Iwamura Castle Town

In April 1998, the main street of Iwamura Town was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. It became the third such district in Gifu Prefecture and the 48th in the nation. During the Edo period, Iwamura flourished as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Tōnō region. The preserved area reflects the historical townscape formed as a castle town and the vibrant commercial district that developed during the early modern era. Lining the street are stately buildings with thick plaster walls and earthen storehouses, showcasing the prosperity of the past. Townhouses with large beams and pillars stand proudly, reflecting the scale and importance of the area. Many old residences remain, including the publicly accessible Kimura Residence and Tosaya. Other highlights include a historical bulletin board (Kōsatsuba), namako walls (a traditional tile wall style), and rare buildings such as a partially earthen gunsmith’s house from the feudal era, where matchlock guns and spears were once crafted.