Tsuwano Tonomachi Street

Tonomachi Street is a castle-town street in Kanoashi District, Shimane Prefecture, in the town of Tsuwano, often called a “Little Kyoto.” It preserves a quiet mountain-town historic streetscape. A defining feature is the canal (horiwari) running along white plaster walls, where many koi swim. Iris flowers bloom in the canal in early summer, creating a beautiful scene with koi and white walls. Historic buildings line the area, including the former domain school Yoro-kan site, the former district office site, the front gate of the Tago family (senior retainers of the Tsuwano domain), and a Catholic church. Tsuwano produced notable figures such as picture-book artist Mitsumasa Anno, and there are many museums and related spots. Passing through about 1,000 torii gates leads to Taikodani Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s five major Inari shrines; offerings of aburaage (fried tofu) are customary and can be bought at shops. At Furahashi Brewery you can sample sake and try sake ice cream. There are also stylish souvenir shops and cafés in renovated traditional houses—pretty much everything you need. Access: about a 10-minute walk from JR Yamaguchi Line Tsuwano Station.