Iwamura-chō Hondōri, Historical merchant street in Ena, Japan.
Iwamura-chō Hondōri is a street in Ena lined with wooden buildings that retain their original facades and architectural design from past centuries. The structures show typical features of merchant architecture with wooden frames, shutters, and details that reflect the craftsmanship of their era.
The street developed as a trade route and marketplace, with many buildings originating from the Edo period and remaining intact over centuries. In 1998, the district received official recognition as a protected area for groups of traditional buildings, highlighting its importance as a historical record.
Artisans and shopkeepers continue working in these merchant houses, keeping traditional crafts and local commerce alive through daily practice. Walking through, you see how residents use these historic spaces as part of their ordinary routines.
The best way to experience the area is a leisurely walk along the entire street to observe the building details up close. The location has good public transport connections, making it easy to arrive and depart.
Many wooden structures still use original construction techniques and materials from centuries past, keeping the buildings stable without modern reinforcement. This traditional carpentry craft is rarely preserved to this degree, showing how effective the old methods truly were.
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