Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture: Handbook "Our Unno-juku for the Future" Created to Connect the Historic Townscape of Unno-juku to the Future

Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, has created a handbook titled "Our Unno-juku for the Future: Handbook for Important Preservation Districts of Historic Buildings" to pass on the historic townscape of Unno-juku, an Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings, to future generations.

This booklet includes procedures for making changes that affect the exterior of buildings within the district, subsidy systems for repairs and renovations, and the Unno-juku Landscape Formation Resident Agreement.

The content is designed to be useful for property owners and anyone interested in Unno-juku.

Unno-juku, located in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, is a region that still retains the charm of an Edo-period post town and the townscape that flourished with sericulture from the Meiji era onwards. In 1987 (Showa 62), it was selected as a National Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings, and residents and the administration have been working together to preserve the historical landscape and create a comfortable living environment.

The newly created handbook, "Our Unno-juku for the Future," is compiled as a "guide" for continuing to live in and utilize Unno-juku while preserving its unique townscape.

Background of Handbook Creation

In Unno-juku, the beautiful townscape has been preserved through residents' consideration for the landscape, daily cleaning, and maintenance of buildings. On the other hand, challenges include the maintenance and utilization of vacant houses and silkworm houses, and the aging of buildings.

This booklet organizes the ideas and approaches to the landscape that have been cherished in the region and introduces systems and procedures related to cultural property protection in an easy-to-understand manner.

Main Contents

The handbook includes the following contents:

Unno-juku Today

Until Unno-juku was selected as an Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings

Scope and 対象 of the Preservation District

Procedures for applying for permission for changes to the current state

Unno-juku Preservation Charter, Unno-juku Landscape Formation Resident Agreement

Grant measures for repairs and renovations

Frequently Asked Questions

Consultation Desk

Within the district, prior permission is required for actions that affect the exterior, such as new construction, expansion/remodeling, demolition of buildings, as well as repairs and changes in color.

This booklet also includes the flow from application to completion of construction, making it easy for owners and those wishing to utilize properties to consult at an early stage.

To "Utilize" as well as "Protect" Unno-juku

This booklet is not a rulebook to prohibit anything.

It is positioned as a "guide" for residents and those involved to reconsider what makes Unno-juku unique and how each person should engage with this townscape.

In addition, systems already established, such as subsidy programs for cultural property protection and related ordinances, have been organized and included. By structuring the booklet to allow confirmation of both the ideas fostered within the community and the rules stipulated by the system, it aims to serve as a guide when in doubt and enable those involved to act with a common understanding. We hope this publication will contribute to passing on Unno-juku to the future, respecting the efforts accumulated over time.

Handbook Overview

Name: "Our Unno-juku for the Future: Handbook for Important Preservation Districts of Historic Buildings"
Publisher: Tomi City
Publication Date: May 2026

Number of copies: 500
Cooperation: Unno-juku Preservation Society

Website: https://www.city.tomi.nagano.jp/category/bunkazai/130435.html

Inquiries

Tomi City Culture and Sports Promotion Division, Culture Promotion Section
TEL: 0268-71-0670

Email: bunka@city.tomi.nagano.jp