Mitarai Townscape (Osakishimojima)
In Japanese: 御手洗町並み保存地区（大崎下島）
An island port that thrived in the Edo period as ships waited for wind and tide, with merchant houses, old teahouses and temples on narrow lanes.
Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings; Japan Heritage
Nearby
- Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route ≈ 35 min by car
- Oyamazumi Shrine ≈ 40 min by car
- Shimanami Kurushima Strait Cruise ≈ 40 min by car
- Kirosan Observation Park ≈ 45 min by car
- Imabari Castle ≈ 45 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Getting there
- From JR Hiro Station (Kure Line), Setonaikai Sanko bus bound for Okitomo Tenmangu, about 80 min to Mitarai-ko stop
- Fee
- Free to walk; local guide ¥3,000 (book a week ahead)
- Good to know
- Tourist association office open 9:00-16:30, closed Tuesdays
- Time needed
- 2 h
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-12. Report outdated info