We got on a sightseeing boat which I had found yesterday. The guide provided us the detailed information on the city and it was very instructive. Many cherry trees were lined along the river and I recalled its beautiful scene in spring. I noticed there were no high buildings. Even the principal hospital was three-story. The hospital was located at the opposite side of the World Heritage Site across the river, but the local rule prohibited building four or more story buildings to keep its historical scenery. After World War 2, railway construction was planned in the city, but people didn't permit the line cross the old streets and the train had to detour for several kilometers. It is thought to be a judicious decision currently.
The story from the guide has changed from history to a geological one when we were going out to the sea. As you see in the following pictures, the shape of the islands off the coast was characteristic. This is due to the loose - less viscous - lava, and the lava erupted from the nearby volcano couldn't form hills and it flew to the sea. That's why such flat islands were formed. While I was listening to his story, I became eager to see the volcano.
Getting off the boat, we headed for the mausoleum of the 1st lord of the Hagi clan. Several samurais from this clan were protagonists of the Meiji Restoration. I bowed with respect to him and his wife.
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