Kikuya Family Residence

The Kikuya Residence is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and part of the World Heritage component “Hagi Castle Town.” Built in the early Edo period, it is said to be the oldest surviving machiya (townhouse) in existence. Located near the center of Hagi Castle Town, it preserves the Edo-period townscape, and the surrounding alleyways have been selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Roads.” Inside the residence, various exhibits allow visitors to glimpse daily life and history from the time. One notable item on display is an old clock that Ito Hirobumi brought back as a souvenir from the United States after traveling with the Iwakura Mission. Some areas prohibit photography, so please take note. Access to the Kikuya Residence: by car, about 30 minutes from Chugoku Expressway “Minehigashi JCT,” or about 20 minutes from Ogori-Hagi Road “Edo IC.” By public transportation, take the “Ma-ru Bus” West Route from JR San-in Main Line “Hagi Station,” get off at “Hagi Museum,” then walk about 5 minutes. Buses also operate from JR “Higashi-Hagi Station,” but because that route is the East Route, you need to transfer to the West Route at designated transfer points (e.g., Hagi Bus Center, Hagi Meirin Center, etc.).