Yusuhara, Mountain town in Takaoka District, Japan.
Yusuhara is a mountain town in the northwestern part of Kōchi Prefecture, spread across rolling terrain where forests dominate the landscape. The settlement occupies a small footprint within the larger region, with most of the area covered in natural vegetation and forested slopes.
The place was founded as a municipality in 1889 during Japan's administrative modernization and gained town status in 1966. This progression reflected the broader reorganization of local government across the country.
The town center features six modern buildings designed by architect Kengo Kuma, including a library with polished cedar surfaces and a ceiling designed to evoke an inverted forest. These structures shape the local character and show how contemporary architecture fits into the mountain setting.
The town is best reached by car since there are no direct railway connections, and the journey from larger cities takes considerable time. Plan for longer travel through mountainous terrain when visiting.
The municipality taps into various natural energy sources from its mountain setting, including wind and solar installations for local electricity generation. Small hydroelectric turbines use the area's streams and rivers.
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