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The Miki residence, a traditional wooden house with a thatched roof was built around the start of the Edo period (1603-1867). It shows characteristic elements of old samurai residences. Being the oldest surviving privately owned house in Tokushima prefecture, in 1976 the residence was awarded the status of Important Cultural Property. Furthermore, 45 ancient scrolls dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and Muromachi period (1336-1573) were found here. These scrolls were awarded the status of Prefecturally Recognized Cultural Property. According to several medieval texts, the Miki family had close connections to the Awa Inbe clan, which was responsible for ceremonial affairs at the imperial court. The Miki family takes care of the residence. Next to the Miki Residence is the Miki Residence Museum.
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川井峠のシダレザクラ Kawai-tōge no shidarezakura
On the slope of the mountain, there are about 20 weeping sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Sakura blooming season is generally between late March and mid April. The weeping sakura trees bloom about one week after the regular trees (which aren't on a slope).
旧長岡家住宅 Kyū Nagaoka-ke Jūtaku
The former Nagaoka Residence used to be at the foot of the southern slopes of the Sanuki Mountains. In 1976 the residence was awarded the status of 'Important Cultural Property'. In 1979 it was disassembled and reassabled in the Wakimachi area. The house is 12 m long and 6.6 m wide. It has a Yosemune-style thatched roof. The outside walls aren't made from the usual cedar tree bark or wooden planks, but from mud and earth. This is characteristic for houses on the foot of the southern slopes of the Sanuki mountains (as there is very little rainfall here).
脇町劇場 Wakimachi gekijō
Built in 1934, Wakimachi Theater was a playhouse for Kabuki, Rōkyoku (storytelling accompanied with Shamisen music), and other such entertainment. In the post-World War II era, it became a movie theater, and was then closed in 1995. It was scheduled for demolition, but after Shōchiku Films decided to use it as a location in their famous film, The Man Who Catches Rainbows, it was brought back into the limelight. The theater is now also known as the Odeon-za (Odeon theater), which was its name in the movie. The theater underwent restoration in 1999.
藍商佐直 吉田家住宅 Aishō Sanao Yoshida-ke Jūtaku
The residence of the Yoshida family. This family traded in indigo, a product for which the region was famous. It was constructed in 1792 by Sagawaya Naoei, who changed his name to Yoshida Naoei. Next to the Yoshida residence is the aigura, a building which was used by the Yoshida family to store indigo. Nowadays the first floor is a gift shop, and the second floor is a cafe.
最明寺 Saimyō-ji
Temple number 3 on the Fudō Myō-ō 36 Temple Route. This temple was constructed during the Tenpyō era (729-748).
うだつの町並み Udatsu no machi-nami
Straight from the Edo and Meiji Eras, Udatsu Townscape is a symbol of Wakimachi’s old days. Characteristic of the buildings are the presence of “Udatsu,” extensions of the roof that served as protection from the spread of fires. Udatsu were also symbols of fortune, and continue to proclaim the prosperity of the merchants even today. The charm of the old town continues to excite nostalgia, as the broadcast industry often features it in television dramas and commercials. The national government recognizes Udatsu Street as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.