Toyosato, town in Inukami district, Shiga prefecture, Japan
Toyosato is a small town in Shiga Prefecture's Inukami district featuring narrow streets lined with old wooden houses and local shops. The place has a simple, peaceful structure with buildings that reflect traditional Japanese residential architecture from past centuries.
The town developed as a key stop on the Nakasendo trading route during the Edo period, when local merchants conducted business that shaped its growth. A notable descendant of these traders later founded Itochu, one of Japan's largest trading companies.
The town's name connects to its role as a stopping point for Omi merchants traveling the Nakasendo route. This heritage remains visible in the old wooden buildings and small shops where artisans still work, keeping local crafts and traditional practices alive in daily life.
The town is easily reached by local train or bus services and invites exploration on foot at a relaxed pace. Small cafés and traditional inns are available, making it convenient to spend a few hours or stay overnight while moving through quiet streets without rush.
A former school building from the 1930s designed by William Merrell Vories gained worldwide recognition as a filming location for the anime K-ON!. Local residents fought to preserve this historic building after a new school was constructed in 2004.
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