Former Atsuga Mori Family Hagi Residence Long House

Overview

The Former Atsuga Mori Family Hagi Residence Long House was the Hagi residence of the Atsuga Mori clan, descending from Mori Motonari's fifth son, Motoaki. After the Mori clan relocated to Hagi, Motoaki was granted land in Atsuga (present-day Sanyo-Onoda City), and the Atsuga Mori family governed Atsuga for generations. The Hagi residence originally covered a vast area of approximately 15,500 square meters. However, after the Meiji Restoration, the main buildings were demolished, leaving only this long house, built in 1856 (Ansei 3). This long house is a magnificent building with a gable roof covered in honkawa tiles, measuring 5 meters in bay width and 51.5 meters in length. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the interior is divided into five sections, lacking a dirt floor (doma). The eastern room, in particular, features a sophisticated design with a tatami-mat corridor despite its small size. This suggests it may have served as a lodging for high-ranking guests. Located near Hagi Castle Ruins and Shigatsu Park, the Former Atsuga Mori Family Hagi Residence Long House is a must-see when visiting Hagi Castle. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the Atsuga Mori family and provides a valuable opportunity to experience Hagi's history and culture. The view of Hagi's cityscape from the long house is also breathtaking.