An old post town with an Edo-period feel. The traditional wooden streetscape is very atmospheric, and there are also some unique shops where you can buy local souvenirs such as Kiso lacquerware, wooden products, and Oroku combs.
Narai-juku | Review by Kim
Other Reviews by Kim
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Kintai Bridge
Kintai Bridge has been designated as a National Scenic Location of Japan, and it is also one of Japan’s Three Famous Bridges. It is a beautiful and large 5-story arch bridge, with a total length of 193.3 meters and a width of 5 meters.
Made it to the legendary Kintai Bridge, one of Japan’s three famous bridges!
The five connected wooden arches are unbelievably beautiful. It’s an architectural marvel built without a single nail.
After crossing the bridge, we took the ropeway up to Iwakuni Castle, where you can look out over the stunning panoramic view of the entire bridge and the Nishiki River. -
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Sankyo Soko
This earthen storage for rice is in Sakata, once a lively port city where rice was shipped out. Sakai Family, the former domain lord, built 14 storehouses in 1893. 12 of them are standing today. 9 of the 12 were still used up until the end of 2022 to store 10,800 tons of rice, designated in 2021 as a national historic site.
When I visited the Sankyo Soko storehouses, the long row of old rice warehouses lined up beside the magnificent zelkova-lined path created such an amazing atmosphere. Every quick photo looked like a movie still. Walking through the area, I could really feel Sakata’s former prosperity as a major rice hub, and also appreciate the charm of these historic buildings being preserved to this day.
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Kosode Ama Center
This tourist facility is located on Kosode Beach, a scenic spot with various oddly shaped rocks scattered along the coastline.
Because of NHK’s morning drama "Amachan," I made a special trip to visit the Kosode Ama Center in Kuji. Not only can you get an up-close look at the ama divers’ weathered tools and diving suits, but the exhibits also let you feel their strength and resilience as they battle the sea.
