Hagi is a beautiful castle town dotted with traditional Japanese buildings. It was the capital city ruled by the Mouri feudal lords, and played an important role in toppling the Tokugawa shogunate in the the latter half of the 19th century. Hagi Castle ruins is open to the public today. Hagi is also famous for its local pottery. Located half way between Hagi and Hiroshima, Tsuwano is known for its main street, Tono-machi, which is lined with traditional stores, samurai residences, and koi (Japanese carps) ponds.