UCHIKOGENIC

Uchiko-za Theatre 【National Important Cultural Assset】

The Uchiko-za theatre was built in 1916 to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. The wooden two-story building with a shingle covered Dutch gable roof, was built as a full-fledged theater and playhouse of pure Japanese style. With a revolving stage, a runway next to the audience, seating boxes, actors' dressing rooms, etc., this impressive building represented the technological and artistic state of the art at that time.

Some time ago it was to be demolished due to the poor state, but by the determination of local residents it could be saved and repaired. After restoration work was completed in 1985, it has been re-opened as a theatre. Now it is actively used as a playhouse for various cultural activities of the town and surrounding area.

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Museum of Commercial & Domestic Life

This museum shows exhibits from the late Edo to the Meiji era. Authentic reproduction of a drugstore full of medicine and sundry items on the shelves, complete with the old signboard over the shop. In the exhibition there are scenes such as eating and cooking which feature dolls in authentic clothes. You can also hear voices with dialogues of everyday-life scenes of that time. Models and display panels introduce the local history and customs, as well as famous personalities from the region. We recommend that parents visit the exhibition together with their children to learn about the former lifestyle in Uchiko.

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Omori Japanese Candle Maker

The only handmade Japanese candle workshop in the prefecture. Wax squeezed from the fruits of the Haze tree is smeared in layers around a wick like tree rings. With the cut top showing the ring-pattern, these are simple traditional candles without color or decorations. The big flame is bright and warm and does not drip any wax. Please try this cozy light to illuminate your home.

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Yokaichi & Gokoku Historic District Preservation Zone

Uchiko town prospered by the production of Japan wax from the late Edo to Meiji era (latter half of 19th century). The townscape of Yōkaichi & Gokoku is well preserved and still exactly as it was in former times. Traditional townhouses and mansions of wealthy merchants stand side by side over a length of about 600m as they were in old times. When walking slowly through the streets, you will notice the pale yellow wattle-and-daub mud walls. Those walls are plastered with the local mud. The yellow mud walls, interwoven with white plaster create a unique impression. In particular, the houses will show us a different look in the morning sun and at sunset.

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Japanese Wax Museum & Kamihaga Residence

This is the residence of the Kamihaga family, the top branch of the Honhaga family, who was one of Japan's largest wax producers. When the Kamihaga family became a separate family branch at the end of the Edo era, they opened a branch warehouse, and later, during the most prosperous period, built the main house, the attached buildings and others, in total 10 buildings, all of which have been designated as important cultural property. Since production facilities such as the Kamaba (boiler house) did only survive here, they are valuable remains which attest to the close relation between the local industry and residential facilities. On the premises there is an information corner and a café. Guided tour of the museum is recommended.

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Kosho-ji Temple

A temple overlooks the townscape of Uchiko has a long tradition and history, built in the Muromachi period (in 1441). The eye-catching big sleeping Buddha is modeled after the last image of the Buddha.
Every year on March 15, the Nehan Matsuri is held, a spring festival with a history of about 250 years.

Takahashi Residence

This is the mansion in which the "beer king" Takahashi Ryutaro grew up. He not only contributed to the prosperity of the Japanese beer industry, but also, as Minister of International Trade and Industry, to the post-war economic revival Japans. It is also the birthplace of his father Takahashi Yoshihira, who was called the "Sage of Uchiko". Since Ryutaro's eldest son, Takahashi Yoshitaka (former chairman of Asahi Breweries, Ltd.) cared deeply about his hometown Uchiko, the bereaved family donated the residence to Uchiko town. The exhibition shows items, such as tobacco pipes used by family members or the uniforms of the professional baseball team "Takahashi Unions" that he sponsored as the owner. A relaxing cafe corner is provided. It is possible to stay overnight limited to one group (up to 10 people) per day.

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