Joto Machinami Preservation District

The Joto Streetscape Preservation District is an area where over 160 traditional buildings still exist, with architecture such as namako walls, sodekabe walls, and mushikomado windows that evoke the remnants of that time, spreading over more than one kilometer. There are buildings such as the Sakushu Joto Yashiki and the Joto Mukashi Machiya that allow you to feel the lifestyle of the time. When strolling through the streets, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tsuyama Castle is a castle where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city from the castle tower, and it can be said to be the symbol of Tsuyama. It's also close to the Castle Town Preservation District, so you can sightsee both spots together. Walking through the Castle Town Preservation District, which still retains the atmosphere of a castle town, and Tsuyama Castle, you'll feel as if you've slipped back in time. This magnificent castle, which was also selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Castles," is definitely worth seeing.

If you're visiting Tsuyama City, which has a preserved castle town district, you can't miss out on the local cuisine. One popular local dish unique to Tsuyama City, which is known for its production of Japanese beef, is "Tsuyama Hormone Udon." This grilled udon dish combines the mellow and rich flavor of hormone (beef offal) with each shop's homemade sauce, making it truly delicious. It's a hearty dish that you'll want to eat when you get hungry while walking around the preserved castle town district.

"Joto Mukashi Machiya" is a spot in the Joto Machinami Preservation District that offers free tours of a typical residence built over 300 years ago. It has been renovated over the years, spanning from the Edo period to the Showa period, so visitors can enjoy the changes in housing styles that occurred over time. When feeling a bit tired from traveling, it's also nice to take a break and sit on the sunny veranda.

In the Joto Machinami Preservation District, there is not only the opportunity to enjoy the town's atmosphere, but also a museum where you can learn about culture. The Tsuyama Museum of Western Learning, located in the town, is Japan's only museum specializing in Western learning. Mimasaka, where the Joto Machinami Preservation District is located, has produced many outstanding Western scholars in modern times. The "Kaitai Shinsho" by Sugita Genpaku, which is also featured in history lessons, is on display, so if you are interested in history and culture, please visit the museum.