Japan - Hometown of Yang Guifei 🏮

#While traveling in Japan, I took the time to explore a magical spot I'd heard about in university - the hometown of Yang Guifei. It is said that Yang Guifei did not die at Ma Wei Slope, but instead escaped to Japan by sea, landing in a small fishing village in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where she eventually passed away. Emperor Xuanzong, missing his beloved consort, even sent two Buddha statues to Japan. Replicas of these statues are still kept in the treasure hall of this scenic spot today, recognized as Japan's national cultural property. Route: It's a bit complicated. From Shimonoseki Station in Yamaguchi Prefecture, take the JR Sanin Main Line to Kogushi Station. Due to last year's flood, the JR line between Kogushi and Hito-maru is suspended, so you can only take the substitute bus. So, exit at Kogushi, turn right, cross an underground passage, and wait for the bus on the vacant lot across the street. After taking the bus to Hito-maru Station, transfer to the Blue Line bus in front of the station and get off at Nizunomiya Station, that's where you arrive. Opposite the bus stop, there are clear signs. Climbing up the mountain, you'll see the tomb said to be of Yang Guifei, which is quite elaborate. Wandering around, you can see the treasure hall (where the two Buddha statue replicas are kept), a shrine, a Chinese-style garden, and a statue of Yang Guifei gazing towards Chang'an. This spot is basically deserted, even the shrine staff are not on duty, and I couldn't find anyone to buy an amulet, so I gave up. The next bus back is in three hours, so I wandered around this small fishing village by the sea. Apart from finding a convenience store next to a gas station to buy some food, I hardly saw anyone. It's really remote. I feel this is a spot even most Japanese people haven't heard of. Those who make it here must be die-hard fans of Yang Guifei. If you want to visit, it's best to drive. If you're taking public transportation, be sure to check the timetable in advance, as missing any bus might mean you can't get back to the city that day. Upon closer inspection, this statue was designed by Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts, is this an official certification? Regardless of historical facts, it's somewhat fantastical and touching to see the empress dowager being venerated for a thousand years in a foreign land. 🌸🍃 #CulturalAttractionShare #JapanTravelGuide #JapanOffTheBeatenPath #OffTheBeatenTrack #YangGuifeiLitchi