Moopon

Hagi Town located on the Japan Sea coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a small town with a rich history.  During the Edo Period, Hagi was the capital town for the Mori Clan who presided over Yamaguchi (then known as Choshu). With the castle being located here in Hagi, the castle town flourished.

Whereas other towns and cities have faced destruction and damage since the Edo Period, Hagi Town has been lucky.

Though Hagi Castle no longer exists, the rest of the town, especially certain streets in the downtown area, are very well preserved. Among these streets is the area of the former samurai mansions and merchant quarters.

And among the former merchant quarters is the Kikuya Residence, a well preserved historic residence opened to the public.

The Kikuya family was a samurai turned merchant family.

This family had deep roots in the community and was very well respected.

Their wealth allowed them to build a beautiful house, with attention to fine details.  

For example, the room nearest to the garden has sliding rooms which are able to turn corners.

This provides the occupants of the room unobstructed views of the beautiful garden.

Visitors can also view historic everyday items in this house, including an old public phone box.
 

Hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (entry until 17:15) 
Closed: December 31st 
Admission: 520 yen

The Hagi Uragami Museum, located in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, was rated by  “Michelin Green Guide Japan 2009” as a two-star tourist attraction.  Next to Iwakuni’s  “Kintai-kyo Bridge”, one of the three most beautiful bridges in all of Japan, this is the highest ranked attraction in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The Hagi Uragami Museum is located within a short walking distance from the former castle town. It was founded in 1996.  It displays the donated collection of Hagi-born entrepreneur Toshiro Uragami.

Hagi Uragami Museum
The museum features art works of Hagiyaki Pottery, ukiyo-e and contemporary art. Among them are valuable Hagiyaki pieces, some of which have been preserved for centuries. Also on display are documents and films on Hagiyaki wares.

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed on the following day), New Year holidays
Admission: 300 yen

Access Information:
**a short walk to the south from the former castle town

Hagi Town, located on the Sea of Japan coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture is a small town with a rich history.

Visitors to this well preserved town have a chance to glimpse a nostalgic Japan with their own eyes.

Among the well preserved buildings in Hagi, is the Kubota Residence. Shoshichi Kubota was originally a kimono merchant.

Later generations of the Kubota family ventured into the sake brewing industry.

This 200 year old residence is a very house.  There are tatami mat rooms which can be divided sliding doors to provide privacy.  

At social events, the doors are opened so the rooms can join to create a large space. 

The residence boasts a traditional Japanese garden as well an excellent collection of Hina Dolls, typically displayed in Japan in March for Girl’s Day.

 Visitors can also view exhibits of tools and lamps from the late Edo Period to the Meiji Period here.
 

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 
Closed: Opened All Year Round 
Admission: 100 yen (Kubota Residence only) 
310 yen (combination ticket including eight other residences

Hagi Town in Yamaguchi Prefecture is rich with art and culture.

From its Hagiyaki Pottery, highly praised by the tea ceremony community, to former samurai mansions, visitors can feel Japan’s past in this small quiet town.

Visitors interested in Hagi and Japan’s history are advised to visit the birth house of Kido Takayoshi. 

Takayoshi is an important Japanese statesman who helped overthrow the Tokugawa family’s 264 year regime to restore the power back to the emperor.

Once the new government was formed, Takayoshi became one of the most effective officials in the new government.

His birth home in the Horiuchi quarters in Hagi is a simple, traditional Japanese home. The 250 year old home has many small tatami rooms.

 There is a small garden as well where a pine tree (over 300 years old) stands.

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 100 yen (Kido Residence only)
310 yen (combination ticket including eight other residences)