths ·
- Current National Route Line timetable ·
- Kaikyokan current admission fees ·
- Sanden Kotsu current National Route 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 ordinary visits and walk from the prefectural office ·
- Shimonoseki Station bus stands ·
- Karato return bus stands ·
- Iwakuni Station–Kintaikyo routes 11/21 fare table ·
- Iwakuni Bus current fare-table list ·
- Bocho Bus information centres and offices ·
- JR journey and fare search ·
- Bocho Bus October 2026 revised timetable ·
- JR Sanyo-San’in Pass prices and eligible trains ·
- JR West All Area Pass prices and eligible trains ·
- Official prefectural travel guide · about 25 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station to Rurikoji ·
- Yamaguchi City official map · station, Ichinosaka River and Kozan Park ·
- Official JR adult local-train segment fares · searched 2026-10-09 ·
- Yuda Onsen ryokan association current footbath list ·