About This Video
The Traditional Townscape of Gokasho, also known as Gokasho Kondo, is a set of former merchant residences located in Higashi-Omi, Shiga Prefecture and is comprised of 3 temples and 3 houses with a garden turned museum. Gokasho Kondo is designated as a national traditional building conservation district and is characterized by its white walls and “funaitabei” which are fences made with scrap wood.
From the Edo period until the Shōwa period, Gokashō produced many merchants. For example, a founder of Wacoal and were famous for using their business ability while also being religiously pious. They were well known and respected for contributing to public welfare products. Even now, their country houses are kept around Gokashō, particularly Kondō area designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Shigeru Tonomura wrote novels about the life of Gokasho merchants.
This video was made in Cooperation with Shiga Biwako Visitors Bureau. Learn more about Shiga Prefecture at https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/
