Hagi City Heianko District Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Overview

Hagi City's Heianko district is located in the southern part of Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. When Hagi Castle was constructed in 1608 at the beginning of the Edo period, many samurai began building residences there, leading to the development of the castle town. Heianko district is located south of the outer moat surrounding the third ward (sannomaru) of Hagi Castle. While many high-ranking samurai lived within the castle's third ward (the area inside the moat), as land development progressed, many samurai established residences in this district. Situated along the Hashimoto River, the preservation district retains the land divisions of the Edo period, offering glimpses into the layout of residences at that time. Main residences (shūya), long gates (nagaya-mon), long houses (nagaya), and storehouses (dozo) along with long earthen walls forming winding pathways (kaimagari) remain, preserving the appearance of the han (feudal domain) period. Designated as one of the nation's first “Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings” in 1976, along with the Horinouchi district, when the national system for preserving groups of traditional buildings began. Eleven buildings and 39 earthen walls and gates are specifically designated as traditional buildings. The district covers approximately 4.0 hectares. Exploring Heianko district is recommended not only for history buffs but also for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere to relax. Imagine the lives of the samurai of that era as you experience the history and characteristics of each building. In addition, many historical tourist spots such as Hagi Castle ruins and the Shokason-juku (松下村塾) are nearby, so consider visiting them as well.