An Unhurried and Unspoiled Place
Hashitate retains its reputation as the home of the Kitamaebune, merchant ships that once traveled across the Sea of Japan. The townscape is dotted with dozens of shipowners’ mansions featuring red tile roofs. You will find old wooden boards, originally the wood installed at the bottom of the ships, covering the buildings to protect them from the sea breeze. In 2006, Hashitate was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.