Historic places in Hagi

Historic places in Hagi

1. See

   Ebisugahana Shipyard

   恵美須ヶ鼻造船所跡

   The shogunate had banned shipbuilding in the provinces to avoid uprisings however, as outsiders took more interest in Japan, the ban was lifted in 1853 and within a few years the Choshu Domain began building warships with new Western technology from Russia and the Netherlands. The ruins of the shipyard were registered as part of Hagi's World Heritage listing.

2. See

   Hagi Castle

   萩城跡 Hagi-jō

   Hagi Castle was built in 1604 by the Mōri Clan serving as the political center of the Chōshū Domain for over 250 years. After the Chōshū helped topple the shogunate, they took the lead the nation in modernization. As leaders, they wanted to set an example for everyone by dismantling a primary symbol of the feudal era in their own domain; Hagi Castle. Stone walls, the moat, and gardens mark the remains of the castle today. Plum blossoms line the moats and cherry blossoms bloom throughout the castle grounds in the late winter and spring respectively. Admission includes the Mōri House, which is just south of the park.

   Apr-Oct 08:00-16:30, Nov-Feb 08:30-16:30, March 08:00-18:00·¥220 adults, ¥110 children

3. See

   Hagi Christian Martyrs Memorial Park

   萩キリシタン殉教者記念公園

   The park contains the graves of Christians exiled to Hagi from Nagasaki in 1868 with a monument for Christian martyrs. It is also associated with the story of Kumagai Motonao and Amano Motonobu. During the construction of Hagi Castle, the two men were accused of stealing stones meant to be used to make the castle walls causing a 2 month delay in the castle's construction. Mōri Terumoto, who worked directly under the Tokugawa, had the two men and their entire families killed over the incident however, rumors at the time suggested the two men may have been killed for being hidden Christians and the stolen stones story was fabricated as a cover up.

4. See

   Kannon-in

   観音院

   Part of the Chugoku 33 Temple Pilgrimage, Kannon-in, also known as Tamae Kannon (玉江観音), was built overlooking the Hashimoto River. It is said that private meetings were held here by some of Hagi's most prominent and influential figures in the years leading up to the fall of the shogunate. The temple offers an incredible view of Mount Shizuki, the castle town, and the Sea of Japan.

   Closed · opens 8 am

5. See

   Masuda Residence

   旧益田家物見矢倉

   The Masuda from Masuda in Iwami Province lived here, but it is also believed to have been a secret spy location with a tower used to monitor who entered and exited the castle town.

6. See

   Meirin-kan

   明倫館

   Established by the Choshu-han, this school for gifted children used to be on the third floor of Hagi Castle, but moved to its own facilities in 1863. The school building is still in use as a part of elementary school. Visitors are free to tour the grounds, but not the interior.

7. See

   Ohitayama-tatara Iron Smelting Works

   大板山たたら製鉄遺跡

   Traditional iron-smelting technology (tatara) from the ancient Kibi Kingdom in Okayama, traditionally used for swords, was given new purpose in Hagi to produce iron for warships. The Heishin-maru is one of the ships known to be made with this iron. Today the ruins are listed as part of Hagi's World Heritage listing.

8. See

   Reverberating Furnace

   萩反射炉 Hansharo

   This massive furnace was built in 1858 for the production of modern weapons, but rarely used. It's partially in ruins today, but still an impressive sight.

   Free

9. See

   Sasanami Historic Preservation District

   佐々並市伝統的建造物群保存地区

   A small town built along the Hagi Okan (萩往還) in the Edo Period to connect the capital of Nagato Province (Hagi) to the capital of Suo Province (Hofu). It was used by travelers as a resting point with inns and shops. Many of the buildings still exist today.

10. See

    Shizuki Park

    指月公園 Shizuki-kōen

    Surrounding the castle ruins, this park is a popular spot for cherry blossom parties in the spring. Also here are a small shrine, a teahouse, the Jozangama pottery kiln (城山窯), and a hiking path leading up to the peak of Mt. Shizuki (about 140 m).

11. Do Not mapped

    Hagi Hina Festival

    萩城下の古き雛たち

    Hina doll displays are set up in many of the historic samurai residences in the Horiuchi area. On the last day of the festival, there is a ceremony where girls put special dolls in the waters of the Aibagawa Canal called nagashibina.

    Early Feb to Early Apr

12. Do Not mapped

    Hagi Historical Festival

    萩時代まつり

    During weekends in November, this festival involves people in traditional Choshu garb on parade through the center of town.

13. Do Not mapped

    Kurumayado Tenjuppei

    俥宿 天十平

    Rickshaw tours of the historic sections of the city center. They have standard itineraries to match the tour length, but substitutions can be made.

    Closed · opens 9 am·For two people, expect to pay ¥6000 for 30 minutes, ¥10,000 for one hour, or ¥20,000 two hours.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Hagi (CC BY-SA 4.0).