What is the “Hyakkeizu : One Hundred Landscapes of Tsuwano”?
Visitors are often astonished to discover how a small town such as Tsuwano has managed to preserve so much of its traditions and historical landscapes until today. Clues may be hidden in the “Hyakkeizu: One Hundred Landscapes of Tsuwano”.
Hyakkeizu is a series of 5 books that assemble 100 paintings depicting in vivid detail, the daily life in the Tsuwano Domain, its people, local foods, annual events, mountains and rivers, providing a precious glimpse of the sceneries and customs of that time, about 160 years ago.
Thanks to the local people's efforts in preserving Tsuwano’s traditions, heritage and historical landscapes, most of the books’ sceneries can still be visited today: Youmeiji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Taikodani Inari Shrine, Tsuwano Castle Ruins, Washibara Hachimangu Shrine and the Waterfalls of Tsuwano.
Moreover you can taste traditional dishes and even join festivals depicted in these illustrations, such as the Yabusame Traditional Japanese Horseback Archery Ceremony in Spring, the Heron Dance and the Tsuwano Obon Dance in Summer.
Visitors can follow one of the many recommended routes or explore on their own, using these samurai illustrations and imagine life in times gone by.
