A short walk towards the seafront from Izumisano Station will take you back several centuries as you discover the maze-like, winding streets of Izumisano. Be sure to start at the Izumisano Furusato Machiyakan, which is a soy sauce shop built around 1780 that has been converted into a history museum. The building is an Izumisano City Designated Cultural Property and is the only building in the old town that visitors are allowed to enter. Guests can discover picturesque Japanese gardens and large tatami rooms, and remnants of the old shop such as the cooking stove on the ground floor. Exhibitions on local artifacts and documents gives an insight into life in the small town during the Edo period. It is managed by a specified nonprofit corporation (Senshu Sano Nigiwaihonpo), which consists of 150 members. The museum is open daily with the exception of the New Year holidays. Admission fees are ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for high school and university students. It is free for junior high school students and under, those over the age of 65, and persons with disabilities. The museum regularly hosts events like traditional performances and tea ceremonies.
The town flourished during the Edo Period with several industries at its core; agriculture, fishing, shipping transport, brewing, and cotton textiles. A mixture of these industries helped the town develop into a unique and bustling commercial district. Buildings such as old warehouses, baths, and stores are still preserved. Many local residents today still have surnames named after old place names and local businesses. The town also fascinates photographers with its contrast between its preserved cityscape and the surrounding modern buildings.