In this article,I’ll introduce Hagi city,Yamaguchi prefecture.
Hagi is a town that conserve old cityscape.
These are shops in Hagi.
Next photo is replica of Kosatsu(高札).
This was used to inform people information.For example,about law.
In Edo period(1601-1867,Mohri clan governed Hagi.
So Hagi developed under Mohri clan as Choshuhan.
The word “Han” is administrative division in Edo period.
So it is similer to prefecture in contemporary word.
But area is different from now.
Choshuhan made effort to educate youth.
So they made Hankou(藩校 means Han school).
In Edo period,a lot of han made hankou.
Childlen of Samurai class studied at hankou.
The other class children studied at Terakoya(寺子屋).
These photos are former Meirin primary school.
Before Meirin primary school,here was hankou.
Its name was Meirinkan.
Meirin primary school has moved other place in April 2014.
Here is going to use another purpose.
Now,NHK Taiga drama “Hanamoyu” exhibition is held.
Because one of main location place of Hanamoyu is Hagi.
I was surprised that this architecture had been used till March 2014 as primary school.
I felt Hagi’s thought that respect for tradition.
I think, if children learn here,they will become person who have appreciation heart.
And,Let’s move to Jokamachi(城下町 means Castle town).
Here are many small beautiful streets.
And here are many historic cites.I introduce only a few cites.
Here is born place of Takayoshi Kido(former name is Kogoro Katsura).
He played important role during Meiji Restoration.
And here is Onarimichi street.(御成り道 means road for Daimyou(means locak lord in Edo period))
This street used for,for example Sankinkoutai.
Sankinkoutai(参勤交代) is special rule for Daimyou in Edo period made by Bakuhu.
Daimyou had to go Edo and stay and return own Han repeatedly.
Along Onarimichi street,there is Kikuya family residence.
Kikuya family is merchant for Choshuhan.
This architecture was built in early Edo period.
Beautiful ceiling! Amazing technique!!
Beautiful Tatami room and garden.
When you watch Japanese style garden,you should watch with window flame.
It’s like flame for art!There will be different view.
Opposite side of Kikuya family residence(right),there is Kubota family residence(left).
Kubota family was also merchant.They managed clothes and liquor.
This architecture was built in late Edo period.
Here is Doma(土間 means ground area.used as kitchen).
Three cube object in front is Kamado(竈).These are used for cooking with fire.
Ceiling of Doma.
And Onarimichi street is crossing Kikuya street.
Here is selected 100 Japanese beautiful streets.Here is photogenic!
In castle town,there are many precious places.
If you go many places,you might be better to buy a one day pass ticket.
But,some places can’t use that ticket in castle town area.Cites are very near,so you can go on foot.
Additional information
I think Hagi Uragami Museum is one of best museum about Ukiyoe and Japanese art in Japan.
My favorite Ukiyoe art is located here.
Kuniyoshi Utagawa,Mikakewakowaigatondaiihitoda(みかけはこわいがとんだいい人だ means He looks scary at a glance,but nice man)I love Kuniyoshi very much!!
Last photo is Hagiyaki(Hagi ware).I took this photo at castle town.Hagiyaki is sold everywhere at Hagi.
These are suit for souvenir.
Hagi is quiet,beautiful,historical place.
There are many many other places to go in Hagi,but I couldn’t go.
One day in the future,I’ll go Hagi again!!
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