Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

Katsuyama town in Okayama Prefecture prospered in the Edo period as a post town where travelers would stay for a night on the way to Izumo Shrine. Today, parts of the town are designated as Katsuyama Historical Preservation District and have become a popular tourist destination for their historical flair. Old sake breweries and samurai residences are still preserved and other old buildings, such as warehouses are refashioned into cafes and galleries. Katsuyama is most famous today for its noren or Japanese curtains that are used to divide rooms or doors. Colorful noren decorate the traditional shops throughout Katsuyama town and they are also a popular souvenir.