Tsuwano Tonomachi Street retains its old appearance dating back to the Kamakura period.

The year after the Mongol Invasion, a war against China's Yuan Dynasty, occurred, Yoshimi Yoriyuki, who was assigned to this area for coastal defense, built Tsuwano Castle. It is said that Tonomachi Street began when it flourished as a castle town.

Be sure to take a stroll through the beautiful townscape that is known as a representative of Little Kyoto.

In the area that is said to have been adjacent to the residences of chief retainers, there are many samurai residences with impressive gates, and there is also the remains of a clan school with white walls and lattice windows.

It is said that carp were cultivated in the waterway called Kewari as an emergency food at the time. Even now, the sight of these farmed carp swimming leisurely is a sight to behold for visitors.

From May to June, you can see about 3,000 irises blooming along the sea cucumber fence, making it a symbolic spot of Tsuwano.

One of the charms of Tonomachi Street is that it is lit up at night, creating a fantastical streetscape that is different from the daytime.

■ Basic information
Name: Tsuwano Tonomachi Street
Address: Goda, Tsuwano-cho, Kaashi-gun, Shimane Prefecture
Nearest station: JR Tsuwano Station (15 minutes walk)
Business hours: You can walk around anytime
Price: Free
No regular holiday
Parking: Use roadside parking (charges apply)

*Please check the website for detailed information.