TottoriTravel

Morning stroll through white walls and red tiles along the Tamagawa River

About this spot

An iconic townscape of Kurayoshi with white-walled earthen storehouses and red-tiled roofs lining the Tamagawa River at the base of Uchifu-ki Mountain. The contrast between white plaster walls and black timber-lined base boards of Japanese cypress is striking, and the district has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Historic Buildings. Most of the storehouses were built behind merchant houses, and single-slab stone bridges spanning the Tamagawa facilitated the transport of goods, evoking images of life in those days. Along the street, shops like soy sauce warehouses and sake breweries continue to operate, and as you walk, you feel the history of Kurayoshi's prosperity as a castle town and merchant center. The early morning, with few passersby, is the perfect time to have the white walls reflected in the river all to yourself.

Tips

Parking is convenient at Kurayoshi Municipal Parking or nearby tourist parking facilities. Stone-paved and gravel roads continue throughout, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Many shops are still closed in the early morning, but this allows you to capture quiet town photographs. Pick up a walking map at the tourist information center to make exploring the alleys more enjoyable.