About two and a half hours by plane and car from Tokyo, the capital of Japan.

Yamaguchi City, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, blessed with rich history, culture, and abundant nature. With a population of around 190,000, this small city has been chosen by the New York Times as the third of the "52 Places to Go in 2024.

The reason is that there are plenty of special experiences , that you can only find by visiting this town.

About 31 meters tall, the Rurikōji Temple Five-Story Pagoda is considered one of the top Pagodas in Japan, along with Daigoji Temple Pagoda in Kyoto and the Horyuji Temple Pagoda in Nara.

About 600 years ago, the 24th head of the Ōuchi clan, Ōuchi Hiroyo, who ruled over present-day Yamaguchi, was deeply impressed by the charm and culture of Kyoto, so he modeled the town after it. This was the beginning of the Ouichi culture.

The Five-storied Pagoda is regarded as the masterpiece of Ōuchi culture.

Unfortunately, the entire renovation of the Hiwadabuki roof, for the first time in about 70 years, is underway, so its appearance cannot be seen,

However...

Throughout Rurikōji Temple, you can feel the atmosphere of Japanese harmony, called "wa," everywhere.

Furthermore, during the ongoing full-scale renovation, there's a limited-time opportunity called Hibutsu .

The renovation sheets are creatively utilized as screens, transforming the night scene of the Five-story Pagoda into a mesmerizing world of light and art through projection mapping. This is an absolute must-visit spot when you're in Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi City offers a lodging plan called "Ouchi Culture Shogun Experience" that allows you to experience what it feels like to be a Shogun.

You can partake in activities such as walking in a ceremonial procession with 20 extras, enjoying meals that replicate those from 600 years ago, and watching traditional performances. The price is 1 million yen!

No reservations have been made so far, but

If you are interested, please come and experience the outstanding hospitality.