Shimotsui

Shimotsui is a coastal town in the Kojima Area with traditional wooden buildings and narrow streets that lead down to the fishing port. The layout and buildings reflect its past role as an important trading center.

This town flourished during the Edo period as a trading harbor where cotton and herring meal were transported by ship. That era shaped the buildings and street layout that still exist today.

Fishing remains central to how residents live and work in this coastal community. This connection shapes the way locals use the waterfront, the goods sold in shops, and the events that bring people together throughout the year.

This place is best explored on foot, with narrow streets that are easy to walk and have minimal traffic. Local shops and small restaurants near the harbor serve as natural meeting points and landmarks.

An old herring storage warehouse has been converted into a community event space and local market. This adaptive reuse shows how the town keeps its maritime heritage alive while serving contemporary needs.