Hagi is well known for its remarkable historic sites and its local Hagiyaki Pottery.
Hagi (萩) is a former castle town off the major transport ways along the tranquil Sea of Japan coast in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It used to be the capital of the Mori Clan, one of the most powerful clans during the feudal age. Mori lords governed present Yamaguchi (then known as Choshu) for more than 250 years and played a central role in bringing about the Meiji Restoration in the second half of the 19th century.
Hagi is best known for its nicely preserved former castle town and its local Hagiyaki Pottery which ranks among Japan's finest. The town has been fortunate to have avoided major disasters since the Edo Period (1603-1867), thereby maintaining an appearance generally in accordance to town plans from centuries ago. Several beautiful old samuraiand merchant residences survive and are open to public.<Japan-guide.com>
Yamaguchi (1½ hours by train from Hiroshima) used to be considered the "Kyoto of Western Japan — because an early lord modeled the streets and buildings after their counterparts Kyoto.
Access to Hagi: Hagi can be conveniently accessed by plane, Shinkansen and express bus.
Hagi Pottery: Hagiyaki Pottery (萩焼, Hagiyaki) is one of the most famous pottery in Japan. The skills for making this craft was imported into Japan from Korea in the early 1600s. Hagiyaki flourished during the Edo period (1603-1867) and was highly prized as tea wares for the tea ceremony.