What Makes the Streetscape Special?
The Distinctive Two-Tiered Udatsu
An udatsu is a raised wall built between adjoining houses, originally designed to help prevent fires from spreading from one building to another. Over time, these practical fire barriers also became decorative features that demonstrated a household’s wealth and status. Elaborate udatsu were particularly associated with prosperous merchants, who used them to express pride in their businesses and homes.
In Tsurugi Town, the distinctive two-tiered design creates a streetscape unlike those found in many other historic districts across Japan. The dignified merchant houses stand close together along the old road, preserving the atmosphere of a thriving town from the early Meiji era.
Traditional Kote-e Plaster Decorations
Another detail worth looking for is kote-e, a traditional decorative technique in which craftsmen use plaster or clay to create raised designs on the façades of buildings. Many of the houses feature ornamental motifs associated with good fortune, prosperity, and happiness.
These decorations demonstrate the skill of traditional plaster craftsmen and add individuality to the streetscape. Take time to look closely at the façades as you walk through the district: the details reveal a rich decorative tradition that can easily be overlooked when admiring the buildings from a distance.
Historic Buildings to Visit
Former Nagai Family Village Headman’s Residence
The Former Nagai Family Village Headman’s Residence is a historic property recognized as a tangible cultural property by Tsurugi Town. It is also included among the 100 Recommended Viewpoints of Nishi-Awa.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), village headmen played an important role in local administration. The residence provides a valuable insight into the architecture, domestic life, and social structure of rural Japan during that era. Its historic setting makes it a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in the everyday lives of people who lived in the region centuries ago.
Orimoto-ya Merchant House (Former Orime Family Residence)
Orimoto-ya is one of the district’s most notable historic buildings and is designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. It is also featured among the 100 Recommended Viewpoints of Nishi-Awa.
The building retains the appearance of an Edo-period merchant house, although it was rebuilt in the early Meiji period. Its architecture reflects the prosperity of local merchants and the sake-brewing trade that once supported the community. Today, Orimoto-ya serves as a welcoming place for residents and visitors to relax while discovering the area’s history. Exhibits of historical objects and materials help bring the building’s past to life.
Explore the Streets at a Leisurely Pace
The best way to appreciate the Two-Tiered Udatsu Streetscape is to explore it on foot. As you stroll along the old streets, look beyond the overall appearance of the houses to notice their udatsu, plaster decorations, rooflines, and other architectural details. Together, these features tell the story of a community shaped by trade, craftsmanship, and local pride.
The district is not simply a collection of historic buildings. Traditional shops and places to eat can also be found in the surrounding area, offering opportunities to experience local culture as part of your visit. Seasonal events and festivals may provide additional reasons to explore, while local specialties and traditional crafts can make memorable souvenirs. If you are particularly interested in the history and architecture, consider joining a guided walking tour, which can provide a deeper understanding of the buildings and the people who created them.
Access to the Two-Tiered Udatsu Streetscape
By Train
From Sadamitsu Station on the JR Tokushima Line, the historic streetscape is approximately a 15-minute walk. The walk offers a pleasant introduction to the town before you reach its traditional merchant houses.
By Car
From the Mima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, the district is approximately a 10-minute drive. Follow the local road signs toward Sadamitsu. Parking is available in the surrounding area, making the district convenient to visit by car.
Experience the Historic Charm of Tsurugi Town
The Two-Tiered Udatsu Streetscape is a rewarding destination for travelers who want to discover a lesser-known side of Tokushima Prefecture. Its distinctive firewalls, traditional plaster decorations, and historic merchant houses preserve the character of a town that developed through commerce and craftsmanship.
Whether you are interested in Japanese architecture, local history, or simply enjoy wandering through atmospheric old streets, this district offers a memorable experience. Take your time, appreciate the details of the buildings, and discover the stories preserved in the streets of Tsurugi Town.