In Wakimachi, Mima City, there is a place called "Udatsu no Machinami. I heard it is a rather famous spot, but I didn't even know it existed until I went there for work when I was 23 years old.
A beautiful townscape born of the vanity and elegance of wealthy merchants
I had heard that it was going to be quite hot that day (July 15), so I thought, "Well, why don't we go early in the morning so we can get a good look?" So I headed for Wakimachi from 4:00 in the morning for a drive.
It's a nice spot with a pretty retro atmosphere that envelops the whole area.
It is said that the house was originally built by wealthy merchants who competed with each other to show off their wealth.
According to a story I heard somewhere, the word "udatsu" (udatsu = "rising"), which means "not being able to get ahead in life," comes from this place. In other words, it is a space of wealth and vanity created by the self-aggrandizement of people with "udatsu".
It may seem vulgar to write it like that, but it is only a starting point. I think the site looks quite classy, as you will see when you actually visit. At least that's what I thought.
Near the Udatsu townscape is my favorite roadside station (Ai Land Udatsu). I tried to stop by there on my way home from a previous visit to the Kazura Bridge, but the parking lot was full, so I gave up the idea.
Since it was early in the morning, the parking lot was empty, but I was still surprised to see several cars already parked there. But I parked anyway, got out of my car, and started exploring the area with my smartphone in hand.
From the parking lot, you can walk to the "udatsu rows of houses". Depending on where you park your car, you can reach the "Udatsu rows of houses" in 30 seconds on foot.