11 Parks in Yamaguchi worth your time

Tokiwa Park is a large city park with a zoo, amusement park, and many cherry trees.

What it is

• A city park in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
• Established in 1925, centered around Lake Tokiwa.
• Recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Facility.
• Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 City Parks.

What to see

• Lake Tokiwa, created in the Edo period.
• Approximately 300 sculptures throughout the park.
• An estimated 3,500 cherry trees.
• Tokiwa Zoo and Tokiwa Amusement Park.
• Swans and pelicans on the lake.

When to go

• During cherry blossom season for viewing.

Official site

www.tokiwapark.jp

Read more about Tokiwa Park

Hinoyama Park offers stunning views of the Kanmon Strait and Shimonoseki, especially at night.

What it is

• A city park in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
• Designated as a city planning park in 1948.
• Became part of Setonaikai National Park in 1956.
• Comprises a summit park and a foothill park.

What to see

• Views of the Kanmon Strait and Shimonoseki city.
• The night view is a Japan Night View Heritage.
• Cherry blossoms, azaleas, and tulips.

When to go

• Enjoy cherry blossoms, azaleas, and tulips in season.
• Visit at night for the acclaimed night view.

Read more about Hinoyama Park

Kikkō Park is a historic urban park, famous for cherry blossoms and Iwakuni Castle.

What it is

• An urban park in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
• Started as a garden in 1885.
• Became a general urban park in 1968.
• Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.

What to see

• One of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
• Kikkō Shrine and Shirohebi Viewing Facility.
• Iwakuni Castle keep and Iwakuni Castle Ropeway.
• A large fountain, Furusato Award winner in 1992.

When to go

• Open all year round.
• Admission is free.

Read more about Kikkō Park

Modern aquarium with diverse marine life, including a large pufferfish collection and whale skeleton.

What it is

• A marine science museum and aquarium.
• Opened in 2001, replacing an older aquarium.
• Managed by the Shimonoseki Marine Science Academy.
• Reopened in 2010 with a focus on penguins.

What to see

• Exhibits about 550 species and 25,000 items.
• Over 100 species of pufferfish are on display.
• A full skeleton specimen of a blue whale.

When to go

• Will reopen on August 1, 2025, after renovation.

Official site

www.kaikyokan.com

Read more about Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyōkan

A large city park in Yamaguchi with diverse sports facilities and an outdoor music hall.

What it is

• A city park in Yamaguchi City.
• Opened in November 1973.
• Owned by Yamaguchi Prefecture.
• Features sports and cultural facilities.

What to see

• A track and field stadium.
• A rugby and soccer field.
• A sports and culture center.
• Big Shell outdoor music hall.

Getting there

• Train from Yahara Station.
• Bus from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
• Car from Ogori IC.

Official site

www.ishin100.com

Read more about Ishin Hyakunen Kinen Park

A safari and amusement park, it offers unique animal encounters and rare breeding achievements.

What it is

• A safari park and amusement park.
• Opened in 1977.
• Operated by the Tanaka Hotel Group.
• Houses about 70 species and 700 animals.

What to see

• Tour the park by car or special bus.
• Feed animals from special buses.
• Interact directly with small animals.
• See Japan's first long-term bred white tigers.
• View African marabou storks, first bred in Japan here.

Official site

www.safariland.jp

Read more about Akiyoshidai Safari Land

Kameyama Park offers history, views, and recreation on a former castle site.

What it is

• An urban park in Yamaguchi City.
• Developed in 1900 on Nagayama Castle ruins.
• Named 'Turtle Mountain' (Kameyama).

What to see

• Mountaintop plaza with Mōri Takachika statue.
• Poem monument by Kunikida Doppo.
• Replica of a document allowing a Christian church.
• Fureai Plaza has turtle-themed play equipment.
• Fureai Plaza has tennis courts and a fountain.

Official site

www.city.yamaguchi.lg.jp

Read more about Kameyama Park

Haikara't Yokocho is a compact amusement park with a Ferris wheel, good for a quick visit.

What it is

• An amusement park in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
• Opened on September 14, 2013.
• First amusement park in Shimonoseki in 14 years.
• Located in the Arcaport area.

What to see

• A 60-meter-high Ferris wheel.
• Ferris wheel has 36 gondolas, including 4 see-through.
• 11 types of amusement rides, including a banana coaster.
• Park is 8,000 square meters.

Official site

haikarat.com

Read more about Haikara't Yokocho

Small aquarium in Yamaguchi Prefecture, notable for local marine life and coral propagation.

What it is

• Opened in April 1990.
• Part of Nagisa Park.
• Exhibits locally sourced fish.
• Known for coral propagation.

What to see

• Exhibits of jellyfish.
• Permanent exhibit of Nihon Awasango coral.
• Touching pool for interactions.
• See sharks up close.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 16:30.
• Closed December 30 to January 2.

Official site

nagisapark.jimdofree.com

Read more about Nagisa Aquarium

Explore Japan's salt-making history at this park, preserving Edo-period salt pan facilities and tools.

What it is

• An exhibition hall opened in 1992.
• Dedicated to Mitajiri, a salt production area.
• Operated for 260 years until 1960.

What to see

• Restored facilities of former salt pans.
• Exhibits of tools and salt-making processes.
• A 12.5-meter high stone kiln chimney.
• Chimney registered as a tangible cultural property.

Official site

www.city.hofu.yamaguchi.jp

Read more about Mitajiri Saltpan Memorial Industrial Park

Onda Sports Park is a historic city sports complex in Ube, offering various athletic facilities.

What it is

• A city park in Ube City.
• Opened in 1941 as a sports hub.
• Main venue for the 18th National Sports Festival.

What to see

• Ube City Tawada Okina Memorial Gymnasium.
• Onda Sports Park Baseball Stadium.
• Athletic field with an 8-lane, 400m track.
• Auxiliary stadium with two futsal fields.

Read more about Onda Sports Park