Mikaeri willow Looking back willow
The willow tree was named after the appearance of people returning from the red light district.
Shianbashi tram stop, and on both sides of the road there are monuments imitating the bridge's railings, marking the site of Shianbashi. A river once flowed near this area, and during the red-light district era, the Bridge of Thoughts was named after people pondering whether to go or return to the red-light district.
After crossing that bridge, in front of the entrance to the entertainment district, where the Daimon (double gate) used to be, there is a willow tree that is said to have been planted in the Meiji period. It still stands quietly to the right of the long-established Castella store, next to the telephone pole at the entrance to the alley. The people who visited the red light district probably looked back and regretted parting ways with Maruyama prostitutes. This willow has a romantic name, ``Mikariyanagi'', which brings to mind the scene of the time. The heartbreaking feelings of people who looked back at this willow, feeling like they were being dragged back, are still passed down to this day.
- Categories
- History/cultural assets
Basic Information
Address | Motoshikukumachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture |
---|---|
Transportation access | ・About 12 minutes by tram (bound for Sofukuji) from Nagasaki Station, then about 2 minutes walk from Shianbashi stop ・About 10 minutes by bus (bound for Hayasaka/Kazegashira) from JR Nagasaki Station East Exit, then get off at Shianbashi and walk for about 2 minutes. ・About 8 minutes by bus (bound for Kitaura/Mogi) from the south exit of JR Nagasaki Station, then get off at Shianbashi and walk for about 2 minutes. |