1 Fuji-san (Mount Fuji)
2 Hagi
3 Hiroshima
4 Iriomote-jima
5 Kamakura
6 Kanazawa
7 Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto
8 Miyajima
9 Todaiji Temple, Nara
10 Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
This charming old town is an unexpected delight on the peaceful northern shoreline of southwestern Honshu.
This comparatively small town was an important centre of the 19th-century movement to restore the emperor to power. One of the leaders of the campaign, Shoin Yoshida, came from Hagi. He was executed in 1859, but his supporters led a revolt that precipitated the final defeat of the shogun in 1868.
Most of Hagi is an island surrounded by sea and river. One of the highlights is the old samurai residential area in the quarters of Jokamachi, Horiuchi and Teremachi, with whitewashed walls, fascinating houses and temples. Among them is the Kikuya House, built in 1604 for a wealthy merchant whose influence allowed him the rare privilege of living among the samurai. The nearby Ishii Chawan Museum is devoted to teaware. The Kumaya Bijutsukan in the Jokomachi quarter is an art museum housed in small 18th-century warehouses in the gardens of the house of the Kumaya family. The collection includes traditional screens and teaware. Hagi is well known for its pinkish stoneware pottery - there are a number of kilns and shops in the western part of the town. To the east of the Matsumotogawa River is the Tokoji Temple, with a spectacular lantern-lined path leading to tombs of the Mori clan. The 500 stone lanterns were erected by the lords' servants, and are lit every year on 15 August in a guard of honour.Address: 90km west of Hiroshima
Bus: Higashi-Hagi
Train: Hagi on JR San-in line
Info: Emukai Section PHONE: (0838) 25 1750
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