9 Best Spots To Experience The History Of Hagi, Yamaguchi

1. Shoin Shrine and the Shoka Sonjuku

Hagi city is filled with various historical remnants from the Bakumatsu era, and Shoin Shrine is one of those places you definitely have to visit. Located within the Shoin Shrine compound is the “Shoka Sonjuku” - a school that produced key scholars in Japanese history, such as Sinsaku Takasugi and Hirobumi Ito. It is no exaggeration to say that this small building caused a massive change in Japanese history, and it’s amazing to imagine how a room of merely 30 square metres (323 square feet) had so much impact!

Located within the Shoka Sonjuku compounds are photographs and stories of these scholars who were once students of the school.

Shoin Shrine

Address: 1537 Chinto, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Access: 15 mins walk from JR Higashi Hagi station

Website: Shoin Shrine

2. The newly opened Hagi Meirin Gakusha

The Hagi Meirin Gakusha opened in March 2017 to prepare for the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Era. It was re-built at the former Meirin Primary School compound, and the entire compound is made of wood. The school used to be a part of the Hagi Meirin Kan – one of the biggest schools in the nation during the 1700s. Meirin Primary School was in fact functional very recently until March 2014, and the building is now registered as one of Japan’s tangible cultural property.

At Hagi Meirin Gakusha, you can observe closely how the Japanese primary schools used to look like in the past. The nostalgic atmosphere of the compound is one that cannot be appreciated anywhere else. The building is also home to museums with over 600 exhibits that teach you about Hagi history. A restaurant is also present on the second floor, and this place is certainly worth spending an entire afternoon!

Hagi Meirin Gakusha

Address: 602 Emukai, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Access: 35 minute bus ride from JR Yamaguchi Station

Website: Hagi Meirin Gakusha

3. Kido Takayoshi’s former residence

Kido Takayoshi (1833 – 1877) was a warrior from the Bakumatsu era who played a crucial role in shaping Japan’s history. Said to be one of the “three great nobles” during the Meiji Restoration, together with Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, Kido Takayoshi used to stay in Hagi city for almost 20 years. At his former residence, you will be able to observe what traditional Japanese houses looked like, as well as view historical artefacts and learn about Kido’s story.

Kido Takayoshi’s Former Residence

Address: 2-37 Gofukumachi, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Access: 4 minute walk from “Hagi Museum Urakami Kinenkan, Hagi Castle Jokamachi Bus Stop” of the Hagi Junkan Maru Bus Line

Website: Kido Takayoshi’s Former Residence

4. Stone toros of Tokoji Temple

Many of the locations introduced so far have great significance in Japanese history, but might not quite be what you are looking for if you are not a history buff. Tokoji Temple is a place where even non-history fans can enjoy! A huge red gate will welcome you as you enter the temple, and walking through this gate will lead you to an even bigger gate called the Sanmon. This Sanmon of Tokoji Temple is registered as an ‘Important Cultural Property’, and is at a phenomenal height of 11.6 metres (38 feet). The gate was built in 1812 and has been serving the temple since then.

Deeper into the temple, you will reach the grave of the Mori family, who were looked upon as leaders of Hagi city. Here, you will also be able to witness a spectacle of 500-stone Toros (traditional lanterns made of stone) lining the path to the grave.

Tokoji Temple

Address: 1647 Chinto, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:00 pm

Access: 1 minute walk from the “Tokoji-mae Bus Stop” of the Hagi Junkan Maru Bus Line

Website: Tokoji Temple

5. The hatoba at Yukawa family’s former residence

The Yukawa family was a family of warriors that used to reside in Hagi city. This is a traditional Japanese house, but the highlight of the former residence is the kitchen, called the “hatoba”. The hatoba is designed in a very interesting way. A small staircase is connected to the river beside the house. The residents used to wash their vegetables and dishes without stepping out of the house to access the river. The garden of the Yukawa family’s former residence is also spectacular, and is a great place to take some photos to show your friends what Hagi city is like!

The Yukawa family’s former residence is located north of the Aiba River which flows through Hagi. There are many shops along this river, and you can take a relaxing stroll from the city centre, which will only take about 40 minutes.

Yukawa family’s former residence

Address: 67 Kawashima, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Access: 10 minute walk from “Aibagawa Iriguchi Bus Stop” of the Hagi Junkan Maru Bus Line

6. The bizzare landscape of Susa Hornfels

Susa Hornfels is located at the northern part of Yamaguchi, and is a place where you can observe fantastic geological marvels. Here, a beautiful ‘ria’ coast (a type of coastal feature) can be viewed, along with splendid panoramic view of the Sea of Japan. At Susa Hornfels, you will notice that the rock surfaces have distinct demarcated layers. These layers are a result of of sediments being deposited over the years – namely sandstone and shale – and it very aptly depicts the amount of time that was required to naturally build this landscape. The scenery offered at Susa Hornfels is truly unique, and is definitely worth a visit!

Susa Hornfels

Address: Susa, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Access: 10 minute drive from JR Susa Station

Website: Susa Hornfels

7. Unrin Temple – the cat temple!?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Takayuki.K (@toupee_wig)

Unrin Temple is a very unique attraction in Hagi. Unlike other temples that are known for their historical value, Unrin Temple is one where cats steal the limelight. Legend has it that when Lord Terumoto Mouri passed away, one of his helpers got extremely depressed and took his own life. The helper’s pet cat, as a result, became depressed as well and bit its own tongue to death. Unrin Temple then started paying respect to cats to appease the spirit of the dead cat that roamed Hagi city. Sure enough, when you visit, you’ll encounter an army of cats, mostly Maneki-nekos (Japanese beckoning cat). There are also several cat carvings made from chainsaw, displayed at the temple.

Unrin Temple

Address: 2489 Kibekami, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Access: 30 minute drive from Hagi City

Website: Unrin Temple

8. The 120-year-old kimono-style café

Located along one of the main streets of Hagi Castle Town, Edo Yokocho, a kimono-style café, is an extremely stylish and elegant place. Found at a rustic street reminiscent of old Japan, the café is part of a renovated building in which the Mori family used to stay in. The building has a history of over 120 years. Retro furniture decorate the interior. Here, you can enjoy drinks like matcha green tea, as well as sweets like matcha siphon cake and cheese cake. It is highly recommended that you try the original coffee too! Numerous gift items are also found at this cafe, which all centre around the theme of Hagi’s history. Tea bowls made from traditional Japanese pottery called Hagi Ware, which originated in this city, are also sold here.

Kimono-style café

Address: 2-39 Gofukumachi, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Access: 40 minute bus ride from JR Yamaguchi Station

Website: Kimono Style Café

9. The beautiful nature of Myojin-ike

Myojin-ike is located just 12 minutes from Hagi city by car. It is beside a mountain called Kasayama, which is said to be the smallest active volcano in the world, with a height of only 112 metres (367 feet). Myojin-ike is designated as a natural monument of Japan, and is a unique lake full of wild breams and flatfish. Found behind Myojin-ike is a shrine called Itsukushima Shrine, which is a sister shrine to the famous Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima prefecture. You can take a short hike from Myojin-ike to Kasayama through the shrine. The walk is about 1.3 kilometres (0.8 miles) and will only take about 30 minutes. It is highly recommended that you visit this place to appreciate the natural beauty of Hagi city.

Myojin-ike

Address: Chinto, Hagi, Yamaguchi

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Access: 12 minute drive from Hagi City

Hagi city – great history and nature

Saturated with rich stories, Hagi is certainly a fantastic place for Japanese history lovers to visit! The old Japanese streets and buildings lend a nostalgic air that also serve as great photo-shoot spots. So do consider these top attractions when you plan your trip to Japan!