Wakasa Town Wakasa (Preservation District for Important Traditional Buildings)

Overview & Charm

Wakasa (Wakasa-juku) is a historic merchant town located in Wakasa Town, Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture. It once served as a vital hub, functioning as a castle town for Wakasa Onigajo in the medieval period, and later as a post town along the Wakasa Kaido and Ise Kaido routes connecting Tottori and Himeji. In August 2021, the area was designated as a National Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings. The district preserves traditional townhouses rebuilt following major fires during the Meiji era, showcasing a landscape designed with fire prevention in mind, which vividly conveys Japan's historical essence.

History & Cultural Background

The history of this region is deeply rooted in its development as a castle town. During the Meiji era, the area suffered three major fires. Following the second fire in 1885, the local community established a reconstruction plan that prioritized fire prevention, which laid the foundation for the current streetscape. For example, the 'Kura-dori' (Storehouse Street), lined with white-walled storehouses, serves as a testament to these historical fire-safety measures. Additionally, the architecture reflects adaptations to the heavy snowfall of the region; houses are set back from the road, and a unique structure called 'Kariya' (eaves) was developed between the small streams and the houses to manage the environment.

Main Highlights

There are several iconic areas in Wakasa that capture the imagination of visitors:

• *Kura-dori (Storehouse Street)**: A beautiful street lined with white-walled storehouses. Due to historical restrictions on building materials after the Meiji-era fires, this street maintains a stunning, uniform aesthetic.
• *Kariya-dori (Eaves Street)**: A unique landscape characteristic of heavy snowfall regions. Houses are set back approximately 3 meters from the road, with a 1.2-meter wide eave (Kariya) extending over a small stream. These eaves were historically used for melting snow and even raising koi fish.
• *Traditional Townhouses**: The street is lined with traditional buildings featuring gabled roofs with tile or iron plating, preserving the atmosphere of an old Japanese merchant town.

Best Time to Visit

While Wakasa offers beautiful scenery in all seasons, daytime is the best time for strolling. To truly appreciate the intricate architectural details and the way sunlight reflects off the 'Kariya' eaves and the streams, visiting during bright daylight hours is highly recommended. Clear weather also provides the best conditions for photography.

Activities

The primary way to experience Wakasa is through a leisurely walk. As you stroll through the streets that once served as a bustling post town, you can feel the ingenuity of past generations in how they adapted to their environment. The area is just a short walk from Wakasa Station, making it a perfect way to conclude a journey by train.

Surrounding Areas

Beyond the streetscape, the town hosts cultural facilities such as the Wakasa Town History and Folklore Museum, which utilizes a traditional white-walled storehouse building to teach visitors about local history. The surrounding area is also rich in nature, allowing for a blend of historical exploration and natural enjoyment.

Essentials for Visitors

• *Clothing**: As the streets include paved areas and stone paths, comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers) are highly recommended. Since this is a preserved historical area, modest clothing is appropriate.
• *Payment**: While walking the streets is free, please carry cash (Japanese Yen) for local shops and facilities. While some places may accept cards, many small establishments are cash-only.
• *Language Support**: English assistance is limited in the streets. It is helpful to have a translation app ready for basic communication.
• *Reservations**: No prior reservation is needed for walking the streets, but check official websites if you plan to visit specific museums or facilities.
• *Etiquette**: Please respect the privacy of local residents. Avoid making excessive noise, be mindful of photography in private areas, and always take your trash with you.