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With a height of 1955 m, this is the second highest mountain in western Japan. At the top, there are splendid panoramic views of the area, and on clear days one can see as far as the Seto Inland Sea. Mt. Tsurugi opens on May first, as it is closed during winter. From the top of the cable car, it's about a 40-minute climb to the summit. From the Mt. Tsurugi summit, you can also walk to the summits of neighboring mountains. Ichinomori (1879 m) is about a 50-minute walk to the east. Jirogyu (1929 m) is about a 60-minute walk to the west. For more info on the mountain and area around it, see Iya Valley.
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.
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.
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.
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).
あんみつ館
Flower exhibit and store. Mima is known for the cymbidium orchid, which blooms late November to March. Free parking.
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).