Very Best of Hagi town
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Port
Shimonoseki, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$350
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Start your day with an approximately two-hour narrated drive to local Hagiyaki pottery. Hagi Yaki pottery, which flourished during the Edo Period, is one of the most famous pottery types in Japan and it has been highly prized for use in the tea ceremony. Hagi ware tends to be simple and unadorned but the color of the vessels changes over time with use as tea residuals enter the miniscule openings on the surface. That is a characteristic appreciated by tea enthusiasts.
At the local pottery shop, a pottery master will explain the features of Hagiyaki pottery and how to make it. You may find your own pottery at the lovely galley.
Next, continue to Hagi Castle Town where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through this fascinating town, dating from Edo period.
Built in the early 17th century, Hagi Castle served as the seat of the Yamaguchi Prefectural government until the 19th century. During this time, Hagi produced many men who played leading roles in the construction of modern Japan.
Located in Hagi Castle Town is the Kikuya Residence. Constructed early in the Edo period, this site is one of the most well-preserved examples of merchant architecture with five buildings listed on the National Register of Important Cultural Properties. Explore the rooms and see many period objects that will give insight into the lifestyle of merchants in the Edo period.
After lunch, take a short drive to Tokoji Temple which was founded in 1691 and belongs to the Obaku school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Its wooden temple buildings stand within the tranquil woods east of downtown Hagi, offering visitors a moment of serenity.
Behind the temple buildings lies the graveyard of half of the Mori daimyo (feudal lords), who governed from Hagi during the Edo Period. The odd numbered daimyo in the succession of Mori lords were buried here.
Sit back a relax as you drive back to pier.
Please note:
There is approximately 2 hours of walking in this tour. Guests with walking difficulties or with wheelchairs are not recommended in this tour. Shoes are required to be removed to enter Kikuya Residence. They have more than 10 steps to go up to the second floor. It takes approx. 1.5-1.75 hour-driving time to go/back to/from Hagi area. Wear low heeled, comfortable walking shoes. We recommend to bring a rain coat or umbrella when you explore this historical town. Only Japanese yen will be accepted by local vendors. Tour order may vary.