Uchiko-chō

Getting there

Uchiko is served by the JR Uchiko Line with two stations in the town, Uchiko Station and Iyo-Tachikawa Station. The name of the Uchiko Line was never formally changed so it remains its own line however, in actual usage, the Uchiko Line is part of the JR Yosan Line, which connects Matsuyama to Uwajima via Uchiko and Ozu, so you can take a direct train to Uchiko from any of these cities.

Getting around

The historic district can be reached and explored on foot.

See

Historic district For many travelers, the Yokaichi Gokoku Historic District is synonymous with the town. It was the first historic district of Shikoku and 18th in the nation to be registered as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The town prospered during the Edo Period as a wax-making town. Sumac trees were planted throughout the town and it was from the sumac berries that they made vegetable wax. At the time, the town was responsible for 30% of Japan's total wax production. While most historic districts were built with white walls, Uchiko's historic district is unique in Japan for its yellow-colored buildings.

1 Uchiko-za Theater. 09:00-16:30. Built in 1916 to commemorate the ascension of Emperor Taisho, it is a 2-story theater still in use today. The theater can be toured by visitors when there are no events going on. ¥400. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Kamihaga Residence. The Kamihaga Family was one of the city's most prosperous wax producing families. The residence is preserved and furnished and includes information about the family as well as Uchiko's wax production. (updated Dec 2024) Omura Residence. Not open, except for specifal openings. Home of a former indigo-dying merchant. It is one of the oldest buildings in the town with its business predating the start of wax-making in the town. (updated Dec 2024) Machiya Museum. Built in 1783, it is now a small folk museum with old daily living objects and farming tools. Free. (updated Dec 2024)

Eat

1 Kabachu, 2278 Uchiko. 11:00-20:30. A Chinese restaurant (updated Dec 2024) 2 Zum schwarzen Keiler. 17:00-21:30. A German restaurant with a German chef. The Keiler family also serves their own Keiler beer. (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

1 Ishidatami no Yado. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. An old farmhouse relocated here and turned into an accommodation. The building itself is really attractive inside. It has an irori, traditional fireplace in the floor, which can be used. Stays include dinner and breakfast. Single reservation from ¥9800. (updated Dec 2024) 2 AZ Hotel (1529-1 Uchiko). Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. The only business hotel in the town. Singles from ¥5280. (updated Dec 2024)

Go next

Ozu Seiyo Yawatahama Uwajima Ikata Tobe Iyo Matsuyama Kumakogen