During the Edo period, Tsumago-juku was one of the most important post towns on the Nakasendō road, but at the beginning of the 20th century, after the construction of the Chūō railway, the town fell into a decline.

The town was eventually saved by its own citizens who, in 1971, decided that no house will be demolished, sold or rented. Only five years after this decision, Tsumago was recognized by the Japanese government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, being included on the list of Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Today Tsumago is a prosperous tourist town, with many great looking traditional shops filled with local products, like the one photographed here…

Tsumago, Nagano

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: JR Shikoku Anpanman Train interior