A field trip to Tochigi City, "Kura no Machi"

When visitors ask me where they can see Edo-era townscapes, I point them in any direction but the capital. It’s the smaller towns and cities that retain vestiges of historical Japan. Saitama told us about the concerted effort to put Kawagoe City, a “Little Edo”, on the tourist circuit. And I wrote about The Four Hokuso Cities of Chiba Prefecture which preserve the Edo-era atmosphere. 

A kura shophouse on the Reiheishi Kaido

For months, I’ve been teased by ads on the Tobu Noda line trains for Kura no Machi, Tochigi City in Tochigi Prefecture. A riverboat ride and classic kura shophouses lining the streets were enticing.

I told you about my intention to take advantage of discount tickets on the JR lines to go further afield for cheap. Tochigi City is just within reach of my home base so the trip didn’t merit using a discount pass. I just took the slow trains up, about two hours from home.

The literature museum in the former town hall

From the north exit of Tochigi Station, the cityscape looks like any other modern, suburban town. I wondered if I’d made a mistake. However, the walk toward Kura no Machi Street sees the modern world recede and the Showa to Edo eras come into view.

If you go, I recommend you stop at the tourist information “Kuranavi” to start. I only learned on my way back that they offer a smartphone app with discounts to businesses along the street.

The former Tateno residence and store, a nationally recognized heritage building

Walking around the town in August with the heat radiating off the pavement isn't something I'd recommend. I'll go back again in cooler weather to take my time to explore the town more.

Have you visited "Little Edo" towns? Have you got a favorite?