Tsuwano — Little Kyoto of San'in & Carp Canal

**Carp canal origin:** The irrigation canals (鯉の泳ぐまち, koi no oyogu machi, 'town where carp swim') originally served agricultural purposes — transporting water to samurai residence gardens and rice fields. In the 1970s, residents began releasing koi into the canals to control mosquito larvae. The carp population exploded to 10,000+ fish creating the current spectacle. Feeding the carp is permitted (fish food vending machines ¥100 along canal) — throwing food causes orange fish frenzy photogenic but chaotic. **Taikodani Inari pilgrimage:** Taikodani Inari Shrine ranks among Japan's five great Inari shrines (alongside Fushimi Inari in Kyoto). The approach features 1,000+ red torii gates ascending 300 meters up the mountainside — visually similar to Fushimi Inari but with near-zero crowds. The climb (15–20 minutes) provides hillside views over Tsuwano's tiled roofs and surrounding mountains. The shrine is a true pilgrimage (effort required) unlike easily accessible tourist shrines. Early morning visits (before 9:00) offer solitude and better photography lighting through the torii tunnel. **Catholic church incongruity:** Maria Seido Catholic Church (カトリック教会) seems out of place in this traditional Japanese town, but reflects Tsuwano's hidden Christian history. During Edo Period persecution (1600s), Christians were exiled to Tsuwano and tortured to renounce faith. The Meiji-era church (1931, Gothic style) commemorates martyrs. Inside displays icons and stained glass. The architectural clash — European Gothic church among samurai residences — captures Japan's complex religious history.