Itaihara Village

Overview

Itaihara Village is a mountain village in Chizu-cho, Tottori Prefecture, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Its origins trace back to the Heian period, and it's said to be a hidden village of Taira clan fugitives. While once home to over 20 households, cars couldn't access the village until the Itaiharatunnel opened in 1967. Before that, the only access was a foot path called "Rokujaku-michi." The village retains structures such as the thatched-roof Fujiwara family residence, numerous old houses over 50 years old, the Itaihara community hall (built in the early Showa period), Mukoyama Shrine, a water mill, and a charcoal kiln. The village perfectly preserves the mountain village scenery of the 1950s, giving visitors a feeling of stepping back in time. Now recognized as a prime example of a traditional Japanese mountain village and cultural heritage, it was designated a "Tottori Prefecture Traditional Building Preservation District" in 2004. While spring brings a renewed sense of life, the various farming tools, sieves, rush mats, and barrels from bygone eras vividly illustrate the enduring spirit of the community. Itaihara Village offers a precious opportunity to experience the quintessential Japanese countryside of the past.