Hagi Castle

Welcome to Hagi, a city that breathes history from every white-walled alley and stone fortification. Often referred to as an 'open-air museum,' Hagi is one of the few places in Japan where the original 400-year-old town plan…

Our first stop is a modest but significant residence: the birthplace of Kido Takayoshi. Born in 1833 as Wada Kogoro, Kido was one of the 'Three Great Nobles' of the Meiji Restoration. …

We now walk toward the Hiyako-cho area, famous for its long, white-walled streets and yellow citrus trees. This is the quintessential image of Hagi. …

Hagi's cultural legacy is not just in its stones, but in its clay. Hagi-yaki pottery has been passed down for over 400 years, originally developed alongside the tea ceremony cherished by the samurai. …

Continuing our exploration of Hagi's revolutionary heart, we arrive at the birthplace of Shinsaku Takasugi, born in 1839. Takasugi was a brilliant military strategist and the founder of the 'Kiheitai,' a volunteer militia that…

We now reach the site of the original Hagi Castle, located in Shizuki Park at the base of Mount Shizuki. Founded 400 years ago by Mori Terumoto, the castle was a formidable fortress surrounded by rings of fortifications that…

To gain a final, unique perspective on Hagi's fortifications, we step aboard a small wooden boat for a tour of the castle moats. This experience allows you to appreciate the walls as they were meant to be seen by an approaching…

As the sun sets over the Sea of Japan, casting long shadows across the white walls of Hagi, we conclude our journey. Hagi is more than just a collection of old buildings; it is a city where the past is not a museum piece but a…