Mima・Wakimachi・Mt. Tsurugi

Udatsu Townscape

"Udatsu" is a firewall built on the second floor of a building to prevent fire from spreading to neighboring houses and this area is commonly known as "udatsu-no-machinami" ( udatsu townscape) because of the large number of udatsu at both ends of the townhouses. Udatsu were originally built for fire prevention, but since it cost a lot of money to install them, they became more decorative and gradually became a symbol of wealth and success. This street is ideal for strolling the town with its restaurants and general stores.

Highlights

1

Traditional Buildings Preservation District

The area, approximately 5.3 hectares in size, has numerous townhouses with white plaster walls, main tiled roofs, and devil's-roof tiles on the front facades at both ends. The 430-meter front street reveals a unified and beautiful townscape.
2

Indigo Merchants

During the mid-Edo period, Wakimachi flourished as a distribution center for Awa indigo around Japan with than 100 indigo merchants living here. Udatsu is a symbol of the prosperity of the merchants of the time.
3

Decorative Houses

The first floor of an udatsu house has "lattice windows" made of carefully arranged fine wood, and the second floor windows are "mushiko" windows designed for light and fire protection. The elaborately designed fittings are also a point of interest.

Details

Yoshida Family Residence

This is the house of Naobei Sagawa-ya, a wealthy indigo merchant. The inside of the house is open to the public, and visitors can feel the atmosphere of an indigo merchant of that time. The remains of a boat landing is located in the back of the house.

Illumination

The 80-centimeter-high Andon-lantern style streetlights are placed in front of eaves and in yards. At dusk, the faint light from the street lamps illuminates the historic udatsu streets.

Mima Tourism Exchange Center

This complex of three renovated old private houses is used as a workshop, tea house, and rest area. At the workshop, visitors can make Mima wagasa (Japanese umbrella) and experience indigo dyeing. At the teahouse, visitors can taste local cuisine.

Roadside Station Indigo Land Udatsu

This facility was renovated from a building once used as an indigo warehouse for the Yoshida family residence. The souvenir corner features a variety of local products. We recommend the Mimakara ice cream, a Mima condiment made from chili peppers.