Car: 1-hour drive from Kochi-Tobu Expressway, Geisei-Nishi IC.
Bus: Get off at Kiragawa Gakko-dori bus stop on the Kochi Tobu Kotsu bus route. Show route
Op.Hours
Business Hours:
Cld.Days
Open every day
Fee
Free
INFO
I stopped at a free parking lot along National Route 55 for a restroom break and saw a sign, so I decided to take a stroll through the town on foot. Traditional buildings and stone walls line the old national highway, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. It's a hidden gem that's still relatively unknown to international visitors.
Kiragawa's streetscape, located in Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture, is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Historically a collection point for timber and firewood, shipped to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hanshin, Kiragawa began producing binchotan (high-quality white charcoal) from locally sourced ubamegashi (live oak) trees in the Meiji period. By the Taisho period, charcoal production techniques had advanced, making Kiragawa charcoal a leading brand in Japan.
Shipped primarily by sea to the Kyoto, Osaka, and Hanshin areas, the return ships carried daily necessities, fueling the town's prosperity from the Meiji to early Showa periods. This economic strength is reflected in the town's current streetscape.
Traditional buildings, such as white-walled townhouses, water-cutting tiles, and stone walls, evoke a sense of stepping back in time.
Free parking is available along National Route 55, making it easy to park and explore at your leisure. In addition to historic buildings, you'll find cafes and boutiques, providing opportunities for rest and relaxation during your stroll.
Check for events hosted by the townscape preservation association – they offer additional opportunities to engage with the local culture.
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