Discover Hagi: A Timeless Journey Through Yamaguchi’s UNESCO Coastal Gem

Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration. This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience.

Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link)

Things to Do

• Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride.
• Bicycle Rental: 
• You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. Cycling along the river and coastal roads provides a refreshing experience, enhanced by the clear water, carp-filled waterways, and scenic views.
• Cycling along the river and coastal roads offers a refreshing experience, enhanced by the clear water, carp-filled waterways, and scenic views.
• Shoka Village School and Shoin Shrine:
• Located within Shoin Shrine, a 5-minute bike ride from the station, Shoka Village School is a key historical site where Yoshida Shoin, an influential Edo-period thinker, taught.
• Tokoji Temple:
• A tranquil, lesser-known temple built by the lord of the Hagi domain, featuring a quiet graveyard that feels like a “mysterious world.”
• Described as a “hidden gem,” it’s framed like a painting, with no crowds, making it a highlight recommended by the bike shop owner.
• Hagi Castle Town: It is a beautifully preserved Edo-period settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its samurai and merchant districts that offer a tangible journey back in time.
• Samurai and Merchant Districts: This is the heart of the Hagi Castle Town experience. Wander through well-preserved streets with traditional samurai residences and merchant houses, many of which are open to the public.
• Kikuya Residence: A grand merchant house that served as official accommodation for Bakufu patrols, showcasing the wealth and influence of a prominent merchant family. It's a National Important Cultural Property.
• Kubota Residence: Another well-preserved Edo-period merchant house, belonging to a prosperous family of kimono makers and sake brewers.
• Hagi Museum: Dedicated to "Hagiology," this museum offers comprehensive exhibits on Hagi's nature, culture, history, and the influential figures who emerged from the area, particularly those related to the Meiji Restoration.
• Hagi-yaki Kilns and Workshops: Hagi is famous for its distinct ceramic ware. Many kilns and workshops are located within or near the castle town, offering opportunities to see artisans at work, browse exquisite pottery, and even try your hand at making your own Hagi-yaki piece through pottery classes (e.g., Genshugama Pottery Studio).
• Kikuya-ke Garden: Praised by historical writer Shiba Ryotaro for its refined aesthetic, the garden reflects Hagi’s cultural sophistication.
• Katsura Taro’s House: The former Prime Minister’s residence is another historical site, showcasing Hagi’s role in producing influential leaders.
• Hagi Glass Art Studio: Hagi also has a tradition of glassmaking, utilizing local basalt rock. At the Hagi Glass Art Studio, you can witness glass blowing demonstrations and even participate in workshops to create your own unique glass items.
• Autumn Colors: November is often considered a good time to visit Hagi to see the autumn leaves, with peak viewing from early November to early December.

乗旅HAGI (YouTube link)

Taste of Summer: Hagi Mandarin Soft Serve (萩の夏みかんソフトクリーム)

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

• Hagi Ware: 
• Hagi is famous for its pottery (Hagi ware), with many items for sale in the old town. 
• Genshugama Pottery Studio, a charmingly renovated 100-year-old home upstream on the Aiba River from downtown Hagi, offers an art gallery and hands-on experiences with electric pottery wheels and pottery painting.
• Culinary Experience: 
• Summer tangerines are a local specialty, featured in dishes like summer tangerine pudding, which combines custard sweetness with the fruit’s refreshing tang.
• Hagi Craft Beer, brewed in Hagi, focuses on small-batch production using traditional methods and select ingredients for distinctive flavors. Offerings include the Lord Beer (殿様ビール, a meticulously crafted dark beer with roasted coffee notes) and Hagi Yuzu Ale (萩ゆずエール uses local yuzu), blending Japanese tradition with craft innovation.
• Hagi Legacy: Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy
• Yoshida Shoin educated notable figures like Hirobumi Ito (Japan’s first Prime Minister) and Shinsaku Takasugi. He was known for his honesty and dedication to Japan’s future, even confessing to attempting to stow away on a foreign ship to visit America, which led to his house arrest.
• Shoin’s last words, “Even if my body lies dead in the field, my soul will remain here,” reflect his enduring legacy in Hagi, where locals respectfully call him “Shoin Sensei.”
• House of Shinsaku Takasugi 高杉 晋作: A revolutionary figure born in Hagi, known for his decisive and energetic actions, described as acting “like lightning” and making “storm decisions.” 
• House of Tamaki Bunnoshin: Yoshida Shoin’s strict teacher, who disciplined him for minor distractions like scratching his cheek while reading, emphasizing the rigorous education of the time.

See Also

1. 防 長 バ ス 時 刻 表 2025年7月1日現在
2. Smile Bike Rental
3. Flower Calendar (Hagi)
4. Hagi City Tourism Association (Search link for destinations)
5. Hagi Tourist Map (Google My Maps)

Seoul Transit 101: What Every Visitor Should Know

Seoul Transport MISTAKES Tourists Make And How to Avoid Them! (YouTube link)

Overview of Seoul Transportation Tips

In the video above, GAMJA IN SEOUL shares helpful tips for traveling in Seoul:

• Prep: Carry KRW cash for T-Money reloads; load the WOW Pass's transport pocket separately.
• Subway: Check platforms using station signs and maps; be aware of express trains; choose numbered exits carefully. Rush Hours: 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 4:30–7:00 p.m. on weekdays
• Bus: Signal to board and ring the bell to exit; tap out for transfers; use the map to identify the correct stop side.
• Etiquette: Respect priority seating, avoid large luggage, and plan ahead for the last trains.
• See Also: Your Guide to a Smooth Journey from Incheon Airport to Seoul by Limousine Bus & Mastering Naver Map for Travel in Korea (When Google Maps Fails)

These habits help ensure a stress-free ride and enhance your Seoul adventure.

Introduction to Seoul's Public Transportation

Seoul boasts one of the world's top public transit systems, but its complexity can frustrate travelers and locals alike. This guide addresses common pain points like confusing routes and payment quirks, offering practical tips for buses and subways. Whether you've struggled personally or heard stories from friends, these strategies will make navigation smoother.

Essential: Getting and Loading a Transportation Card

No trip in Seoul is possible without a reloadable card. The two primary options are:

• Standard Cards: T-Money or Cashbee, available at convenience stores, subways, or airports.
• Tourist Option: WOW Pass, which combines transport functions with shopping perks.

The "Cash-Only" Reload Rule: A major gotcha for visitors—vending machines and convenience stores (e.g., CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) require Korean won (KRW) cash for top-ups. Credit cards aren't accepted because stores earn no profit from these services and would incur Visa/Mastercard fees, leading to losses. This keeps the free service viable.

Cash Budgeting Tip: Plan for ~6,000 KRW per person per day. Basic fares are ~1,500 KRW per ride, so this covers about four trips—ample for typical sightseeing. Adjust based on your itinerary; heavy users might need more, but it's rarely exceeded.

WOW Pass Specifics: Treat it like a dual-pocket wallet:

• Pocket 1 (Prepaid Debit): Load with foreign currency at machines for shopping/taxis.
• Pocket 2 (T-Money Function): Load separately with KRW cash for transit, just like a regular card. Critical Warning: Forgetting this step blocks subway/bus access—always double-check.

Refunds for Leftover Balance

When leaving Korea, reclaiming funds is straightforward:

• Under 20,000 KRW: Visit any convenience store for cash refund minus a 500 KRW service fee.
• Over 20,000 KRW: Use dedicated refund machines at major subway stations (e.g., Seoul Station).

Why Skip Single-Journey Tickets

Steer clear—they're inefficient:

• Require a 500 KRW deposit refunded per ride (hassle with every trip).
• No Transfer Support: Useless for multi-leg journeys (e.g., subway to bus). Opt for T-Money/Cashbee instead for seamless 30-minute transfers at reduced/no extra cost.

Mastering the Subway

Seoul's subway is efficient but demands attention to details.

Finding the Right Platform & Direction:

• Unlike simple north/south labels in the West, check overhead signs listing the next 2-3 stations.
• Cross-reference with your map/app: If destinations don't match, switch platforms.
• Example: At Myeongdong Station (Line 4), heading to Sinchon? One platform might list Gimpo Airport (wrong direction); the opposite shows Hongik University (correct). Always verify signs and maps to avoid boarding the wrong train.

Express vs. All-Stop Trains:

• All-Stop: Halts at every station—ideal for short/local trips.
• Express: Skips minor stops for speed—check your map for the type needed.
• Platforms/screens announce incoming trains clearly; a quick glance prevents missing stops.

Choosing the Right Exit:

• Stations are massive (e.g., 10+ exits), so don't rush to the nearest stairs—consult maps for numbered exits tied to your destination.
• Example: At Seoul Station, for Four Points Hotel, Exit 12 is a 2-minute walk; Exit 3 adds 10 extra minutes. Proper exit selection saves time and reduces above-ground confusion.

Navigating Buses Effectively

Buses complement subways for off-rail areas, with color-coded routes (green: local, blue: feeder, red: express, yellow: circular).

• Yellow conveys a dynamic, welcoming vibe. They're the scarcest type, with only a few routes left (mainly the three Namsan lines: 01, 03, 05), as many have been phased out in favor of subways. They run every 10-15 minutes and are tourist-friendly, often with English announcements.

Signaling to Board:

• Buses won't stop automatically at shared stops—wave or stand visibly to signal intent, especially with multiple routes.

Requesting a Stop:

• Press the red bell inside before your stop; the driver won't halt otherwise.

Stop Locations:

• Sidewalk Stops: For local green/blue buses.
• Center-Lane Stops: For major red routes in dedicated lanes.
• Pro Tip: Rely on maps/apps—they specify the exact side/street, ensuring you're not waiting in the wrong spot.

Critical: Tapping Out:

• Always tap your card on exit (not just entry) for free/discounted transfers (bus-to-bus/subway) within 30 minutes. Forgetting means full fare next time—costly error!

Local Etiquette and Practical Advice

Blend in like a pro with these unwritten rules:

• Priority Seating: Reserved for seniors, pregnant people, or disabled passengers—even if the train seems empty. Yield them; it's a strong cultural norm.
• Luggage Warning: Skip large suitcases on transit—space is tight, and rush-hour crowds turn it into chaos for all. Taxis are better for heavy loads.
• Night Travel: Subways end ~midnight (varies by line—check apps). Miss it? Use taxis or the reliable night bus network (N-series), covering key areas cheaply.

Korean Essentials: Days of the Week

Days of the Week in Korean + Song (YouTube link)

Days of the Week

Monday: 월요일 (welyoil) - meaning "moon day"

Tuesday: 화요일 (hweyoil) - meaning "fire day"

Wednesday: 수요일 (sueyoil) - meaning "water day"

Thursday: 목요일 (mokyoil) - meaning "wooden day"

Friday: 금요일 (geumeyoil) - meaning "metal day"

Saturday: 토요일 (toeyoil) - meaning "earth day"

Sunday: 일요일 (ilyoil) - meaning "day day"

Title: Visitor data by time (시간별 방문자 데이터 / siganbyeol bangmunja deiteo)

Update: 2025.10.10 (업데이트: 2025.10.10 / eobdeiteu: 2025.10.10)

Highlight: Most popular 13:00 (최고 인기 13시 / choego ingi 13si)

Abbreviations:

1. 월 (wol / Monday)
2. 화 (hwa / Tuesday)
3. 수 (su / Wednesday)
4. 목 (mog  / Thursday)
5. 금 (geum / Friday)
6. 토 (to / Saturday)
7. 일 (il / Sunday)

Restaurant Opening Hours on Naver

Tabs:

• Home → 홈 / hom 
• News → 소식 / sosig 
• Menu → 메뉴 / menyu 
• Reservation → 예약 / yeyag 
• Reviews → 리뷰 / libyu 
• Photos → 사진 / sajin

Restaurant Name: "익선동목장 명동점" (Ikseon-dong Mokjang Myeongdongjeom).

• Closed for business, open at 12 (영업 종료, 12 에 영업 시작)
• “12에” translates to “at 12”, commonly used in sentences like:
• 12시에 만나요 — “Let’s meet at 12.”
• 12시에 마감합니다 — “Closes at 12.”
• Note that "12시에" is more formal than "12에."

Operating Hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 12:00 - 23:00 (Last order at 22:00)
• Friday - Sunday: 12:00 - 02:00 (Last order at 01:00)

Autumn in Busan: A Symphony of Color and Coast 🍁

Where to visit in Busan 2023 | Places to visit in Busan (YouTube link)

Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal city, shines in late October to early November with colorful foliage, cultural sites, and seaside charm.

Autumn Highlights in Busan

• Beomeosa Temple: Fiery maples and golden ginkgo trees paint a serene, spiritual scene on Geumjeongsan’s slopes.
• Igidae Park: Coastal trails blend forest colors with sea cliffs, offering dramatic, breathtaking views.
• Seokbulsa Temple: A hidden mountain gem where stone carvings meet a canopy of autumn hues.
• Dalmaji Hill: Romantic sunsets glow through fall foliage, framing the coastline in golden light.

Seasonal Highlights Mild temperatures (15–20°C) make it ideal for hiking and photography. Busan’s urban-coastal foliage contrasts Jeju’s volcanic landscapes and pink muhly fields, offering a distinct autumn experience with seaside temples and scenic trails.

Click here for an interactive Busan map on Google MyMaps

Top Places to Visit

Busan shines in its city-sea harmony but requires itinerary planning due to distances and transit.

Southern Coastal Spots

• Songdo Beach: Busan's first beach—quiet and relaxing compared to busier ones. Famous for its scenic cable car ride leading to Songdo Sky Park and the thrilling Cloud Walk trail.
• Huinnyeoul Culture Village: A historic refugee settlement turned artsy haven with colorful houses, murals, and sea views. It's a popular K-drama filming spot and a photo gem at Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel.
• Huinnyeoul Culture Village: A historic refugee settlement transformed into an artsy haven, featuring colorful houses, vibrant murals, and scenic sea views. It is a popular filming location for K-dramas and a photogenic highlight near the Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel.
• 168 Stairs: Steep historic shortcut to the port, now with a 6-minute monorail ride offering ocean panoramas. Top observation deck for city views.
• Oryukdo (Five-Six Islands): Rock formations visible as 5 at high tide, 6 at low. Visit Oryukdo Sunrise Park for spring flowers, a cliffside glass skywalk, and nearby Igidae Coastal Trail—a scenic walking path with Gwangan Bridge and Marine City sights.
• Gwangalli Beach: Iconic urban beach with calm waves, perfect for paddleboarding or kids. Surrounded by trendy cafes; stunning night views of lit-up Gwangan Bridge.
• Millac The Market: New trendy hotspot with graffiti entrance, restaurants, shops, and Instagram-worthy glass views of the bridge and port. Great for casual food and drinks on outdoor stairs.

Central/Northern Coastal Highlights

• Haeundae Beach: Busan's must-see—vibrant ocean-city fusion, packed in summer with sand and light festivals. Always buzzing.
• Dongbaek Island: Serene forested trail beside the sea, offering elevated Haeundae views.
• The Bay 101: Prime night-view spot with high-rise lights; enjoy beers, snacks, or coffee overlooking the skyline—especially lively on hot evenings.
• Busan X the Sky: Korea's second-tallest building; 98th-100th floor observatory for 360° panoramas, sky lounge, souvenirs, and the world's highest Starbucks.
• Haeundae Blueline Park: Ride sky capsules or beach trains along the coast for beach-city vistas (reserve ahead on weekends). Pair with a walk on the adjacent trail; nearby streets now feature renovated low-rise cafes and eateries attracting young crowds. There is also a trail along the train path, so it would be nice to walk one way and take the train back.

Other Notable Areas

• Lotte World Adventure Busan: Compact theme park with parades and rides (smaller than Seoul's version).
• Songjeong Beach: Surfer's paradise with bigger waves; shallow waters ideal for kids and water sports.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Rare oceanfront temple—unique serene beauty amid typical mountain-bound ones.
• F1963: Repurposed 1963 wire factory into a hip cultural hub with cafes, shops, pubs, exhibitions, herb gardens, and bamboo paths.
• Hwangnyeongsan Bongsudae Tower: Historic signal hill turned scenic lookout for sunsets and night views.
• Hocheon Culture Platform: Terrace village filming site with vibrant orange night glows.
• Ahopsan Forest (Nine Mountain Forest): 400-year-old private forest opened in 2016; features massive bamboo groves (famous from films like Kundo). A bit remote—use mosquito spray in summer.

Felines and Femininity: The Symbolic World of Yumeji Takehisa

A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933

In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast.

Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange.

Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934)

Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa, frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bijin-ga (paintings of beautiful women). He loved depicting black cats as companions to his subjects, often portraying them as family members. In Japanese culture, black cats are considered symbols of good luck, especially for women, and Yumeji's art reflects this positive symbolism.

Peach and Girl (1900 - 1920)

Grace in Watercolor (1912 - 1920)

Shojogaho Magazine, Spring 1924 (Vol. 13, No. 1)

The Great Kanto Earthquake, September 1, 1923

Yumeji Art Museum 夢二郷土美術館

The Atomic Bomb Dome: A Pilgrimage to Ground Zero

On August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb instantly killed an estimated 80,000 people in Hiroshima. By the end of the year, the death toll had climbed to 140,000. The video below shows the aftermath and features a translated voice-over from a survivor, accompanied by footage from the museum's clips.

As I traveled through Japan, I often saw signs calling for world peace. It made me wonder if the horrors of war, especially the atomic bomb, have truly taught humanity a lasting lesson. Can we all live together cooperatively and peacefully, or is that still just a dream—a history doomed to repeat itself?

The Atomic Bomb Dome: A Pilgrimage to Ground Zero (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the Genbaku Dome, stands as a stark reminder of the world's first atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the preserved ruin of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was located directly below the bomb's detonation point. The single blast claimed over 200,000 lives and leveled the city within a two-kilometer radius. Erected on August 6, 1967, the monument and its preservation are a testament to the city's commitment to ensuring this tragic event serves as a permanent lesson for humanity, promoting peace for future generations.

This image shows the Red Bird Monument in Hiroshima, dedicated to Miekichi Suzuki (1882–1936), a pioneering children's author and founder of Akai Tori magazine. Known as the “Father of Children’s Literature” in Japan, Suzuki introduced songs, fairy tales, and global classics to young readers. Built in 1964, the monument symbolizes Hiroshima’s postwar recovery and hope for peace. It features Suzuki’s inscription: “I will forever dream, simply as I did in my boyhood, and therefore suffer only little. 私は永久に夢を持つ。たゞ年少時のごとく。ために悩むこと浅きのみ”

The Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Hall: From Commercial Hub to Ground Zero

Children's Peace Monument 原爆の子の像

A View of the Hiroshima Memorial Cenotaph and Museum

The image displays a framed newspaper spread from the Chugoku Shimbun, a Japanese publication featuring coverage of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and related articles on peace.

Silent Tribute: Hiroshima Cenotaph Welcomes Daily Acts of Remembrance and Reverence

An old wall clock, found in the ruins of a barbershop in Hiroshima, became a haunting symbol of the atomic bombing's devastation. The clock, its hands stopped at the moment of the blast, belonged to the family of 11-year-old Tokuso Hamai. While Tokuso was evacuated and survived, his parents and two siblings perished in the bombing. The clock, recovered from the rubble of their home and business, became a relic of their final moment and a permanent reminder of his family's loss.

This 10-year old girl was exposed to the atomic bombing while at home, which was located near the hypocenter, and suffered burns and injuries from the blast and heat. She managed to escape with her family and endured severe burns, later requiring surgery on her hand after the war. After living what appeared to be a happy life, she developed cancer in her thirties, which ultimately led to her death at the age of 42 in 1977.

Dejima, Nagasaki: A Portal of Trade and Knowledge During Japan's Isolation

The Portuguese Nau: A Global Explorer of the 16th and 17th Centuries

Dejima was an artificial, fan-shaped island constructed in Nagasaki Bay in 1636 to segregate foreign traders from the Japanese population, initially for the Portuguese and later for the Dutch. This isolation was part of Japan’s sakoku (seclusion 鎖国令) policy under the Tokugawa shogunate.

For over two centuries, from 1641 to 1859, the island served as Japan's sole official window to the West. It was here that the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established its trading post, transforming Dejima into a bustling hub of limited exchange. 

While Japanese society remained largely closed off, Dejima became a vital artery for the flow of goods such as silk, sugar, and spices, as well as for a deeper exchange: the introduction of Western knowledge and ideas. This unique role cemented Dejima’s place not only in Japanese history but also in the broader narrative of global trade and cultural interaction.

The estimated voyage route of the Dutch ship Liefde (リーフデ号), which departed from Rotterdam in 1598 along with the ships Liefde, Hope, and others, traces a remarkable journey. In November 1598, Liefde and Hope made a stop at Santa Maria Island in Chile. The route also included passage through the Strait of Magellan, a crucial navigational corridor for circumnavigation during that era.

From Dejima to Europe: The Legacy of Imari Porcelain (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

Today, Dejima stands as a National Historic Site—a tangible link to a pivotal era. Meticulous restoration efforts have revived the island, featuring reconstructed buildings and museums that invite visitors to step back in time. The photos below serve as a testament to that period of history at the site of the former Dutch trading post on Dejima. 

A person in traditional Japanese attire welcomes visitors to the historic site of the former trading post on Dejima

The Captain's Quarters: A Glimpse into Early 19th-Century Maritime Life

The Art of Karakami: "Kobanagara Shippo" Pattern

This exhibit explores "Ceramics for Export," with a focus on Imari porcelain and its role in European trade and decor. In the mid-17th century, Imari ware from Hizen, including Arita, gained prominence after a Chinese export ban, becoming popular in Asia and Europe for both utility and ornamentation. Styles like Kakiemon and Kinrande were especially prized in European "porcelain rooms." Many items—such as albarelli, ewers, and coffee sets—were custom-made for foreign markets, often commissioned by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Though exports declined in the 18th century, Imari’s legacy endures in VOC-marked and personalized pieces.

This exhibit, "The Impact of Copper," traces the journey of Japanese copper as it transformed into coins, household items, weapons, and building materials across the globe. Exported by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), Japanese copper became a major revenue source, especially in Asian markets like Coromandel, Bengal, Ceylon, and Surat. Its flow even influenced copper prices in Europe. After 1759, the VOC minted coins from Japanese copper, which circulated widely in its Asian territories.

This exhibit, "Changes in Export Trade," highlights Japan’s shifting export priorities during the Edo Period. Initially dominated by silver, exports transitioned to copper in the late 17th century due to shogunate restrictions on precious metals. Copper was refined in Osaka—often by the Sumitomo family—and exported via Nagasaki. Other key exports included ceramics, lacquerware, soy sauce, miso, and camphor, which was shipped from Dejima to destinations like Batavia, Malacca, Persia, and the Netherlands for medicinal and aromatic use.

The exhibit illustrates shifts in Japan’s import trade during the Edo Period, highlighting Dutch commerce through Dejima. Initially, raw silk—sourced from Tonkin and Bengal—was the main import, fueling Japan’s clothing culture, but declined by the mid-17th century due to domestic production. By the 18th century, sugar from Batavia replaced silk as the dominant import and remained crucial until the period’s end. Other notable imports included European wool, Chinese and Southeast Asian cotton, medicinal herbs, aromatics, and sundry items like sappanwood used for dyeing.

This exhibit illustrates a copper export scene from the Edo period at the Dutch Factory in Dejima, Nagasaki. It captures key stages—from storage removal to weighing and packaging—while highlighting the roles of supervising officials and record office staff. Dutch traders are shown overseeing weight checks, reflecting their active involvement in ensuring the quality and quantity of copper exports.

The Foreman's Room and Copper Warehouse Were Reconstructed Using Paintings and Excavation Evidence

This image presents traditional Japanese timekeeping and its contrast with European methods. While Europe used a fixed 24-hour system, Edo-period Japan divided day and night into six seasonal units based on dawn and dusk. It also features two timepieces: the Shakudokei, a scale clock powered by a descending weight in a narrow box, and the Makuradokei, a spring-driven tabletop clock.

The text highlights the cultural exchange between Japan and the Dutch through Dejima, focusing on imported goods like beer, gin, coffee, chocolate, cheese, and instruments such as cameras and pianos. Initially used by Dutch residents, these items were introduced to Japanese officials and courtesans, gradually gaining wider recognition. Although beer and gin weren't popular drinks among the Japanese at first, their empty bottles became valued souvenirs, often decorated with paintings.

The image and text explore the cultural impact of exotic animals imported to Japan by the Dutch during the Edo Period. Brought to Dejima from regions like Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and South America, animals such as elephants, porcupines, sloths, orangutans, and especially camels amazed the Japanese public and were often gifted to the Tokugawa Shogunate or displayed. Camels became particularly popular, inspiring artistic depictions in paintings, woodblock prints, and porcelain, including Kameyama Kiln cups featuring male and female camels.

The image showcases the "Paintings of Dejima" exhibition, featuring works by Ishizaki Yushi and Kawahara Keiga that depict the Dutch trading post on the fan-shaped island of Dejima in Nagasaki Bay during the Edo Period. The exhibition includes panoramic harbor views, bird's-eye perspectives, and interior scenes of the trading post, reflecting both domestic and international fascination with Dejima. Despite historical inaccuracies—such as depictions of buildings after their destruction—the artworks circulated widely, underscoring Dejima's cultural significance.

The image outlines the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) relay trade strategy in the early 17th century, where raw silk from China, Tonkin, and Bengal was traded in Japan for silver and copper, which were then used in India to obtain cotton fabrics, ultimately exchanged for spices in the Moluccas. To overcome Europe's trade imbalance—since woolen fabrics were unpopular in tropical regions—the VOC developed this complex network, headquartered in Batavia, linking Europe, India, Persia, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Their operations extended beyond goods, fostering cultural exchange across continents.

The text highlights how Dutch ships introduced various plants, vegetables, and fruits to Japan via Dejima, including sunflowers, marigolds, tomatoes, potatoes, and pineapples—many of which became staples in Japanese culture. Some, like clover, arrived unintentionally as packing material and later naturalized. Vegetables such as cabbage and parsley were initially named with the prefix "oranda" (Dutch), reflecting their foreign origin. Dejima served as a vital gateway for these botanical exchanges, shaping Japan’s agricultural and culinary landscape.

Edo-Period Kitchenware and Imported Goods: A Culinary History of 18th-Century Japan

During the Edo period, a diverse range of imported goods became an integral part of Japanese life. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) brought in spices and aromatics from Southeast Asia, including cloves, cinnamon, pepper, aloeswood, and sandalwood. Luxury materials such as deer and sharkskin, tortoiseshell, ivory, and coral were also imported for various crafts. Additionally, metals like tin and lead were brought in for different uses. By the 19th century, European influence was even more apparent with the widespread availability of porcelain from the Netherlands and Britain, which often featured distinctive copper-plate transfer printing.

Nagasaki's harbor remains a bustling hub, continuing its centuries-old legacy as a center for both trade and tourism