Arimatsu Historic Townscape
有松
A Tokaido post town famous for Arimatsu shibori tie-dyeing, where indigo-dyed noren curtains and bug-cage lattice windows keep Edo-era atmosphere alive.
Arimatsu is in Midori Ward, Nagoya. It developed in the early Edo period as an aizuku, a rest stop between the Tokaido post towns of Narumi and Chiryu (Ikenokoi). It is known for the cloth tie-dyeing craft of Arimatsu-Narumi shibori, which travelers often bought as souvenirs. About 800 meters of the old Tokaido is lined with large merchant houses that retain nurigome plaster walls, mushikago bug-cage lattice windows and udatsu fire walls. In 2016, the district was designated a nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Hall explains the tie-dyeing process and offers hands-on experiences (paid). Many long-established shops sell tie-dyed handkerchiefs and clothing with modern designs. The district is free to visit. It's about a 3-minute walk from Arimatsu Station on the Meitetsu line, or about 25 minutes from Nagoya Station.
Opening hours
All day (shops approx. 10:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Atsuta Jingu
- Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Shirotori Garden
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
- Kakuozan Nittai-ji Temple
- Osu Shopping District & Osu Kannon
- SCMaglev and Railway Park
- Oasis 21