This site was just near the hotel.
When Shoin Yoshida was 23 years old, he saw the black ships at Uraga Harbor, Miura Peninsula, in 1853, which were under the command of the United States Commodore Matthew Perry.
Next year he attempted to stow away to the US at Shimoda Port in failure, and for the reason he was imprizoned to this Noyama Jail. His follower Shigenosuke Kaneko to Iwakura Jail right opposite.

Concerning what happened when he attempted to stow away, we were explained by a staff of the Murayama House at Izu-shimoda several years ago, where Shoin then stayed. How Shoin hided himself, how long he waited for the chance...., in the same room at that time.

Murayama House, 2007

In 1858, under the status of a prisoner, devoting his energy to the training of young generation, taking over Shokason-juku, he began criticism against Tokugawa's government for its signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States without the Imperial Court's permission. He tried to assassinate Asakatsu Manabe, a member of Shogun's council of elders, which was found out and he was imprizoned to Noyama Jail again. The picture below is its ruins.
Next year in 1859, he was transferred to Tenmacho Jail in Edo (presently Tokyo) for Ansei Purge and was soon executed.

Noyama Jail Ruins

Iwakura Jail Ruins

This is a prominent temple of Oubaku Sect in Japan, built in 1691 by Mohri Yoshinari, 3rd lord of Choshu Domain. In its prime there were said to be 40 buildings and 80 priests.
It is the temple of Mohri Family, so that in the graveyard are tombs of the odd-number lords from Mohri Yoshinari (3rd), their wives and families. More than 500 stone lanterns around were spectacular.

This is the temple of Rinzai Sect, also for Mohri Family. It was built in 1656 by Mohri Tsunahiro, 2nd lord of Choshu Domain, worshipping Hidenari (1st lord).
In the precincts there were tombs of Hidenari (1st lord) and the even-number lords from Tsunanori (2nd), their wives and families. About 600 stone lanterns were lined up before the tombs.

This graveyard, just as Toko Temple, had an air of solemness and peace in the calm atmosphere, and it made me feel "Quiet Japan here".

This castle was built by Mohri Terumoto as the castle of 36 man-goku over these 2 domains. It is also called "Shizuki Castle".
It was demolished in the year 7 of Meiji period (1874). So there were its ruins before our eyes, with the moat, castle walls and stone walls....
A part of the castle's keep was now Shizuki Park, looking up at Mount Shizuki.
"In the park there are remains of Shizuki Shrine, Hananoe Tea Hall and Toen Garden" (Hagi Sightseeing Association).
Yes, it was supposedly a place of perfect comfort. Cherry blossoms would soon be at their best. A lot of viewers would get together.

I saw the signboard to "Hananoe Tea Hall" on the way. It said "Tea will be served." I should have dropped in.
According to the guidebook of Hagi City,

In the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Mohri Takachika, 13th lord, extended the Hananoe Palace and added this hall during Ansei period (1854-1860). It was the house of a secret conference of attacking the Shogunate, pretending to be a tea ceremony. In Meiji 22 (1889), it was brought over to the park, and now a real tea ceremony is held.

Under the map of Edo period our couple walked along the quiet paths (Kikuya-yoko cho path, Iseya-yoko cho path and Edoya-yoko cho path).
There were several interesting historic spots, including the house of Kikuya, a wealthy merchant, the old Kubota house, a storehouse with Namako walls, the place Shinsaku Takasugi born, the old house of Koin Kido.
We could easily imagined the old days. It was not bad to stroll freely at times, stopping anytime, anywhere.

Emiko seemed interested in a small flower vase. She bought one, saying "I'll put this on the shoe cupboard." I bought 2 pottery tumblers.

Kikuya Family House

It is among the oldest private houses in Japan. We entered it for a while.
The road before the house is called "Kikuya-yokomachi", one of the 100 Roads of Japan. Namako walls are so beautiful. They are outer walls of buildings covered with square tiles jointed with raised plaster.

Aiba River

Big carp were seen swimming in the little stream along the path like samurai drama.
The stream was said to be used for daily life and farming.
I sighed naturaly, thinking "What a chic town Hagi is!"