Nichinan City Obi Traditional Buildings Preservation District

Overview

Obi Castle Town, built during the Edo period by the Ito family of Obi Domain, boasts a historically charming townscape that strongly retains the atmosphere of that era. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it offers a charming stroll through a townscape lined with samurai residences and merchant houses. The castle town, surrounded on three sides by the Sakagawagawa River, has a nearly square grid pattern. The layout places the residences of high-ranking retainers closest to Obi Castle, followed by mid-ranking retainers, merchant houses, and then low-ranking retainers. Samurai residences feature gates according to rank and are surrounded by hedges of tea plants and other greenery, planted on walls of Obi stone and other stones. The street widths largely remain as they were in those days, with the stone walls, hedges, and gates facing the streets also preserved. Obi Castle Town also features many sites including Obi Castle ruins, museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants, offering plenty to enjoy during your exploration. It is recommended for history buffs and anyone looking for a relaxing experience. Obi Castle Town is a precious place where you can experience the life and culture of an Edo-period castle town. Why not stroll through the townscape, imagining the lives of the samurai and the townspeople of that time? Visiting the Obi Castle ruins and museums will provide a deeper understanding of the history of Obi Castle Town. Souvenir shops offer unique items that you can only find in Obi Castle Town, so be sure to stop by.