A town of history and culture with townhouses from the Edo period to the early Showa period

Shiraichi is a historic town that developed as a castle town following the construction of Shiroyama Castle during the Sengoku period (Warring States period). The town bustled with activity when the cattle and horse market established during the Edo period attracted as many as 500 head of cattle and horses at its peak. Since Shiraichi is located within a day’s travel of cities like Hiroshima, Kure, Takehara, and Onomichi, it flourished as a central town in the region.

The townscape stretches along the main north-south and east-west roads, lined with tile-roofed townhouses. The area boasts numerous nationally registered Tangible Cultural Properties, including the former Residence of the Kihara Residence, an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Residence of the Ihara Family. Visitors can experience the history and culture embedded in the townscape, shrines, temples dating from the Edo period through the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods.