UCHIKOGENIC

Step Back in Time in Uchiko’s Historic District

With every step through Uchiko’s historic streets, it feels as though time quietly flows backward. The nostalgic atmosphere of the Yōkaichi & Gokoku Preservation District invites visitors into the world of old Japan, where traditional townscapes and everyday life still remain beautifully intact.

Uchiko prospered through the production of Japanese vegetable wax from the late Edo period through the Taishō era. The wealth generated during this time shaped the elegant townscape that can still be admired today. In 1982, Yōkaichi & Gokoku became Shikoku’s first district to be designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Along the approximately 600-meter-long street, beautifully preserved townhouses and the residences of wealthy wax merchants stand side by side much as they did generations ago. Unlike open-air museums, many of these buildings are still used as private homes today, giving the district a warm and lived-in atmosphere. Historic residences such as the Kamihaga Residence and Honhaga Residence stand alongside cozy cafés, craft shops, and local boutiques.

As you stroll through the district, you may notice the soft yellow earthen walls that characterize Uchiko’s scenery. Made using local soil and combined with white plaster, these walls create a gentle contrast unique to the town. Their appearance changes subtly with the seasons and the shifting light of morning and evening, offering a different impression each time you visit.

The historic district is within walking distance from JR Uchiko Station. On the way, visitors can also explore the charming Honmachi shopping street, lined with local restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops, as well as the famous historic theater Uchiko-za.

For visitors arriving by car, the Machinami Parking Lot near the northern entrance of the district offers convenient access.

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