Historic Town of Arimatsu

Along the old Tokaido Road near Arimatsu Station, the homes of wealthy merchants and residents from the Edo Period still stand to this day. In 1784, a big fire burned down most of the village. After that, the roofs were redone with tiles and a fire-prevention structure.

In the townscape preservation district, the mansion of Oka Family, dated back to the late Edo Period, is open to the public (Saturdays and Sundays only). You can see the lattice grid and plaster walls on the ground floor, Mushiko Window (contains an insect-cage-like lattice) and fire-prevention walls on the 2nd floor, and a wavy pattern under the eaves. A wealthy merchant’s home, Hattori Residence (Igetaya) and a tie-dying wholesaler, Takeda Family’s residence (Takeda Kahei Shop) are also famous.

Arimatsu Narumi Tie-dye, designated as a national traditional craft, began as a side business since farmland was scarce. In the ancient comic book by Jippensha Ikku, Tokaidochu Hizakurige, when Yaji and Kita visited Ise Shrine, Yaji purchased a towel which was a popular souvenir in those days.

If you are interested in tie-dye, visit Arimatsu/Naruto Shibori Kaikan (tie-dye museum) to see history displays and the tying performance by experts. Arimatsu Narumi tie-dye souvenirs are available, too.