South of the historic centre of Usuki, this narrow pedestrian street seems to have stepped straight out of the Edo period (1603-1868). The windows of the former Shinko-ji temple, now a tea room, command a splendid view over the old stone-paved street, white volcanic stone retaining walls and the white walls and black tiled roofs of the traditional wooden houses. The 40ha/100 acre-district around this street is depicted by edifices of such rarity and harmony that they are a listed national treasure.