A historical stroll along Iwamura Hondori Street | Walking through a castle town that still retains traces of a female castle lord

Iwamura Hondori Street, located in Iwamura Town, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is a beautiful castle town street that retains traces of the Sengoku period. It developed as a castle town around Iwamura Castle, and even today the original layout and buildings remain, giving it a retro atmosphere. It is also a member of the "Japan's Most Beautiful Villages Association," and is attracting attention as a walking area where history and charm are harmoniously combined.

The history and charm of Iwamura Hondori

Iwamura Hondori Street flourished as the castle town of Iwamura Castle, which was ruled by the female lord, Otsuya-no-kata, and is a valuable area where many townhouses from the Edo and Meiji periods still remain. The road runs in a straight line, and the town layout from that time, when the living quarters of samurai and townspeople were clearly separated, remains intact. Sake breweries, merchant houses, and storehouses line both sides of the street, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

Since the 2000s, local residents and the local government have worked together to preserve the townscape and promote tourism. Today, the area is home to cafes, museums, souvenir shops and other facilities, making it a pleasant place for tourists to stroll around. Not only is it valuable as a cultural asset, but it also has the appeal of being a "living historical space" created through town-wide efforts.

Must-see spots

Kimura Residence (preserved old family home)

This was once the residence of a village headman, and is a valuable wooden structure that conveys the architectural style of the Edo period to the present day. Currently, it is possible to tour the interior, and everyday items and life at the time are on display.

• A building designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property
• The garden, hearth, and Japanese-style room are also highlights
• Local volunteer guides are also available

Iwamura Brewery (The Lady Castle Brewery)

This long-established sake brewery is a landmark on Iwamura Hondori Street. The name of the famous sake "Onna Joushu" comes from Otsuya, the lady who ruled Iwamura Castle.

• A sake brewing exhibition corner that can be visited for free
• Tastings and local sake for sale
• The brewery's original sweet sake and sweets are also popular

Katsukawa Family Residence (Machiya architecture)

This mid-Edo period merchant building features impressive traditional lattice windows and bay windows, making it worth visiting just to see the exterior.

• Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
• One of the buildings that supports the town's landscape

A castle town-like shopping street and a traditional cafe

It is lined with local specialties, crafts, cafes, and more, making it a perfect place to take a break during your stroll. It is also close to the entrance to Iwamura Castle, making it a great base for sightseeing.

• Local delicacies such as gohei mochi and chestnut kinton
• You can also rent a kimono and experience walking around the town.

Enjoy it together with sightseeing in the surrounding area

• Iwamura Castle Ruins:One of Japan's three largest mountain castles, located on the summit of a mountain. It is possible to hike up the mountain on foot from the castle town.
• Akechi Railway, Iwamura Station:A retro, unmanned station perfect for taking commemorative photos with trains.
• Roadside Station Granny City Yamaoka:A popular spot marked by a huge wooden waterwheel.

A stroll through a beautiful castle town immersed in historical atmosphere

Iwamura Hondori is an area that will satisfy not only history buffs but also travelers seeking a retro townscape. Spend some time experiencing the traditional architecture and local warmth in this town where the story of the female castle lord lives on.