Doshunji Temple is the family temple of Mori Motonari, but there was an old temple in this area, Kuniseiji, built in 1404 by Ouchi Morimi as a place to pray for peace and prosperity in the family. After the Mori clan moved to Hochō, the temple became the family temple of Takamoto Mori, but later became the family temple of Motonari and was renamed Dōshunji. The present main hall of Doshunji was burned down and reconstructed during the Edo period (1603-1868), but the gate is believed to be from the time when Kokushinji Temple was built. Although some of the materials used for the gate have been modified after the Edo period, the structure is sound, especially the large wooden toads without carvings, which are characteristic of Zen-style gates of the time. The roof is gabled with a pantile roofing, but it is thought to have originally been thatched with cypress bark or kokera (wood shingles).

In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the Ichinosaka River was modeled after the Kamo River in Kyoto in the city of Yamaguchi, which was built to resemble Kyoto. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and the river is illuminated at night for nighttime cherry blossom viewing. In early summer, fireflies, designated as a natural treasure by the Japanese government, can be seen dancing wildly, and “Firefly Viewing Week” is held from the end of May to the beginning of June every year.

There is an impressive vermilion Otorii (large gateway) by Tatekoji Street, lined with machiya (townhouse) style buildings. The head shrine was built by Ouchi Koyo in 1369 (Oan 2) and was recommended from Kyoto. At first, the shrine was built on a vertical alley, but the site was moved further up the water. Later, in 1519, when Ouchi Yoshinori built the Daijingu Shrine at the foot of Takamine Mountain, the head shrine was moved to the same location and a new building was constructed.

Ryufukuji Temple is a temple of the Rinzai sect, founded by Ouchi Mitsumori in 1206. Originally located in Shiroishi, it was called Hoshuzan Zuikuunji Temple. It was rebuilt by Ouchi Hironao in 1336 and became his family temple. Later, in 1454, Kyotoku 3 (1454), Ouchi Norihiro welcomed monk Sesshin to the temple, and the temple was renamed Soto Zen temple and changed its name to Zuikuunzan Ryufukuji. Later, Ouchi Yoshitaka requested the Emperor Gonara to grant him a charter to rebuild the temple, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1551 during the Tenmon War. In April 1557, Mouri Takamoto rebuilt Ryufukuji Temple as Yoshitaka's family temple on the site of Ouchidate. However, it was destroyed by fire in 1881, leaving only the zendo and the temple gate. When the temple was rebuilt, the main hall was moved from Koryuji Temple, which was formerly the family temple of the Ouchi clan. It was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1954.

This shopping street is a complex of seven shopping streets: Nishimonzen, Dojimonzen, Yoneyacho, Nakaichi, Oichi, Ekidori, and Shinmachi, all of which are integrated into a single shopping street. The shopping street stretches in front of the station, centering on a 700-meter-long arcade running east-west and Prefectural Road No. 194 running north-south. Festivals such as the Yamaguchi Gion Festival, Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival, and Yamaguchi Tenjin Festival are also held here.

You can take a break here. We have a tea house for your relaxation.