Sandwiched between Lake Shinji and the Sea of Japan, and blessed with nature including the sea, mountains, lakes, and rivers, this town was once famous for its thriving cotton cultivation. Cotton cultivation began in the early 1700s, and in the later years it was sold to other countries. As the domain implemented strict quality control, Osaka Mitsui sent buyers, and the cotton gained a high reputation in the Kamigata region as Unshu cotton. In the Meiji period, the area switched to raw silk production, spinning factories were built, and the area developed into an industrial city, thriving as a merchant town and seeing a large increase in population.

Many sailing ships used to travel along the Unshu Hirata Funagawa canal that connects to Lake Shinji, and until around 1951, there was also a regular ferry service to Matsue. At "Kouji" and "Kakedashi (cargo landing)," gabled, lacquered houses and white-walled storehouses line the streets, evoking memories of the past. At first glance, their exteriors may look simple, but many of the houses are carefully designed with attention to detail in their timber, lacquer, sliding door paintings, and interiors, giving a sense of the wealth of the time.

As you walk through the town, you'll notice townhouses lined with "left-sided tiles," "sea cucumber walls," and "lattice windows," which still remain to this day, and long-established sake shops, soy sauce stores, and Japanese confectionery shops continue to preserve traditional flavors. The "Cotton Street," where the old townscape and modern life blend together in perfect harmony, has become a precious place where you can enjoy a gentle, calm atmosphere.

Currently, there are 9 locations along the Cotton Highway where you can try out 14 different experiences. These experiences are collected in the "Cotton Highway Exploration Guide."
If you visit Cotton Street, we recommend that you try out something unique so that you can enjoy it even more.
The Cotton Street is a small tourist spot. By taking your time to talk with the locals, you can spend an unforgettable and valuable time.