Yuasa, Traditional merchant district in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
Yuasa is a historic district in Wakayama Prefecture with around 90 old wooden buildings featuring dark walls and latticed windows. The narrow, stone-paved streets give the impression of stepping back in time to an era of active trade.
The area became known from the 13th century onward when soy sauce production began there, bringing the region lasting prominence. During the Edo period, the place grew into a major trading hub that attracted merchants from across Japan.
Small family breweries line the streets and produce soy sauce following recipes handed down over centuries, with aromas visitors can experience firsthand. This craft remains visible in daily operations throughout the town.
The best starting point is near Yuasa Station, from which the old street is easy to reach on foot. Most visitors complete the walk through the district in one to two hours, depending on how much time they spend browsing.
The old railway station built in 1927 has been repurposed as a restaurant serving rice dishes cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens. This blend of railway heritage and new purpose shows how historic spaces remain active in modern times.
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