Wonderful HAGI (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

We hope that you will truly feel the history and culture of HAGI

What is 'Wonderful HAGI'

We sincerely hope your stay in Hagi, coupled with our unique offerings,
will become truly unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

Hagi no Yado Tomoe, a historic ‘ryokan’, Japanese style inn, in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture with a century long legacy, is now offering exclusive long stay experience tours for our overseas guests, allowing you to fully appreciate the historical town of Hagi that still preserves its charm to be explored with the use of an ancient map dating back over 200 years old.

All the unique experiences we have prepared are curated based on the relationships we had cultivated over many years. Throughout our extensive history, we have cherished encounters and bonds with numerous guests, fostering strong connections with the local community.
Making the best of these relationships, we are now offering long stay experience activities and itineraries tailored for international visitors to showcase the whole charm of Hagi.

To go beyond mere strolling around the town but to enable a deeper experience of its historical significance, we have prepared various itineraries that are exclusive to Hagi no Yado Tomoe, distinguishing themselves from other tours and contents. This is a new package plan that combines accommodation at Hagi no yado TOMOE with some special programs. A minimum stay of two nights is required to fully enjoy the programs.

We are committed to deliver special immersive experiences for our guests to feel the history and culture of Hagi and to unravel hidden stories of our ryokan, with our dedication to provide full support to ensure your journey richer and more attractive.

We sincerely hope your stay in Hagi, coupled with our unique offerings, will become truly unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

TOURS

BASIC

SHŌIN SHRINE & JŌKAMACHI: After visiting the birthplace of Yoshida Shōin, one of the prominent samurai from Hagi, the tour continues to Shōin Shrine which is a World Heritage Site and attend a lecture by the chief priest.
Additionally, you will have a rare opportunity to enter 'Shōka Sonjuku,’ in the premises of the Shrine that is usually closed to the public.

TEMPLE

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HAGIYAKI

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TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
(LANTERN)

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SAKE

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TYPES OF ROOM

For 100 years since its founding,
Tomoe has been handed down from generation to generation.

Standard Japanese-Style Room
Standard Japanese-Western Style Room
Modern Japanese-Western Style Room
Special Japanese-Western Style Room

Hagi no Yado Tomoe

For inquiries or requests for quotations, please use “INQUIRY”

INQUIRY

TOUR PROPOSAL

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY

From 3:00 pmCheck-in at Hagi no Yado Tomoe

Tomoe was established in 1925 as the “State Guesthouse of Hagi”.Since that time, Tomoe has been dedicated to protecting its most important element.
That is our essential spirit of hospitality to our guests.
Be stimulated by a delicious meal featuring abundant local ingredients while gazing at an enchanting Japanese garden.
Enjoy a quiet, beautiful, and luxurious time at Tomoe.

From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMWalking tour in Hamasaki Town

Hamasaki Town flourished as a harbor town under Hagi Castle. The picturesque townscape, which prospered amid connections with the sea and maritime activities, still retain its historic charm.
You can walk through the town holding a lantern allowing you to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere, exploring Sumiyoshi Shrine, the guardian deity of maritime safety and the streets that continue to echo the town‘s maritime heritage such as nautical instruments or scales. ＜This tour is free. It may be canceled depending on the weather＞

DAY 2: BASIC CONTENTS

From 10:00 am to 4:00 pmThe tour begins with a visit to the birthplace of samurai Yoshida Shōin

The tour begins with a visit to the birthplace of samurai Yoshida Shōin and the World Heritage Site ‘Shōka Sonjuku’ in the ground of Shōin Shrine where you can attend a lecture.Explore the ruins of Hagi Castle where the feudal lord Mōri Takachika once governed and visit samurai residences with the gardens in the castle town, witnessing the places associated with the samurai Takasugi Shinsaku and other revolutionaries who played a role during the period of revolution.
Experience a special viewing of hidden art treasures at the Kikuya Family Residence, a wealthy merchant's house and participate in a unique tea ceremony in their tea house built in 1934, normally not open to the public.

DAY 3: OPTIONAL CONTENTS

From 10:00 am to 12:00 pmVisit Tōkōji, a temple of the Obaku Zen sect established in 1691.

Visit Tōkōji, a temple of the Obaku Zen sect established in 1691. Experience the beauty of traditional wooden architecture, designated as Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Above all, the sight of about five hundred stone lanterns lined up at the tomb of the Mōri clan lords is truly spectacular. Surrounded by a forest and in a silent space, the evenly arranged stone lanterns seem to whisper the breath of the Mōri clan who once ruled Hagi and the people around them.

Reference 1Price¥261,000～

*Guide fee included
*Accommodation：Hagi no yado TOMOE (3 night, 6 meals incl)
Rooms：Standard Japanese-style room / Number of people：2 people

RECOMMENDED SPOTS

This is a recommended spot in Hagi that I would recommend during your free time.

CAFE & GALLERYKurumayado Tenjuppei

In a corner of the castle town of Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, there is a 200-year-old house from the Edo period transformed into a gallery and café. The establishment features a unique blend of traditional Japanese rooms from the Edo period and Western-style architecture from the Taisho period. The shop exhibits a variety of unique works throughout the year. In the café, you can also enjoy freshly baked scones.
CAFENagayamon Coffee shop

This coffee shop is located in the Hijiwara district near the Matsumoto River which forms the triangular delta of Hagi City，Yamaguchi Prefecture. Situated within the premises of the Kogawa Residence Nagayamon, a Designated Cultural Property in Hagi, this coffee shop sources fresh green beans from coffee plantations worldwide. They roast and brew a variety of coffee ranging from light to dark roast—always offering 20 to 30 different options. The establishment serves as a gathering spot for local residents in the community.
PLEASURE BOATHagihakkei Yūransen

Enjoy the scenic views of Hagi, surrounded by rivers and the sea, from a 'Sightseeing Boat Tour'. Departing from the Shigetsu Bridge near the ruins of Hagi Castle, the boat travels along the castle's moat, passing through Tokiwa Island and reaching the mainstream of the Hashimoto River. This approximately 40-minute round trip allows passengers to admire the homes of samurai families from the river. On clear days, you can enjoy views of the reproduced castle wall of Mt. Shigetsu, the tidal gate of Hagi Castle, and the picturesque Kikugahama beach with its white sands and green pines, all from open sea.
HISTORYHagi･Meirin Gakusha

Meirin Gakusha, formerly known as Meirinkan, an important public school in the Chōshū domain during the Edo period, where many leaders and pioneers received their education.
This historic site was home to an elementary school until recent years, where actual classes were conducted. The wooden school building has been designated as a registered Tangible Cultural Property by the government, and it has played a crucial role as the starting point for many individuals who went on to contribute to various fields. Renamed ‘Hagi Meirin Gakusha’, this venerable institution now carries the responsibility of passing on the ‘Hagi Story’ to the next generation of children and visitors to Hagi.
This is a recommended spot in yamaguchi that I would recommend during your free time.

TEMPLEThe Ruriko-ji

The Ruriko-ji Pagoda, recognized as one of Japan's three great pagodas, is a national treasure. Built approximately 700 years ago during the Muromachi period by the samurai Ouchi clan, who ruled what is now Yamaguchi Prefecture, the pagoda showcases a unique beauty that harmonizes with the surrounding vegetation and autumn leaves as the seasons change. However, it is currently undergoing a comprehensive roof renovation, a rare event that occurs about once every 70 years, rendering it unseen until March 2026. The journey to Ruriko-ji from the city of Hagi takes about 80 minutes by bus. This bus can be accessed using the JR-WEST RAIL PASS.

HAGI'S STORY

“Meiji Restoration”and“Three Samurai”

Why did a revolution occur in this place, 1000 kilometers away from Edo (now Tokyo)

Meiji Restoration

In the latter half of the 19th century, the city of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture, witnessed the birth of two crucial revolutionary figures, Yoshida Shōin and Takasugi Shinsaku. During this period, many Asian nations were under colonial rule by Western powers. Japan, being an island nation, was the last country protected from foreign invasion.
Facing pressure to open up to the world, the shogunate gradually eased its policy of national seclusion.
On the other hand, advocates of ‘Sonnō jōi’ (Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians) strongly opposed the compromising stance of the shogunate. They actively promoted movements to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to the realization of the Meiji Restoration and the birth of a new government.
Hagi is often considered the birthplace of the movements that anticipated the Meiji Restoration. The city played a significant role as a stronghold of reformists, contributing many individuals to the subsequent new regime.

Three Samurai

Yoshida Shōin was born in Hagi City，Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1830. He was a Confucianist and devoted himself to learning from early age. He deeply believed in the principle of ‘Sonno joi' (revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians), advocating it to educate young patriots in the seek of independence and autonomy of the nation. His passionate beliefs influenced many young people and had a significant impact on the subsequent turmoil.

Takasugi Shinsaku was born in Hagi City，Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1839. He was also a disciple of Yoshida Shoin and was deeply committed to the idea of ‘Sonno joi’. He was particularly talented in military affairs and prepared armed forces to oppose the shogunate. He played an active role as a leader of the new government forces, contributing to the success of the Meiji Restoration.

Mōri Takachika was born in 1819 and became the 13th lord of the Chōshū domain at the age of 19. He navigated numerous crises of the domain such as confrontations with the shogunate, foreign invasions, and internal conflicts within his clan with his unique and flexible leadership. He lived through the turbulent end of the Edo period and is recognised for his domain's role in producing many patriots who played active roles in the Meiji Restoration.