Moopon

Daishoin Temple (大照院), constructed in 1656, is the Mori Clan family temple. The Mori Clan governed Hagi during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Daishoin Temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.  Visitors can see a small Zen garden behind the large wooden main hall.

In the woods behind the temple is an impressive burial site of the Mori lords. Half of the lords are buried here, at Daishoin Temple, with the other half buried at Tokoji Temple.  The first lord and odd numbered successors are laid to rest at Daishoin Temple.  Visitors are greeted by the hundreds of stone lanterns (donated) which line the pathway to the graveyard.  Led by the light from the stone lanterns and being surrounded by the woods, the atmosphere at the burial site is both peaceful and spiritual.

NOTE:   There is construction being done to renovate the main hall of Daishoin Temple. Renovation works are expected to continue until 2015. Visitors are still allowed in the temple and can observe the main hall from a makeshift corridor which surrounds the site.
The burial site is not affected by this construction

Access Information:
Daishoin Temple stands south of the city center in a somewhat rural environment.
**By bus:  take either the West Loop or East Loop of the "Maru Bus" and disembark at the Daishoin Iriguchi bus stop. From there, it is a five minute walk to the temple.
**By bicycle, it is a 5-10 minute from Hagi Station.
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry until 16:30)
Closed: Opened all year round
Admission: 200 yen

Hagi Castle (萩城), built in 1604, was the ruling home for the Mori Clan, one of the most powerful clans in Japan.  At the end of the feudal era (second half of the 19th century), the castle was destroyed.  Only its moats and walls remain today.

The castle ruins are located in the Shizuki Park in the northwestern tip of the city. Besides the remains of the castle, the park has a teahouse and shrine.  With bicycles allowed in the park, visitors can see people cycling around or taking a leisurely walk.  Mount Shizuki is located in the park and visitors can climb to the peak in about 20 minutes.


Access Information:
**By Bicycle: 10-20 minute bicycle ride from Higashi-Hagi Station
**On foot:  30-45 minute walk from Higashi-Hagi Station
**By Bus:  “Maru Bus” West Loop and disembarking at Shizukikoen Iriguchi bus stop. From the bus stop, a 5 minute walk

Hours: 8:00 to 18:30 (April to October)
8:30 to 16:30 (November to February)
8:30 to 18:00 (March)
Closed: Opened all year round
Admission: 210 yen

Hagiyaki Pottery (萩焼) is among best pottery throughout Japan.  In the early 1600s, this skill was brought to Japan from Korea.  Hagiyaki Pottery was highly regarded for tea wares and was particularly popular in the Edo Period (1603 to 1867).

Often used in tea ceremony, the tea residuals cause the Hagiyaki Pottery to change colors. Tea enthusiasts were delighted of this changing color aspect.  Even now Hagiyaki is higly regarded.  Many stores in Hagi sell Hagiyaki tea wares, cups and bowls. 

Located in the outskirts of the city, the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum features a large collection of valuable Hagiyaki Pottery. In addition, ceramic pieces and paintings done by the museum’s namesake artist/potter are displayed.  Visitors have a chance to observe the Hagiyaki process in the workshop in front of the museum. Also, there is a store in front of the visitors where Hagiyaki wares are sold.

Access Information
**5 minute walk from Yoshika Taibi Kinenkan-mae bus stop
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened all year round
Admission: 500 yen
Pottery Experience from　1000 yen

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)