Mitarai Preserved District

The Mitarai District on Osaki-Shimojima is located on the eastern side of Osaki-Shimojima island in the Seto Inland Sea. The island lies on the Akinada Tobishima Kaido route, and from JR Kure Station you can reach it in about 1 hour 30 minutes by the “Tobishima Liner” (which starts from Hiroshima Bus Terminal). The district flourished as a post town and port of call from the late 17th century, after Mitarai Port opened, and continued thriving until around the early Showa era. Many historic buildings remain that convey the atmosphere of that time. “Otomeza,” a theater originally built in 1937 and restored in 2002, can be freely visited inside and also hosts events irregularly. “Wakaebisuya” is the remains of what was said to be the district’s most prosperous pleasure quarters in the Edo period, originally built in the early 18th century. “Chisago-hato,” a stone breakwater built in 1829, still largely retains its original form; at its tip stands a 6.18 m stone lantern rebuilt in 1992. The area also has shops and cafés in former inn buildings, so you may want to stop by during your walk.