Hagi Castle Ruins & Shizuki Park

Covering approximately 200,000 square meters, Hagi Castle Ruins & Shizuki Park is the historic site where Hagi Castle, once ruled by the Mori Clan, once stood. The area was transformed into a park when Shizukiyama Shrine was built on the former main keep grounds to honor the successive feudal lords.

Hagi Castle was constructed in 1604 by Mori Terumoto and was originally a large-scale fortress featuring a main keep (Honmaru), second keep (Ninomaru), and third keep (Sannomaru). However, much of the castle was dismantled during the Meiji era. Today, remnants such as stone walls and moats still remain, and the site is officially designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore areas like the former castle tower site and Hanae Chatei, a teahouse where feudal lords once hosted tea gatherings, offering a glimpse into the past and a sense of stepping back in time.

In spring, the park becomes a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with around 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom. Among them, the Midori Yoshino, a rare white-blossomed cherry tree, stands out as the only one of its kind in Japan, found exclusively in this region. Recognized as a Natural Monument of Yamaguchi Prefecture, this unique cherry tree makes spring the perfect time to visit.