Most of these buildings were built during the Edo period. The white walls and black roof tiles make a striking contrast and give off a strong sense of history. The little alleys and courtyards along the street are also charming—definitely worth a visit.

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White Wall Townscape of Yanai
Yanai City’s best tourist attraction.
Yanai City in southeastern Yamaguchi Prefecture developed as one of the main marchant port cities on the Seto Inland Sea during the Edo period. The “Shirakebe no Machinami (White wall townscape),” where the buildings in Edo storehouse style still stand, is located in Furuichi-Kanaya district in Yanai City. During the feudal domain era, this area was called "Storage Town of Iwakuni Domain," and it was crowded with large carts loaded with products. It is also designated as one of the Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
From spring to autumn, Yanai’s specialty “goldfish lanterns” hang from the eaves of townhouses with plastered white walls and latticed windows. It is said that around the end of the Edo period, merchants in Yanaii took inspiration from the "goldfish nebuta" of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and created these lanterns using the dye for traditional fabric "Yanai-Jima" (Yanai Striped fabric) and other materials. During the Bon Festival, it is said that people lit these lanterns to welcome their ancestors' spirits in the evening.
Every year on August 13, the "Goldfish Lantern Festival'' is held, with approximately 4,000 goldfish lanterns displayed throughout the town. At night, the entire town transforms into a fantastic sight illuminated by lights. The festival is a large event that draws a lot of tourists, with the goldfish nebuta parades, goldfish lantern dance performances, fireworks displays, and more.
Highlights
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The townscape, with its white walls and goldfish lanterns, is an excellent location for photographs.
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You can enjoy trolling through the retro townscape, imagining the bustling atmosphere of old days.
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The “Yanai Townhouse Museum” and the “Kanro Soy Sauce Museum” are also worth a visit.
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Original goldfish lantern merchandise is also recommended.
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The "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival" is held every year on August 13.
Photos
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A row of Edo period merchant houses stretches for about 200 meters.
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Goldfish lanterns, a traditional local craft passed down through generations.
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Why not rent a kimono from a rental shop on the street and stroll around town?
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A workshop for making cute goldfish lanterns is available.
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At the “Goldfish Nebuta Parade,” you can find various designs of goldfish lanterns.
Reviews
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The white-walled old street still has an Edo-era vibe. There aren't many tourists, so you can really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 柳井 白壁の町並み
- Postal Code
- 742-0022
- Address
- Furuichi-Kanaya, Yanaitsu, Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Hours
- Free to visit any time
- Directions
- 7 minutes on foot from JR Yanai Station
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)