Ryokan Hokumon Yashiki

The people here were really friendly, and the food was the best we had on our whole trip. There's also a lovely collection of antique glass and furniture. The hotel sits in a residential neighborhood, but they have bicycles to get around. The rooms and shared spaces aren't especially elegant.

Dinner was the standout during our Club Tourism package trip through 10 sightseeing spots across Shimane, Yamaguchi, and Fukuoka. We stayed at Kitamon Yashiki in Hagi City, tucked into a quiet part of Hagi Castle Town, where the inn has a strong sense of history and prestige. The meal felt refined rather than showy, with thoughtful dishes and tableware that suited a long-established inn. Tiger pufferfish sashimi was especially memorable, firm and delicate in flavor, even though the portion was modest. We also had carefully presented sushi, followed by steamed abalone and Kuroge Wagyu beef shabu-shabu. The abalone was tender and full of sea aroma, while the beef wasn't too fatty and went down easily, even for older diners. It made for a satisfying, reassuring group dinner. After a busy sightseeing itinerary, the quiet evening of Japanese cooking here was a relaxing break.

I'd wanted to stay at this luxury hotel since my days living in Hagi. It stands in the Sannomaru castle town of Hagi Castle, apparently on the former estate of the Yoshiki Mori family. I followed old memories and my car navigation toward the road by Tenjuin Cemetery, but the current gate and parking are at the rear, so getting there took quite a detour. The outside has a Japanese look, while the shared areas are Western-style and include an English garden. Most rooms seem Japanese-style, though there are Western rooms too. Mine was a modern Japanese-style room. It showed some age, but I liked the Kamakura-bori flooring. The food was delicious, and the staff were generally friendly. I asked ahead about taking pictures of the large public bath. They kindly offered to let me photograph it with someone present, outside opening hours, and even suggested going during the night changing. I politely turned that down, of course. Bikes are available to rent for a fee. The Hagi Castle ruins and Tenjuin Cemetery are close by, and the Hagi Museum should be walkable too.

My three-year-old daughter was smiling the whole visit, and everyone on staff was so friendly. We ate so well, too: the Nagahagi Wagyu was wonderfully tender, the sashimi and pufferfish sashimi tasted fresh, and the abalone was plump. Every dish hit the spot! 🤤💕 The garden has lots of cherry trees, so I'd love to come back in spring. I really recommend staying here. 😊