Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine

Tamawakasu is a small historic district located in Yamanashi Prefecture, approximately 90 kilometers west of Tokyo. This traditional post town served as a vital waystation along the ancient Koshu Kaido, one of the five major roads connecting Edo (modern Tokyo) to provincial regions during the Tokio period from 1603 to 1868. The settlement's name derives from the Tamawa River that flows through the valley, and it retained its importance as a rest stop for travelers, merchants, and samurai journeying between the capital and western provinces.

The town preserves 18 traditional wooden buildings dating from the late Edo and early Meiji periods, including former inns, merchant houses, and a historic post office that now serves as a local museum. The Tamawakasu Folk Museum displays artifacts from the post town era, including original travel documents, period furniture, and tools used by travelers and innkeepers. The narrow main street retains its original stone paving and wooden architecture, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of pre-modern Japanese rural life.

Visitors can walk the preserved 1.2-kilometer historic street, explore traditional buildings converted into craft shops and tea houses, and follow marked hiking trails that connect to sections of the original Koshu Kaido. The Tamawa River Walk provides a peaceful 30-minute stroll along the waterway with views of surrounding mountains. Local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts including indigo dyeing and bamboo weaving in workshops open to the public on weekends.

Spring brings cherry blossoms along the river in early April, while autumn offers spectacular foliage from mid-October through November. Winter months see occasional snow that enhances the historic atmosphere, though some outdoor activities may be limited. Summer provides the best hiking conditions, with temperatures averaging 25°C and clear mountain views.

Tamawakasu is accessible via JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, followed by a 25-minute bus ride on the Fujikyu Bus local route. The folk museum charges ¥300 admission for adults and ¥150 for children, open daily except Mondays from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Street access is free year-round. Limited parking is available for ¥500 per day. The nearest accommodations are in Otsuki, 15 kilometers away, though two traditional inns in the district offer overnight stays with advance reservations.