Takehara City has two ports of call of Kitamae-bune, Takehara and Tadanoumi. In Takehara, the salt-making industry using salt field in which brine is brought through tidal action was active from the early Edo period. In addition, Takehara prospered by salts trading with Kitamae-bune as described in the essay “Tankai” written by Soan Tsumura in 1795 as “the ships on the northward route always buy salt at Takehara, Aki Province and sell it in the northern country.” Now many tourists visit the preservation area of the country’s important traditional buildings, which retain its prosperity at the time. A large Kitamae-bune arrived at Tadanoumi, located east of Takehara, and traded various supplies collected from surrounding villages. Now many tourists visit the preservation area of the country’s important traditional buildings, which retain its prosperity at the time. A large Kitamae-bune arrived at Tadanoumi, located east of Takehara, and traded various supplies collected from surrounding villages. “Customer book” and all-night lights also remain.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Takehara City
The preservation area of the important traditional buildings of Takehara district, Takehara City
The townscape of Takehara that prospered through the purchase of salt by Kitamae-bune merchants.
The Former Yoshii Family House
The house of the largest salt wholesaler in Takehara, where sailors of Kitamae-bune stayed.
all-night lights
A group of all-night lights that was a marker for Kitamae-bune entering the harbor.
Materials of Takehara Municipal Library
Ancient documents describing trade records with Kitamae-bune merchants and sales volume etc. of salt.
Paper-colored Takehara picture folding screen
A picture folding screen depicting the townscape of Takehara, which prospered due to the purchase of salt by Kitamae-bune merchants. Kitamae-bune to be anchored is also depicted.
