08 May 2025

A Perfect Day in Hagi

Hagi turned on perfect weather and sea conditions for our only Zodiac rides of the voyage. We boarded the inflatable expedition cruise must-haves for the quick transfer to the marina in light winds and warm sunshine.

On shore, one group headed out through the town, into the rice paddies, and up onto the limestone plateau to explore Akiyoshido Cave, one of Japan’s largest and most impressive caves with an equally impressive ice cream shop selection (100+ flavours) as a reward after our exploration. We then enjoyed sampling the local cuisine at the Michi-no-Eki Hagi Seaside Market before lunch on board and exploring the remains of Hagi Castle, strolling among the stone fortifications to the moat.

Those enjoying the other option started with a visit to the accommodation of one of the Mori Clan who ruled this area from 1604, followed by a walk through the nearby ruins of the Hagi Castle. Exploring Toko-ji Temple, an impressive old Buddhist temple and the site of the tombs of the odd-numbered generations of the Mori dynasty and more than 500 stone lanterns, was next. A fabulous feast of local cuisine, featuring national delicacy Fugu or Pufferfish, was enjoyed before everyone reconvened for a visit the Samurai district, formerly the home of the warriors who served the local Daimyo.

Here we explored the neighbourhood and the Kikuya Residence, the home of a wealthy merchant from the Edo Period, the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum and workshop detailing the introduction of Hagi-ware (or Hagi yaki) pottery from Korea, and its transformation from daily-use items to art by Yoshika Taibi.

Back on our trusty expedition vessel Heritage Adventurer, we set sail for South Korea.

Images © S. Bradley & K. Riedel, Heritage Expeditions