On December 14, we had decided to take a drive to see churches in
Amakusa,
Kumamoto. Before going to Amakusa, we went to Matsuai (松合), a village located along the southern coast of Uto Peninsula in the former
Shiranuhi town, now merged with
Uki city.
Driving on National Route 266 from Matsubase Interchange on Kyushu Expressway and passing some gentle curves, we came to the small port town.
A street view of central Matsuai near the post office. The village is along the old road to the right from the national highway.
The Matsuai area has been developed as a fishing village of the
Kumamoto clan during the
Edo period, and it seems that the fish caught here was being carried to the surrounding areas by the hands of the paddler. After that, the present fishing port of Matsuai was set up at the end of the Edo era and the
Hosokawa clan of Kumamoto sent a supervisor to control the clan's fish market. In addition, the Sake brewing business using rich groundwater was also succeeded; the family who made profits in their business was also managed a ship and fish wholesaler with its funds, Matsuai was once prosperous fishing village in the
Higo Province between the late Edo and the
Meiji periods. However, when a modern harbor was developed in
Misumi and the
railway opens, the village's fishing industry falls rapidly, now only the townscape of this white house will make us feel prosperity at that time.
A traditional Japanese-style house at the west end of the village. There are many white wall buildings along the narrow and windy street.
This building is now used as a folk museum.
3 houses in a row on the west side of the old town area. Do you know why are there many white wall houses lined up along the street? Because of its topological structure, bad damages such as a fire took place from long time ago, but in particular as a lesson from the frequent occurrence of fire between 1826 and 1831, that's why they have to make a strong building against fire.
Matsuai Visitor Center is a rest area for tourists.
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