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Japan Heritage “Kitamaebune” Mural (Izumisano Municipal Sano Junior High School)
A Seafaring Journey from the Edo Era (1603–1868), Revived on a Wall
— The 170-Meter Kitamaebune Mural in Izumisano
From the Edo to Meiji periods, Kitamaebune merchant ships sailed the Sea of Japan, connecting local cultures and economies.
Today, this grand maritime story comes to life in a 170-meter mural on the outer wall of Izumisano Municipal Sano Junior High School.
The mural, depicting cultural assets from 52 municipalities across Japan, was created with the help of local students and residents.
It serves as a new highlight of Japan Heritage—where history and heartfelt local pride come together.
👉 To learn more about Kitamaebune, its related municipalities, and cultural assets, please visit the official website of the Kitamaebune Port-of-Call Forum.
https://www.kitamae-bune.com/
🔗 Official Press Release (Japanese only):
Click here👉
https://www.city.izumisano.lg.jp/material/files/group/19/PR20250304.pdf
📌 Basic Information
📍Japan Heritage “Kitamaebune” Mural
📍 日本遺産「北前船」壁画（泉佐野市立佐野中学校）
| 📞 Phone | 072-447-6766 （ Japanese only） (Izumisano City Board of Education, Cultural Property Protection Division) |
| 🏠 Address | Along the outer wall by the sports field of Izumisano Municipal Sano Junior High School 4-3-2 Hagurazaki, Izumisano-shi, Osaka |
| 🚶 Access | Approx. 11 minutes on foot (850 meters) from JR/Nankai Rinku Town Station Approx. 11 minutes on foot (850 meters) from Nankai Main Line Hagurazaki Station Right next to the “Shiei Matsubara Jutaku-mae” stop on the Nakamawari Izumisano Community Bus 👉 Bus Route & Timetable (PDF) https://www.city.izumisano.lg.jp/material/files/group/41/naka2021.pdf |
| 🚗 Parking | Please use the nearby paid parking lot. |
| 🕒 Business Hours | – |
| ❌ Closed | – |
| 💳 Payment Methods | – |
| 💴 Admission / Fees | – |
| 📅 Reservation | – |
The mural is located outdoors and is accessible at any time.
No reservation is required. Admission is free.
Please refrain from visiting at night or during bad weather.
⚠️ Visitor Guidance:
The mural runs along a road bordering the junior high school, which is frequently used by pedestrians and cyclists, especially during school hours.
There is frequent car and bicycle traffic, especially during school hours.
For your safety, please stay off the roadway while viewing.
Special care is advised for those visiting with children.
📌 Note: Prices include tax. Information may change, so please contact the facility before visiting.
🔗 Official Website:
🌐 Social Media:
ℹ️ Detailed Information
・Location: Outer wall along the sports field of Izumisano Municipal Sano Junior High School, Izumisano City, Osaka
・Length: Approximately 170 meters in total
・Content: A mural illustrating the maritime route of the Japan Heritage–designated “Kitamaebune”
※ Scan the QR codes placed along the mural to learn more about the cultural assets from each region.
・Production Period: Throughout fiscal year 2024 (Reiwa 6)
・Support: Supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs under the “Enhancement of Cultural Heritage Tourism Hubs” subsidy program
⭐ Highlights
🧭 Instantly Understand the History of Kitamaebune!
Enjoy the rich history of maritime routes and cultural exchange across Japan through a 170-meter mural.
👩🎨 Community-Created Art
This collaborative mural was created by local junior high school students and residents—preserving Japan Heritage through community effort.
📸 A Perfect Photo Spot!
With its colorful and eye-catching design, the mural makes for a popular and photogenic destination.
🌍 A Cross-Border Cultural Legacy
A Stunning Photo Spot
With its vivid colors and striking design, this mural is a must-snap destination for visitors.
✅ Historical Spots in Izumisano Tracing the Kitamaebune Legacy
Izumisano City is home to important historical sites that preserve the legacy of the Kitamaebune port-of-call network and merchant settlements—recognized as part of Japan Heritage.
From the Edo (1603–1868) to Meiji (1868–1912) periods, Kitamaebune merchant ships sailed the Sea of Japan, connecting regional cultures and industries.
Why not set off on a journey to uncover their fascinating stories?
⛩️ Nakami Shrine and the Kitamaebune Model
👉https://visitizumisanojpn.com/en/nakami-shrine-2/
Inside the shrine grounds, you’ll find a permanent exhibition of a scaled wooden model of an actual Kitamaebune ship.
The detailed structure and dimensions are easy to grasp at a glance, offering an informative and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
🏠 Shinkawa Residence (Meshino Family Archives)
👉https://visitizumisanojpn.com/en/izumisano-furusato-machiyakan-former-niigawa-residence-a-designated-cultural-property-of-izumisano-city/
This historical residence houses documents and records of the Meshino family, a prosperous merchant clan that thrived in Izumisano from the Edo to Meiji periods.
Explore the legacy of Kitamaebune trade and the city’s rich commercial history.
The building itself is a beautiful example of traditional machiya townhouse architecture.
🏞️ Recommended Nearby Attractions
Restaurants / Shrines and Temples / Accommodations, etc.
Senshū-no-Yu Natural Hot Spring – Kansai Airport
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