Kawamoto, town in Ōchi district, Shimane prefecture, Japan
Kawamoto is a small town in central Shimane nestled among the mountains of Japan's Chūgoku region with quiet streets and simple houses surrounded by green countryside. The settlement sits along the Gonogawa River and is marked by forests and natural vegetation that keep the air fresh year-round.
The area was once part of Iwami Province and connected to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine during Japan's Edo period, with the Tokugawa shogunate overseeing the resources. The settlement was officially established as a village in 1889 and gained town status in 1927.
The town founded a taiko drum group after a major flood in the early 1970s to rebuild community bonds, and music remains central to local life today. This tradition is visible during festivals and performances throughout the year.
The nearest train station is in Ōda since the local rail line closed in 2018, so most visitors arrive by car or bus using the national roads. The town is roughly one and a half hours by car from Hiroshima and Izumo, with nearby towns like Misato and Ōda accessible for easier day trips.
The town is known for egoma, a wild sesame seed grown locally and processed into healthy oil and baked goods that are popular with both residents and visitors. This local product represents the area's agricultural heritage and craft traditions.
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