ABOUT
About this spot
The "Udatsu Townscape" in Wakimachi, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture, is a merchant town that has flourished since the Edo period as a trading hub for indigo (ai), the dye used for indigo dyeing. The top highlight is the "udatsu," the firewall built on the boundary with neighboring houses. Because they cost a great deal to build at the time, they were also a symbol of wealth, and they are the origin of the phrase "udatsu ga agaranai," still in use today. Lined along the street of about 430 meters are beautiful plastered walls, lattice doors, and sturdy roofs of traditional tiles, creating a charming atmosphere as if you had traveled back in time to the Edo period. It is also designated a national "Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings," and is very popular as a photogenic spot. Today there are increasing numbers of cafes and general stores in restored old houses, as well as craft shops, where you can stroll while enjoying local cuisine or try making a traditional Japanese umbrella. Whether you quietly savor history on a solo trip or walk in a rented kimono with friends, it is highly recommended. It is one of the prefecture's leading sightseeing spots where you can feel Tokushima's history and culture firsthand.
Last updated March 29, 2026