Takehara

Takehara is a beautifully preserved Edo-era merchant town on the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, often called “Little Kyoto of Aki” for its atmospheric streets of lattice-fronted townhouses, whitewashed storehouses, and bamboo-lattice walls. Unlike more famous historical towns, Takehara sees relatively few international visitors — lending it a sense of genuine discovery.

The town's historic preservation district stretches along a gentle hillside, with temples, sake breweries, and traditional sweet shops lining narrow stone paths. Takehara is also the main port for ferries to Okunoshima, the famous “Rabbit Island” where hundreds of friendly wild rabbits roam freely among ruins of a former research facility.