🗺️ Makabe Old Street

Sakuragawa City, Makabe Town is located at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, on the northern side, and has almost completely preserved the streetscape of an Edo period castle town. In the center of Makabe Town, historical buildings from the Edo period to the early Showa period are preserved, with a total of 102 structures designated as registered national cultural properties. Makabe Town was the castle town of the Makabe clan, the lords during the late Sengoku period, and the site of Makabe Castle. During the Edo period, cotton imported from Kansai was sold here to the Tohoku region, leading to its prosperity. Later, during the Meiji period, the textile industry began to rise, further developing this small town. Today, in addition to preserving over 300 buildings such as merchant's storehouses (residential and commercial), earthen warehouses, and gates, the old streets of Makabe also feature traditional houses and Western-style buildings from the Taisho to early Showa periods. The "Old Makabe Post Office," located in the town center, has a simple and unadorned exterior that reflects the design style of the early Showa period. It has been a landmark building in the town from before World War II to the present. Additionally, the "Makabe Hina Matsuri," held annually from early February to early March, is a traditional event that welcomes visitors braving the cold winds. About 160 households in the town participate in this festival, decorating their homes with dolls, adding a splendid touch to the historically rich streets.

The "Makabe Heritage Museum," located within the Makabe Jinya ruins, provides a detailed introduction to the local history. It is a good idea to visit this museum for reference before taking a stroll around the area. In front of the nationally registered cultural property, there is a marker made from "Mikage Stone" produced in Makabe. This can serve as a reference while walking through the district. Many registered cultural properties only allow visitors to view the exterior, and entry into the buildings is strictly prohibited, so please be cautious. About 1 kilometer east of the town center lies the ruins of Makabe Castle, the residence of the Makabe clan (a national historic site).