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During the Edo Period (1603-1867), Hagi prospered as a castle town and served as the capital of the Mori Clan, one of the most powerful clans of the time. Mori lords governed present Yamaguchi (then known as Choshu) for more than 250 years and played a central role in the Meiji Restoration (1868). The lord, his family and his closest retainers resided in the castle, while the samurai, craftsmen and merchants lived and worked in the town east of it.

Having avoided major disasters since the Edo Period, the basic town plan of Hagi has survived to this day. Although only the ruins of Hagi Castle remain, some streets in the downtown area are beautifully preserved, lined by white walls from the feudal age, former samurai mansions and merchant quarters. Several of the mansions and other places of interest such as museums and temples are open to the public.

Old residences

Kikuya Residence

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:45)
Closed: December 31
Admission: 620 yen

Kubota Residence

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 100 yen (Kubota Residence only), 310 yen (combination ticket including eight other residences)

Kido Takayoshi Residence

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 100 yen (Kido Residence only), 310 yen (combination ticket including eight other residences)

Museums

Hagi Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Small number of irregular closures
Admission: 520 yen

Kumaya Art Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 16:00
Closed: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri (except national holidays)
Admission: 700 yen

Hagi Uragami Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mon (or following day if Mon is a holiday) and New Year holidays
Admission: 300 yen (collection), separate fee for temporary exhibitions

Hagiyaki Pottery Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen

Others

Hagi Castle Ruins

Hours: 8:00 to 18:30 (shorter hours from November to March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 220 yen

Enseiji Temple

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 200 yen

Kikugahama Beach

Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

Getting there and around

The former castle town is about two kilometers from Higashi-Hagi Station. From the station it can be reached in about ten minutes by bicycle or about 30 minutes on foot. It can also be accessed by the Maru Bus buses.

How to get to and around Hagi