HiroshimaTravel

A Stroll Through Aki's Little Kyoto With Lattice Windows and White-Walled Merchant Houses

About this spot

Centered around Honmachi Street in the heart of Takehara, which flourished through the salt and sake brewing industries, merchant houses with lattice windows and earthen storehouses line the street. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings by the national government, this quiet district is affectionately called 'Aki's Little Kyoto.' It's enjoyable to compare the distinctive lattice designs of each house, such as the substantial structure of the Taketsuru Sake Brewery (竹鶴酒造), the birthplace of Nikka Whisky founder Masataka Taketsuru, and other merchant houses. Cafés and antique shops housed in renovated machiya townhouses dot the area, allowing you to take breaks and enjoy lunch while exploring at your own leisurely pace.

Tips

Honmachi Street is relatively uncrowded in the morning, making it an ideal time for photography. Stone-paved and gravel paths continue throughout, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. For lunch, renovated machiya cafés and restaurants are scattered throughout, so arriving before the crowded noon hour will allow you to dine without waiting.

Best time to visit

Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Morning slanting light beautifully illuminates the lattice windows, and around midday you can enjoy lunch at a machiya café