# Udatsu Townscape

> A preserved street of Edo- to early-Showa merchant houses in Wakimachi, known for the raised udatsu firewall gables that marked a household's wealth.

- Prefecture: 徳島県
- Type: Historic site
- Address: 徳島県美馬市
- Admission: Free

The Udatsu townscape lies in the Minamimachi area of Wakimachi in Mima and was designated a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1988. The street grew as the castle town of Wakijo and later prospered as a centre of the indigo trade, and about 85 traditional buildings from the mid-Edo period to the early Showa era survive along it. The name comes from the udatsu, raised firewall gables built up between adjacent houses; because they were costly, a prominent udatsu came to signal a family's success. Walking the street is free, though some individual merchant houses and museums charge admission. The nearest railway station is JR Anabuki, from which the townscape is a short taxi or bus ride, and free public parking is available.

## FAQ

### How do I get to the Udatsu townscape by public transport?

Take a train to JR Anabuki Station, then a taxi of about 8 minutes or a local bus to the townscape.

### Is there a charge to walk along the Udatsu townscape?

Walking the street is free; only some individual merchant houses and museums charge an entry fee.

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Source: Udatsu Townscape — Japan Voyage