I recently watched the latest Detective Conan movie, The Phantom Eye (名探偵コナン 隻眼の残像), and was captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of Nagano Prefecture featured in the film. It made me realize that Yamaguchi Prefecture also has many similarly beautiful and fascinating spots to explore!
In this blog post, I’ll introduce tourist destinations in Yamaguchi that share a similar charm with the locations from the movie. If you’re planning a trip to Japan or looking for hidden gems beyond the usual tourist trails, you’ll love these Yamaguchi destinations!
1. Nobeyama Radio Observatory → Kirara-hama Nature Observation Park (Sanyo-Onoda City)
In the movie, the Nobeyama Radio Observatory evokes the mystery of space and science.
Yamaguchi’s Kirara-hama Nature Observation Park offers a similar experience. Here, you can attend stargazing events and learn about nature and astronomy in a beautiful coastal setting. A perfect destination for anyone fascinated by the cosmos!
Kirara-hama Nature Observation Park (Japanese)
2. Yatsugatake Mountains → Mt. Tokusagamine
The majestic Yatsugatake mountain range featured in the film adds to the story’s dramatic backdrop.
In Yamaguchi, you can hike Mt. Tokusagamine, known as “The Roof of Yamaguchi.” It’s a perfect hiking spot with panoramic views from the summit—just as impressive as the highlands of Nagano.
Tokusagamine Tourist Information (Japanese）
3. Nagano Prefectural Government Building → Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives (Former Government Building)
The film showcases Nagano’s grand government buildings.
In Yamaguchi, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives—housed in a historic government building from the Taisho era—offers visitors a chance to explore architecture and history together. A must-visit for fans of historical buildings!
Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives (Japanese)
4. Nagano Station / Saku-daira Station → Shin-Yamaguchi Station
Nagano Station and Saku-daira Station serve as key access points in the movie.
In Yamaguchi, Shin-Yamaguchi Station is the main transportation hub, with bullet train access and connections to sightseeing buses and local trains. It’s the gateway to discovering the region’s treasures.
Shin-Yamaguchi Station Info (JR West-Japanese)
5. Zenkoji Temple → Rurikoji Temple (Five-Storied Pagoda)
Zenkoji’s historical presence stands out in the film.
Yamaguchi’s Rurikoji Temple is equally stunning, especially with its iconic five-storied pagoda set against seasonal scenery like cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. The peaceful atmosphere offers a reflective and spiritual experience, much like Zenkoji.
After seeing the amazing sights in the Detective Conan: The Phantom Eye movie, I was delighted to discover that Yamaguchi Prefecture holds many equally impressive destinations.
From nature and mountains to historic architecture and temples, Yamaguchi is filled with places that offer a deep cultural experience.
As a local guide, I highly recommend exploring these unique spots in Yamaguchi. You might just find your own mystery and magic waiting here—just like in the movie!