photo:(c)Nara City

“Naramachi” is the name that has been given to this corner of Nara City that has retained its historic townscape, and refers to the area clustered around the former grounds of Gangoji Temple, located southeast of the city center.

Nara City began as the outer capital of Heijo-kyo in the 8th century, and over the years it has transformed from a town of temples and shrines into a commercial town. Since around 1980, there have been efforts to utilize the iconic townscape, and it is now a popular area that attracts many tourists.

Its unique scenery retains the appearance of townhouses from around 1850–1910 (from Japan’s late Edo period to the Meiji period). Naramachi’s townhouses are characterized by their narrow facades and deep depth, and there are also locations with simple, massive, and eye-catching earthen walls.

photo:(c)Nara City

The area is dotted with interesting facilities, including temples, archives, and art museums. Gangoji Temple, which was moved from Asuka when the capital was relocated, is a World Heritage Site. At Gangoji Temple, the roof tiles for the Main Hall (a national treasure) and the Zen Room are originally from Hoko-ji Temple, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. Naramachi also features many other buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, such as the Imanishi Shoin Traditional House and the Fujioka Family House, which evoke a nostalgic atmosphere.

Another of Naramachi’s attractions are locations where visitors can not only see history and culture, but also experience it, such as the Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum, where you can play with toys from Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868).