In Murakami, located at the northernmost point on the Niigata coast, Kitamae-bune navigated northward using landmarks such as the forest of Iwafune Shrine and Myōjin Mountain. During the autumn grand festival in Iwafune, floats carrying boats and other decorations parade through the local districts.
During the Edo period, the port closest to the Murakami Castle town was Senami, located at the mouth of the Miomote River. A guard station was situated on the sand dunes, where directional stones still remain. At Senami’s Yasaka Shrine, 13 votive ship paintings (ema) and models of eight Kitamae-bune are displayed.
In Murakami City, although many historical documents and votive ship models related to the Kitamae-bune were lost in fires during the Meiji period, numerous votive ship paintings (ema) are still preserved in temples and shrines throughout the city.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Murakami City
A group of Funa-ema of the Sanpoku area (Hozoji Temple funa-ema and others)
The collection of funa-ema offered by Kitamae-bune sailors to various temples and shrines as prayers for safe voyages.
A group of Funa-ema of the Kamikaihu area (Hayakawa-dera Temple funa-ema and others)
The collection of votive ship ema (wooden plaques) offered by Kitamae-bune sailors to various temples and shrines as prayers for safe voyages.
Remains of mooring posts for Kitamae-bune
Remains of mooring posts used at Senami Port (at the mouth of the Miomote River) for anchoring Kitamae-bune.
Hiyoriyama and the compass stone
A site where Kitamae-bune sailors are said to have observed the weather conditions before departing still exists and features a surviving directional stone.
Senami Townscape (from Senamikamicho to Senamihamacho)
The townscape of Senami, a port town where the Kitamae-bune made stops, which also prospered as a hub for the transportation of goods to and from the castle town of Murakami.
Senami Festival
At the festival of Sainami Shrine, located in Senami, a port town that prospered as a stopover for Kitamae-bune, a float carrying a ship as the sacred object is pulled out.
Yasaka Shrine's Funa- Ema and Japanese Ship Model
Fua-ema and Japanese ship models offered by Kitamae-bune sailors to Yasaka Shrine from the late Edo period to the Meiji period as prayers for safe voyages.
Iwafune Festival
At the festival of Iwahune Shrine in Iwafune, a port town that flourished as a stopover for Kitamae-bune, a float carrying a ship as the sacred object is pulled out.
Documents of the Handa family
Port-related documents passed down in the Handa family, who served as village headmen during the Edo period in Iwafune, a port town that prospered as a stopover for Kitamae-bune.
Iwafune Townscape (from Iwafune Jizomachi to Iwafune Tateshinmachi)
In the townscape of Iwafune, which prospered as a port town frequented by Kitamae-bune, many narrow alleys leading to the port still remain.
Shioya Townscape (Shioya Districts 1 to 7)
In the townscape of Shioya, which flourished as a port town visited by Kitamae-bune, gable-roofed buildings with their gable ends facing the street are lined up along the road.
Former Nozawa Toyogoro Soy Sauce Brewery
The brewing storehouse of the Nozawa family, who operated a brewing business in Shioya and sold soy sauce to Hokkaido via Kitamae-bune.
Map of Shioya Port
An illustrated map depicting the late Edo-period scenery of Shioya Port, which was frequented by Kitamae-bune trading ships.
Nozawa Food Industry Co., Ltd. Store and main building
The main residence of the Nozawa family, who served as village headmen in Shioya during the Edo period, a town that flourished as a port for Kitamae-bune, and engaged in shipping and brewing businesses.
Mt. Inari (Mt. Bansho)
The location where the Murakami Domain's guardhouse, which managed Shioya Port frequented by Kitamae-bune, was established.
Remains of Ebie Port
The remains of Ebie Port, which was frequented by Kitamae-bune.
Ebie Port Related Materials
Documents from the late Edo period to the Meiji era concerning Ebie Port, which was frequented by Kitamae-bune.
