Exploring Uchikos Historic Charm: Step Back in Time
Explore Uchikos historic charm with well-preserved merchants homes and warehouses, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The Village of Yokaichi

The charming village of Yokaichi, in the countryside of Shikoku island, takes you back to the Meiji era. Its beautiful wooden houses are worth a lingering look.

Uchiko (内 子 町) is located in Ehime prefecture, in the west of the island. The town was prosperous at the end of the 19th century thanks to its production of very good quality white wax. This economic boom allowed wealthy local merchants to build beautiful properties, whose heritage is still visible throughout the town.

ehime, japan, japanese, shikoku, village
Uchiko

The historic district of Yokaichi

The built heritage is therefore strongly linked to the town’s industrial history. In its heyday Uchiko was known throughout Japan for the quality of its vegetable wax, used for example to make candles.

Its reputation even spread abroad thanks to the Honhaga family, who presented their products at the Paris World Fair of 1900. Manufacturers and merchants were able to make vast profits from the wax and have their sumptuous residences built.

In 1982, the historic district of Yokaichi was classified as an “important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings”. This legacy of the Meiji era has been maintained to this day.

Ninety Meiji-era buildings extend along the main street. Visitors will be able to spot architectural details typical of the construction period, such as wooden movable walls and namako walls with their white grid pattern. Some houses are open to the public, but most are inhabited so the interiors aren’t accessible.

ehime, japan, japanese, shikoku, village
Uchiko

Kamihaga Residence and Wax Museum

The Kamihaga Residence in the historic district is one of the buildings open to the public. The estate of this wealthy family (one of the most influential in Uchiko) includes a sumptuous Meiji period home and former workshop, converted into a wax industry museum.

cinema, ehime, japan, japanese, shikoku, village
Uchiko

The family home is a very fine example of how the bourgeoisie lived in the early 20th century. It combines large washitsu (Japanese-style) rooms and traditional tatami flooring with Western elements.

Uchiko-za theatre

Uchiko-za (内 子 座) kabuki theatre is a source of pride for local people. Built in 1916 for performances of kabuki (dance-drama) and bunraku (puppet shows), the theatre was almost demolished because of poor audiences. But. thanks to the mobilization of local associations, it was preserved and reopened in 1985 after extensive renovation work.

ehime, japan, japanese, shikoku, village
Uchiko

It now forms part of the very limited list of the archipelago’s 25 traditional theatres. Uchiko-za can still accommodate some 650 spectators at a performance. In addition, visitors can discover the secret hatches typical of kabuki scenes.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Gray sky, rain-kissed tiles, Orange roofs glow through the mist— Green life clings to rail. ---灰色の空 雨が降る屋根の上 オレンジの輝き 緑の生命が手すりを掴む---#offbeatjapan #japan #coastalvibes #tropicalrain #stormyskies #hiddenjapan #urbanexploration
White snow whispers past, Gray corridors hold secrets, Number three stands still. ---白雪がささやく、 灰色の回廊は秘密を抱く、 数字の三が静かに佇む。 ---#HokkaidoMystery #SnowboundSecrets #WinterDecay #HiddenHokkaido #OffbeatJapan #Japan #AbandonedBeauty
Emerald hills call, Beneath the boundless blue skies, A lone horse wanders. エメラルドの丘が呼ぶ 果てしない青い空の下 一頭の馬が歩く #serenejapan #ruralbeauty #countryside #peacefulvibes #offbeatjapan #japan #hiddenparadise
Red banners whisper, Mossy stones lead to the sky— Nature's quiet shrine.  赤い旗が囁き、 苔むした石段が空へ誘う— 自然の静かな神社。 #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #shrinesofjapan #nature #serenity #japaneseforest
Emerald whispers, Water's silky dance glides free, Nature's quiet hymn. エメラルドのささやき、 水の絹の舞、静かな自然の賛歌。 #Akame48 #waterfalllove #serenejapan #mysticalforest #naturephotography #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden sun descends, Cliffs cradle emerald dreams— Nature's fierce embrace. ---黄金の陽、 崖が翡翠の夢を抱く— 自然の強き抱擁。 ---#offbeatjapan #japan #sunsetviews #natureembrace #mountainbeauty #aeriallandscape #dramaticviews
Ancient roots embrace, Rugged bark whispers secrets— Green serenity. ---古代の根 ざらざらした樹皮が囁く— 緑の静寂 ---#ancienttree #mysticalforest #naturewonders #contemplationspot #sereneforest #offbeatjapan #japan
Sakura whispers, Ruby bridge spans tranquil flow, Spring's fleeting embrace. 桜のささやき、 ルビーの橋は静かな流れを渡る、 春の儚い抱擁。 #cherryblossoms #sakura #japan #traditionaljapan #tranquility #natureandarchitecture #offbeatjapan