Iwamura Town Main Street is the historic central street of Iwamura, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. In 1998, the area was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, recognizing its valuable historic streetscape.
The town developed south of the Iwamura River from the Azuchi-Momoyama period through the Edo period. During the Sengoku period, it became a battleground in the struggle for control between the Oda and Takeda clans. In the Edo period, it flourished as the castle town of the Iwamura Domain, which had a fief valued at 30,000 koku of rice.
The preserved district covers approximately 14.6 hectares and extends about 1.3 kilometers from east to west, forming a long, narrow historic streetscape where visitors can experience the atmosphere of an old Japanese castle town.
The area east of the Masugata intersection, located roughly in the center of the town’s main street, was once the merchant district of the castle town. Many buildings from the Edo period remain here, preserving the character of traditional Japanese commercial architecture.
Properties typically have long, narrow plots extending from north to south. Traditional houses feature gabled roofs with entrances on the gable side, wooden latticework, projecting lattices, and flat ceramic roof tiles. Some buildings also retain namako-kabe, a distinctive wall finish with raised white joints resembling sea cucumbers, and musha-mado, window openings associated with samurai residences.
West of the Masugata intersection, much of the townscape developed after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Houses in this section tend to be taller, with the second floors designed as living spaces.
The former merchant houses and wholesale businesses offer a glimpse into everyday life during the Edo period and the prosperity of the castle town. Behind the Kimura Residence, visitors can find traditional namako-kabe walls, as well as entrances once used by the domain lord and distinctive musha-mado windows.
Tosaya is a historic building constructed in 1780 and designated a cultural property by Ena City. It opened to the public in 1999 and provides an opportunity to appreciate traditional architecture and craftsmanship.
The Katsukawa Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the late Edo period. Five buildings, including its earthen storehouses, have been designated cultural properties by Ena City.
The Kimura Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the Kansei era (1789–1801). Three buildings, including the main house and a study building, are designated cultural properties by Ena City.
This historic residence dates from the late Edo period. Its four designated buildings comprise the main house, principal storehouse, earthen storehouse, and nagaya-mon gate, a traditional gate incorporating a long building.
The former residence of the Kano family, who worked as gunsmiths for the Iwamura Domain, was built in 1814 and is designated a cultural property by Ena City. It reflects the town’s history beyond commerce, including its connections to samurai culture and weapons production.
Shibata Residence (Iwamura Museum of Art): A cultural destination showcasing art in the historic town.
Kamimachi Community Exchange Center: A place for local interaction and community activities.
Tensho Aqueduct: A historic waterway associated with the development of the town.
Matsukenken Main Store: A castella sponge-cake shop founded in 1796, during the Edo period.
Matsuura-ken Honpo: Another traditional castella maker, established in 1882.
Kankaraya: A shop specializing in traditional rice cakes coated with smooth red bean paste, roasted soybean flour, or sesame seeds.
Iwamura Brewery: A sake brewery founded in 1787 that continues the area’s brewing tradition.
Iwamura Castle was established in 1185, during the Kamakura period, and remained in existence until the government’s castle abolition order of 1873, following the Meiji Restoration.
During the Sengoku period, the castle became a strategic stronghold contested by the Oda and Takeda clans. One of its most famous historical figures was Otsuya no Kata, the wife of the castle’s lord, who took charge of governing the domain.
Her story ended tragically when she was executed by crucifixion on the orders of Oda Nobunaga. Her fate remains one of the most memorable episodes in the turbulent history of Iwamura Castle and its surrounding town.
The approximately 1.3-kilometer-long historic district is an enjoyable place to sample local specialties. Popular treats include Gohei-mochi, grilled rice cakes coated in a savory-sweet sauce; traditional castella sponge cake; and kankara-mochi, rice cakes served with different coatings and fillings.
These regional sweets offer visitors a taste of local food culture while exploring the historic streets.
Iwamura Brewery produces a locally renowned sake called Onna-jōshu, meaning “Female Castle Lord.” The sake is made using locally grown rice and water drawn from a well said to have been dug approximately 400 years ago. It has earned recognition both in Japan and overseas.
The brewery itself is also worth visiting for its traditional architecture. Its building has a narrow frontage and a long, deep interior, reflecting the layout of many historic merchant properties. In the past, small rail carts were used to transport rice and water through the brewery’s long passageways.
1998: Iwamura Town Main Street was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
2003: The area known as “The Castle Ruins and Historic Streetscape” was selected for the Yūho Hyakusen, a list recognizing outstanding walking destinations in Japan.
2018: The historic town became a filming location for the NHK television drama series Half, Blue (Hanbun, Aoi.).
With its preserved merchant houses, samurai-era history, traditional sweets, and long-established sake brewery, Iwamura Town Main Street offers a rewarding journey into the history and everyday culture of Japan’s castle towns.