Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

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Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

Traditional streets that retain the appearance of the castle town.

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Flourished as a castle town of Mimasaka-Katsuyama Domain. The town prospered as a post station town along the Izumo Road, where it was used as an important point for transportation by land and water. As a result, the old townscape still remains, with white walls that remind us of the past, as well as merchant houses with lattice windows and storehouses with Namako walls. In Showa year 60 (1985), it was designated as a Preservation District for the first time in Okayama Prefecture. At Katsuyama Folk Museum, Katsuyama Samurai Residence Museum, and Former Samurai Residence where the chief retainer of the Miura samurai clan lived, you can learn about the residence and history of the castle town.

Along the Asahi River, the remains of the Takasebune Boat Departure and arrival point continue for about 700 meters. It is said that it was used to transport goods in the Muromachi period. Local products, salt and daily goods were carried to the dock, and the area was flourishing. Along the river, there are cobblestone piles and houses with white walls that are close to those of those days. There are traditional buildings such as traditional sake breweries, old houses and samurai residences, as well as old houses and breweries that have been renovated into workshops, cafes and galleries. So it's fun to walk around.

Noren curtains hung at entrances are a town symbol of Katsuyama. You can see them at many shops, which adds a traditional touch.The first shop to put a nore curtain on the entrance was Studio Hinoki. You will buy green curtains dyed with plants and trees, tote bags, and coasters.

Highlights

  • Houses with white walls, lattice windows, and storehouses with Namako walls.
  • Remains of the Takasebune Boat Departure Station along the river.
  • It is also fun to stop by cafes, buy some goods dyed with plants.

Photos

  • Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

    Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

  • A row of elegant houses with noren curtains
©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

    A row of elegant houses with noren curtains ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

  • Takasebune Boat Departure
©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

    Takasebune Boat Departure ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

  • Studio Hinoki
©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

    Studio Hinoki ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

  • Houses with latticed windows 
©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

    Houses with latticed windows ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

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Details

Name in Japanese
勝山町並み保存地区
Postal Code
717-0013
Address
Katsuyama, Maniwa City, Okayama
Telephone
0867-44-2120 (Katsuyama Tourism Association)
Hours
Free to walk around anytime
Access
Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Chugoku Katsuyama Station
Official Website
Official Website (English)