Hagi Reverberatory Furnace

The Hagi Reverberatory Furnace features twin stone chimneys reaching 10.5 meters in height, constructed with andesite base and brick masonry top sections.

Built in 1856, this Western-style furnace represented an early attempt by the Choshu Domain to produce iron cannons during Japan's period of military modernization.

The reverberatory furnace exemplifies the transfer of Dutch industrial technology to Japan through technical drawings and engineering manuscripts during the Edo period.

Visitors can reach the site within three minutes by car from JR West Higashi-Hagi Station, with free entry and parking available at all hours.

Archaeological excavations revealed two hearth remains, with evidence suggesting that only the western section operated for experimental metal casting purposes.

Location: Hagi

Inception: 1856

Part of: Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining

GPS coordinates: 34.42815,131.41830

Latest update: May 12, 2025 20:31