全国京都会議

6/80

In olden times, Murata flourished as an 24Miyagi Prefecturehighway connecting Yamagata and Sendai in northern Japan. Still today, a number of historical remains such as massive merchant houses and gates welcome visitors. Gorgeous houses established by many merchants who made their fortune from the safflower business in those days will impress visitors. Another local highlight is a group of massive trees in Shiratori Shrine and Ryuto-in Temple. Visit Murata, a town of seasonal beauty and a historical townscape.Historical Townscape of Merchant Residences and StorehousesIn olden times, the southern region of Miyagi prefecture had produced beautiful safflower since the Edo period. Carefully grown safflowers were collected by the merchants in Murata and then transported and sold to Kansai (western Japan) and Edo (Tokyo); through this business the local merchants made their fortunes and built a number important merchant town on the old of massive residences and storehouses. The people of Murata also developed a variety of culture features which were brought back from other large cities in Japan through their safflower business. Feel the history of “merchant town” of Murata.Ryuto-in Temple Ryuto-in Temple, belonging to the Soto sect of Buddhism, was established in Murata Shonin Yamasho Memorial HouseMurata Town