A preserved Edo-Meiji merchant district in Uchiko town, prospered from wood wax (mokuro) production; nationally designated Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings.

The Yokaichi-Gokoku district of Uchiko town developed as a commercial center from the mid-Edo period onward, prospering through the production and trade of mokuro (wood wax) extracted from the wax tree (Rhus succedanea). From the late 18th century into the early 19th century, wealthy merchants const…