01 May 2025

Exploring the Castles, Caves and Culture of Hagi

Today we had our first Zodiac ride of the voyage as Heritage Adventurer anchored offshore in Hagi. We followed our briefing instructions, went down the gangway, and enjoyed the ride across the sea, through the breakwater and onto the wharf.

Once ashore it was onto the coaches and off to explore. While one group made their way to Akiyoshido Cave, one of Japan’s largest and most impressive caves, the rest of us went into Hagi City to explore. For lunch, many enjoyed the option of an authentic Japanese lunch at the local fish market, while the rest of headed back to our trusty expedition vessel for lunch on board.

The afternoon saw us exploring the ruins of the Hagi Castle, following the moats and stone foundations to where the keep had been. The ruins evoking our imagination of what it must have been like 400 years ago, with the ancient remnant gardens, old teahouse, and the house of an important samurai providing a thrilling insight into this fascinating culture.

A quick transit took us to visit the Kikuya Residence, the home of a wealthy merchant from the Edo Period. This traditional house and garden, full of artefacts from the time, gave a glimpse of what life was like for a close friend and supporter of the local Daimyo, or lord.

Another stop was the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum and workshop. We were able to learn the story of the introduction of Hagi-ware (or Hagi yaki) pottery from Korea, and the transformation from daily-use items to art by Yoshika Taibi, the founder of this pottery business. We saw his stunning works in the museum and the potters at their wheels. In the shop, many of us took the opportunity to support the Japanese economy!

For something completely different, we stopped to explore Toko-ji Temple, an impressive Buddhist temple and the site to the tombs of the odd-numbered generations of the Mori dynasty. The grounds featured more than 500 stone lanterns, the candles of which are lit every night.

Back on board Heritage Adventurer, we cleared the immigration formalities to exit Japan and started our crossing of the Sea of Japan to South Korea. The galley team put on a special Japanese-themed dinner to add to our immersion in this culture.

Images © S. Bradley and J. Mishina, Heritage Expeditions