Wakasaura-cho Wakasaura: Nationally Designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings

Overview

Wakasaura-cho Wakasaura district, located in Wakaoka-cho, Hitoto-gun, Tottori Prefecture, is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. In the medieval period, it was developed as a castle town of Wakasaura Onigajo Castle, and from the Edo period onward, it flourished as a post town and commercial city connecting Tottori and Himeji via the Wakasaura Kaido and Ise Kaido roads. Although it was struck by three great fires in the Meiji era, the then-local government implemented reconstruction with fire prevention measures, laying the foundation for the present townscape. Particularly famous are "Kura-dori" (Storehouse Street), lined with white-walled storehouses, and "Kariya-dori" (Kariya Street), where the eaves of townhouses continue. Kura-dori had many storehouses since the Edo period, but after the great fire of the Meiji era, the construction of buildings other than storehouses was prohibited, resulting in the current continuous line of storehouses. Kariya-dori is a post-Meiji era reconstruction, with houses set back about 3 meters from the road, a stream running along the road, and a continuous 1.2-meter-wide awning between the houses and the stream. The stream was used for irrigation, snowmelt, and carp farming. The private path under the awning between the stream and the houses was called "Kariya (temporary house)". This is a unique structure of Wakasaura post town, a heavy snowfall area. Many existed until the early Showa period, but now only Kariya-dori retains this feature. Walking through these streets, you can imagine the bustling atmosphere of the castle town and post town of that time. In addition to old buildings, the town also retains cobblestone streets and waterways, adding to its charm. A leisurely stroll is sure to soothe and refresh your mind. Please visit Wakasaura-cho Wakasaura district and experience its history and culture.