Guide
The Ito Hirobumi Former Residence is the birthplace of Ito Hirobumi, a pivotal figure who served as Japan's first Prime Minister and played a crucial role in the country's modernization. This historic structure is a single-story wooden house with a traditional thatched roof. Although modest in size (approximately 9.5 m²), it serves as a precious architectural relic that preserves the lifestyle of that era. Designated as a national historical site, it allows visitors to connect directly with the roots of the man who helped lay the foundation for the modern Japanese state. On the grounds, you can also find a life-sized ceramic statue of Ito Hirobumi crafted in the local Hagi ware style, offering a unique way to experience both history and regional craftsmanship.
Ito Hirobumi was born in 1841 in what is now Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. He studied at the Shoka Sonju (Shoka Village School) under the guidance of Yoshida Shoin and later experienced the turbulent end of the Edo period, including a clandestine voyage to the UK as one of the