Iwakuni-Miyajima-Hagi-Akiyoshido Cave

Masa, a Japanese friend and I went on a road trip to Yamaguchi-ken, which is the southern most ken (state) on Honshu Island. It also makes it the closest Honshu ken to where we live. We drove to Iwakuni, where we saw this beautifully crafted Samurai bridge called Kintaikyo. Iwakuni is also famous for shirohebi (white snakes)! After that we went to Miyajima. It was the 3rd time for me to go there, and Masa's second time. It is one of the 3 recommended places to see in Japan, so didn't ming going again, although I do think it is my last time. That day proved to be an unusual day as there were many people digging for some kind of shellfish. It was quite a sight. Because the tide was so low we were also able to walk up to the Tori. The following day we drove to Hagi which in on the north coast of Yamaguchi-ken. Hagi is famous for being one of the first towns (or the first) to stand against the Shogunate rule. It is also famous for it's pottery. In the time of the samurai, only the samurai were allowed to use pottery bowls, cups, etc. The potters would cut a notch in the base of the pottery, "damaging" it, and then this "spoiled" pottery was then free to be used by commoners. Needless to say, now most of the pottery have notches cut out. I bought way too much!! After that we went to Akiyoshido Cave, which is the largest cave system in Japan. It was quite beautiful and peaceful. Unfortunately my photos didn't turn out too well.