Central Arita Town, Fudanotsuji Intersection

In the center of Arita Town, there is an intersection called Fudanotsuji. The old main road connecting the east and west was once a commercial route used to transport porcelain stone from the Izumiyama quarry in the east to the Imari area in the west.

In this way, Fudanotsuji was a key intersection where busy commercial traffic crossed paths with the daily routes of Arita Town residents.

During the Edo period, the Sarayama Daikansho (Sarayama Magistrate’s Office) and the Shirakawa School, one of Japan’s oldest schools, stood north of the intersection. To the south is the Tōzan Shrine.

Today, apart from a sign bearing the name “Fudanotsuji,” there is barely anything left to suggest the past importance this intersection once had in the history and daily life of the town.

The “Fuda” in “Fudanotsuji” originally referred to the signs that officials used to notify townspeople of events and other announcements. ‘Tsuji’ means “intersection.” A replica model of one of those old signs stands in a corner of the intersection. If you happen to pass by, be sure to look for it.

Currently, a plan is under consideration, that aims to revitalize tourism and community interaction within a specific area centered around the Fudanotsuji intersection, drawing on the region’s history and traditions. It is called the “Uchiyama Grand Design.”

（T.S.）