Guida
The Emisu-ga-hana Shipyard Ruins, located in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, are the remains of a shipyard established by the Choshu Clan during the late Edo period to construct Western-style sailing ships. In 2015, this site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site under the 'Sites of Japan' Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining.' This location is globally significant as a rare example where two different shipbuilding technologies—Russian and Dutch—coexisted within the same shipyard. The 'Heishin-maru,' built using Russian techniques, and the 'Kosin-maru,' built using Dutch techniques, represent a pivotal moment in Japan's technological evolution. Today, the surviving stone breakwaters serve as a powerful testament to the scale of the original shipyard and the dawn of Japan's modern era.
In 1853, following the Shogunate's lifting of restrictions on large ship construction, the Choshu Clan recognized the urgent need for naval strengthening. In 1855, following proposals by Katsu Komatsu (Kido Takayoshi), the clan's leadership decided to build Western-style warships. To master these new technologies, craftsmen were dispatched to the Izu Peninsula. This led to the construction of the 25-meter 'Heishin-maru' using Russian methods, followed by the 43-meter 'Kosin-maru' using Dutch-inspired techniques introduced via Nagasaki. This shipyard stands as a symbol of the complex process of technology transfer during Japan's early industrialization.
The most striking feature is the existing stone breakwater, which matches historical records of the 'Imaura Hado' site. This structure provides a tangible sense of the scale of the shipbuilding operations of that era. Additionally, the guide station offers a unique digital experience: visitors can borrow free tablet PCs to use VR (Virtual Reality) technology. Through these high-definition-reconstructed videos, you can virtually witness the 'Heishin-maru' and 'Kosin-maru' in their prime, effectively overlaying the historical ship silhouettes onto the current landscape.
As an open-air historical site, you are free to visit at any time. Daytime visits are highly recommended to clearly observe the texture of the stone breakwaters and the surrounding coastal scenery. If you wish to utilize the VR experience or seek more detailed historical context, please visit during the hours when staff are present (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Since the site is located along the coast, it is wise to check the weather and wind conditions before your visit to ensure a comfortable experience.
Beyond simple sightseeing, this site offers an advanced learning experience through digital technology. By using the provided tablets at the guide station, you can explore the lost art of shipbuilding through VR. This allows you to visualize the construction process and the physical presence of the ships in a virtual space, making the historical understanding much more profound and multi-dimensional.
The area around the shipyard is rich with other significant cultural assets of Hagi. The 'Hagi Reflector Furnace' is located nearby, where you can learn about the iron smelting technologies of the time. You can also easily access the historic streets of Hagi and the Yoshika Oohiro Memorial Museum using the 'Hagi Jukan Ma-ru' bus. Visiting these sites in sequence provides a comprehensive view of the connection between iron production and shipbuilding during the Meiji-era industrial revolution.
While the use of the VR facility is free, it is recommended to carry cash or a credit card/IC card for nearby transportation and dining expenses.
While the site is a World Heritage site, detailed English-language guidance may be limited. It is highly recommended to use the VR content and visual information provided on the tablets to enhance your understanding.
No advanced reservation is required for visiting the site. However, if you wish to experience the VR content or seek detailed explanations, please visit during the staffed hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
As the site is an open area by the sea, please dress appropriately for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain. If you plan to use the VR experience, being familiar with tablet operations will make your visit smoother.
Photography is permitted; however, please be respectful of other visitors and do not obstruct the view.
Because the site preserves its original historical topography, the stone breakwaters and surrounding areas may have uneven surfaces, steps, or bumps. Please proceed with caution.
As this is a component of a UNESCO World Heritage site, please treat the ruins with respect. Do not touch or damage the historical structures or move any signage/equipment.