Tsuwano: Enjoying White-Walled Townscape and Carp in Tonocho Street in this Mountain Little Kyoto

Tsuwano Town in Kashida District, Shimane is a small town of approximately 7,000 people located in the Chugoku Mountains of southwestern Shimane Prefecture. During the Edo period, it flourished as the castle town of the Tsuwano Domain (43,000 koku), and the historic townscape is still nationally known as "the Little Kyoto of San'in."

Tonocho Street and Carp Swimming in Irrigation Channels

The highlight of Tsuwano sightseeing is "Tonocho Street." In the irrigation channels along this street lined with white-walled samurai residences and former Tsuwano Domain ashigaru (foot soldier) quarters, approximately 800 colorful carp swim. Originally developed as firebreak water storage, it is now beloved by tourists as a famous carp spot.

Taikodani Inari Shrine

"Taikodani Inari Shrine" located on the mountainside commanding views of Tsuwano is counted among Japan's five great Inari shrines as a power spot. The thousand-torii gateway along the approach (actually over 1,000 gates) is breathtaking, creating scenery reminiscent of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Mori Ogai and Tsuwano

Meiji-era literary giant Mori Ogai was from Tsuwano, leaving masterpieces including "The Dancing Girl" and "Takase Boat." The city has "Mori Ogai's Former Residence" and "Mori Ogai Memorial Museum."

Access

Walk to the town center from JR Yamaguchi Line Tsuwano Station. About 1 hour 20 minutes by limited express from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.