Takehara: The Little Kyoto of Aki with Preserved White-Walled Streets

Takehara: A Town Where Time Stands Still

Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture was a thriving port town during the Edo period, prospering through salt production and sake brewing. As testament to that prosperity, the "Takehara Important Preservation District for Historic Buildings" — featuring rows of white-walled earthen storehouses and lattice-windowed merchant houses — is carefully preserved today.

Walking the Historic Preservation District

The preservation district around Honmachi-dori stretches approximately 500 meters with buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods standing in rows. Many buildings are designated as Important National Cultural Properties, including the "Yorii Seikyu Old Residence" and "Matsusaka Family Residence," creating a feeling of time travel.

Setting for NHK Morning Drama

The area is also known as a filming location for the NHK morning drama "Massan," and the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru — the model for the protagonist and founder of Nikka Whisky — "Taketsuru Sake Brewery" is located within the preservation district. It is a special place where whisky and sake cultures intersect.

Takehara Sake Culture

Local sake brands such as "Taketsuru" and "Hanahato" enjoy high acclaim nationwide. Facilities offering brewery tours and tastings are available, making this a paradise for sake lovers.

Access and Sightseeing Tips

The preservation district is about a 10-minute walk from JR Takehara Station. Seasonal events such as the spring wisteria festival and autumn Takehara Festival are plentiful. The view from "Saihoji Temple" on the hilltop overlooking the Seto Inland Sea is also a must-see.