Japanese Architecture

Traditional Architecture
in Kansai Region

TOKUSHIMA Prefecture

wakimachi (Houses in udatsu)

Traditionally known as Awa, Tokushima Prefecture is home to an abundance of historic buildings that belonged to prosperous merchants who traded "ai," the Japanese indigo plant, and salt. These "udatsu," massive buildings characterized by their accompanying fire-barrier outer walls, can be seen flanking what was then the main street of Wakimachi. This well-preserved streetscape brings to life the bygone days of the Edo period through the Meiji era. Throughout Shikoku are holy places for worshipping and religious training said to be have been founded by the priest KUKAI, who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism in the 9th century. Kumagayadera Temple, Kirihataji Temple, and Kakurinji Temple are among the 88 amulet-distributing temples and shrines in Shikoku to be visited by pilgrims. Jorokuji Temple, referred to as "Awa's Shosoin Treasure House" or "the Horyuji Temple of Awa," features a dignified structure dating back to the Muromachi Period.

	Sanmon Gate of Jorokuji Temple (Important Cultural Asset) Joryo, Joroku-cho, Tokushima TEL 088-645-0334
	Main Hall of Jorokuji Temple (Important Cultural Asset) Joryo, Joroku-cho, Tokushima TEL 088-645-0334
	Kannondo Holl Joryokuji Temple (Important Cultural Asset) Joryo, Joroku-cho, Tokushima TEL 088-645-0334
	Main Pagoda of Kirihataji Temple (Important Cultural Asset) Kirihata Kannon, Ichiba Town, Awa-gun TEL 0883-36-5678
	Three-storied Pagoda of Kakurinji Temple Ikuna, Katsuura Town, Katsuura-gun TEL 08854-2-3020
	Niomon Gate of Kumagayadera Temple Aza-maeda, Oaza-donari, Donari Town, Itano-gun TEL 088-695-5001
	Entrance of Jizoji Temple Matsushima, Konatsushima-cho, Komatsu city TEL 08853-2-1043
	Ichinomiya Shrine (Important Cultural Asset) Nishicho, Ichinomiya-cho, tokushima TEL 088-644-0540
	Former NAGAOKA Residence (Important Cultural Asset) Aza-nishiueno, Oaza-inoshiri, Waki Town, Mima-gun Wakimachi Commerce and Industry Tourism Section TEL 0883-52-1111
	TANAKA Residence (Important Cultural Asset) Aza-takahata, Aihata, Ishii Town, Myozai-gun TEL 088-674-0707
	AIHARA Residence Residence (Important Cultural Asset) Aza-kuryuno, Shimobun, Kamiyama Town, Myozai-gun Kamiyama Town Planning and Tourism Section TEL 088-676-1111
	OKUMURA Residence (Important Cultural Asset) Aza-maesunishi, Tokumei, Aizumi Town, Itano-gun TEL 088-692-6317
	FUKUNAGA Residence Aza-hamanaka, Takashima, Naruto-cho, Naruto City Naruto City Tourism Section TEL 088-684-1157