Ukiha City Shinkawa Tagoro Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings

Overview

The Ukiha City Shinkawa Tagoro Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings is located in a mountainous region belonging to the Ernansan mountain range in the southeastern part of Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It's a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. This village, nestled in a narrow valley, showcases the ingenuity of a people living in harmony with nature. An unique irrigation system called "Ide" sustains the rice terraces, while the village itself is built in the valley bottom. Residential areas feature small ponds called "Ikesu" for storing household water, maximizing the use of the land's characteristics. The district preserves numerous thatched-roof houses, including the "kudo-zukuri" style Hirakawa Family Residence (a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan). These traditional thatched-roof houses and tile-roofed houses create a captivating landscape along the valley. The mountain village scenery created by thatched-roof houses and rice paddies was once common throughout Japan, but most have disappeared. The village and rice terraces of Shinkawa and Tagoro are nationally precious treasures. A walk through Shinkawa Tagoro will evoke a sense of traditional Japan. This is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Beyond the traditional houses, the area offers abundant natural beauty. Hiking trails and onsen (hot springs) are nearby and can be enjoyed during your visit.