Chances are that if you were to close your eyes and imagine Australia, the image of the Sydney Opera House next to the Sydney Harbor Bridge would spring to mind.

And at just about the same location on the Yamaguchi Prefecture map you'll find their landmark Kintai Bridge. Although different in design and lacking the world renown of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the wooden Kintai Bridge is over 300 years old and sure to leave a lasting impression.

Along with kangaroos and koalas, emus are a symbolic animal of Australia. They’re even on the country’s coat of arms.

Yamaguchi Prefecture also has a bunch of emus tucked away on Futaoijima. This island is home to only about 100 people, but boasts a wonderful array of seafood and an emu farm.

While it's certainly no replacement for the full Australian experience, for those in Japan who lack the money to fly Down Under, Yamaguchi is certainly a more affordable alternative! And for Australians who would like to see how your country would look in some alternate universe where everything is Japanese and smaller, Yamaguchi Prefecture is your place!

For more Australia/Yamaguchi similarities, be sure to read the full story after the break!

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