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

Petals dance on air, Pink and gold in April's light— Sakura whispers.花びら舞う 四月の光に 桜の囁き。#hanami #sakura #japanesecherryblossom #springinjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #naturebeauty #landscapelovers
Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit