The 'Aka-gawara' (red roof tiles) used on these buildings are made with a specific iron-rich clay that becomes exceptionally durable when fired.
The black charred cedar siding is a traditional technique known as shou-sugi-ban, used to improve fire resistance and deter pests.
The Tamagawa canal was originally used by local merchants to transport goods directly to their storehouses.
The district includes a historic soy sauce brewery that has been in operation for multiple generations.
Many of the white walls are finished with a specific type of lime plaster designed to withstand the region's humid summers and snowy winters.
The Kurayoshi White Wall Warehouses district features a collection of Edo and Meiji-period buildings characterized by white plaster walls, black焼き杉 (yaki-sugi) charred cedar boards, and red tiled roofs. This merchant district was developed during the Edo period around the Tamagawa River, utilizing the canal for transport and fire protection. Many former warehouses have been repurposed into artisan workshops, cafes, galleries, and traditional sake breweries. The area is designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Visitors can explore narrow alleys and stone bridges that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. The architecture reflects the influence of the merchant class during the feudal era of the Tottori region.
The view from the stone bridges spanning the Tamagawa River, capturing the reflection of the white walls in the water.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the historic stone-paved streets and narrow alleyways.
Visit the local tourist information center to pick up a walking map that highlights specific shop interiors accessible to the public.
Try the locally brewed sake or soy sauce-flavored soft serve, which are distinct regional specialties.
Do not attempt to enter private residences or buildings not clearly marked as shops or galleries; respect the privacy of local residents.
Some individual shops may remain closed on certain weekdays, though the district area itself is always open as a public street.
