Meiji Japan's Industrial Revolution Heritage Sites Pilgrimage

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
 
The twenty-three sites related to the Meiji Japan Industrial Revolution were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 under the title “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining (Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution),” documenting the trajectory of Japan’s modernization and witnessing the era when Japan stepped onto the world stage. These sites showcase the vision and spirit of Japan’s forebears and offer insight into the roots of the nation’s strength.
 
First Stop on the Meiji Japan Industrial Revolution Heritage Sites Pilgrimage: Shōka Sonjuku
On the pilgrimage to explore Meiji Japan’s industrial heritage, the first stop is Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture — the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration and the starting point of Japan’s modernization. Many of the dramatic and epic stories begin with this prelude in Hagi.

Of the twenty-three Meiji Japan Industrial Revolution heritage sites, five are located in Hagi. Among them, the“Shōka Sonjuku (松下村塾)”is hailed as the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration, and its founder, Yoshida Shōin, is known as the “precursor of the Meiji Restoration.”
In the first year of the Ansei era (1854), Yoshida Shōin, a samurai from Chōshū Domain (Hagi Domain) who had left his clan to travel across the country, was deeply shaken by the arrival of the Black Ships. He sought assistance from the Perry Expedition to travel overseas but was refused and was sent back to his domain by the Tokugawa Shogunate, where he was placed under house arrest. During this time, with the tacit approval of the 13th domain lord, Mōri Takachika, Shōin opened a small school to teach students regardless of their social class — this became the far-reaching influential “Shōka Sonjuku.”
Though the school operated for just one year, it produced many talented individuals who played pivotal roles in the Meiji Restoration. Figures such as Japan’s first Prime Minister Itō Hirobumi, the leaders of the sonnō jōi (Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians) movement Takasugi Shinsaku and Kusaka Genzui, and the “Father of the Japanese Army” Yamagata Aritomo were all key players in the transformative period.

At the entrance torii gate of Shōin Shrine, there is a commemorative inscription by former Prime Minister Abe Shinzō’s maternal grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, marking the centennial of Shōin’s death and honoring the legacy of Shōka Sonjuku. The stone monument commemorating the school’s achievements was inscribed by former Prime Minister Eisaku Satō. The shrine was established by Itō Hirobumi’s disciples to enshrine Shōin, who died a martyr after being convicted. His former house of confinement has been designated as a national historic site, and the grounds include a small wooden tile-roofed building divided into a lecture room and a resting area for students.
This is the starting point of Japan’s modernization. Gazing at the hanging portrait of Shōin in the tokonoma of the small house, one can almost feel the passionate dedication of the students who once listened to his teachings.
Not far from Shōin Shrine are the childhood home of Itō Hirobumi and a detached villa relocated from Tokyo. In the 2nd year of the Kaei era (1850), 9-year-old Itō Hirobumi moved to Hagi with his family and later studied at a local school before becoming a favorite pupil of Shōin, who recognized his potential. He went on to study in Kyoto and Edo, eventually traveling abroad. After the Meiji Restoration, he returned to Hagi during his final years and passed away here. Beside these two historical sites is a ceramic statue of Itō Hirobumi, made from Hagi-yaki pottery, a specialty of Hagi.
 
Stroll Through Hagi’s Castle Town and Savor Its Seafood and Mountain Flavors
When exploring Hagi City’scastle town,start at the westernmost “Castle Ruins,” the site of the former Hagi Castle, which was governed by 13 generations of the Mōri clan. In the 7th year of the Meiji era (1874), the Chōshū Domain, as a pioneer of the sonnō jōi movement, demolished the castle. Today, only the stone walls and moat remain, designated as a national historic site and repurposed into Shizuki Park.
Cross the inner moat (Uchibori) to the east to reach the “Former Upper Samurai Residential District,” where the domain’s samurai once lived. This area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The grand buildings are separated by earthen walls coated with black lacquer, creating a distinguished streetscape with unique regional features. The atmosphere here offers a taste of the refined culture of the samurai class. The area also features a well-preserved “samurai maze” that surprises and delights visitors.

Among the buildings in the Former Upper Samurai Residential District, the “Kuchiba Family Residence,” which has the largest entrance gate and is the only one retaining its main house, is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Kuchiba family was a branch of the Mōri clan and retreated to Hagi with Mōri Terumoto. Descendants still live here today, and parts of the residence and garden are open to the public.
For those wanting to learn more about Hagi’s history and culture, visit the nearby Hagi Museum near the inner moat. The museum is designed in the style of a samurai residence and centers its exhibitions on Hagi. The historical exhibition room displays materials and artifacts from the 260-year governance of the Chōshū Domain, while the final section of the tour focuses on the Meiji Restoration, showcasing Yoshida Shōin’s will and the “Chōshū Five.”

To the east of the outer moat lies the “Merchants’ District,” with the main street being Ōnin Dōri, a central east-west thoroughfare once used by the domain lord. The area south of Ōnin Dōri was home to merchant families and lower- to middle-class samurai, laid out in a grid pattern with houses lined up closely. Three streets extending south from Ōnin Dōri are named after prominent local merchants — Edoya Yokocho, Iseya Yokocho, and Kikuya Yokocho. Among them, Kikuya Yokocho is celebrated for its scenic beauty and is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Streets.
Itō Hirobumi and Takasugi Shinsaku attended a local school in their youth, and the area also includes a temple that offers a glimpse into the world of Hagi’s traditional education. Strolling through the town, you can visit the Saion Kiln to discover locally produced Hagi-yaki pottery. Hagi-yaki is a representative traditional craft of Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its rustic forms and the intriguing changes in color and crackling that occur with use. Alongside Raku ware, it is highly regarded by tea ceremony masters. The Saion Kiln showcases Hagi-yaki crafts, and its loft space features everyday utensils and curated lifestyle goods.
Travelers who love Hagi-yaki shouldn’t miss the rustic café “Kotokoto (ことこと),” which uses locally made Hagi-yaki tableware. In a tranquil space, enjoy Hagi’s signature summer citrus jelly and hand-drip coffee served in Hagi-yaki cups, all while taking in a beautiful courtyard garden. Another corner of the café displays works from the renowned Hagi-yaki kiln “Ōya Kiln,” as well as lifestyle goods and homemade summer citrus jam made using traditional recipes.