History

Hanchomon Gate

In 1863, Choshu Domain (present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture) moved its administrative headquarters from the city of Hagi on the Japan Sea coast to the location where the prefectural government office stands today. The main gate for the new domain headquarters was constructed in 1870. This massive wooden gate is about 6.8 meters tall and around 10 meters wide. It was originally part of a Western-style fortress that was cutting-edge for the time. The moat that made up part of the defenses is still visible nearby. The gate is designated a tangible cultural property of Yamaguchi Prefecture.