Meirinkan

The Former Hagi Clan School Meirinkan (旧萩藩校明倫館, Kyū Hagi Hankō Meirinkan) was founded in 1718 to provide education for the children of the powerful Mori Clan. Initially situated within the grounds of Hagi Castle, the school remained there for about 130 years before being relocated to its current location outside the former castle town to accommodate its growth. After the feudal era ended, the building continued its educational role and served as an elementary school until 2014, reflecting its long history as a center of learning.

Today, visitors can explore the remaining wooden school buildings, two of which are open to the public: the Honkan and Nigokan. The Honkan, which is free to enter, offers basic tourist facilities and a glimpse into the school’s historical significance. The Nigokan, on the other hand, serves as a museum that showcases Hagi's feudal-era history and its contributions to Japan's modernization. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including medical tools, firearms, and displays related to Hagi's World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of cannon furnaces and the school founded by Yoshida Shoin, a pivotal figure in Japan's transition to the modern era.