🗺️ Kasashima Important Traditional Buildings Preservation Area

The main island once served as a base for the Shiohama navy and was granted autonomy by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590. After entering the Edo period (1603-1868), the shipping industry flourished, becoming the core of the Shiohama Islands. In the northern region of the main island, the Kasajima area still retains a group of ancient buildings that evoke the atmosphere of its former prosperity, and it is now the only designated preservation area for important traditional buildings in Kagawa Prefecture. Along the narrow old streets, there are ancient houses and warehouses with white walls and exteriors known as "Ikko-kabe," which still showcase architectural features like lattice windows and bug cage windows, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of the "Shiohama carpenters." The Shiohama carpenters were renowned master carpenters from the Shiohama Islands during the Edo period to the Meiji period. Currently, there are 13 houses from the late Edo period and 20 ancient buildings from the Meiji period (1868-1912) preserved along the old street. Among them, at the center of the old street, the "Kasajima Street Preservation Center" features three buildings open to the public: the "Sanagi (真木) Residence," the "Maki (真木) Residence," and the "Fuji (藤井) Residence," all built during the late Edo period.

An island that serves as a base for salt carpenters. It is the only nationally important traditional building preservation area in Kagawa Prefecture. You can see traditional Japanese houses from the late Edo period to the early Showa period. The architectural features include bug cage windows and exterior walls known as "Ikko-kabe." A total of three buildings, including the Maki residence, are open to the public.