Takehara: The Little Kyoto of Aki with Preserved White-Walled Streets

Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is a Seto Inland Sea port town that flourished greatly in salt production and sake brewing during the Edo period. As testament to that prosperity, the Takehara Important Preservation District for Historic Buildings, lined with white-walled earthen storehouses and lattice-windowed merchant houses, is carefully preserved today, and its beautiful townscape has earned it the name Little Kyoto of Aki. Its subdued charm, not overly commercialized, is its appeal.

Highlights

The preservation district spreading around Honmachi-dori stretches about 500 meters with buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods standing in rows. Many are designated Important Cultural Properties at the national or prefectural level, including the Rai Korekiyo Old Residence and the imposing Matsusaka Family Residence built in the nurigome plaster style, letting you feel as if you have slipped back in time. Passing through the stone-paved alleys and climbing to Fumeikaku of Saihoji Temple on the hilltop, a spectacular view opens from its vermilion stage overlooking the whole townscape. Fumeikaku is said to have been built in the Edo period modeled on Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.

Takehara is also known as the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky and the model for the NHK morning drama Massan. Taketsuru Sake Brewery, the sake shop that is his family home, stands within the preservation district, with statues of Masataka and his wife Rita, making it a sacred site for fans. Local sakes such as Taketsuru and Hanahato enjoy high acclaim nationwide, offering a town walk that delights sake lovers.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Seasonal events are plentiful, including the spring wisteria festival, the autumn Takehara Festival, and the dreamlike Shokei-no-Michi that lights the townscape with countless lamps. The autumn evening illumination in particular makes the white-walled streets float up in the light, showing a fantastical face entirely different from daytime. Strolls in the seasons of cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn foliage also have their charm.

Access and Basic Information

The base is Takehara Station on the JR Kure Line, with the preservation district about a 10 to 15 minute walk away, and Fumeikaku of Saihoji Temple about 15 minutes on foot. From Hiroshima Station, use the JR Kure Line, but since services are limited, checking the timetable in advance is reassuring. The ferry to Okunoshima, popular as the Rabbit Island, departs from Tadanoumi Port in Takehara City, and many people visit it together with Takehara sightseeing.

Practical Travel Notes

The preservation district is toured mainly on foot, and with many stone pavements and steps, comfortable shoes are recommended. Allow half a day for the townscape alone, or a full day combined with Okunoshima. Shops handling local sake, including Taketsuru Sake Brewery, and cafes housed in old homes dot the area, handy for a rest stop. Because Kure Line services are few, checking your return time first prevents missing the train. Budget around a few thousand yen including admissions, meals, and souvenirs.

A Word of Advice

Takehara may lack flashiness, but the traces of the Edo period remain strong in its quiet alleys. Rather than rushing, it is best to walk while savoring the details of the lattice doors and white walls. If you plan to meet the rabbits of Okunoshima, be sure to check the ferry times from Tadanoumi Port.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from tourism details published by the city of Takehara and the Takehara tourism association, along with public guidance from the facilities in the preserved townscape district. Opening hours and visiting information for each facility can be checked through the operators' official information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 2 hours to stroll the preserved townscape, or roughly half a day including the surroundings.
• What to bring: Prepare cash for admission, food, and souvenirs, and comfortable shoes for the stone paving.
• Getting around: The preserved district is within walking distance of JR Takehara Station, so access by train is convenient.
• Suggested route: Starting from the station, walk the preserved townscape and tour the historic buildings, shrines, and temples.
• A note on visiting: The townscape is also a living neighborhood, so stroll quietly and mind your manners.