Tsuwano: Taikoku Valley Inari Shrine and Tonomachi Street - A Stroll Through the Small Kyoto of San'in

This is the definitive historical walking course through Tsuwano, a castle town nestled in a mountain basin where traditional red roof tiles blanket the landscape. Spend a full day exploring this town of history. Begin in the morning at Taikoku Valley Inari Shrine (太皷谷稲成神社), counted among Japan's Five Great Inari Shrines, where you'll pass through a tunnel of Thousand Vermillion Torii Gates—a refreshing spiritual experience. Along Tonomachi Street (殿町通り), the heart of the castle town, admire white-walled namako-style mud walls and brightly colored koi swimming in the irrigation channels while savoring the scenery of this town known as San'in's small Kyoto. Enjoy the regional specialty uuzumei-meshi at a renowned local cuisine restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Tsuwano Catholic Church (津和野カトリック教会) with its exceptionally rare tatami-matted sanctuary, then explore the Mori Ogai Memorial Museum (森鴎外記念館), adjacent to the birthplace of the renowned author, encountering stories of prayer and literature nurtured by the castle town. This is a full day designed for those who appreciate history and traditional streetscapes to savor at leisure.