Hagi may have been at the centre of the Meiji industrialisation at the end of the 19th century but today that is all in the past with the city a tranquil place to visit for an insight into Japan’s history. This pretty former castle town sits on its own island surrounded by rivers and can be split into two areas: the built-up historical area home to a number of world heritage sites and beautiful, old buildings; and the nature-rich side of the city, which sports forests, beaches, and fantastic views.
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01
Shoin Shrine
East of the rushing Abu River lies Shoin Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Yoshida Shoin a key figure in the history of Hagi. Samurai, scholar, and activist, Shoin’s influence was much to thank for the industrialisation of Japan despite being executed before the Meiji Restoration fully began. The grounds are home to several other buildings related to Shoin while those looking for a bit of fortune telling along the way should pick up one of the shrine’s unique omikuji charms which come in the form of colourful cocktail umbrellas at 300 yen a pop.
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02
Hagi Meirin Gakusha
![Hagi Meirin Gakusha]()
Hagi Meirin Gakusha
Found in the midst of the historical buildings, the Meirin Gakusha is a tourist centre with a twist. This beautiful piece of architecture was originally one of the largest wooden schoolhouses in the country which can be seen up and down the grand corridors. Now open to the public, the main building is free to enter and home to a tourist information centre, a gift shop, and a restaurant serving up local Hagi dishes. Interested in learning more about the fascinating history of Hagi and the monumental Meiji Restoration period? Head to the Bakumatsu Museum hidden behind the main building.
![Hagi Meirin Gakusha]()
Hagi Meirin Gakusha
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03
Myojin Pond
![Myojin Pond]()
Myojin Pond
Heading north towards the more scenic side of Hagi you’ll come to Myojin Pond at the foot of Mt. Kasayama. Surrounded by woodland the pond makes a good spot for a gentle stroll while checking out its old bridges, torii gates, and shrine. Take the bus towards Koshigahama which is around 20 minutes from Higashi-Hagi Station. While this scenic spot is a little way out of the main city, it is by no means uninhabited with a generous spattering of shops and cafes nearby.
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04
Mt. Kasayama
![Mt. Kasayama]()
Mt. Kasayama
Just north of Myojin Pond, Mt. Kasayama towers over the Sea of Japan on its own piece of land that juts out into the ocean. Previously a volcano, the mountain still sports an impressive crater at its summit with hillsides of camellia trees at either side. Trekking up to the observation deck promises breathtaking views back over Hagi to the south and the scattered islands dotted around the Sea of Japan to the north.
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05
Hagi Uragami Museum
![Hagi Uragami Museum]()
Hagi Uragami Museum
Breeding many famous names Hagi is also the birthplace of Toshiro Uragami, an entrepreneur who is to thank for this art gallery’s significant selection of oriental artworks. For just 300 yen visitors can discover traditional Japanese artworks as well as Hagi-yaki ceramics which the gallery’s in-house potter throws on site. One of the main draws to the museum is undoubtedly its 5,300 ukiyo-e woodblock prints which include some of the works of Hokusai.
- Hagi Meirin Gakusha
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4.0
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4.5
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