MOJI

Hagi with a population of approximately 43,850 people is one of Japan's most beautiful castle towns, with many old streets and residences that have survived untouched to the present day.

The first castle in Hagi was built by the Yoshimi clan. But it was not until 1608 when the Mori clan, exiled here after a humiliating defeat by the Tokugawa shogunate, built their massive, imposing castle at the foot of Mt. Shizuki.

In 1874, much of Hagi Castle was demolished, leaving little but ruins, as part of a wave of castle demolitions following the Meiji Restoration.

Hagi's main attractions are the preserved samurai and merchant quarters of Horiuchi and Jokamachi, with their beautiful, earthen walls. Horiuchi and Jokamachi occupy the northwest of the "island," from Hagishi Central Park in the center to the site of the former Hagi Castle 1.5 km northwest. The site of Hagi Castle is also of historical interest, but not so much sightseeing interest due to its being only a site, not a castle.