- Explore Hagi’s preserved castle-town streets and uncover its samurai history
- Taste traditionally brewed soy sauce and understand Hagi’s local food culture
- Make fresh tofu in Sasanami and learn time-honoured preparation methods
- Create your own Hagi-yaki pottery piece with guidance from local artisans
Hagi 3-Day Add-On: Pottery, Craft & Culinary Traditions
Slow down and experience a side of Japan that many visitors never reach. Easily reached from both Hiroshima and Fukuoka, Hagi is a small castle town on the coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture where centuries-old traditions are still woven into everyday life. Rather than rushing between famous sights, you'll spend time with the people who continue those traditions, making this a rewarding addition to a wider Japan holiday. Hagi is best known for its role in the Meiji Restoration, when many of Japan's future leaders came from the town, but it is equally fascinating for its thriving artisan culture. Wander streets once walked by samurai, discover workshops where centuries-old crafts are still practised and experience local food traditions that have shaped daily life for generations. The relaxed pace makes it easy to appreciate the details that are often missed on a faster-paced itinerary.
The experiences included offer an insight into Hagi that goes beyond its historic streets. Cycle through one of Japan's best-preserved samurai towns with a local guide, learn how naturally brewed soy sauce is produced before tasting different varieties, and make fresh tofu in the historic village of Sasanami using traditional methods. Later, create your own piece of Hagi-yaki, one of Japan's most celebrated pottery styles, guided by local artisans whose skills have been passed down for more than 400 years. Designed as an add-on to a longer Japan holiday, this itinerary fits naturally into a journey through western Japan, whether you're travelling from Hiroshima, Fukuoka or beyond. It should be combined with a holiday of at least seven nights in total. Contact our Japan Travel Specialists for pricing and a tailor-made itinerary built around your interests.
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Hagi and discover why this quiet coastal town is considered one of Japan's best-preserved samurai settlements. This afternoon, explore Hagi by bicycle with a local guide, following a route through peaceful streets that have remained largely unchanged for more than 400 years. Visit the former castle town, the ruins of Hagi Castle, Kikugahama Beach and the historic grounds of Tokoji Temple, while learning how Hagi became the birthplace of many of the leaders behind Japan's Meiji Restoration. Travelling by bike allows you to cover more ground than on foot while appreciating the town's compact layout, traditional architecture and scenic coastline at a relaxed pace. (D)
Today is dedicated to the traditions that continue to define Hagi. Begin at a family-run soy sauce brewery to discover how naturally brewed soy sauce is produced using techniques refined over generations before tasting a selection of different varieties. Continue to the historic post town of Sasanami, where you'll make fresh tofu from locally grown soybeans using traditional methods before enjoying a lunch centred around your handmade creation. In the afternoon, turn your attention to one of Hagi's most celebrated crafts with a hands-on Hagi-yaki pottery experience. Guided by a local artisan, learn about the distinctive characteristics that have made Hagi-yaki highly regarded for over 400 years before shaping your own piece of pottery. Together, these experiences offer a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and food culture that continue to shape everyday life in Hagi. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hagi before continuing your journey through Japan. Take the opportunity to revisit the historic castle town, browse local pottery shops for authentic Hagi-yaki, or simply enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere. With no scheduled activities today, you can explore at your own pace before departing, making this a flexible ending to an itinerary that offers a genuine insight into one of Japan's most fascinating historic towns. (B)
Those wishing to delve deeper into Hagi's pottery heritage can choose an optional private experience at the city's oldest kiln, including a meeting with the 14th-generation master potter and a traditional matcha tea experience. Speak to one of our Japan Travel Specialists to add this exclusive experience to your itinerary.
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- All taxes and charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Train journeys to and from Hagi
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
- Shinkansen fares at the start and end of this itinerary are not included; please speak to one of our travel specialists if you would like to tailor this journey, including rail arrangements or extend it into a longer Japan itinerary designed around your preferences.
- Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling together with a 5 June 2027 departure
- This tour is available to depart on any day, subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Holiday and peak season surcharges are not included in the above prices. Additional charges may apply during peak travel periods, including 15 December to 10 January, and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Tour Route Map
- Japan, Hagi
Tour Accommodation
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