Shionzawa-juku Makinoo-dori

Overview

Shionzawa-juku Makinoo-dori is a historic street in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, that once thrived as a post town along the Mikuni Kaido. Recreating the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town, it features the snow country's distinctive Gan-gi (eaves extending over the street), attracting many visitors daily. The street is named after the local scholar, Suzuki Makino. Born in 1770 into a family of textile merchants in Shionzawa, Suzuki Makino excelled in haiku poetry, calligraphy, painting, and writing. His masterpiece, "Hoketsu Setsufu," published in Edo, became a bestseller of its time. Shionzawa-juku Makinoo-dori is the perfect place for a stroll to experience history and culture. Traditional merchant houses, Machiya (townhouses), and old storehouses line the street, preserving the atmosphere of the past. You'll also find many shops selling traditional crafts like Shionzawa-tsumugi silk and Echigo-jofu hemp cloth, as well as local specialties, making it ideal for souvenir shopping. Shionzawa-juku Makinoo-dori also hosts seasonal events throughout the year. Enjoy cherry blossom festivals in spring, firework displays in summer, autumn foliage festivals in autumn, and snow festivals in winter. Shionzawa-juku Makinoo-dori is a captivating tourist spot where you can experience history, culture, and nature. Be sure to visit!