Browse by Category — TOKUJI.COM | Explore Tokuji, Yamaguchi

Experience

Yamanoimo Cooking Experience

When it comes to local specialties in Tokuji, the Yamanoimo (Japanese mountain yam) reigns supreme. Characterized by its rugged, glove-like shape, this unique root vegetable offers two wonderful surprises: first, its incredibly powerful, sticky texture when grated, and second, its remarkably rich yet refined flavor. In this hands-on cooking program, you’ll go far beyond the classic tororo gohan (grated yam over rice). You will discover the yam's versatility by whipping up a variety of dishes tailored to your tastes, from crispy deep-fried yam to comforting hot pots and savory okonomiyaki pancakes. The best part? Gathering around the dining table with welcoming locals to share a hearty, home-cooked meal and enjoy lively conversation.

All Areas

Experience

Shimaji

Chijimatsu Washi Studio

Chijimatsu Washi Studio carries on the centuries-old tradition of Tokuji Washi (traditional Japanese handmade paper), a craft dating back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333). The area was once famously known as "Tokuji Sengen" (A Thousand Papermaking Homes), a nod to the countless farming families who produced paper during the agricultural off-season. Today, the studio remains deeply rooted in this farming heritage. From cultivating the raw materials, such as kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, and tororo-aoi (sunset hibiscus used as a natural binding agent) to the final pressing, every sheet of paper is crafted completely from scratch. Run by Tomoyuki Chijimatsu, a local artisan who returned to his roots through a regional revitalization program, the studio offers immersive hands-on papermaking experiences. Visitors can choose between a quick 1-to-2-hour introduction or an intensive, multi-day masterclass to learn the authentic techniques of a true artisan.

All Areas

Stay

Izumo

Tomokage-ryokan

Established in the Taisho era (1912–1926), this historic inn is the last of its kind in Tokuji, now lovingly preserved and operated by a young couple who inherited the legacy from their grandmother. The inn stands just steps away from the former Hori Station—once the final stop of the Bocho Railway that bustled with travelers in decades past. With its iconic red-tiled roof and traditional wooden architecture, the inn offers classic Japanese-style rooms that have been meticulously cared for, exuding a deep sense of nostalgia and charm. Guests are treated to handmade, home-style breakfasts and dinners featuring fresh local ingredients. Known for its comforting, daily-changing menus, the inn is a favorite not only for tourists but also for long-term business travelers seeking a "home away from home" in Tokuji.

All Areas

Stay

Izumo

Kominka Yamane

Once world travelers, this backpacker couple has now planted roots in the quiet mountains of Tokuji at Kominka Yamane—a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese home. Living a semi-self-sufficient lifestyle, they grow their own rice and vegetables while balancing creative design work and a popular "Kawara Soba" food truck. What started as a single guest room in their historic family home has evolved into a private cottage just steps away. Their warm, worldly personalities draw guests from across the globe to this soulful retreat, where many return time and again to reconnect with the landscape and the inspiring, heritage-filled way of life they’ve created.

All Areas

Stay

Shimaji

The Shimajigawa Visitor Hub -shian-

Opened in the autumn of 2025, shian is a private guest house and intimate community space designed to foster connections. Founded by Mr. Marumoto, a local travel professional in Yamaguchi City, this project grew from a simple realization: to welcome more people into the heart of Tokuji, we needed more places for them to stay and belong. Located within walking distance of its sister property, Karayamatei, shian serves as both an exclusive retreat for one group per day and a vibrant hub for the neighborhood. Through occasional pop-up cafes and small local events, it is slowly blooming into a shared space where travelers’ stories meet the daily lives of the local community.

All Areas

Food

Izumo

Tokuji Toritama no Sato

A beloved local landmark where the freshness of the countryside takes center stage. Famous for its premium, farm-fresh eggs, Toritama no Sato offers the ultimate comfort food experience: Tamago Kake Gohan (raw egg over rice), served with eggs laid that very morning. Beyond the dining area, the market is stocked with local poultry products, sweets made from rich golden yolks, and seasonal vegetables from Tokuji’s farmers. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to taste the pure, natural bounty of the region.

All Areas

Food

Izumo

Asamura Strawberry Farm

A sweet destination that draws crowds from across the prefecture. Managed directly by local strawberry farmers, Asamura Ichigo-en is famous for its signature soft-serve ice cream, topped with lush, handpicked berries. Whether it’s the vibrant red of spring strawberries or the rich flavors of seasonal fruits, every treat captures the peak ripeness of the farm's harvest. Take a seat on the terrace, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy a moment of pure, fruity bliss in the heart of Tokuji.

All Areas

Food

Yuno

Yamazato: Local Kitchen & Yuno Farm Market

A heartwarming kitchen run by the local women of the Yuno district, where the true "taste of home" lives. Yamazato is famous for its nourishing set meals featuring seasonal mountain vegetables and their signature Yuzu specialties, all crafted from ingredients grown in the surrounding fields. Adjacent to the dining area, the farm market offers a variety of handmade treasures, from zesty Yuzu miso to fresh local produce. It’s a place to slow down, savor the rustic flavors of the countryside, and feel the genuine hospitality of the Tokuji community.

All Areas

Experience

A Journey to the Infinite: Stargazing in Tokuji.

One of the most breathtaking surprises for first-time visitors to Tokuji is the sheer brilliance of the night sky. Mr. Nakagawa, who first came to the region as a high school vice-principal, was so captivated by these stars that he made them his life’s work. Now a stargazing instructor at the National Yamaguchi Tokuji Youth Outdoor Learning Center, Mr. Nakagawa serves as your expert guide to the cosmos. From identifying constellations to spotting the frequent shooting stars that grace these dark skies, he invites you on an endless journey into the universe. Here, the stars feel close enough to touch.

All Areas

Experience

Pilgrimage to the Giants: Ancient Trees of Tokuji.

Long recognized for its superior timber, Tokuji was chosen as the primary source of wood for the reconstruction of Nara’s iconic Todai-ji Temple. Even today, the region remains a sanctuary for massive, ancient trees. On this tour, you don’t need to venture deep into the wilderness to encounter these living monuments—some boasting root circumferences of over 10 meters. You will visit three legendary sites: the Grand Cedar of Ninomiya (a City Natural Monument), the Great Ginkgo of Myoken-sha (a Prefectural Natural Monument), and the Kojii (Castanopsis) of Katasako. For centuries, these silent giants have watched over this rural landscape, and standing before them, you can almost hear the whispered stories of the ages.

All Areas

Tour

Warmth from the Core: A Journey into Satoyama Life

Tokuji, Yamaguchi, is a region where the rich embrace of nature and the traditional "Satoyama" culture—a harmonious way of living with the land—still thrive today. This tour invites you to immerse yourself in the diverse charms of Tokuji through historical exploration, authentic local life experiences, and seasonal cuisine. Engage all five senses and discover a timeless lifestyle where human activity and nature exist in perfect balance.

All Areas

Tour

A Satoyama Experience Rooted in the Legacy of Todai-ji

Tokuji, Yamaguchi, is a region where nature’s bounty and the traditional "Satoyama" way of life remain beautifully preserved. This tour offers a profound journey into Japan’s history and culture, centered around the legacy of the monks who sourced timber here to rebuild the Great Buddha of Nara. Through authentic local experiences and seasonal cuisine, you will discover the timeless harmony between people and the land, engaging all five senses in the heart of the countryside.

All Areas