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)