Tondabayashi Jinaimachi

A religious, self-governing town developed during the Sengoku period around the Koshoji Betsuin temple. Even today, the original street layout remains largely intact, and it is the only town in Osaka Prefecture designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

The original town consisted of six streets and seven blocks centered on Koshoji Betsuin, measuring Approx. 400 m east to west and Approx. 350 m north to south—almost the same size as present-day Tondabayashi-cho. It is said that there were wooden gates at four points around the perimeter, and the gates were closed at night to maintain security. Remnants such as bent street corners, a defensive moat, and traces of earthen embankments still remain in places today, evoking its former 모습.

Of the Approx. 600 machiya townhouses in the district, around 200 still survive in their traditional form. These include the nationally designated Important Cultural Property “Former Sugiyama Residence” and the prefecture-designated Tangible Cultural Property “Nakamura Residence.” The “Former Sugiyama Residence,” once a sake brewery, is open to the public, and visitors can tour valuable interior features such as the grand tokonoma alcove, painted sliding partitions, and a spiral staircase.

Jonoma-suji, an Approx. 400 m street running north to south through the town, has been selected for “Japan’s Top 100 Roads.” It is lit up at night, making for an atmospheric evening walk through this historic town.