Guide
The Kuroshima District Preserved Group of Traditional Buildings is a highly significant historical preservation area located in the northwestern part of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. This area holds a rich history as a residential hub for the owners and crews of the Kitamaebune—the merchant ships that navigated the Sea of Japan—which flourished during the Edo period. Spanning an expansive area of approximately 20.5 hectares, the district features a harmonious arrangement of traditional main houses, storehouses (kura), shrines, temples, stone structures, and ancient trees. A defining characteristic is the well-preserved land division (jiwari) from the early Meiji era. The unified architectural style, characterized by black glazed tiles (yuyaku-gawara), weatherboarded exterior walls, and traditional lattice doors, creates a strikingly orderly and beautiful streetscape.
The history of this region dates back to the early 16th century. By the late 1500s, the area was involved in the transport of rice related to the Kaga Ikko-ikki movement. During the Edo period, the maritime industry driven by the Kitamaebune saw rapid development, and Kuroshima grew into a vibrant settlement for ship owners and sailors. The number of households grew from approximately 150 in the mid-Edo period to over 500 by the early Meiji era, forming the long, north-south oriented settlement structure seen today. This growth was fueled by the economic prosperity of maritime trade, which directly contributed to the development of the sophisticated traditional architectural styles found here.
The greatest draw of the Kuroshima District is the view of the traditional main houses lining the streets. A particularly precious architectural feature is the unique