Kiragawa Old Town
吉良川の町並み
A merchant town that prospered on binchōtan charcoal from the Meiji to early Shōwa periods. Its Tosa shikkui white plaster walls, mizukiri tiles and beach-stone walls make it an important traditional building district.
Kiragawa thrived from the Meiji to early Shōwa periods on the trade in timber and Tosa binchōtan charcoal. In 1997 it was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The merchant houses lining the old street are finished with thick Tosa shikkui white plaster to guard against sea winds and typhoons, and layers of mizukiri tiles on the walls shed rain. Back-street houses are enclosed by stone walls built from beach pebbles, a distinctive local scene. Start at Machinami-kan (the townscape hall) to pick up a map, then stroll past the old post office and historic merchant houses. Ōda Hachiman Shrine is nearby. The town can be explored freely all day, though some facilities close on Mondays. Kiragawa is about 15 km from central Muroto. Get off at the “Kiragawa” stop on the Kochi Tobu Kotsu bus.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kongocho-ji (Temple 26)
- Gyodo Cape & Kuroji Coast
- Shinsho-ji (Temple 25)
- Muroto Dolphin Center
- Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark Center
- Muroto Skyline
- Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium
- Silest Muroto Deep Sea Water Spa