Sakoshi, Ako City, which faces the Seto Inland Sea, has prospered as a naturally good port since ancient times thanks to the unique arc of the Sakoshi Bay and Ikushima island which floats in the bay. Furthermore, it made great progress when the westward sea route opened during the Kanbun years (1661-1673). According to a register from Genroku 4th (1691), 31 large cargo vessels were confirmed in Sakoshiura, and it became one of the major shipping business sites in Setouchi. The salt produced at salt farms in Ako were loaded on Kitamae-bune at Sakoshi and other locations.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Ako City
Townscape of Sakoshi
An old townscape in the vicinity of Sakoshi Port, which prospered through Kitamae-bune.
Former Sakoshiura meeting place
A hall where the vessel management of Sakoshiura, a port of call for Kitamae-bune, was conducted.
Votive goods of Osake Shrine
A funa-ema, stone works (such as lanterns and torii), etc. that the shipping agents dedicated to prayers for marine safety.
Kurosaki Tomb
This is the place where people who died during voyage were buried. People related to Kitamae-bune, such as Dewa, Echigo, and Noto, can be confirmed.
Ikushima
This is a small island floating on the Sakoshi Bay. Small cargo vessels working with Kitamae-bune used the lee of the island as a wind guard while called at the port.
A board describing sailors’ wages
Starting from Sakoshi, the sailors' wages of up to 72 ports in the whole country are described in red lacquer on a board. The range of activity by Kitamae-bune is described by the destinations.
Ship Festival of Sakoshi
The festival was handed down into the early modern period along with the prosperous shipping business. The practice originates from sailors of cargo vessels who acted as boatmen of kaidenma (wooden small vessel) to tug a fleet along.
