Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Hagi Castle Ruins (Shizuki Castle Ruins) are the remains of a castle built on Mt. Shizuki in the center of Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and was the site of the government office of the Choshu Domain (Mori clan) during the Edo period. The Mori clan, who entered Hagi after the Battle of Sekigahara, built the castle, and it flourished as the center of domain administration along with the castle town. Although the castle tower no longer remains, the stone walls, moats, and remains of the enclosures remain in good condition, and Shizuki Park has been developed, making it a great place for a stroll. A major attraction is that by visiting the castle town (samurai residences and merchant district) surrounding the castle ruins, as well as the Shoka Sonjuku School and Hagi Reverberatory Furnace, you can feel the breath of history from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration.
Highlights
– Stone walls and moat remains at Shizuki Park: You can see remains from the Edo period and observe well-preserved stone walls and dry moats up close.
– Remains of the Honmaru and Ninomaru enclosures: Walking paths have been developed that allow visitors to experience the structure and layout of the castle.
- Observation spot: From Mt. Shizuki, you can see the townscape of Hagi and the Sea of Japan (Hagi Bay), making it a great place for taking photos.
- Cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing spot: Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in autumn, and enjoy the scenery of each season.
- Links with surrounding historical sites: Within walking distance of the castle ruins are the Shoka Sonjuku School, the Samurai Residence Street, the Hagi Museum, and the Hagi Reverberatory Furnace, allowing you to explore the history of the area.
– Information boards and guide boards: You can learn about the history and structure of the castle while touring the site.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + bus/walk: The nearest JR station is Higashi-Hagi Station (San'in Main Line). From Higashi-Hagi Station, it's about a 5-10 minute taxi ride or a 20-30 minute walk (there is a slope). Alternatively, from Shin-Yamaguchi Station (Shinkansen), you can take a highway bus or local bus to downtown Hagi (Hagi Bus Center, etc.), and then walk or take a taxi from the bus stop. The highway bus takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on the service).
- By car: Travel via the Chugoku Expressway and Yamaguchi Line. Travel time varies depending on your destination, but it should take approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours from surrounding major cities (Yamaguchi City, Shimonoseki, etc.). Paid and free parking is available throughout the city.
- Taxis and sightseeing buses: Using the sightseeing buses and taxis within Hagi city will allow you to efficiently tour the castle ruins and surrounding historical sites.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Hagi Castle Ruins (Shizuki Park) alone: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for a stroll. If you want to take your time taking photos and enjoying the view, it will take about 1 hour.
– If you plan to visit the castle ruins and surrounding historical sites such as the castle town (Samurai Residence Street) and Shoka Sonjuku School, you should allow yourself half a day (3-4 hours) to a full day (6-8 hours) to enjoy plenty of time to sightsee.
Nearby spots
- Shoka Sonjuku (Yoshida Shoin's private school): A historic site associated with the late Edo period thinker and his leading disciple.
- Samurai Residence Street: A great place to stroll through the streets where old samurai residences remain.
– Hagi Reverberatory Furnace: A relic related to modern technology at the end of the Edo period (open to the public).
– Hagi Museum: Exhibits Hagi's history, culture, and archaeological materials.
- Shoin Shrine: A shrine dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, it is open for worship and has a museum.
– Hagi Castle Town's merchant district and souvenir shops: Lined with shops selling local traditional crafts and specialties (such as Hagi ware).
Things to be aware of (crowding, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The area gets crowded with tourists during cherry blossom season (spring), consecutive holidays, and autumn foliage season. Parking lots and surrounding roads can get congested during peak times, so we recommend arriving early.
- Footing and clothing: The castle ruins are difficult to walk on in places, with stone steps, gravel paths, and slopes. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Be careful when it rains, as the grounds can become slippery.
- Heat and cold: In summer, the sun is strong and hot, so please take measures against heatstroke (water and a hat). In winter, the sea breeze will make the temperature feel lower, so please prepare warm clothes.
- Manners: To preserve the historic site, please observe general etiquette, such as not entering restricted areas, taking your trash with you, and avoiding excessive noise on the premises. Graffiti and vandalism of cultural properties are strictly prohibited.
- Use of drones, etc.: Unauthorized drone flights may be prohibited at the castle ruins and many surrounding historic sites, so please check beforehand before using any filming equipment.
- Opening hours and access information: The park itself is open all year round, but the surrounding facilities (museums, historical archives, etc.) have their own opening hours and closing days, so it is best to check in advance.
Use the above information to plan your stroll around the Hagi Castle ruins and castle town. Combining a historical stroll with the seaside scenery will make for a more fulfilling day.
