Tracing the History of the Shiwaku Carpenters in Honjima of Shiwaku Islands, a Former Naval Headquarters
Many travelers head to Kyoto to catch a glimpse of Old Japan, but a simpler, quieter, more rare and realistic experience can be found in Kasashima on Honjima of Shiwaku Islands, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, and part of the Shiwaku Island group.
In Kasashima Town, on the northeast coast of the island, over 100 beautiful old houses built by the Edo and Meiji period Shiwaku carpenters line the narrow streets, providing a rare glimpse into old Japan. Honjima and the surrounding islands were an important area for shipbuilding between 1600 and 1867 and Honjima was home to the skilled sailors known as Shiwaku Suigun, the samurai of the sea. They in turn were serviced by highly skilled boat builders, who later turned their shipbuilding carpentry skills to building strong, fine houses, many of which still stand to this day. The town has retained much of its traditional architecture, and you can see wooden townhouses that were built over 100 years ago. A few of them are also open to the public, and there are even a few places to stay, such as the 140 year old Yakatabune home, now transformed into a pleasant B&B styled lodging. Rooms are limited, and the fare is traditional Honjima styled, locally caught seafood.
Honjima once had a population of around 3,000 in its heyday, however the population has dwindled to a mere 450, mostly elderly residents. That being the case, it is still the most populated island in the Shiwaku Island chain. Despite its small size, the island has a lot to offer, apart from the former castle town of Kasashima, over 33 temples once dotted the island, and like many of the homes, Honjima’s many temples and shrines were built using sturdy traditional boatbuilding carpentry techniques.
There is a restaurant near the port open most days, otherwise there are no convenience stores, cafes or shops on the island. Mobile phone services are sporadic too. There are no signs or information in English either. To get around, bikes can be hired near the port for 500 Yen each. Sounds ideal doesn’t it?
In Kasashima Town, on the northeast coast of the island, over 100 beautiful old houses built by the Edo and Meiji period Shiwaku carpenters line the narrow streets, providing a rare glimpse into old Japan. Honjima and the surrounding islands were an important area for shipbuilding between 1600 and 1867 and Honjima was home to the skilled sailors known as Shiwaku Suigun, the samurai of the sea. They in turn were serviced by highly skilled boat builders, who later turned their shipbuilding carpentry skills to building strong, fine houses, many of which still stand to this day. The town has retained much of its traditional architecture, and you can see wooden townhouses that were built over 100 years ago. A few of them are also open to the public, and there are even a few places to stay, such as the 140 year old Yakatabune home, now transformed into a pleasant B&B styled lodging. Rooms are limited, and the fare is traditional Honjima styled, locally caught seafood.
Honjima once had a population of around 3,000 in its heyday, however the population has dwindled to a mere 450, mostly elderly residents. That being the case, it is still the most populated island in the Shiwaku Island chain. Despite its small size, the island has a lot to offer, apart from the former castle town of Kasashima, over 33 temples once dotted the island, and like many of the homes, Honjima’s many temples and shrines were built using sturdy traditional boatbuilding carpentry techniques.
There is a restaurant near the port open most days, otherwise there are no convenience stores, cafes or shops on the island. Mobile phone services are sporadic too. There are no signs or information in English either. To get around, bikes can be hired near the port for 500 Yen each. Sounds ideal doesn’t it?
