Strolling Through the Retro Wonderland of Kurayoshi’s White-Walled Storehouse District in a Kimono ♡

Strolling Through the Retro Wonderland of Kurayoshi’s White-Walled Storehouse District in a Kimono ♡

Discovering Kurayoshi – A Hidden Gem of Retro Charm

Kurayoshi, located in central Tottori Prefecture, is a town wrapped in nostalgia. It’s also perfectly situated for hot spring lovers, surrounded by famous onsen spots like Sekigane, Misasa (with the mystical Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple!), Hawai, and Tōgō. If you're road-tripping through Tottori’s onsen towns, Kurayoshi is a must-stop destination!
The white-walled town is compact enough for a quick and relaxing stroll. There are plenty of parking spots nearby, making it car-friendly too. It’s got that elegant, retro vibe—kind of like Kyoto but without the crowds. A peaceful, grown-up charm lingers in the air.♡

The old storehouses, now encircled by quaint canals, no longer serve their original purpose. Instead, they’ve been lovingly repurposed into stylish cafés, gift shops, and cozy boutiques. Just walking around feels like drifting through a living postcard.

I had the feeling these charming little shops were probably run by creative young folks. You’ll see girls in kimono and couples posing for photos—it’s definitely an Instagrammable town!

Kurayoshi’s White-Walled Storehouse District is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Many of the buildings date back to the Edo and Meiji eras.

Along the Tama River, the storehouses flaunt their white walls and signature red Sekishu tiles. But it’s not just one era on display—there are buildings from the Showa, Taisho, and even Edo periods! It seriously felt like opening a treasure chest of retro architecture.✨

In the “Akagawara” (Red Roof) area, I found a super cool archery dojo called “Matotoya.” Would you believe the building used to be a bank?! Yep, it was the former Kurayoshi branch of Nihon Sangyo Savings Bank.

It’s now an archery experience center—how classy is that? Practicing kyudo (Japanese archery) in a historic Western-style building... chef's kiss.

I then wandered into a narrow stone-paved path that felt like a movie set—leading to Dairenji Temple. You know the kind of alley that just begs to be explored? Yeah, that kind.

And off I went! End of August in Kurayoshi is hot—I was definitely sweating through my back while meandering this town in search of hidden gems. 😅

After walking around 50 meters or so, I reached Dairenji Temple.

The temple was founded between 1573 and 1592 by Zenyo Shonin, who merged three local temples into one. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1955 and is considered a pioneering modern structure in the prefecture.

Amid Kurayoshi’s old wooden buildings, the modern, concrete Dairenji really stands out with its stylish architecture. It’s such a cool contrast—and even just gazing at it is rewarding.

What Is the Kurayoshi White-Walled Storehouse District?

The White-Walled Storehouse District in Kurayoshi is a charming historical area located in central Tottori Prefecture. It’s filled with remnants of the merchant culture from the Edo through Taisho periods, and it’s officially recognized as an Important Preservation District.

These storehouses, with their crisp white walls and red tile roofs, line the serene Tama River. Their reflections on the water are picture-perfect! While the area is small and walkable, you’ll find lots of hidden gems—like cafés, shops, kimono rentals, and scenic photo spots.

Some highlights include:

Matotoya, the archery dojo in a repurposed Western-style bank

Dairenji Temple, with its unexpectedly modern architecture tucked down a moody little alley

And of course, all the retro vibes wrapped in white walls and tradition.

With several famous hot springs nearby, Kurayoshi is the ideal addition to your “Onsen + Retro Walk” itinerary!