Tamashima Historic Townscape Preservation District (Nakagai-cho)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Tamashima flourished from the Edo period as a port of call for the Kitamaebune cargo ships, and around Nakagai-cho the streets still carry traces of the merchant houses of that era. It lacks the glamour of a tourist site like the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区), but that also means fewer people and the pleasure of walking the town in quiet, which is this area's charm. Strolling past white walls and lattice doors, you can sense the atmosphere of an age when goods and people carried by ship passed through. There are places to eat and local shops along the streets, so wandering while looking for a lunch spot is recommended. This is time spent walking a townscape where daily life remains, one not built for tourists.

Tips

These are private homes and working shops where people live, so be considerate when taking photos. Opening days and hours differ from shop to shop, so having several dining candidates in mind is reassuring. Some streets have little shade, so walk with a hat and drinks. Do not park within the old townscape; using nearby parking lots avoids trouble.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. Walking around midday makes it easier to choose a place to eat

Access & map

〒713-8121 岡山県倉敷市玉島阿賀崎旧玉島街道