How much do you know about the Japanese history? Did you know that there was an economic boom that lasted for almost 200 years during the Edo period?For that reason,many Japanese mentioned Edo period as their favorite period. Do you want to know how people lived during the Edo period? Although the time machine does not exist yet, it is possible for today’s people to experience the Edo period. By visiting Mitarai town!
Mitarai is a town located in Kure city of Hiroshima prefecture.
”Mitarai” is written the same as “toilet” in Japanese. There are two main theories on how Mitarai town got its name. The first rumor is that it got its name after Empress regnant Jingu washed her hands when she passed the town. Another theory is that it got its name after Kan shojo stopped by this town to wash his mouth and hands on his way to Kyushu in year 901. Mitarai is believed as a blessed place by historical figures since many of them dropped by here and rested. Therefore, people built the temple to pray for good fortune and future at the foot of the mountain in Mitarai.
Travel back to the “Edo” period now in Mitarai town.
The town has many buildings that constructed during the period of Edo. During the Edo period, 18th century, Kure port was a popular resting place due to its easy access from the ocean. Many people in business came here to rest from their long trip.
Today, you can still see old buildings from the Edo period in Mitarai It is now designated as the conservation district of traditional structures. If you want to know more about the Japanese history, Mitarai is must place to visit because you can take a peek at the vivid traditional Japanese life in here.
It takes about one and a half hour to see all the buildings in the area.
Today, you can still see old buildings from the Edo period in Mitarai It is now designated as the conservation district of traditional structures. If you want to know more about the Japanese history, Mitarai is must place to visit because you can take a peek at the vivid traditional Japanese life in here.
It takes about one and a half hour to see all the buildings in the area.
The prosperous Edo period from 1603 to 1867.
After the Meiji Restoration, Tokugawa Ieyasu has founded the Edo period from 1603. Since then, the Edo period is chosen by many Japanese s their favorite era due to the era’s characteristic: economic growth, strict social order, and no wars policy. It was also an important period for Japanese to develop art and culture. Therefore, art developed in various diversities and styles. According to the historical documents, many samurais were artists and painters because there were no wars at that time. Many samurais focused their time on creating arts, studying philosophy, and holding tea ceremonies.
“Wakaebisu-ya-ato” was a geisha house and popular place.
Wakaebisu-ya ato is speculated to constructed around 1724. It was the biggest house back then and was used to house geishas. Geisha is a term which means the traditional female entertainers. Due to the popularity of Kure port, many tradespeople visited this house to enjoy geishas’ performances. The house used to house more than 100 geishas. This house is also the place where geishas learned how to dance. You can imagine how crowded this place must have been back in the Edo period.
Now Wakaebisu-ya ato changed to museum. You can walk around the place and see the building that was built long time ago. You can see the performance stages when you enter the house. There are many houses connected to each other in Wakebisu-ya ato. This is the place where you can indirectly feel the prosperity of Edo period.
Now Wakaebisu-ya ato changed to museum. You can walk around the place and see the building that was built long time ago. You can see the performance stages when you enter the house. There are many houses connected to each other in Wakebisu-ya ato. This is the place where you can indirectly feel the prosperity of Edo period.
Geisha of the Edo period.
The “gei” means art and “sha” means person. Geisha can be translated as women of art in English. Geisha put heavy makeup on their face and wore formal kimono. Geisha started their career pretty young, around 15 in Kyoto area; around 18 in Tokyo area. The apprentice of geisha is called “Maiko”. However, a girl does not need to be a maiko to become a geisha. She just needs to experience experience at least one year of training to be a professional geisha. Geisha is a traditional art performance in Japanese culture. You can get to know the traditional art and culture by visiting “Wakaebisu-ya ato” in person. The place is well kept since it was built.
Many people mentioned that get the mixed feeling when visiting the place. You can see that the area was a popular place however it is no longer used for performance. You can feel the decline of a powerful dynasty in this house.
Many people mentioned that get the mixed feeling when visiting the place. You can see that the area was a popular place however it is no longer used for performance. You can feel the decline of a powerful dynasty in this house.
Personal translators guide service is available now!
There is way more to see in Mitarai. For example, the Utsu Shrine which has more than 2100 years of history. Also, there is a Kano desuga observation platform where you can see the spectacular view from the highest mountain in this area, 449 meters.
Mitarai town is full of historical stories. There are many stories that you cannot find on the internet nor guide books.
If you want a personal guide to tell you more about the historical stories and show you around the hidden spots in the area, there is an option to pay additional 2500yen per hours. It is recommended to have a guide so you can have a deeper understanding and customized service while visiting the town!
Mitarai town is full of historical stories. There are many stories that you cannot find on the internet nor guide books.
If you want a personal guide to tell you more about the historical stories and show you around the hidden spots in the area, there is an option to pay additional 2500yen per hours. It is recommended to have a guide so you can have a deeper understanding and customized service while visiting the town!
Photos of Mitarai area
写真提供：広島県
写真提供：広島県
写真提供：広島県
写真提供：広島県
写真提供：広島県
写真提供：広島県
How to visit?
From Hiroshima airport, you can take a limousine bus to Takehara port, and it takes about 30 minutes to the ferry terminal. You will need to transfer from Takehara port to mitarai by bus, and it takes about one hour and a half.
There is only one ferry one day from Takehara port. Two times departure from Mitarai a day. Or there is a limousine bus from Hiroshima city to Mitarai port. It takes about 2 hours and twenty minutes in total.
There is only one ferry one day from Takehara port. Two times departure from Mitarai a day. Or there is a limousine bus from Hiroshima city to Mitarai port. It takes about 2 hours and twenty minutes in total.
●Kureshi Yutaka-machi Tourism Association
Address: 65 Mitarai, Yutaka-machi, Kure City, Hiroshima 7340302
TEL/FAX: 0823-67-2278
Address: 65 Mitarai, Yutaka-machi, Kure City, Hiroshima 7340302
TEL/FAX: 0823-67-2278
