🗺️ Mitarai Old Street

Ōsaki Shimojima is one of the islands connected by seven bridges in the Akinada Hishima Kaido. This small island is famous for its abundant production of large oranges and other citrus fruits. The "Mitari Old Street," lined with shops, tea houses, and boat accommodations, is perfect for leisurely sightseeing. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Mitari Old Street served as a transit point for maritime traffic in the Seto Inland Sea, thriving as a fishing port where people waited for favorable winds and tides. In 1994, it was designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and in 2018, it was recognized as a Japan Heritage site. The village on the island features buildings from various eras, including the Edo period to the Meiji (up to 1912), Taisho (up to 1926), and early Showa periods. Walking along the narrow paths, you can see the Edo period tea house "Wakahigeya Ruins" and the theater "Otomeza," built in 1937, among many photogenic structures. Additionally, the old town has cafes, accommodations, souvenir shops that have renovated old buildings, and a display room showcasing vintage Japanese toys. At the fishing port, where high lanterns are made of stacked stones, and at "Hill Park," which offers a view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea with its many islands, you can leisurely enjoy the pleasure of walking through history.

The Edo period (1603-1868) was a time when fishing ports thrived, waiting for the winds and tides to rise. The streets of this once-prosperous town have been preserved and designated as a national traditional building preservation area. There are many noteworthy buildings, including the Edo period teahouse "Wakagizoya" and the theater "Otomeza," built in 1937.