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Hagi Castle

Hagi Castle served as the political center of the Choshu-han for over 250 years, only to be dismantled when the Choshu took the lead in modernizing Japan. Stone walls, the moat, and gardens mark the remains of the castle today. Admission includes the Mori House, which is just south of the park. ¥210 adults, ¥100 children.

Shoin Shrine

A Meiji-era shrine dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, a young samurai who taught many of the students that went on to become major statesmen in Meiji Japan. Yoshida himself would not see it, though chafing under the policy of sakoku, he tried to persuade Commodore Perry to smuggle him out of Japan, was imprisoned, and was later executed after plotting against the shogunate. Within the grounds of the shrine, his school Shoka-sonjuku  is preserved. There is also a hall dedicated to his life story.

Shizuki Park

Surrounding the castle ruins, this park is a popular spot for cherry blossom parties in the spring. Also here are a small shrine, a teahouse, the Jozangama pottery kiln and a hiking path leading up to the peak of Mt. Shizuki.

Hagi Museum

Built in 2004, this museum has exhibitions about samurai Yoshida Shoin and Takasugi Shinsaku. ¥500 adults, ¥300 students, ¥100 children.

Tokoji

This is the family shrine of the Mori clan. The beautiful gate, belfry, and temple buildings show Chinese influence; behind the temple are the graves of several Mori warlords and 500 stone lanterns to mark their power. It's a short walk east of Shoin Shrine. ¥300.
 

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