Mausoleums of MORI Clan at Tokoji Temple in Hagi

Tokoji Temple in Hagi

Tokoji Temple was founded by MORI Yoshinari (1668-1694) , the third feudal lord of Choshu Domain, in 1691. After the death of MORI Yoshinari, Tokoji Temple became a family temple of MORI Clan, and Mausoleums of MORI Clan was built in the temple.

The "Somon" Gate of the Tokoji Temple is located to the north-west of the temple. The red colored gate is very impressive. It was built in 1693.

Tokoji Temple is located on a hill. After passing through the "Somon" Gate, you will walk up a gentle slope. Then, you will see the "Sanmon" Gate of Tokoji Temple.

The "Sanmon" Gate was rebuilt in 1812 by MORI Narihiro, the tenth feudal lord of Choshu Domain. It is a two storied and two roofed gate. The total width of the "Sanmon" Gate is 11.6 meters and the depth is 6.7 meters.

Behind the "Sanmon" Gate, you will see the "Shoro", the bell-tower of Tokoji Temple on your left. The "Shoro" was built in 1694. You will also see the "Daiyuhoden" Hall, the main hall of Tokoji Temple, way ahead,

"Shoro"

"Daiyuhoden"

The "Daiyuhoden" Hall is the main hall of Tokoji Temple.

The "Daiyuhoden" Hall is also a palatial building. The hall was built in 1698. The architecture of the "Daiyuhoden" Hall is a Chinese style. These remaining four buildings and gates are designated as important properties of Japan.

Mausoleums of MORI Clan

Behind the main hall of Tokoji Temple, the Mausoleums of MORI Clan are located.

The feudal lords of the Choshu Domain were fourteen generations of MORI Clan from 1600 to 1871. At the end of the Muromachi Age (1336-1573) , MORI Motonari (1497-1571) expanded his territory to the west Japan (present-day, Hiroshima, Shimane and Yamaguchi Prefectures).

At the battle of Sekigahara on September 15, 1600, which was the fateful battle between the Eastern and Western armies, MORI Terumoto (1553-1625) , grandson of MORI Motonari, became the commander in chief of the Western army against TOKUGAWA Ieyasu (1543-1616) . As the western army lost at the battle, the territory of MORI Terumoto was reduced one fourth, to the area of present-day Yamaguch Prefecture.

MORI Hidenari (1595-1651) , the son of MORI Terumoto, became the first feudal lord of Choshu Domain, and MORI Clan became feudal lord of Choshu Domain until the end of the Edo Age (1603-1868) .

After passing through the gate, you will see the mausoleums. Stone lanterns align along alleys.
You will feel very spiritual atmosphere.

In these mausoleums, MORI Yoshinari (1668-1694) , the third feudal lord, MORI Yoshimoto (1677-1731) , the fifth feudal lord, MORI Shigenari (1725-1789) , the seventh feudal lord, MORI Narifusa (1782-1809) , the ninth feudal lord and MORI Narimoto (1794-1836) , the eleventh feudal lord of Choshu Domain were buried with their wives.

The gravestones are aligned in an orderly fashion and the atmosphere of the mausoleums are very solemn. It is highly recommended to visit.

How to get there
From Tokyo or Osaka, take a "Nozomi" bound for Hakata. Get off a Nozomi at Shin-Yamaguchi and take a bus to Higashi-Hagi Station. Tokiji Temple is located to the east from Higashi-Hagi Station. It will take you approximately twenty-five minutes on foot.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Former Shokasonjyuku School
Hamasaki Historical District
Kikuya Avenue Historical District
Ruins of Hagi Castle
Hiyako Historical District

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