The two settlements of Segoshi and Hashitate, located in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, were said to be “the richest villages in Japan” because there were many shipowners there who built vast fortunes through Kitamae-bune.
At the nearby Yamanaka Onsen, Kitamae-bune sailors visited for toji (hot spring cures). The origin of “Yamanaka-bushi” (a traditional folk song) is said to have derived from sailors listening to Yukatabe-san (girls dressed in yukata) sing and then copying the folk song “Matsumae-Oiwake”. The sailors learned this during their voyage and sang it while taking a bath. The theme of the lyrics is usually about a romance between a boatman and a Yukatabe-san.
shipowners’ settlement
Cultural Heritage Property of Kaga City
Traditional Architectural Preservation District, Kaga-Hashitate, Kaga City
A Kitamae-bune shipowners’ settlement. There are 14 shipowners' residences and seven boatmens'. The walls are made from ship timber, Shakudani-ishi stone and red tiles that were carried by Kitamae-bune.
The Former Chobei Sakaya Family Residence
It is the largest Kitamae-bune shipowner's residence currently in existence in the Hashitate area. It is a magnificent building that shows the prosperity created by Kitamae-bune.
The Residence of Kitamae-bune Shipowner Zorokuen (Formerly the Choichiro Sakaya Family Residence)
A Kitamae-bune shipowner's residence. In the garden, there are remains of various objects shipped by Kitamae-bune.
The Tadatani Family Residence
The family residence of the Kitamae-bune shipowner Tadatani. It shows the architecture from the Tenpo period (1830-1844).
Mikuni Buddhist Altar (Buddhist Altar for Winter and Summer) Additional Buddhist Altar Articles
Two large and small Buddhist altars placed in a Kitamae-bune shipowner's house in Hashitate. They alternated the use of large and small altars between the time landlord (shipowner) was absent during the summer and when he was at home during the winter.
Ship ema from the Hakusan Shrine in Segoshi-machi
A ship ema dedicated by the sailors of Kitamae-bune. The faith of the sailors of Kitamae-bune was evident through the ema.
Izumi Shrine
A shrine where the tori (entrance gate) and tamagaki (decorative fence) were dedicated by Kitamae-bune shipowners in Hashitate.
The Fukui Betsuin Temple (Hashitate Branch)
A shrine built by the generosity of Kitamae-bune shipowners.
Yamanaka-bushi
A folk songs sailors of Kitamae-bune sang at Yamanaka Onsen. It is said that the song "Matsumae-Oiwake" is the origin.
