Naramachi

An old city area of Nara is a rare sightseeing place in Japan like Kyoto and Kanazawa. The old townhouses located in the area centering on the ancient precinct of Gangoji Temple remained as they were when they were built between the Edo and Meiji periods, which makes you feel a retro atmosphere while walking.

Being built as the outer capital of Heijokyo (the capital city of the Nara period) is the origin and this town and surrounding many Buddhism temples maintained their development even after moving the capital to Heiankyo (the capital city of the Heian period) in 794. In the middle of the Edo period, the area around Sarusawa Pond thrived as a post town for “Oise-mairi (pilgrimage to Ise Jingu shrine)” and later became a center of a local industry until the middle of the Showa period. Currently, this town with a retro atmosphere has become an attractive sightseeing spot with cafes and various shops for a wide range of generations.

The "Naramachi South Tourist Information Center" is a tourist information center that utilizes traditional townhouses that were once scattered throughout the area. There are walking maps set up at the reception desk, and it's recommended to visit here first before exploring the area.

Red fabric ornaments hanging from the eaves of the townhouses and shops are charms called “Scapegoat Monkey”. This hanging charm is a tradition of “Koshin faith” remaining from the Edo period and has continued still now. This monkey is available to purchase at “Naramachi Museum” , a private museum telling the local history, so it will be a nice souvenir.