Tsuchizaki flourished as a port by shipping out special products such as Akita cedar and rice. Many other products were brought to the port by Kitamae-bune. In the early 19th century, more than 600 vessels a year entered the bustling Tsuchizaki port. There were also 12 very busy whaling shops. The cargo leaving Tsuchizaki consisted of agricultural and marine products and Akita cedar. Produce entering the port included cotton, old clothes, salt, sugar, paper, and other everyday items needed by the local people.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Akita
The five-layered stone tower at Takashimizu Park
This was a marker for ships entering the harbor, including Kitamae-bune. It collapsed in an earthquake of the Bunka era (1804-1818), but is now restored. It is located on a small hill, which is a good site to look at the harbor and Mt.Oga-Sanzan.
A Scroll Painting of Akita Way
A scroll painting depicting Kitamae-bune and the atmosphere of the crowded harbor.
A Scroll Painting of Life in Akita
An embroidery depicting Kitamae-bune and the atmosphere of the crowded harbor life.
Lion-Dog Statues (Komainu) on Guard at the Konpira Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the worship of local deities for small cargo wholesalers of Kitamae-bune. People prayed for small cargo wholesalers and sailors. These statues are along a path made by Shakudani-ishi stone.
The Five-Storied Stone Pagoda at Towa Temple
A stone five-storied pagoda that is said to have been brought from Osaka and donated to help with the difficulties endured by western Japan's Kitamae-bune sailors who had escaped shipwrecks.
A Tsuchizaki-Shinmeisha Shrine Festival's Hikiyama Event
The origin is supposedly that the sailors of Kitamae-bune donated to the Tsuchizaki-Shinmeisha Shrine in 1704. It is said that "Aiya-bushi" (a traditional folk song that was performed on the return to Hikiyama) originated from "Haiya-bushi" (another traditional folk song) and spread by the Kitamae-bune.
Taishoji Temple Okesa (Traditional Folk Song)
Some forms of entertainment spread by Kitamae-bune originated from "Haiya-bushi", and traveled more than 20 kilometers up the Omonogawa River to Taishoji. The river flows into Tsuchizaki Port, which was used by Kitamae-bune in Akita.
Handmade Konbu Processing Technology
Konbu processing technology transported by Kitamae-bune.
