1. Abu Town

 A small town on the Sea of Japan in northeastern Yamaguchi Prefecture. Sea and mountains sit side by side, supporting vibrant fishing and farming. Known as the birthplace of Japan’s roadside station concept (Michi-no-Eki), it also offers hot springs, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Basic Information

  • Kana: あぶちょう
  • English: Abu Town
  • Area: Northeastern Yamaguchi (Sea of Japan side)

① Climate

Reference: JMA climate normals 1991–2020 / approx. Hagi station

  • Annual mean temperature: 15.6 °C
  • Seasonal peaks: Aug ~26.8 °C (high) / Jan ~5.5 °C (low)
  • Humidity: highest ~83% (Jul) / lowest ~69% (Mar)
  • Annual snowfall: very little (0–a few cm / year)
  • Sunshine: longest around Oct–Nov
  • Annual precipitation: ~1,800 mm (max: Jul ~270 mm / min: Feb ~80 mm)

② Landform

 Facing the Sea of Japan with coves and rocky shores along the coast.
 The ridges of the Chūgoku Mountains press close behind, with forests and satoyama landscapes.
 River terraces and alluvial plains develop along the lower Abu River.
 Harbors and woodlands sit in proximity — a landscape rich in nature.

③ Industry

 Built on fishing (squid, horse mackerel, yellowtail, etc.) and agriculture (citrus, rice, vegetables). The Michi-no-Eki hub anchors local product sales and tourism exchange.
Local specialties

  • Abu Sea Bream: branded fish from the Sea of Japan coast.
  • Abu Salt: revival of traditional natural salt making.
  • Yuzu products: aromatic citrus grown in upland areas.

④ Local Culture & Character

 A lifestyle where fishing-village and mountain-village cultures meet.
 Festivals and kagura (sacred dance) traditions vary by district.
 Resident-led town initiatives draw attention nationwide.

  • Abu Kagura: an old performing art with regionally distinct dances.
  • Nago Ondo: a folk song of fishing villages, performed at summer festivals.
  • Uda Taiko: creative drumming by local youth groups.

2. Main Transportation

JR (listed West → East)

To Nagato / Shimonoseki
長門大井 奈古 木与 宇田郷
To Masuda / Hamada (Shimane)

JR San’in Main Line. Adjust station list as needed.

Airports (Domestic)

  • Hagi–Iwami Airport (Masuda, Shimane)

Expressways & Limited-access Roads (West → East)

To Yamaguchi
絵堂 IC (nearby) 萩 IC
To Hagi

Main Roads (cross-municipality)

  • National Route 191: coastal trunk connecting Hagi, Nagato, and Masuda
  • National Route 315: links Hagi and the Shūnan area via inland routes

Ports & Sea Routes

3. Festivals & Events

Jun–Jul
Onmyō Ika (Squid) Season Festival (Nago / Kiyo area)
Various venues in townOfficial
Aug
Summer Festival & Fireworks (held in some years)
Nago area, etc.Official

Dates vary by year. Check the official website for the latest information.

4. Sights

Replace links with final destination pages once published.