Oku-Hagi Valley Chōmonkyō Gorge: A Natural Wonder
The Abu River flows out of the mountains in the center of Yamaguchi Prefecture into the Japan Sea. Before the river flows into a lake created by Abugawa Dam, both sides of the river are steep vertical cliffs. The 12-kilometer span is called Chōmonkyō Gorge, and a walkway runs through the verdant scenery along the riverbank. At the entrance to the gorge, two rivers collide and plunge downstream. The spectacular sight has been the subject of many artists’ paintings since the 1800s. Plants, wildlife, and human visitors can co-exist peacefully here in nature.
Susa and Esaki Bays
The natural harbors of Susa and Esaki, which are bifurcated by Mt. Kōyama, have been used by fishermen for over a thousand years. Fish from these ports was sent to Hagi Castle Town during the Edo period (1603–1867), and from there they were sent to the bustling markets of Sakai in Osaka. Susa is also the location of the Susa Hornfels, a cliff of stratified sandstone and mudstone.