What to know
Uchiko (内子) is a pleasant town about 40 kilometers southwest of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Now a slice of traditional, rural Japan, Uchiko once thrived as a center for wax and paper production. The Kamihaga Residence, one of the town's main attractions, delves into this historical industry.
Yokaichi Old Town is Uchiko's preserved street of houses where most attractions are located. This historic district looks just as it did over a century ago, when wealth and prosperity came to Uchiko through its wax trade.
Another symbol of Uchiko lies outside the old district: Uchiko-za is a full-scale kabuki theater featuring trap doors, hidden entrances, and a rotating stage.
