Walking through Iwamura Castle Town | A guide to the historical roads that preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period

Iwamura Castle Town in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is a historic townscape that retains a strong Edo period atmosphere. The 1.3km main street is lined with old merchant houses with beautiful namako walls and lattice doors, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

This area, where you can stroll around while enjoying local gourmet food, is gaining popularity as a tourist destination where you can enjoy both historical strolls and gourmet food.

A historic streetscape that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period

Iwamura Castle Town was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government in 1998. Edo-period townhouse architecture, with its namako walls, lattice doors, and bay windows, remains intact, and you can feel the breath of history just by walking around.

It once flourished as the castle town of the Iwamura Domain, and a unique landscape was formed where samurai residences, merchant houses, and townspeople's culture blended together. Even today, over 80 historical buildings remain, carefully preserved by the local people.

Sightseeing spots and cultural experiences

The town is dotted with old houses and museums that can be visited, making it a must-see for history buffs. Some of the most notable facilities are listed below.

• Kimura Residence:This is a wholesaler's building from the Edo period, and its prestigious appearance is a highlight.
• Tosaya:This former merchant house ran a dyeing business and is now open to the public as an exhibition facility.
• Katsukawa family:The former home of a wealthy local merchant. You can experience the lifestyle of that time.
• Iwamura Brewery:A long-established sake brewery founded over 230 years ago, famous for its famous sake "Onna Joushu."

At these facilities, you can enter the buildings and tour them, as well as learn about the lifestyles and culture of the time through exhibits and materials.

Enjoy eating your way around town

Along with historical strolls, the food is also a major attraction in Iwamura Castle Town. Among the most popular are local sweets such as the fragrantly baked "Gohei Mochi," the simple sweetness of "Kankaramachi," and the moist "Iwamura Castella."

There are also Iwamura Brewery's "Amazake Soft Serve Ice Cream" and retro cafes scattered around the area, making it the perfect place to take a break if you get tired of walking.

Seasonal event information

The Iwamura Castle Town Doll Festival brings color to the castle town in spring. From March 1st to April 3rd, over 3,500 Hina dolls are displayed in around 110 shops and homes in the town, and the whole town is bathed in the colors of Hinamatsuri.

Additionally, local events such as the Iwamura Castle Town Thanksgiving Festival are held in the fall, providing opportunities to enjoy local culture and cuisine.

Access and sightseeing tips

Iwamura Castle Town is easily accessible by walking about 10 minutes from Iwamura Station on the Akechi Railway. By car, it's about 20 minutes from Ena IC on the Chuo Expressway. There are also free parking lots scattered around the area, making it a great place for sightseeing by car.

There are gentle ups and downs when walking around town, but as most of the roads are paved, it's fine to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers. We recommend allowing yourself plenty of time to take photos and visit the museum.

Nearby stopover spots

• Iwamura Castle Ruins:One of Japan's three great mountain castles, built at an altitude of 717m, you can enjoy magnificent stone walls and spectacular views of the mist.
• Japanese Taisho Village:Spread across Akechi Town, this is a retro tourist area themed around the Taisho era.
• Roadside Station Granny City Yamaoka:The 24m diameter wooden waterwheel is a landmark. There is also a wide selection of local vegetables and souvenirs.

summary

Iwamura Castle Town is an attractive townscape where you can enjoy both historical scenery dating back to the Edo period and local cuisine. Be sure to take a stroll through this town where time passes slowly and enjoy the culture and cuisine.

This is a must-see spot for sightseeing in Ena, satisfying both history buffs and food lovers.