Date(s)
①October 26 (Mon)
②November 3 (Tue)
③November 16 (Mon)
④November 28 (Sat)
Time(s)
① 11:30am to 1:30pm
② 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Cost
¥3,000 (includes tour of the museum, matcha tea and Japanese sweets)
Click here to see plan with kimono rental
Enjoy freshly made Japanese sweets and matcha in a former merchant’s mansion
Step into the heart of Hagi’s cultural heritage with this limited-time program, combining history, tradition, and taste at the Kikuya Family Residence, a wealthy merchant’s residence from the Edo period. Also once used as a guest house for prestigious guests, the residence is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
After a tour of the residence’s main building, we will guide you to a special residential suite, built in 1934 to welcome a member of the Imperial family. In this room, normally closed to the public, you’ll experience the essence of Japanese hospitality: freshly crafted seasonal Japanese sweets prepared before your eyes by a local artisan, paired with matcha tea served in handpicked Hagi yaki pottery tea bowls. As you savor these delights, take in the view of the beautifully landscaped garden—an intimate experience of culture and elegance that bridges past and present.
Meet the Hosts
Kikuya Residence Preservation Society
The Kikuya Family Residence, located in Hagi Castle Town—part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site—was once home to the Kikuya merchants, who served Hagi’s domain lords during the Edo period. With five buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, the estate has stood for over 400 years. Its architecture, gardens, and art collections allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras.
Schedule
- Meet at Kikuya Family Residence
- Guided tour of the residence
- Watch a Japanese sweets artisan make traditional sweets right before your eyes
- Enjoy freshly made Japanese sweets with matcha tea
- Finish
*Schedule may change due to weather conditions, etc.
Photo Gallery
Treasures Found Here
Cultural Heritages of Kikuya Family Residence
The wealthy merchant’s Edo period residence, designated Important Cultural Property and National Historic Site, with stunning gardens, art, and traditional household items.
Matcha Tea Served in Hagi Yaki Pottery
Hagi yaki tea bowls, renowned for their use in tea ceremony, are prized for enhancing the experience of matcha in both formal and daily settings
Handcrafted Japanese Sweets
Delicately crafted sweets designed to complement matcha tea, honoring the beauty of Japan’s four seasons—especially exquisite when enjoyed freshly made.
Information
| Date(s) | ①October 26 (Mon) ②November 3 (Tue) ③November 16 (Mon) ④November 28 (Sat) |
| Time(s) | ① 11:30am to 1:30pm ② 1:30pm to 3:00pm |
| Location | Kikuya Family Residence 1-1 Gofukumachi, Hagi-shi 758-0072 |
| Access | ・5 minute walk from the Hagi Central Park Parking Lot ・2 minute walk from the Hagi Museum Parking Lot |
| Parking | No parking available. Please use the Hagi Central Park Parking Lot or the Hagi Museum Parking Lot. |
| Cost | ¥3,000 (includes tour of the museum, matcha tea and Japanese sweets) Click here to see plan with kimono rental |
| Payment Method | Cash, credit card and QR code payment accepted |
| Capacity | 1 to 10 people. Must be 10 years old and above. |
| What to bring | A pair of socks or tabi. (Please refrain from entering the residence barefoot.) |
| Please note | If you have difficulty sitting on the floor, please let us know at the time of your application so that we can prepare chairs for you. |
| How to make a reservation | ・By phone (9:00 to 4:00 pm): 0838-22-0005 |
| Reservation Deadline | Please reserve at least one week in advance. |
| Cancelations | Day before: Must pay 50% of program cost Same day: Must pay 50% of program cost No-show: Must pay 100% of program cost |
Recommended for…
- solo-travelers
- families
- those with children
- friends
- couples
- those who want to learn about Japanese culture