Uchiko: White-Walled Townscape That Prospered Through Japanese Candles and Wood Wax of the Edo-Meiji Period

Uchiko: The "Small Kyoto of Ehime" Born from the Wood Wax Industry

Uchiko Town in Kita District, Ehime Prefecture, is a merchant town that greatly prospered from the late Edo period to the Meiji era through the production of wood wax (plant-based wax from trees) and manufacture of Japanese candles. Buildings of merchant houses, storehouses, and white-walled structures from the era of prosperity as one of Japan's leading wax production areas still remain, also called the "Small Kyoto of Ehime."

Yokaichi-Gokoku Townscape

The "Yokaichi-Gokoku District" is an Important Preservation District for Historic Buildings with buildings from the Edo to Meiji period lined up for 600 meters. In particular, the "Honga Family Residence" (National Important Cultural Property) is a magnificent building conveying the prestige of wealthy merchants of that era to the present.

Uchiko-za Theater and Traditional Culture

"Uchiko-za," built in Taisho 5 (1916), is one of the few remaining theaters. Performances of kabuki, bunraku, and variety shows are still held today, allowing experience of Taisho-period theater culture.

Traditional Craft of Japanese Candles

At Uchiko candle workshops, the experience of making Japanese candles by traditional methods is also possible. Japanese candles made by hand from plant-based raw materials have beautiful flames and still have demand as candles for Buddhist and Shinto altars.

Access

Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Uchiko Station to the Yokaichi-Gokoku townscape. Approximately 25 minutes from Matsuyama city by limited express.