Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge 角島大橋

Located off the northwest coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture by the Sea of Japan, Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge and the stunning scenery around it have appeared in numerous TV commercials. One look and you'll see why. On a typically sunny day, the azure sea and the small islands floating on the horizon present just the kind of romantic, idyllic getaway travelers seek.

Cross the bridge by car to explore the island of Tsunoshima, including the resort there, Cobalt Blue Beach, and one of the oldest Western-style lighthouses in Japan. Tsunoshima may be a little out of the way, but it's well worth the effort to get there.

You can reach the Shimonoseki area via plane, train and bus.

Fly from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Yamaguchi's Ube Airport, then take the airportshare taxi to Shimonoseki Station (1 hour 15 minutes). At Shimonoseki Station, transfer to the Sanin Main Line and get off at Kottoi Station (80 minutes). Take the Blue Line bus to the entrance of Hotel Nishinagato Resort Iriguchi bus stop (15 minutes). The beach is a five-minute walk from there.

Best accessed by car, the journey takes around one hour from Shimonoseki IC. Alternatively, take a Blue Line Kotsu bus from Kottoi Station or Takibe Station, both accessible by the Sanin Main Line.

Amagase Park, right beside the bridge on the mainland side, is a great place to take a memorable photo. Tsunoshima itself is covered in trees and has few houses, giving it a secluded atmosphere, and the resorts here are just as appealing. You can camp on the island as well as Tsunoshima Ohama Campground.

Once you reach Tsunoshima Lighthouse, you'll find a carpark and several shops selling local souvenirs, along with cafes and public toilets. Locally caught grilled squid is just one of the local specialties offering an authentic taste of coastal life.

The Meiji Government commissioned British architect Richard Henry Brunton to construct the Tsunoshima Lighthouse. The structure is open to the public and is a popular spot for couples. Part of the building's appeal may be seen in how its white walls stand out against the blue summer skies.

You can climb the narrow, winding stairs inside the lighthouse for a small fee. From the top, step out into the open air to gaze out across Tsunoshima and beyond. You can see the large lighthouse lens and displays that describe its construction at the neighboring museum.

Combine your trip to Tsunoshima with a stop at Motonosumi Inari Shine, 40 minutes to the north, famous for its 123 vermilion torii gates. The site is reminiscent of the more famous Inari Shrine in Kyoto, but the torii gates here include views of the Sea of Japan, the rocky coast, and waves crashing against the rocks.

With all these scenic wonders and none of the crowds of Kyoto, this location may prove more appealing than its more famous counterpart.