Former Isshinase Post Office

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Haze district along the middle reaches of the Haze River in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, the Former Ichishi Haze Post Office (旧一志波瀬郵便局) stands as a charming reminder of early Showa-era rural Japan. Built in 1931, this modest wooden building served the local community as a post office for over four decades before closing its doors in 1972. In 2019, it was officially registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property, recognized for the way it preserves the distinctive character of regional post office architecture from a bygone era. Today, the building has been lovingly transformed into a retro-themed café, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time while enjoying coffee and light meals in a space brimming with Showa-period nostalgia.

Historical Background

The Haze district of what is now Tsu City has a long history rooted in the Edo period, when the area was governed as part of Wakayama Domain territory. The village of Haze sat along the Haze River in the southern part of the former Ichishi District, a rural community sustained by agriculture and forestry in the gentle hills of central Mie Prefecture.

When the Former Ichishi Haze Post Office was constructed in 1931 (Showa 6), Japan was modernizing rapidly, and the postal service played a vital role in connecting remote communities with the wider nation. The building was designed to serve both as a public service facility and as a residence for duty officers who kept the postal operations running. It continued to function as a post office until 1972 (Showa 47), faithfully serving the community through wartime and the postwar reconstruction era.

After its closure, the building was preserved by local residents who recognized its historical value. Around 2017, it was renovated and reopened as a café named "Kopos" (古POS), a clever wordplay combining "old" (古い) with "post" (ポスト). The renovation carefully maintained the original architectural features while adapting the interior for its new purpose. In 2019, the building's historical and architectural significance was formally acknowledged when it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.

Reasons for Cultural Property Designation

The Former Ichishi Haze Post Office was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property on September 10, 2019 (Registration No. 24-267), under the criterion of serving as a model of architectural form. The designation recognizes the building as a valuable example of regional post office architecture from the early Showa period.

According to the official description by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the building is significant because it preserves the characteristic layout and design of rural post offices from this era. The single-story wooden structure features a hip roof with pantile roofing, a gabled entrance porch on the south side of the facade, and weatherboard-clad exterior walls finished with paint and punctuated by tall, narrow windows. Inside, the L-shaped floor plan separates the eastern section, which housed the public-facing office and service areas, from the western section containing night-duty rooms and staff quarters. This functional division of space is considered representative of how small post offices operated in rural Japan during the prewar and early postwar periods, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the social infrastructure of regional communities.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions

The Former Ichishi Haze Post Office is a single-story wooden building with a total floor area of 84 square meters. Its hip-roofed form, covered in traditional pantiles, gives it a dignified yet approachable appearance typical of public buildings from the 1930s. The main facade faces east toward the road, presenting a symmetrical composition that immediately identifies it as a building of civic importance.

One of the most distinctive features is the gabled entrance porch projecting from the south end of the front elevation. This small but prominent element serves as a welcoming gesture, guiding visitors into the building. The exterior walls are clad in horizontal weatherboard and painted, a finishing technique commonly used in Western-influenced Japanese architecture of the Meiji and Taisho eras that continued into the early Showa period.

The tall, narrow windows set into the facade are another hallmark of the building's design, providing ample natural light to the interior while lending the exterior a rhythmic, orderly appearance. Inside, the original spatial arrangement can still be appreciated: the eastern portion of the L-shaped plan, where postal business was once conducted, now serves as the main café seating area, while the former night-duty rooms and residential quarters in the western section have been adapted for additional seating.

Standing in front of the building is a vintage red cylindrical mailbox, a quintessential symbol of Japan's postal heritage that perfectly complements the historic architecture. The interior of the café is filled with Showa-era memorabilia, including vintage toys, old-fashioned candy packaging, and nostalgic signage, creating an immersive atmosphere that transports visitors back to mid-20th century Japan.

Visitor Information

The Former Ichishi Haze Post Office is located at 2210-1 Wakazono, Ichishi-cho Haze, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture (postal code 515-2522). It sits in the center of the Haze settlement along the Haze River, in the southwestern part of Tsu City.

Access by Public Transportation

From Kintetsu Kawai-Takaoka Station, take the Sanco Bus bound for Muro-no-kuchi and alight at Haze-shisho-mae (approximately 20 minutes). The building is a short walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, JR Meisho Line stations such as Iseki Station or Ise-Oi Station are within a few kilometers, though a taxi or bus connection is recommended from these stations.

Access by Car

From the Ise Expressway, take the Ichishi-Ureshino Interchange and drive approximately 35 minutes along Mie Prefectural Route 43 (Ichishi-Misugi Line), which follows the Haze River valley. There is limited parking available beside the building and in a shared lot between the former and current Haze Post Office buildings, accommodating around five to six vehicles.

Please note that as the building currently operates as a café, visiting hours and availability may vary. It is advisable to check ahead before visiting, especially if traveling from a distance.

Surrounding Attractions

The Haze area and the wider Ichishi district offer several attractions for visitors who wish to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this quiet corner of Mie Prefecture.

Mount Yazu (矢頭山) — Located to the south of the Haze settlement, Mount Yazu rises to 730 meters and offers a rewarding hiking experience with panoramic views of the Ise Plain and Ise Bay from the summit. The trail is considered challenging, with steep sections requiring ropes, making it best suited for experienced hikers.

Yazu-no-Osugi (矢頭の大杉) — A giant cedar tree designated as a Mie Prefecture Natural Monument, located within the grounds of the Haze Shrine's rear sanctuary (Yazu Chugu). The tree's massive trunk and towering presence create a powerful sense of natural majesty.

Yazu Chugu Campground (矢頭中宮キャンプ場) — A camping facility nestled among the cedars at the foot of Mount Yazu, offering log cabin accommodations, barbecue facilities, and tent sites beside a clear mountain stream. Open from May through September.

Tokotome-no-Sato Ichishi / Ichishi Onsen Yasuragi-no-Yu — A community hot spring facility in the Ichishi area where visitors can relax in natural thermal waters after a day of sightseeing.

Ise-Sanjo Ifukudenji Temple (伊勢山上飯福田寺) — An ancient mountain temple approximately 3.4 kilometers away, known for its dramatic mountain-climbing ascetic practice route along rocky cliffs, offering a unique spiritual and physical challenge.