Hagi Castle Ruins

Hagi Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle built in 1604 (Keicho 9) by Mori Terumoto. Because it was constructed at the foot of Shigetsu Mountain, it is also known by the alternate name “Shigetsu Castle.” At the time, a five-story keep standing about 14.4 meters tall existed, but in 1874 (Meiji 7) it was completely dismantled, leaving only the stone walls and moat that remain today. The site was later designated as a National Historic Site. In spring, about 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full, and the castle ruins are renowned nationwide as a cherry blossom spot, drawing many visitors who come to witness the scenery. Within the grounds, there is also a rare pure-white cherry tree called “Midoriyoshino,” which exists only here at Hagi Castle Ruins in Japan. The illumination of the ruins is also wonderful, and visiting not only in the daytime but also at night is highly recommended. Access to Hagi Castle Ruins: by public transportation, take the “Ma-ru Bus” West Route from JR San-in Main Line “Hagi Station” for 34 minutes, get off at “Hagi Castle Ruins / Shigetsu Park Entrance,” then walk about 5 minutes. Alternatively, it’s about a 30-minute walk from JR San-in Main Line “Higashi-Hagi Station.” By car, it’s about 10 minutes from Chugoku Expressway “Minehigashi JCT,” or about 20 minutes from Ogori-Hagi Road “Edo IC.”