Tsuwano Town is a historic castle town located in the western mountains of Shimane Prefecture, often called "Little Kyoto of San-in." The town flourished for over 700 years under the rule of the Kamei clan and has preserved its Edo-period atmosphere through well-maintained samurai residences, white-walled storehouses, and a scenic canal system lined with hundreds of colorful carp.
The town's cultural significance centers on its samurai heritage and religious diversity. The Tonomachi district forms the historic core, where former samurai houses line narrow streets alongside water channels originally designed for firefighting and daily use. Tsuwano is also notable for its Catholic history, as it served as an exile destination for Christians during the persecution period of the late 19th century. The Santa Maria Chapel commemorates the 153 faithful who were sent here in 1868, with 36 dying as martyrs. The town's religious landscape includes Taikodani Inari Shrine, one of Japan's five great Inari shrines, accessed by climbing through a tunnel of over 1,000 vermillion torii gates.
Visitors can explore multiple historical sites concentrated in a walkable area. Tsuwano Castle ruins, perched 367 meters above sea level, offer panoramic views and are accessible via a chair lift. The Mori Ogai Memorial Museum honors the renowned novelist and military doctor who was born here in 1862. The Nishi Amane Old Residence showcases the birthplace of another influential Meiji-era thinker. Many visitors enjoy strolling along the carp-filled canals and visiting traditional sake breweries and washi paper workshops.
Tsuwano is approximately two hours by train from Hagi and one hour from Masuda on the JR Yamaguchi Line. The town can also be reached via the scenic SL Yamaguchi steam train that operates seasonally between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano, taking roughly two hours. Most attractions are within walking or cycling distance from Tsuwano Station. Admission to individual museums and sites typically ranges from ¥400 to ¥700, while the chair lift to the castle ruins costs around ¥700 round trip.