Wakasa Obama, located in the approximate center of the Sea of Japan, is a naturally good harbor and has been called a food-rich country. Since ancient times, it has offerred food, mainly marine products, to the imperial court and palaces. The road was eventually called the “Saba (chub mackerel) Kaido Road” and boasted the largest quantity of distributed goods between the sea and the city. Obama has been home to nationally known merchants ship owners since ancient times, and its history continued during the period of Kitamae-bune. Kadayu Furukawaya became a leading merchant by selling Tamba tea to Niigata and Akita, and then loading up on rice and marine products to sell back in Setouchi and Osaka. At the Hachiman Shrine in Otokoyama-ku, there is still a copper lantern that Kadao donated.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Obama City
Furukawaya Second Residence / Garden
A second residence of Furukawaya, a small-cargo wholesaler who made their wealth through Kitamae-bune. There is a garden that the Obama clan head, the Sakai family also loved.
Former Japanese restaurant Suigetsu
A restaurant from the Meiji period, located in Chayamachi, used by the shipowners of Kitamae-bune and merchants.
Former Japanese restaurant Hotoro
A restaurant from the Meiji period, located in Chayamachi, used by the shipowners of Kitamae-bune and merchants.
Former Asahiza
A former playhouse from the Meiji period, used by Kitamae-bune shipowners and merchants.
Votive goods of Hachiman Shrine
A lantern, tamagaki, and a model of the ship that Kitamae-bune shipowners and merchants donated to pray for marine safety.
Votive goods of Hiromine Shrine
A lantern, tamagaki, and a model of the ship that Kitamae-bune shipowners and merchants donated to pray for maritime safety.
Votive goods of Munakata Shrine
A lantern, tamagaki, and a model of the ship that Kitamae-bune shipowners and merchants donated to pray for maritime safety.
Townscape of former Obama Port
Townscape of former Obama Port, which prospered through Kitamae-bune
Wakasa Tiles Darumagama
Ruins of the Wakasa tile kilns. Wakasa tile was carried to the northern districts by Kitamae-bune as both a high quality specialty product and also ship ballast.
Votive vessel and vessel of worship
A model of the ship dedicated to each shrine by Kitamae-bune shipowners to pray for maritime safety.
A series of old documents on Kitamae-bune
Old documents left by Kitamae-bune shipowners and merchants.
