Ebisugahana Shipyard, Shipyard heritage site in Hagi, Japan
Ebisugahana Shipyard is a historic site in Hagi where ships were constructed in the 19th century, and excavations today reveal multiple workshops arranged across the location. The stone breakwater remains visible at the harbor edge, marking where construction activities once took place.
The shipyard was founded in 1856 by the Hagi Domain in response to the increasing presence of foreign naval forces in Japanese waters. This establishment marked a turning point in how the region approached military preparedness during a period of significant change.
The shipyard reflects how local craftspeople blended foreign shipbuilding knowledge with Japanese methods, creating a working space where different techniques were practiced side by side. Visitors can sense this integration when walking through the excavated areas and seeing the different workshops arranged together.
The site is located in Chintō and visitors can explore the excavated remains to understand how the workshops were arranged and functioned. Taking time to walk around the harbor area helps you see the stone structures and get a full sense of how the location was organized.
Archaeological excavations uncovered two shipwrecks at this location, providing direct evidence of how Western and Japanese shipbuilding traditions merged in practice. These discoveries reveal the tangible results of two different crafting approaches working together in a real working environment.
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