This beautiful reflective pond of crystal cobalt water feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, on the outskirts of Akiyoshi-dai Quasi-National Park. There's a temple and a cafe here also, or you can just sit and enjoy the tranquil and infinitely photogenic scene.
Beppu Benten Pond
Western Honshū
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.37 MILES
Within the Akiyoshi-dai Quasi-National Park, Akiyoshi-dō is the largest limestone cave in Japan. It extends about 10km (though public access is limited to…
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26.42 MILES
A highlight of a trip to Shimonoseki is an early-morning visit to the Karato fish market. It's a great opportunity to try sashimi for breakfast or lunch,…
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14.15 MILES
As official merchants to the daimyō, the Kikuya family's wealth and connections allowed them to build a house well above their station (they were…
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15.19 MILES
North of the town centre is Kōzan Park, where the five-storey pagoda of Rurikō-ji (瑠璃光寺), a National Treasure dating from 1442, is picturesquely situated…
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15.49 MILES
East of the river, pretty Tōkō-ji, built in 1691, is home to the tombs of five Mōri lords. The stone walkways on the hillside behind the Zen temple are…
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15.53 MILES
This handsome building was originally a high-end restaurant named Gion Saikotei from 1878 to 1996. In 2004 it was converted into this cultural museum,…
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16.62 MILES
About 6km northeast of central Hagi is this 112m dormant volcano. The top has gorgeous views of the Sea of Japan and a tiny 30m-deep crater. There is also…
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14.14 MILES
Within this park, there's not much of the old Hagi-jō to see, apart from the castle's typically imposing outer walls and the surrounding carp-filled moat…
Nearby Western Honshū attractions
5.37 MILES
Within the Akiyoshi-dai Quasi-National Park, Akiyoshi-dō is the largest limestone cave in Japan. It extends about 10km (though public access is limited to…
13.93 MILES
Hagi-yaki (Hagi ceramic ware) is noted for its fine glazes and delicate pastel colours, and connoisseurs of Japanese ceramics rank it as some of the best…
13.97 MILES
This small hagi-yaki (Hagi ceramic ware) museum displays bowls, cups and interesting ornamental figures, mostly from the 1600s.
14.01 MILES
In this appealing modern building you'll find a superb collection of ceramics and woodblock prints, with fine works by Katsushika Hokusai and Utamaro…
14.01 MILES
Within the Shizuki-kōen, this mid-19th-century teahouse serves matcha (powdered green tea). It's sometimes closed for renovations, so check ahead.
14.01 MILES
There's not much of the old Hagi-jō to see, apart from the typically imposing outer walls and the surrounding moat. The castle was built in 1604 and…
14.05 MILES
Hagi's impressive city museum features permanent displays on astrology, biology and local crafts, and hosts visiting exhibitions.
14.09 MILES
The Shizuki shrine houses the remains of some lords of the Mōri clan.