The old quarter of Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture, the so-called Little Kyoto in San’in Region, still maintains the vestige of a small castle town dating back to the Samurai era.

Tsuwano Town, peacefully lying in a small basin in a mountainous region of southwestern Shimane Prefecture, was a castle town during the Edo period, in the 17^th- 19^th century.  Known as the birthplace of Mori Ogai, a master writer, and Nishi Amane, a famous enlightenment thinker, the town attracts many sightseers featuring their old houses.  On the other hand, surprisingly, this quite town has a dark chapter in its history.  During the late Edo period, when the Christian faith was strictly banned in Japan, hidden Christians captured in Nagasaki were exiled to this castle town, where they were subjected to severe torture.  This incident later escalated into a diplomatic issue with Western powers.  The photo shows Tonomachi Street in the heart of the old quarter.  Both sides of the street are lined with earthen walls and traditional townhouses.  In the narrow waterways by the street, 400 colorful carp are swimming.  This scenery is a symbol of Tsuwano.  Lastly, an antique steam locomotive goes back and forth a day between Tsuwano Town and Yamaguchi City for sightseeing purposes. 

http://tour-guide-japan.jp/