Yanai(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

Don't miss Yanai's specialty koi sushi - vinegar-marinated sea bream on special vinegared rice served in traditional wooden boats. Try senbei soup with seafood and rice crackers, or savor Japanese sweets like wasanbon sugar confections at old-town teahouses. Summer-limited goldfish-shaped wagashi are Instagram favorites. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh octopus tempura at port-side restaurants.

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Yanai Station (80 minutes). From Iwakuni Station, buses take 30 minutes. Attractions are within walking distance, with a 300-yen sightseeing loop bus available. Ferries to Suo-Oshima depart from Yanai Port (25 minutes). Taxis start at 680 yen, but bicycle rentals (1,000 yen/day) are better suited for narrow alleys.

Best seasons are April-May for cherry blossoms and November for autumn foliage, with mild weather and fewer crowds. July-August offers vibrant festivals but carries typhoon risks. Avoid peak periods like Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August).

1. Always ask permission before photographing private residences
2. Book goldfish lantern workshops 3 days in advance
3. Check tide schedules for canal boat tours
4. Most eateries are cash-only - carry sufficient JPY
5. Bring sun protection and water in summer
6. Wear stain-resistant clothes for indigo dyeing

The Yanai Tourist Information Center (inside JR Station) provides multilingual maps and WiFi rentals (500 yen/day). Major sites have English signage, but staff English proficiency is limited - translation apps recommended. Purchase IC cards at convenience stores for nationwide transit use. Some shops accept PayPay mobile payment. For emergencies, dial 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance). Yanai General Hospital has an international clinic.