From Wikitravel

Hagi （萩） is a city in Yamaguchi prefecture and is considered to be one of the most beautiful castle towns in Japan. A lot of traditional old streets and buildings survive untouched.
Hagi is also known as the birthplace of many Japanese statesmen who played important roles in Meiji Restoration and famous pottery called "Hagi-yaki".

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

In the Medieval Period, Hagi was dominated by Yoshimi clan, who built a branch castle in Hagi. But it was not until 1608 when Mori clan, the feudal lord of Choshu-han built Hagi Castle at the foot of Mt.Shizuki that Hagi got historical significance. They transfered the capital from Hiroshima to Hagi at the same time. Hagi had developed as the political center of Choshu-han for over 250 years.
When Choshu-han caused the Meiji Restoration in the middle of 19th century, this small city influenced the history of Japan so much. It is no exaggeration to say that Hagi made Japan a modern country. Many Japanese statesmen and Prime Ministers were born and brought up in this city. For example, Hirobumi Ito, the first Japanese Prime Minister, was also born and brought up in Hagi.

[edit] Setting

The center of Hagi is located on a delta between Hashimoto River and Matsumoto River. Before Edo period, the ground used to be extremely damp and the rulers made Aibagawa watercourse to drain the water off.
Hagi city is along the Sea of Japan, and magnificent panorama of the Sea is still left to be seen in the suburbs.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Plane

There are two airports near Hagi.

• Yamaguchi Ube Airport(UBJ)[1]

Yamaguchi Ube Airport in Ube is the prefecture's largest airport. Ube Airport regularly connects to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. Both JAL and ANA are offering frequent flights from Haneda to Ube every day. It's about 90 minutes' flight.

When you get to Ube Airport, you need to take bus for Shin-yamaguchi station and get to Shin-Yamaguchi. At the bus terminal of Shin-Yamaguchi, you will find a bus for Hagi.

• Hagi-Iwami Airport(IWJ)[2]

There are also flights by ANA from Hagi-Iwami Airport to Haneda(Tokyo) and Itami(Osaka). But each flight way is served only once a day. You'll have to check the timetable.

You should take bus, train or taxi from Hagi-Iwami Airport to Hagi city. It is about 80 minutes from the airport to Hagi by bus.

[edit] By train

• Shinkansen

The closest Shinkansen station is Shin-Yamaguchi station in Yamaguchi city. Shin-Yamaguchi is an important stop on Sanyo Shinkansen Route, and most of the HIKARI RAIL STARs and some NOZOMIs stop at the station. You need to take a bus called "Hagi-go"(はぎ号) for Hagi from Shin-Yamaguchi.

• Railroad line (other than Shinkansen)

San'in line goes through the city. If you don't want to go to Hagi by bus, you have to use San'in line to go to Hagi by train. The main train station of Hagi is Higashi-Hagi station(東萩駅). But approach from Tamae station(玉江駅) or from Hagi station(萩駅) would make Hagi more attractive. The station building and the streets are much more beautiful around Tamae and Hagi Station.

[edit] By bus

The main bus station is Hagi Bus Center(萩バスセンター) located in the city center. Most buses stop at the bus station.

• from Shin-Yamaguchi station

Jr bus Chugoku[3] and Bocho bus[4] are offering bus services called "Hagi-go"(はぎ号) from Shin-Yamaguchi to Hagi. It will take you 90 minutes.

• from Hiroshima

There is also a bus service from Hiroshima to Hagi. It is about 4 hours trip.

• from Osaka

Kintetsu bus is offering bus service from Osaka(Umeda and Abeno-bashi) to Hagi. It is about 10 hours.[5]

• from Tokyo

Keikyu highway bus[6] is offering bus service from Tokyo(Shinagawa) to Hagi. But it will take you about 14 hours.[7]

[edit] Get around

Choshu Five The Chōshū Five (長州五傑, Chōshū Goketsu) were members of the Chōshū-han of Hagi who studied in England from 1863 at University College London under the guidance of Professor Alexander William Williamson. It was still illegal to leave Japan when they left, as sakoku was still practically in force until the Meiji Restoration. Ito Hirobumi - later the first Prime Minister of Japan Inoue Kaoru - the prominent Minster for Foreign Affairs Yamao Yozo - contributed to the engineering of Japan Endo Kinsuke - later the first head of the new National Mint Inoue Masaru - known as the "Father of the Japanese Railways"

[edit] By Bus

Red buses called "Hagi junkan maaru bus"(萩循環まぁーるバス) are running for tourists and some residents. These buses go to almost all the tourist spots. And however long you take it, it will cost you only 100yen. And a One-day free pass of this bus is only 500yen.

[edit] By Train

If you need to go to Hagi's suburbs along the Sea, you can use JR San'in line.

[edit] By Taxi

You can find taxis easily near the stations. Most taxi drivers don't understand English, so you should point out where to go on a map.

[edit] By Bicycle

Hagi is not very large city, so you can get around many spots by bicycle. You can borrow one at various places such as Higashi-Hagi Station and Hagi Castle.

[edit] By Ricksha

• Kurumayado Tenjuppei(俥宿 天十平)[8]

You can enjoy Hagi on a ricksha with a guide. 30 minutes for two people cost 6000yen, 1 hour for two cost 10000yen. Located at Castle Town District.

[edit] On Foot

Hagi is very enjoyable town to be explored on foot.

• Hagi-Oukan (萩往還) which connects Hagi and Yamaguchi City used to be very important highway for people in Edo period. A lot of samurais and merchants went through this highway. Now many people enjoy following this historical trail.

[edit][add listing] See

• the ruins of Hagi castle(萩城跡), ☎ +81 838-251826. March-October : 8:00 - 16:30, November-February: 8:30 - 16:30, March: 8:30 - 18:00.
  
  In 1608, Mori clan built Hagi Castle at the foot of Mt.Shizuki. Hagi castle had been the political center of Choshu-han(currently Yamaguchi prefecture) for about 250 years. Now stone walls, moats and gardens are kept as the ruins.

Lots of people also enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and coloured leaves in autumn there. Adults: 210yen, Children: 100yen, Passport ticket for adults: 120yen, Passport tickets for children: 60yen.  edit

• Hagi Castle Town District (萩城城下町)

In the Castle Town District, many old houses and residents connected to those who leaded Meiji Restoration are well preserved. There is also a house of Kikuya family, who were great merchants in this area.

• Horiuchi District (堀内)

Horiuchi was a residential section for upper class. Many traditional buildings are kept.

• Hiyako District (平安古)

We can also find many old residents here. The second residence of Giichi Tanaka, a former Prime Minister of Japan is open for tourists.

• Kaimagari (鍵曲)

"Kaimagari" paths can be seen somewhere in Hagi. Kaimagari is a device which makes enemies get lost and cornered.

• Hagi Museum(萩博物館), 335, Horiuchi, Hagi city, ☎ +81 838-25-6447, [9]. 9:00 - 17:00(entrance is allowed till 16:30).
  
  Hagi Museum is a new museum built in November 2004. There is an exhibition about Yoshida Shoin and Takasugi Shinsaku. Adults: 500yen, Students: 300yen, Children 100yen.  edit

• Prefectural art museum of Hagi(山口県立萩美術館・浦上記念館), 586-1, Hiyako, Hagi city, ☎ +81 838-24-2400, [10]. 9:00 - 17:00(entrance is allowed till 16:30).
  
  Ukiyoes, Asian potteries and chinawares are exhibited. variable entrance fee.  edit

• Meirin-kan(明倫館)

Meirin-kan is a school built by Choshu-han. They brought up gifted children that would improve the country. The school building is still preserved and is used as a part of elementary school.

• Aibagawa Watercourse (藍場川)

Aibagawa Watercourse was formerly used for transportation of goods or as water for extinguishing fires. Now, the path along the watercourse is very good for a stroll.

• Shoin Shrine (松蔭神社)

Shoin-jinja is a shrine dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, a young samurai who taught younger people about the world and Japan. He was imprisoned and executed by the shogunate government, but later his students became famous statesmen and accomplished Meiji Restoration. In the shrine, his private school called "Shoka-sonjuku" (松下村塾) is still preserved.

• Tokoji Temple(東光寺)

Tokoji is a temple dedicated to Mori clan, the rulers of Hagi in Edo period. The gate, belfry and buildings look gorgeous like Chinese buildings. Mori clan's graveyard is behind the temple.

• Daishoin Temple(大照院)

Daishoin is also a temple dedicated to Mori clan. While Tokoji looks gorgeous, Daishoin looks very calm.

• The Reverberatory Furnace of Hagi(萩反射炉)

Choshu-han built this furnace so that they could produce modernized weapons. It is a modernizational heritage of Japan.

• Mt. Kasayama(笠山)

Mt. Kasayama is the smallest active volcano in East Asia. A lot of Camellia flowers can be seen around the mountain in February and March. (Camellia flower is thought to be the symbol of Hagi.) In addition, the panorama of the Japan Sea is nice on the mountain. Myojin Pond where saltwater fish live is at the foot of the mountain.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Pleasure boat for the eight fine views in Hagi(萩八景遊覧船), ☎ +81 838-251750(Tourists Association). Acceptance: March-October : 9:00 - 16:00 November : 9:00 - 15:10.
  
  Special boats which cruise on Hashimoto River and the Sea with a guide. Ticket: 1200yen, Passport ticket: 1100yen.  edit

• Sea bathing

Kikugahama beach near Mt.Shizuki is a beautiful beach. On August 1st, there is a firework festival.

• Hagi-yaki Experience

You can try to make your own Hagi-yaki in some potteries in Hagi.

[edit] Festivals

• Hagi Summer Festival(萩夏まつり)

Hagi Summer Festival is held from August 1st till 3rd. About 8000 fireworks are displayed over the Sea offKikugahama on August 1st.

• Hagi Historical Festival(萩時代まつり)

We can see people in Edo-period-costumes going in procession around the central town.

• Hagi-yaki Festival(萩焼まつり)

Hagi-yaki Festival is held from May 1st till 5th. About 50 potteries, wholesalers and retailers around Hagi city come to the City Gymnasium to exhibit and sell their works during the festival. We can easily get nice hagi-yakis at lower prices there.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Souvenir

• Hagi-yaki (萩焼)

Hagi is known for its Hagi-yaki, a form of Japanese pottery. Hagi-yaki is very precious because of its nature to absorb water. As you use hagi-yaki as a tea cup for many years, its color will change delicately.

• Confectionery

You can buy various confectionery made of citrus fruits or the like in souvenir shops.

[edit] Shops

• Hagi Seamart

Hagi Seamart is a complex of shops and restaurants that sell fresh food produced around Hagi.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Kenran Beef(見蘭牛)

Kenran Beef is famous for its fatty well-marbled texture and tenderness.

• Sea food

Hagi is blessed with fresh seafood. Try sushi or other Japanese seafood.

[edit] Restaurant

• Midoriya Farm[11] - Restaurant where you can enjoy Kenran Beef

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Natsumikan juice

Hagi is famous for Natsumikan, which is a kind of citrus fruits. A lot of Natsumikans are planted in the gardens of residences in Hagi. "Natsumikan juice" are also made there. You should try it.

• Chommage beer(チョンマゲビール)

"Chommage beer" is local beer made in Hagi.

• Local sake

Hagi has traditional sake factories. Available at souvenir shops.

[edit] Coffee

• Café Tikal - traditional café located near the gate of the Ogawa family residence
• Hotori Tei - café with a beautiful Japanese garden located at Castle Town District

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Ryokans' cooperative of Hagi[12]

26 ryokans and hotels are participating in this cooperative. You can find your hotel or ryokan here.

[edit] Youth Hostel

• Hagi Youth Hostel, 109-22, Horiuchi, Hagi city(萩市堀内109-22), ☎ +81 (838) 220733. Check in time:, Check out time:. This is the only Youth Hostel in Hagi. 2940yen for one night. Breakfast costs 525yen additionally and dinner 945yen..  edit

[edit] Ryokan

• Hagi no yado Tomoe(萩の宿・常茂恵), 608-53, Hijiwara-Kohoji, Hagi city(萩市土原弘法寺608-53), ☎ +81 (838) 220150, [13]. Check in time:from 3p.m., Check out time:till 10:30 a.m.. One of the best ryokans in Hagi. About 20,000yen-70,000yen per one person including dinner and breakfast..  edit

• Hokumon Yashiki(北門屋敷), 210, Horiuchi, Hagi city(萩市堀内210), ☎ +81 (838) 227521. Check in time:, Check out time:. About 20,000yen-40,000yen.  edit

[edit] Get out

Other cities in Yamaguchi prefecture

• Shimonoseki - tip of Honshu Island
• Yamaguchi city - the capital in the medieval times
• Iwakuni - city with a beautiful wooden bridge
• Tsuwano - castle town with red impressive roofs

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!