The prosperity of the historic town of Uchiko blossomed through the production of wax from the later part of the Edo period through the Meiji era, showing its ability to adapt with modern times. Centuries later it has proven just as resilient in its advancement, with its residents working hard to preserve the traditions and history hidden away in this picturesque countryside.
Despite its rural setting, Uchiko as a town opens its arms wide for visitors of all shapes and sizes, with various festivals, tours, events, and shops to offer. Navigation to the town itself as well as around its sprawling streets is eased by its tour shop at the train station, maps, visitor’s center, and the locals themselves.
Walk down the preserved historic district called Yōkaichi & Gokoku, a winding road with 600 meters of traditional houses from the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods (roughly from 1600–1930) which have been given much care and conservation efforts. The pace here is relaxed and warm, as is the impression left by the pale yellow wattle and daub walls made from local mud entwined with white plaster. There are many hidden treasures along this street, from museums to preserved residences of renowned families, to shops and homes.
If you continue to walk up the hillside to the north a little beyond this scenic street, you will also find the Buddhist Koshoji Temple, home to a large reclining Buddha statue and lovely views.
Only a few minutes away from the start of the Yōkaichi & Gokoku Old Town area, you will find Uchiko-za, a beautifully preserved theatre built in 1916 and which has been saved from demolition by the effort of Uchiko’s townsfolk. Originally intended for Kabuki performances, the theatre is now used regularly by both professional and local groups for cultural events and performances such as dancing, Taiko drums, Bunraku, and much more! Once you take in the view from your masu-seki (a type of traditional boxed seating used since the mid-18th century) and view this beautiful homage to the past, you will understand the romance of Japan’s colourful history.
Take a magical step back in time through the hidden gem that is Uchiko!
A way of enjoy the townscape
Kimono Rental and Wearing
【Kimono Rental and Wearing Experence】
Local staff put you Kimono at a old house in Historic District Preservation Zone. Choosing which one to wear is also fun.
◆Kimono (Autumn to Spring) 5500 JPY per parson
Tabi-socks for Kimono 550 JPY
◆Yukata (Summer kimono) 4400 JPY per parson
◆Optional Hair Arrangement 2200 JPY per parson
【Photo shooting by professional photographer】
Great plan for people who want to make a day memorable and special.
Put on Kimono, get hairs done, and a professional photographer takes your photos while you stroll the historic townscape of Yokaichi-Gokoku.
It will be unforgettable experience in your Japan trip.
◆ 29000 JPY for a femal
◆ 33000 JPY for a male & female couple
◆ 36000 JPY for a female & female couple
Included : Kimono rental and wearing experience, Hair arrangement, Tabi-socks, 30 photos data taken by a professional photographer.
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.
★Uchiko-za Theatre will be closed for about 4 years from September in 2024 due to earthquake resistance construction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10 min Walk
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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