Takehara, Historical port city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Takehara is a city in Hiroshima Prefecture that stretches along the Seto Inland Sea and preserves traditional buildings with narrow streets from the Edo period. The old merchant town features wooden houses with narrow lanes where you encounter historical architecture at every turn.
The city emerged as a major salt production center during the Edo period, driving significant economic growth. This prosperity enabled the construction of impressive merchant residences that continue to define the city today.
The old district shows how wealthy merchants lived here during the salt trade era, with their wooden houses and distinctive window designs scattered throughout. These buildings still tell the story of daily life and the craftsmanship of people who worked here centuries ago.
You can reach the city easily from Takehara Station with a short walk or by car via the Sanyo Expressway. The narrow old town is designed for walking and is best explored on foot.
The Takehara Lattice is a distinctive window design seen throughout the city that reveals how skilled local craftspeople were. These special wooden frames with their geometric patterns are a feature you will encounter throughout the old houses.
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