The Tsunoshima–Akiyoshidai area lies in western and northern Yamaguchi Prefecture, across Shimonoseki (Hohoku, Toyota and Toyoura), Nagato and Mine. Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido Cave are close to Mine Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. Route 435 crosses the hills north-west to Tsunoshima Bridge on the Sea of Japan. Heading east along the coast on Route 191 brings you to Nagato, with Motonosumi Shrine and Senjojiki.
This guide follows a day from Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai via Tsunoshima to Senzaki in Nagato, with roads and places to stop listed below.
Map of Tsunoshima and Akiyoshidai
- Views and nature
- Roadside stations
- 1Akiyoshido Cave
- 2Akiyoshidai Plateau
- 3Michi-no-Eki Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi
- 4Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku
- 5Amagase Park
- 6Tsunoshima Lighthouse
- 7Motonosumi Shrine
- 8Higashiushirobata rice terraces
- 9Senjojiki
- 10Michi-no-Eki Senzakitchen
- 11Omijima Island
- 12Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima
- 13Kawatana Onsen
- 14Michi-no-Eki Mito
Line: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10
The map could not be loaded. Use the junction-by-junction directions below.
The line follows the full-day route below, "First visit: one day from Akiyoshidai via Tsunoshima to Nagato". Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.
Recommended drives
First visit: one day from Akiyoshidai via Tsunoshima to Nagato
From Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai, take Route 435 to Toyota, stop at the roadside stations Michi-no-Eki Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi and Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku, then cross Tsunoshima Bridge from Amagase Park.
After Tsunoshima Lighthouse, return to Honshu and follow Route 191 to Motonosumi Shrine, the Higashiushirobata rice terraces and Senjojiki. Finish at Michi-no-Eki Senzakitchen in Senzaki.
The route is about 133 km, with around 2 hours 10 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic. The route uses ordinary roads only and has no tolls.
The Karst Observatory at Akiyoshidai is closed for construction through 26 March 2027. The Karst Road (Prefectural Route 242) remains open.
Route 191 at Kandakami in Hohoku is scheduled to close around the clock from 24 November 2026 to 12 March 2027. During that time, reach Tsunoshima by detouring on Prefectural Route 39 and similar roads.
Tsunoshima Bridge: go in the morning
Tsunoshima Bridge is 1,780 m long and free. It can close in strong wind.
During long holidays and the summer holidays, cars returning from Tsunoshima to Honshu cause congestion from about 13:30 to 15:00. If you are returning towards Shimonoseki or Kyushu when it is busy, turn left at the junction after the bridge and take the municipal Tsunoshima Ohashi Line to Route 191.
The bridge is lit up all year. Tsunoshima has no convenience store.
Motonosumi Shrine now
The torii gates at Motonosumi Shrine are under repair, and you cannot walk through them. The work is expected to last until spring 2027 or later. Through November 2026 the shrine is closed to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. On weekdays it is open 09:30–16:30, and you must leave the grounds by 16:30.
Parking costs ¥300 for the first hour, then ¥100 for each further hour, up to ¥500. The roads around the shrine have one lane.
Roads you can drive
| Road | What to expect | Length and cost | Hours and restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chugoku Expressway | From Mine-Higashi JCT via Mine IC, Mine-Nishi IC and Ozuki IC to Shimonoseki IC | Tolled | In heavy snow, Yamaguchi IC–Ozuki IC can close early |
| Tsunoshima Bridge, Prefectural Tsunoshima–Kanda Line | From Amagase Park on Honshu to Tsunoshima | 1,780 m; free | Can close in strong wind |
| National Route 191 | Sea of Japan coast from Shimonoseki via Kawatana and Hohoku to Nagato | Free | Kandakami in Hohoku scheduled to close around the clock, 24 November 2026–12 March 2027 |
| Akiyoshidai Karst Road, Prefectural Route 242, Akiyoshidai Koen Line | Crosses the grassland on top of Akiyoshidai | Free | Karst Observatory closed through 26 March 2027. Can be icy in winter |
| National Route 435 | Hill road from Mine via Toyota to Hohoku, towards Tsunoshima | Free | — |
| National Route 316 | Mine to Nagato; the road from Mine-Nishi IC to Senzaki and Omijima | Free | Alternating traffic around the clock at Yamanaka, Higashi-Atsu, Mine |
Places to stop
Views and nature
Numbers match the map.
| No. | Place | Parking | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akiyoshido Cave | Main entrance: No. 1, 200 spaces; No. 2, 300 spaces (ordinary cars ¥500 per entry per day, height limit 2.5 m). Kurotani 120 spaces and Elevator entrance 150 spaces, free | Entry ¥1,600 for high-school age and over in the standard period (varies by date). Standard-period reception 09:00–16:30, open all year |
| 2 | Akiyoshidai | Free | Karst Observatory closed through 26 March 2027. Information centre 08:30–17:00. Autumn grasses mid-November to early December |
| 5 | Amagase Park | 46 spaces; free, 24 hours | Honshu end of Tsunoshima Bridge. No parking for large buses |
| 6 | Tsunoshima Lighthouse | Paid car parks nearby | Entry ¥300 for junior-high age and over (free for disability-certificate holders and one companion). October–February 09:00–16:30, last entry 20 minutes before closing. On 20 November 2026 visits stop 09:00–12:00 and resume when the work ends |
| 7 | Motonosumi Shrine | No. 1: 92 spaces (¥300 for the first hour, then ¥100 for each further hour, up to ¥500) | Closed to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays through November 2026. Torii gates under repair |
| 8 | Higashiushirobata rice terraces | 30 spaces; free (about 200 m to the west) | Squid-boat lights visible at night from about mid-May to early August. No bus access |
| 9 | Senjojiki | About 200 spaces; free | Grassland at 333 m |
| 11 | Omijima Island | 150 spaces (ordinary cars ¥500 per entry) | Sightseeing boats leave from Senzaki |
| 12 | Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima | Car park available | In the middle of Tsunoshima. Shop 09:00–17:00, closed Wednesdays |
| 13 | Kawatana Onsen | — | Hot-spring town with kawara-soba restaurants. About 20 minutes from Ozuki IC |
Roadside stations
| No. | Roadside station | Parking | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Michi-no-Eki Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi | 143 ordinary cars | In Toyota, with the Hotaru no Yu hot spring. 08:30–21:00 (varies by facility). Usually closed on the fourth Tuesday, though this changes in some months |
| 4 | Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku | 138 ordinary cars | On Route 191. Shop 08:30–18:00 (until 19:00 in July–August, until 17:00 in December–February) |
| 10 | Michi-no-Eki Senzakitchen | 148 ordinary cars | In Senzaki. 09:00–18:00. Closed on the second Thursday (except August) and New Year's Day |
| 14 | Michi-no-Eki Mito | 88 ordinary cars | On Route 435, east of Akiyoshidai. 08:00–18:00 |
Best seasons and crowds
| Season | Highlights and cautions |
|---|---|
| Mid-January–early February | Daffodils at Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park |
| Third Sunday of February (usually) | Controlled burn on Akiyoshidai, with traffic restrictions nearby on the day |
| Late April–late May | Flooded paddies and rice planting at the Higashiushirobata terraces |
| Mid-May–early August | Squid-boat lights at the Higashiushirobata terraces |
| Mid to late July | Crinum lilies at Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park |
| Mid-November–early December | Autumn grasses on Akiyoshidai |
Sunset is at 17:23 on 31 October and 17:11 on 15 November (Yamaguchi City).
Crowded places and times
- Tsunoshima Bridge gets busy from about 13:30 to 15:00 during long holidays and the summer holidays, with cars returning to Honshu.
- At Motonosumi Shrine, cars queue for the car park during long holidays, especially Golden Week and Obon.
Roads and restrictions checked on 2 November 2026
- Route 191 at Kandakami in Hohoku is scheduled to close around the clock from 24 November 2026 to 12 March 2027. Reach Tsunoshima by detouring on Prefectural Route 39 and similar roads.
- Route 316 at Yamanaka, Higashi-Atsu, Mine has alternating traffic around the clock.
- The Karst Observatory at Akiyoshidai is closed through 26 March 2027. Motonosumi Shrine is closed to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays through November 2026.
Getting there and fuel
| Starting point | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Chugoku Expressway, Mine IC | Akiyoshidai about 20 minutes; Tsunoshima Bridge about 1 hour; Motonosumi Shrine about 60 minutes |
| Chugoku Expressway, Ozuki IC | Tsunoshima Bridge about 60 minutes |
| Chugoku Expressway, Shimonoseki IC | Tsunoshima Bridge about 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Ogori–Hagi Road, Akiyoshidai IC | Akiyoshido Cave 5 minutes; Akiyoshidai 10 minutes |
| Yamaguchi Ube Airport | Tsunoshima Bridge about 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Kitakyushu Airport | Tsunoshima Bridge about 1 hour 40 minutes |
All the roadside stations have EV charging. Refuel in Shimonoseki, Nagato or Mine before heading to Tsunoshima, Motonosumi Shrine and Senjojiki.
The flat Sea of Japan coast gets relatively little snow, but the Chugoku Expressway between Mine and Ozuki and the top of Akiyoshidai can have settled snow and ice in winter. In the heavy snow of February 2026, the Chugoku Expressway closed early between Yamaguchi IC and Ozuki IC. In winter you need winter tyres, and should carry chains as well.
If you don't have a car
Use the Yamaguchi rental-car listings to find a pickup location. Before booking, check the driving-permit requirements and how airport pickup works.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I drive with one day in Tsunoshima and Akiyoshidai?
From Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai, drive via Tsunoshima to Senzaki. Take Route 435 towards Tsunoshima, cross Tsunoshima Bridge to the lighthouse, then return and follow Route 191 to Motonosumi Shrine and Senjojiki. The route is about 133 km, with around 2 hours 10 minutes of driving. There are no tolls.
Is Tsunoshima Bridge free?
Yes. It is 1,780 m long and can close in strong wind.
When can I visit Motonosumi Shrine?
Through November 2026 it is closed to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. On weekdays it is open 09:30–16:30, and you must leave the grounds by 16:30. The torii gates are under repair and you cannot walk through them; the work is expected to last until spring 2027 or later.
Can I go to the Akiyoshidai observatory?
The Karst Observatory is closed for construction through 26 March 2027. The Karst Road is open, and Akiyoshido Cave is operating as normal.
Can I drive here in winter?
The coast gets relatively little snow, but the Chugoku Expressway and the top of Akiyoshidai can be icy, so you need winter tyres.
Nearby areas and guides
Sources & verification
Last verified: 2026-11-02
- NEXCO West Japan (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (Oidemase Yamaguchi) (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- MLIT Chugoku Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture, Infrastructure Tourism (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture road information (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Shimonoseki Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Yamaguchi Prefecture (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Michi-no-Eki Senzakitchen (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Shimonoseki Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture road information (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- MLIT Chugoku Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Tokokai Lighthouse Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Tokokai Lighthouse Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Kaido Hohoku (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (Oidemase Yamaguchi) (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Nagato City (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato City (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-11-02
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Kawatana Onsen Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Kawatana Onsen Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Kawatana Onsen Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Kawatana Onsen Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- MLIT Chugoku Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Michi-no-Eki Liaison Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Michi-no-Eki Liaison Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Michi-no-Eki Liaison Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Michi-no-Eki Liaison Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Michi-no-Eki Liaison Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Michi-no-Eki Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Nagato Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Mine City Tourism Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Shimonoseki Tourism Convention Association (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Japan Meteorological Agency (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Yamaguchi Ube Airport (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- MLIT Chugoku Regional Development Bureau (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- Japan Meteorological Agency (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
- OpenStreetMap (map positions and route; © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL; route calculated with OSRM) · 2026-10-27
- Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima (official page, in Japanese) · 2026-10-27
