Shoin Shrine

Shoin Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, first established in 1907 (Meiji 40). In the summer of 1890 (Meiji 23), graduates of Shoka Sonjuku carried out restoration work on Shoka Sonjuku, and the Sugi family—Shoin’s own family—built a private shrine on the west side of Shoka Sonjuku. Later, disciples such as Hirobumi Ito and Yasushi Nomura led efforts to formally establish a shrine, and permission was granted in 1907. The current shrine building is relatively new, built in 1955 (Showa 30). Items that Yoshida Shoin cherished throughout his life, including an Akama inkstone and letters written to his family, were dedicated according to his wishes. The former shrine building, Shomon Shrine, enshrines the spirits of Shoin’s disciples and those connected to him. Shoin Shrine is regarded as a “deity of learning,” and during exam season many students visit to pray for success. Access to Shoin Shrine by car is about 40 minutes from Minehigashi JCT via the Sanyo Expressway. By public transportation, it is about 60 minutes by taxi from “Higashi-Hagi Station” on the JR San-in Main Line or from JR Sanyo Shinkansen “Shin-Yamaguchi Station.” By air, it takes about 60 to 70 minutes by car from Ube Airport or Iwami Airport. Since access from stations and airports is limited, renting a car is convenient.