Kurayoshi Shirakabedozogun

Along the Tamagawa River, which runs along the foot of Mt. Uchibuki, are storehouses with red Ishizhu tiles, white plaster walls, and black grilled cedar slats.

Many of the buildings date from the late Edo period to the early Showa period, and the townscape is divided into Honmachi-dori, mainly consisting of merchant houses, and the Tamagawa riverfront landscape, mainly consisting of storehouses. This scenery has earned the area the nickname “Little Kyoto” in the San’in region, and the area is dotted with sake and soy sauce breweries, and has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in the country.

A town with the atmosphere of the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods

The Kurayoshi Shirokabe Dozo (white-walled storehouses) are mostly built in the Edo and Meiji periods. In particular, the combination of black cedar boards, white plaster walls, and red Ishu tiles along the Tamagawa River creates a unique and beautiful scene.

This area is known as the Kurayoshi City Uchibuki Tamagawa Traditional Buildings Preservation District, and has been selected as one of the 100 best kaori landscapes and 100 most beautiful historical climates in Japan.

Photo spot with a view of Mt.

Kurayoshi Shirakabe Dozo Cluster is a great photo spot with a view of Mt. Along the Tamagawa River, a gently curved stone bridge with a single piece of stone crosses the river, adding a touch of elegance to the area. The movie “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo” was filmed here.

The upper half of the warehouse walls are finished with white plaster, and the lower half is covered with a black cedar plank hip wall. The plaster has a waterproof effect, and the yaki-cedar boards are used to increase fire resistance and durability from the elements.

Attractions of Kurayoshi City

Kurayoshi, where the white-walled storehouses are located, began as a castle town of Uchibuki Castle formed in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and samurai residences were built in the Edo period (1603-1868). Later, it flourished as a commercial city, and buildings from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods have remained over time. Today, warehouses and townhouses have been renovated and are used as stores, cafes, and workshops.

Wearing Kurayoshi Kasuri, Kurayoshi’s traditional handicraft, or a cool yukata (light cotton kimono), a stroll through the retro town is also recommended. The storehouses and buildings are used in various ways, making this a wonderful place to experience Kurayoshi’s traditional culture.