Once known as the Chōshū and Suō provinces, Yamaguchi Prefecture is home to a number of historic roads—like the Hagi Ōkan and Akamagaseki Kaidō—that were once traversed by commoners and revolutionaries alike. What can we discover by walking these timeworn paths today? And what are the relevant benefits of traveling on foot?
In this issue, we explore Yamaguchi, Hagi, and Nagato—three cities connected by key historical routes. The theme: “Walkable.” Along the way, we dive into local culture through the lenses of coffee, sake, pottery, and hot springs. Our travel guest is Craig Mod, the writer who selected Yamaguchi as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2024” for The New York Times. In each city, we’re welcomed by local guides who share their knowledge and stories. Together, we find out just how deep Yamaguchi’s culture runs as we learn about its legendary historical figures, enjoy meaningful encounters, and explore the spiritual tradition of “shinbutsu shūgō” (the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism) as it’s revived in today’s hot spring culture.
PAPERSKY no.72 YAMAGUCHI “Walkable”
A Journey Through Yamaguchi’s Historical Roads
Release Date : May 30, 2025
Published by : PAPERSKY Co., Ltd.
Price : ¥1,980
