Immerse Yourself in the History and Charm of Iwaki - The Atmosphere Remaining in the Old Streets

The Iwaki area of Uwajima-cho, Ochi-gun, Ehime Prefecture, is a quiet place with old streets that have continued since the Edo period. The main tourist spot is the "Iwaki Folk Museum (Former Shimahonjin)", a building built by the son of a rice merchant during the Edo period. Inside the museum, you can see items such as tools for daily life, agricultural implements, and old documents from that time, allowing you to reminisce about life in the past.

Highlights of Iwaki Folk Museum

When you enter, the charming entrance catches your eye first. You can see a small tsubo-en (courtyard garden) from the window, and walking along the stone-paved corridor leads to a spacious zashiki (Japanese-style tatami room). From that zashiki, you can get a panoramic view of the inner garden, allowing you to immerse yourself in the quiet and historical atmosphere.

Among the exhibits, we recommend the old documents from the Meiji period. You can glimpse the lifestyle and mindset of that time and feel the history of Iwaki firsthand. Additionally, from the agricultural implements and other daily necessities, you can feel the wisdom and ingenuity of our ancestors.

Stroll Through Streets that Transcend Time

After leaving the Iwaki Folk Museum, you can stroll through the preserved district of old streets in Iwaki. The narrow alleyways surrounded by stone walls still vividly retain the vestiges of the past. It is also recommended to leisurely walk while gazing at the dignified townhouses, storehouses, and the Shiogama Shrine.

In Iwaki, you can taste the feeling of slipping back in time to the Edo period, as if you have transcended time. Why not take a moment to ponder on history while also paying attention to the wisdom and consideration of the people who still remain today?