Tokoji Temple Mori Graves
Discover the eerie beauty of Tokoji Temple's Mouri family graveyard, a unique historical site offering a glimpse into Japan's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet dignity and unique atmosphere
Tokoji Temple Mori Graves
Best Time
Quiet dignity and unique atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the eerie beauty of Tokoji Temple's Mouri family graveyard, a unique historical site offering a glimpse into Japan's past.
"The graveyard was awesome, unique, and impressive, making us feel it worthy to take the trip."
📸 Photography Paradise
Incredible photo opportunities, especially in the graveyard. Capture the eerie beauty and historical depth.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small entrance fee of 300 yen grants access to the temple and its unique grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mori Family Graveyard
Rear of the temple grounds
An awesome, unique, and impressive graveyard for old retainers, offering an eerie atmosphere.
Old Gates and Main Hall
Temple grounds
Magnificent historical structures that showcase the temple's original condition and grandeur.
Lantern-Filled Cemetery
Rear of the temple grounds
A captivating sight, especially for photographers, with a quiet dignity emanating from the Mouri family's resting place.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie Atmosphere
Plan Your Journey to Hagi
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Paradise
Incredible photo opportunities, especially in the graveyard. Capture the eerie beauty and historical depth.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small entrance fee of 300 yen grants access to the temple and its unique grounds. +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
While the gardens could use some redesign, they offer a peaceful walk and add to the overall atmosphere.
🚗 Plan Your Travel
Hagi City is a journey, so dedicate a good portion of your day to fully experience Tokoji Temple and its surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Paradise
Incredible photo opportunities, especially in the graveyard. Capture the eerie beauty and historical depth.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small entrance fee of 300 yen grants access to the temple and its unique grounds. +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
While the gardens could use some redesign, they offer a peaceful walk and add to the overall atmosphere.
🚗 Plan Your Travel
Hagi City is a journey, so dedicate a good portion of your day to fully experience Tokoji Temple and its surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique and eerie atmosphere of Tokoji Temple's Mouri family graveyard, finding it an impressive and historically significant site. While the temple itself is in an original, less-renovated state, its authenticity and the solemn beauty of the graveyard make it a worthwhile destination, especially for photographers. Some note that the gardens could benefit from updates, but the overall experience is highly regarded for its historical immersion.
"An incredibly special place off the beaten trail and yet one of the most interesting temples I visited in Japan. Had the whole place to myself. Explored the local pottery shops near the entrance. Highly recommend this amazing and magical place"
Chris Hayward
"Motivated by a video released by Fujifilm, my wife and I traveled 2.5 hours from Okayama to Hagi City. One of the main purposes of the trip was to visit Tokoji Temple. The temple was in a quite original condition, with little painting, maintenance, refurbishment work done to it. However, it did deserve some of the work to preserve it for the future generations. The gardens also needed redesigning and upgrading to make them tidier and more beautuful. The graveyard area was awesome, unique, and impressive, making us feel it worthy to take the trip on such a cold, windy, rainy day."
jeff hsueh
"Beautiful quiet temple a walk up from the Academy. 300yen entrance. There is a lantern-filled graveyard for old retainers at the rear."
andrew blaker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tokoji Temple is located in Hagi City. Travelers have reported journeys of approximately 2.5 hours from Okayama to reach the area. It's recommended to plan this as a dedicated trip to fully appreciate the historical sites.
Information on direct public transport to Tokoji Temple is limited, but it's situated a walk up from the Academy in Hagi City. Research local bus routes in Hagi for the best approach.
Many visitors find Hagi City to be a captivating area with immersive history. Consider exploring other nearby sightseeing locations and enjoying the local food to make the most of your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Tokoji Temple is a modest 300 yen, which grants access to the temple grounds and the impressive Mouri family graveyard. +1
No, the Mouri family graveyard is part of the temple grounds accessible with the standard 300 yen entrance fee. +1
While specific hours aren't always listed, visitors generally explore Tokoji Temple during daylight hours to best experience the atmosphere and photographic opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Tokoji Temple is considered one of the greatest places for photography, particularly the lantern-filled graveyard for old retainers, offering an eerie and unique atmosphere.
The Mouri family graveyard is a standout for its unique and impressive scenery. The old gates and main hall also offer magnificent photographic subjects. +1
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but as with most temples, respectful photography is encouraged. Focus on capturing the unique atmosphere and historical elements.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Tokoji Temple is significant for its connection to the Mouri family and its role in Japanese history prior to the Meiji Restoration. The graveyard houses old retainers, offering a glimpse into the past.
The Mouri family graveyard is a key feature, allowing visitors to feel the quiet dignity associated with the family. The temple itself reflects a more original, preserved state from that era. +1
Reviews suggest the temple is in a 'quite original condition' with 'little painting, maintenance, refurbishment work done.' While this preserves its authenticity, some visitors note the gardens could benefit from upgrades.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as an exploration of historical Japan, focusing on the stories behind the Mouri clan and their retainers. While the temple itself is in an original state, the visual impact of the graveyard is significant. Ensure children understand the respectful nature of visiting such a site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Plan to visit during daylight hours to maximize your photographic potential. The quiet dignity and immersive historical feel of the location will undoubtedly result in a memorable and visually rewarding experience.
🏛️ History Buffs
This destination allows for a deep dive into the cultural and historical context of the region, offering a more profound experience than heavily restored attractions. It's a place to contemplate the past and appreciate the quiet dignity of historical sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eerie Allure of the Mori Graves
Photographers, in particular, find this section of the temple grounds to be a dream. The lantern-filled cemetery provides a captivating backdrop, evoking a sense of history and solemnity. The 'original condition' of the temple and its surroundings contributes to this authentic experience, making it feel like a step back in time.
While the temple itself and its gardens might be in a state of preservation rather than extensive renovation, the unique historical narrative and the profound atmosphere of the graveyard are the primary reasons to visit. It's an experience that resonates deeply, offering a different perspective on Japanese history and culture.
A Photographer's Perspective
Beyond the graveyard, the 'old gates and main hall' of the temple itself offer magnificent subjects. The temple's 'original condition' adds an authentic charm that is often sought after by photographers looking to capture the essence of historical Japan. The surrounding landscape, though noted as needing some garden redesign, can still provide a picturesque setting.
To make the most of your photographic endeavors, visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the details and the mood of the temple and its grounds. The immersive experience of the area, combined with its visual appeal, ensures that photographers will leave with a rich portfolio of unique images.
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