🗺️ Hagi Castle Ruins - Tsukiyama Park萩城跡指月公園

The "Shimonoseki Castle Ruins Shigetsu Park" (萩城舊址指月公園) covers an area of approximately 200,000 square meters and was originally the site of Hagi Castle, ruled by the Mori clan. When the Shitukiyama Shrine, dedicated to the lords of the domain, was built on the site of the old honmaru, the area was developed into a park. Hagi Castle was constructed in 1604 by Mori Terumoto and was a large fortress with structures such as the honmaru, ninomaru, and sannomaru. However, most of the buildings were dismantled during the Meiji period. Currently, the park retains remnants of stone walls and moats, which are designated as national historic sites. Within the park, there are several places that evoke the appearance of the old era, including the ruins of the tenshukaku (main keep) and the Hanazumi Tea House where the lords held tea ceremonies, allowing visitors to feel as if they have traveled back in time. In spring, 600 cherry trees of the Somei Yoshino variety bloom, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The most eye-catching is the "Midori Yoshino Sakura," which has white petals with a hint of green. While regular Yoshino cherry blossoms have pale pink petals, the Midori Yoshino Sakura is unique in that it is pure white with a slight green tint. There is only one of these trees in the entire park, and it can only be found here in Japan. This precious cherry blossom is designated as a natural monument of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is highly recommended to visit during the cherry blossom season in spring.

A park located at the site of an old castle. Some of the original buildings have been preserved and are open for visitors. In spring, it is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The park features the rare local variety of cherry blossom known as "Green Yoshino Cherry" (緑吉野桜). The stone walls are illuminated after sunset until 10 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the night cherry blossoms.