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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Shunan.
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s countryside lies a hidden gem, Shunan.
This whimsical town invites guests to embark on a journey filled with vibrant colors, historical charm, and natural beauty.
From wandering through lush gardens to indulging in savory treats, Shunan offers a myriad of experiences that will leave visitors yearning for more.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Shunan:
1. Tokuyama Zoo
Tokuyama Zoo is a public zoo located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to the conservation of animals and has a variety of species on display.
What to see or do: The zoo has a range of exhibits featuring animals from around the world, including elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, pandas, and monkeys.
Visitors can also watch animal shows, participate in feeding experiences, and take a ride on a cute zoo train.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the African Safari Zone where you can see zebras, rhinoceroses and other savannah animals, as well as the Tropical Rainforest Zone featuring primates, birds, and reptiles.
Don’t miss the penguin feeding time too.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibits at a more leisurely pace, it’s best to visit during the weekdays. You can bring your own food and picnic within the zoo grounds, but there are also several food vendors available.
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and hats during the summer months as it can get hot.
2. Sulphur Mountain
A mountain located in Shunan, Japan known for its hot springs and scenic hiking trails.
What to see or do: Take a cable car up to the mountain summit for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the many hot springs along the mountain trails.
Hike to the summit for a more rigorous and rewarding outdoor activity.
Don’t miss: The Sulphur Mountain Observatory located at the summit, offering fascinating views of the stars and planets.
Insider travel tips: Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring swimwear for the hot springs.
Be sure to research the best time to visit, as the weather can be unpredictable.
3. Tsunoshima Bridge
Tsunoshima Bridge is a stunning suspension bridge located in Shunan, Japan.
What to see or do: The bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, with clear blue water and lush greenery.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride across the bridge, taking in magnificent views of the surrounding islands and coastline.
Don’t miss: The sunset is a must-see spectacle from the bridge, with the sky painted in shades of orange, pink, and purple, making for an unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: – The bridge can get crowded during peak season, plan your visit accordingly.
4. Horiuchi Clan Residence
Horiuchi Clan Residence is a traditional Japanese house and former residence of the Horiuchi family, located in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the well-preserved house and admire the beautiful traditional Japanese architecture and decor, including sliding doors with intricate wood carvings and tatami-matted rooms.
The house also has a beautiful Japanese garden and a tea room where visitors can experience a Japanese tea ceremony.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful garden with its koi pond, stone bridges, and carefully placed rocks.
There is also a small museum on the property that showcases the history of the Horiuchi family and the local area.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to take off your shoes before entering the house, as is customary in Japanese homes.
5. Otozure Park
Picturesque park located in Shunan, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush greenery and botanical gardens, admire the seasonal flowers, take in the views of the nearby mountain ranges.
Visit the park’s various attractions including the Japanese tea house, bamboo groves, and koi ponds. There is also a playground for children.
Don’t miss: The park’s stunning waterfall, which is illuminated at night. Also, be sure to check out the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage in fall.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, bring your own snacks and drinks, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Additionally, be respectful of the park’s rules and regulations such as not feeding the wildlife or picking flowers.
6. Shunan Industrial Heritage Center
Shunan Industrial Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and development of industrial technology in Japan, particularly the region of Shunan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various exhibitions showcasing the various industrial processes and technology. From steam engines to advanced machinery, there is something to discover for any tech enthusiast.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive collection of industrial machinery and steam engines.
The center also hosts interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn firsthand about the modern state of industrial technology in Japan.
Insider travel tips: If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular demonstrations of the machinery. It’s a fascinating experience to witness the power and precision of these historic machines operating as they originally did.
Additionally, make sure to wear comfortable shoes- the museum covers a lot of ground!
7. Kenmin no Mori
Kenmin no Mori is a beautiful natural park located in Shunan city, Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping in the park.
There are several hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains, and the park also has a large campground area for overnight stays.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Kenmin no Mori is the stunning waterfall called “Nanatsu-gama” or Seven Pots, which is nestled deep in the forest.
The waterfall is known for its seven small pools that the water cascades into.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should pack plenty of water and snacks for their hikes, as there are few vending machines or shops located within the park.
It is also recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The park can get quite busy on weekends and holidays, so visitors should plan accordingly.
8. Nabekura Kannon Temple
Nabekura Kannon Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the beautiful traditional Japanese gardens surrounding the temple. Marvel at the intricate artwork and architecture of the Main Hall.
Experience the tranquil atmosphere as you offer prayers at the temple’s Kannon statue.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning cherry blossom trees in the spring. During fall, the foliage turns into various shades of red, yellow and orange.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds. Don’t forget to try the delicious sweets sold at the temple shop, made using the region’s fresh ingredients.
9. Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum
The Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Shunan city, Yamaguchi Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a range of works by the artist Okuda Genso, who is best known for his surrealistic and psychedelic paintings.
The museum’s permanent collection includes a variety of pieces that showcase the diversity of Genso’s artistic style, including some of his most famous works.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s special exhibitions, which feature works by other contemporary artists from Japan and around the world. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and film screenings.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can purchase tickets in advance online to avoid lines at the museum. Audio guides are available in English, Chinese, and Korean to help visitors better understand the exhibits.
The museum also has a lovely garden on its grounds that is worth exploring.
10. Nichihara Astronomical Observatory
The Nichihara Astronomical Observatory is a research facility and public observatory located in the city of Shunan, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe the moon, planets, stars, and other celestial objects using the observatory’s powerful telescopes and view the exhibitions on astronomy and space science.
There are also regular lectures and events on astronomy-related topics.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the observatory is the opportunity to see the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and other astronomical wonders through the powerful telescopes.
Also, make sure to check out the planetarium for a stunning visual experience.
Insider travel tips: 1) It is best to make a reservation before visiting, especially during peak season.
11. Ooe Onsen Hot Springs
Ooe Onsen Hot Springs is a popular hot spring resort located in the city of Shunan, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the natural hot springs that are said to have healing benefits due to the mineral content in the water.
The resort offers various types of baths, including indoor and outdoor pools, as well as private baths for couples or families.
Some of the pools overlook the scenic mountains and valleys, providing a relaxing and peaceful environment.
Don’t miss: Make sure to try the local specialty food, the “onsen tamago,” which is a soft-boiled egg cooked in the hot spring water.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Ooe Onsen is during the fall season when the leaves turn into a beautiful red and orange color.
It is also recommended to book ahead during holidays and weekends as the resort can get quite busy.
Visitors should take note that tattoos are not allowed in some of the public pools due to the association with the Yakuza, so it is better to opt for a private bath instead.
12. Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine
Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shunan, Japan.
Founded in 718 AD, the shrine is dedicated to Emperor Ojin and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s impressive main hall, which features intricate carvings and traditional Japanese architecture. The surrounding gardens are also a must-see, with winding paths, vibrant flowers, and tranquil ponds.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the shrine’s unique torii gate, which is made entirely of stone and is one of the largest of its kind in Japan.
It also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the annual Otokoyama Hachimangu Festival, be prepared for crowds as the locals flock to the shrine to celebrate with traditional music, dancing, and food.
Additionally, don’t forget to bring your camera – the scenic gardens make for some great photo opportunities!
13. Kasan Park
A spacious park located in Shunan City, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the natural trails, see the seasonal flowers and plants in the botanical gardens, have a picnic with family and friends, or play sports such as baseball and soccer in the open fields.
Don’t miss: The beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring, and the colorful autumn foliage in the fall.
Insider travel tips: Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park. Weekdays are less crowded, and the park entrance fee is free.
There are also some quaint traditional Japanese tea houses nearby where you can enjoy a cup of tea and some sweets.
14. Kogushi Beach
Kogushi Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand located in Shunan, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing at this beautiful beach. The clear waters make it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a stroll along the beach at sunset to witness spectacular views of the sun sinking below the horizon.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Kogushi Beach during the weekdays to avoid crowds.
15. Tomoda Farm Brewery and Restaurant
A brewery and restaurant located in the picturesque countryside of Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its craft beer made from locally sourced ingredients.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the brewery to see how the beer is made and sample some of the unique flavors, such as the red rice ale and honey ale.
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant featuring fresh produce from the farm, including homemade sausages and smoked meats.
Don’t miss: Trying the seasonal brews and limited edition bottles that are only available on site.
Be sure to check out the outdoor beer garden during the warmer months for a relaxing afternoon of drinking and snacking.
Insider travel tips: Book a table in advance, as the restaurant can get quite busy on weekends. If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting one of the private rooms for a more intimate experience.
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations on which beer to try based on your personal tastes.