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Japan Heritage: Mitarai Townscape Preservation District

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Japan Heritage: Mitarai Townscape Preservation District

A port town that once flourished as ships waited for favorable winds and tides.

3.15 3

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Supervised by :  Kure City Tourism Promotion Division

Osaki Shimojima is one of the islands along the Akinada Tobishima Kaido, linked by seven bridges. Known for citrus fruits such as Ocho mandarins, the island is also home to the Mitarai district, where visitors can stroll among merchant houses, teahouses, and sailors’ inns.

The Mitarai district is a port town that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868) as a stopover for maritime traffic on the Seto Inland Sea, where ships waited for favorable winds and tides. It was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1994 and recognized as Japan Heritage in 2018.

The town is lined with buildings dating from the Edo period through the Meiji era (ending in 1912), the Taisho era (ending in 1926), and the early Showa era. A walk through its narrow alleys reveals plenty of photogenic sights, including the remains of the Edo-period Wakaebisuya Teahouse and Otomeza, a theater built in 1937. The town also has cafes, accommodations, and souvenir shops housed in renovated historic buildings, as well as an exhibition room displaying vintage Japanese toys.
Take a leisurely walk through history, visiting the harbor with its tall stone lantern and Mitarai’s Hill Overlooking History Park, which offers panoramic views of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Highlights

  • A port town that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868), where ships waited for favorable winds and tides.
  • The historic townscape, recalling the prosperity of its heyday, has been designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
  • Numerous attractions, including the Edo-period Wakaebisuya Teahouse and Otomeza, a theater built in 1937.

Photos

  • Stroll through the town while imagining how it once looked

    Stroll through the town while imagining how it once looked

  • Photogenic streetscapes throughout the town

    Photogenic streetscapes throughout the town

  • The tall stone lantern is a popular photo spot

    The tall stone lantern is a popular photo spot

  • Otomeza, a theater built in 1937

    Otomeza, a theater built in 1937

  • Panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from Mitarai’s Hill Overlooking History Park

    Panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from Mitarai’s Hill Overlooking History Park

  • Boats crossing the Seto Inland Sea

    Boats crossing the Seto Inland Sea

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available?
A

Yes.

Q

Are coin-operated lockers available?
A

No.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes.

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Queenie
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    Mitarai is an atmospheric old port town. In the past, ships would wait here for the right winds and tides, and it was once an important shipping hub in the Seto Inland Sea.
    Walking through the old streets, there aren't crowds of tourists. Instead, the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. Strolling slowly through the narrow alleys, you can see many old buildings preserved from the Edo period, and every turn reveals another piece of history.
    Although Mitarai's former prosperity has faded, that's exactly what makes it feel like traveling through time.
    With no need to rush, I simply walked around and took in the traces of time left on the old streets. It ended up being the most relaxing part of this trip. If you like historic streets, old buildings, and a sense of history, Mitarai is well worth adding to your itinerary.

  • Emily Wang
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    This place got its name from the Japanese word for 'washing hands.' In Japanese, 'Mitarai' means to wash your hands.

  • 傅玉芬
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    This place preserves a complete townscape from the Edo period.

Details

Name in Japanese
御手洗町並み保存地区
Postal Code
734-0302
Address
Mitarai, Yutaka-machi, Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture
Phone
0823-67-2278 (Yutaka Tourism Association)
Closed on
Open for walking year-round
Hours
Open for walking at any time
Admission
Free
Access
1) From Hiroshima Bus Center, take the Tobishima Liner bound for Kamagari, Toyohama, and Yutaka, and get off at the Mitarai Port bus stop.
2) From Hiro Station on the JR Kure Line, transfer to a Setouchi Sanko bus bound for Yutaka, Toyohama, or Kamagari, and get off at the Mitarai Port bus stop.
Official website
Related website
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa