大山町所子, Traditional buildings preservation district in Daisen, Japan
Osako in Daisen is a district where traditional Japanese wooden houses from different periods stand together, forming an authentic rural settlement from past centuries. The streets are narrow and naturally laid out, and the buildings show varying degrees of renovation and modification that make time visible.
The area was established as a rural settlement during the Edo period (1603-1868) and grew through farming and local crafts. In 1975, it received official protection status to preserve the local building culture for future generations.
The settlement shows how people lived and worked together in rural communities, with houses clustered close to one another and sharing common pathways. The arrangement of buildings reflects the daily rhythms of agricultural life.
The area is easy to explore on foot since the buildings are concentrated in a compact zone with naturally flowing pathways between them. There are few facilities on site, so it is best to bring water and snacks from nearby towns.
Some of the older houses were built without nails, using only wooden joints and traditional carpentry techniques developed in this region. This construction method reveals the craft knowledge passed down through generations.
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