Yōkaichi Historic District

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Uchiko's picturesque and protected main street has a number of interesting buildings, many of which now serve as museums, souvenir stalls, craft shops, accommodation and charming teahouses. The old buildings typically have cream-coloured plaster walls and 'wings' under the eaves that serve to prevent fire spreading from house to house. As the street is in the Historic District Preservation Zone, there are strict regulations on how buildings are renovated.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ōmori Wa-rōsoku

0.11 MILES

Here at Uchiko's last remaining candle manufacturer the candles are still made by hand, according to traditional methods; you can watch the candle makers…

2. Japanese Wax Museum

0.11 MILES

Within the Kamihaga-tei complex toward the northern end of Yōkaichi, the Japanese Wax Museum has excellent English explanations on the wax-making process…

3. Museum of Commerce & Domestic Life

0.26 MILES

A few minutes' walk north along the main road from the visitors' centre is the Museum of Commerce & Domestic Life, which exhibits historical materials and…

4. Kōshō-ji

0.28 MILES

At the northern end of the historic district, you'll see signs pointing to this temple up the hill. It's just a few minutes' walk up to the giant…

5. Uchiko-za

0.35 MILES

About halfway between the station and Yōkaichi is Uchiko-za, a magnificent traditional kabuki theatre. Originally constructed in 1916, the theatre was…

6. Garyū-sansō

6.83 MILES

Across town from Ōzu-jō, Garyū-sansō is an elegant Meiji-period teahouse and garden in an idyllic spot overlooking the river. On Sundays from April to…

7. Old Town

6.97 MILES

Ōzu's old town is well worth a stroll, with a number of Meiji-era houses plus Akarenga-kan, a red-brick building constructed in 1901, which was originally…

8. Ōzu-jō

7.22 MILES

One of Japan's most authentically reconstructed castles, Ōzu-jō and its outlying buildings are original survivors from the Edo period. The castle is an…