One of the greatest joys of travel is indulging in the local cuisine and immersing yourself in extraordinary experiences. In Japan, one of winter’s seasonal delights is fugu (pufferfish), a delicacy enjoyed for its refined flavors. Yamaguchi Prefecture, is renowned for its high-quality fugu, with many ryokan and restaurants dedicated to serving this seasonal specialty.

In this guide, we’ll explore where to stay and what to do in Yamaguchi, making the most of its rich culture and winter delicacies.

 

Where to Stay: 

Bettei Otozure 

Nestled in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, Bettei Otozure is a luxurious retreat where you can savor the best of local cuisine. From October to March, the ryokan offers an exclusive Tennen Fugu Full Course, an indulgent feast featuring  fugu prepared in various ways —from delicate sashimi and steamed dishes to grilled, fried, and hot pot varieties, concluding with a comforting fugu-infused porridge.

 

What makes dining here truly special is the tableware. Each dish is served on Fukagawa Hagi pottery, a tradition that has flourished for over 360 years in the nearby Fukagawa Sōnose village. In recent years, the ryokan has deepened its collaboration with local kilns, allowing guests to enjoy the seamless harmony between cuisine and ceramics. Savoring seasonal Tennen Fugu on exquisitely crafted Fukagawa Hagi tableware elevates the dining experience to something truly exceptional.

 

Beyond the culinary delights, the ryokan’s natural hot spring is another highlight. Each room features a private open-air bath with natural spring water (tennen onsen), providing the perfect setting to unwind with family. Immersing yourself in nature while indulging in exquisite food and soothing hot springs make for an unforgettable winter escape in Japan.

 

📍 Address: 2208 Fukagawa Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

 

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Where to Go:

Café & Pottery Oto 

A gallery showcasing the works of celebrated Fukagawa Hagi pottery artists, Café & Pottery Oto offers a curated selection of handcrafted tableware and art pieces by artisans such as Masahiro Sakakura (16th-generation Shinbe Sakakura), Takao Tahara, and Zen’emon Sakakura. Designed to bring beauty to everyday life, these exquisite pieces are also available for purchase.

 

The café complements the experience with delightful pastries crafted by patissier Kazuyo Yokoyama. Why not take home a piece of Fukagawa Hagi pottery—a keepsake to remind you of your journey?

 

📍 Address: 1261-12 Fukagawa Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
📞 Phone: 0837-25-4004
🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📅 Closed: Wednesdays & Thursdays

 

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CAPIME coffee 

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Yasuyuki and Chiharu Kametani, CAPIME coffee is a specialty shop dedicated to offering carefully selected coffee beans and brewing equipment, housed in a renovated 50-year-old traditional home. Their philosophy—”A single cup of coffee enriches life”—is reflected in their meticulous selection of beans and tools for the perfect brew.

For a truly immersive experience, explore their collection of finely crafted Hagi-yaki coffee cups, where the warmth of the pottery enhances your coffee ritual.

📍 Address: 3-2-41 Ōuchi Tōda, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
📞 Phone: 083-929-3342
🕒 Hours: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📅 Closed: Irregular holidays

 

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Tahara Tōbei Kiln 

For those interested in pottery, a visit to Tahara Tōbei Kiln offers a firsthand look at Hagi-yaki craftsmanship. Located at the entrance to Fukagawa Sōnose village, the gallery features a diverse  collection of works, from tea ceremony bowls to everyday tableware. The current head of the kiln is reknowned for his elegant and serene tea bowls, designed to bring a sense of tranquility to the tea-drinking experience. His son, Takao Tahara, has also gained recognition for his innovative use of ryūhaku-yū (flowing white glaze) and other modern glazing techniques. Behind the workshop, you’ll find a historic noborigama climbing kiln– still in use today–invites visitors to explore its centuries-old firing process. 

 

 📍 Address: 1403 Fukagawa Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 

📞 Phone: 0837-25-3406

🕒 Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM / 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM 

📅 Closed: Sundays, New Year’s holidays, and Obon holidays

 

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Winter in Yamaguchi is a season of discovery, where culinary excellence, artistic heritage, and natural beauty intertwine. From savoring the season’s finest flavors of fugu, to admiring the craftsmanship of local pottery, each experience is a celebration of tradition. After a day of exploration, there is nothing quite like unwinding in the soothing embrace of the natural hot springs.

Experience a journey where exquisite cuisine, traditional craftsmanship, and the warmth of onsen come together in perfect harmony.

Let Yamaguchi’s timeless charm and seasonal delights make this winter one to remember.

 

Photo Credit: Yuji Ono