Japanese Master Builds Miniature World in Sagawa Town Over 10 Years – Stroll Through Ancient Streets Back to the Edo Period

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▲Start your Sagawa Town adventure with a map in hand.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Japan

Located at the southern tip of Shikoku in Japan, Kochi Prefecture boasts not only stunning natural scenery but also a rich and profound history and culture. Travelers who love nostalgic Japanese vibes should definitely visit Sagawa Town in Kochi. The well-preserved ancient streets are lined with white-walled, gray-tiled old houses made of Tosa plaster. Follow the map to explore wealthy merchants’ residences, cultural relic museums, and century-old breweries, and walk through the old streets to time-travel back to the hometown of Sakamoto Ryoma.

▲Visitors can plan a one-day itinerary to leisurely stroll and soak in the retro atmosphere.

Travelers can take a bus to JR Sagawa Station and spend a full day or half a day wandering around Kamimachi and its surroundings. The nearby Makino Park is covered with cherry blossoms, adding a romantic touch when they bloom. To experience the classical ambiance of the feudal era, stroll along the old streets of Kamimachi. In the past, Sagawa Town had well-developed public infrastructure and operational systems, such as a police station that suppressed radical thinkers and the "Meikyoukan" school that nurtured many great figures. These historical sites have been preserved to this day, offering valuable artifacts for historical research.

Stroll through the Police Station and Meikyoukan to Time-Travel Back to the Tosa Domain

▲The police station building back then had a very Western-style design.

▲The pure white wooden structure is perfect for photos.

▲Many notable Japanese figures once studied and sought knowledge here.

▲It now operates as a shop selling drinks and light refreshments.

250-Year-Old Brewery “Shimanouchi” Still Thrives

During the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate, there were nine breweries in the area, but most gradually declined, leaving only the century-old “Shimanouchi” standing strong. The brewery has steadfastly refused to take down its 250-year-old signboard and remains a well-known local brand. The founding family of Shimanouchi became wealthy through business and wielded significant influence. The home of the Takeuchi family also served as lodging for high-ranking officials visiting the area. Takeuchi converted the left side of his residence into guest quarters, which hosted dispatched officials seven times under the shogun’s orders. Although parts of the century-old house’s interior have aged, one can still imagine the grandeur and power of the wealthy households of the time.

▲The interior exudes a nostalgic vibe.

▲A 250-year-old heritage brewery.

▲Both the owner and the shop are full of warmth and character.

▲The former residence of Shimanouchi’s founder.

▲This side was the room for receiving high-ranking officials.

Century-Old Art Collection of the Last Samurai, Tanaka Mitsuhira

Tanaka Mitsuhira, a Japanese samurai born in Sagawa, lived to the age of 97. Having witnessed the transition of eras and the vicissitudes of life, he decided to preserve the books and paintings of patriotic scholars in the Aoyama Bunko. The collection includes various writings and artworks from the Tosa Domain during the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration, leaving behind treasures for future generations to admire. Hundreds of calligraphic works and portraits, stroke by stroke, allow travelers to envision the elegance and splendor of the time.

▲Aoyama Bunko houses many authentic works by notable figures.

▲The museum collection includes hundreds of precious items.

Aoyama Bunko
Address: 1453-1 Kou, Sagawa Town, Takaoka District
Business Hours: 9:00–17:00 ※Last admission at 16:30
Admission: General ¥400; Junior High Students ¥200; Elementary Students ¥100

Sagawa Town’s “Miniature World” Handcrafted Over 10 Years

One of the must-visit spots is the model exhibition area, where Mr. Kurita Shinji meticulously recreated Sagawa Town’s cultural heritage buildings at a 1/20 scale, creating astonishing models. Originally working in the food industry, he embarked on a 10-year project driven by his passion for miniatures. He masterfully recreated Shimanouchi, the Takeuchi family residence, and more, ensuring every window and sliding door is functional and no detail is overlooked. He proudly stated that he will continue this work in the future.

▲The miniature world of Sagawa Town.

▲ Mr. Kurita spent ten years crafting it by hand.

▲ Exquisitely detailed miniature architectural models.

▲ Even the police station is guarded by adorable police officers.

▲ Exceptionally refined craftsmanship with no detail overlooked.

Sagawa Local Produce Center
Address: 1532-Ko, Sagawa-cho, Takaoka District