Tamashima is a region in the western part of Kurashiki City.
Until it merged with Kurashiki City and Kojima City in 1967, it was Tamashima City.
During the Edo period, Tamashima flourished as a port of call for Kitamaebune trading ships. Traces of the merchant town once known as “Naniwa of the West” remain in its historic preservation district. The shopping streets retain the atmosphere of the Showa era and have also served as film locations. There are many places steeped in history, including Entsu-ji Temple, where the Zen monk Ryokan trained, and Haguro Shrine, which has watched over the port town.
