2 Best Sights in Shikoku, Japan

Chiiori House

Higashi-Iya

Alex Kerr, an American artist and writer, stumbled across this dilapidated traditional farmhouse in the 1970s while traveling in Iya. He bought it and began the painstaking work of restoring its thatched roof and heavy wooden beams. Named Chiiori House, it is now the cornerstone of the activities of the Chiiori Trust, a nonprofit foundation working to preserve the region's traditional beauty while revitalizing its rural communities. You can visit the restored (thatch roof and all) Chiiori House for the day or spend the night. Reserve ahead to do either.

209 Tsurui, Miyoshi City, Tokushima-ken, 778-0602, Japan
0883-88–5290
Sights Details
Rate Includes: ¥500 to visit, accommodation fee varies by number of guests, but is ¥19,250 per person for groups of 2 to 3.

Uchiko Townhouse Museum

Just northeast of Omori's Wax Workshop, this museum is an 18th-century town house that once belonged to a wealthy family and is now open to the public.

3023 Uchiko, Uchiko, Ehime-ken, 791-3301, Japan
0893-44–5212
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Free