Hagi Travel Guide: Yamaguchi’s Samurai Castle Town (Complete 2026 Guide)
Hagi is a UNESCO-listed castle town on the Sea of Japan coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its surviving Edo-era streets, samurai houses, 400-year pottery tradition and ties to the Meiji Restoration make it one of western Japan’s most rewarding under-the-radar destinations. This complete first-timer’s guide covers how to get there from Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, what to see across the Jokamachi, Horiuchi samurai district and Shoin Shrine, where to eat the local Sea of Japan catch, how to shop directly from Hagi-yaki kilns, where to stay in traditional ryokan, the best time to visit, a suggested 2-day itinerary and practical tips.
