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Imai-cho for Japanese Architecture

©Kashihara City　　

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Imai-cho for Japanese Architecture

A town in Nara with the largest preservation district for traditional Japanese architecture in the country

Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture

During the Edo Period (1603–1867), when Nara was known as Yamato Province, Imai-cho in Kashihara was such a prosperous merchant town that a saying developed: “Seventy percent of Yamato’s gold can be found within Imai.”

Today, Imai-cho’s streets are still lined with more than 500 wooden traditional-style Japanese buildings, making it one of the country’s largest preservation districts for traditional Japanese architecture. A beautiful townscape to explore, with cafes, restaurants, and stores also housed in renovated buildings, it is so authentic that it has been used as a location for Japanese television period dramas.

Originally a temple town built around Shonenji Temple in the 16th century, Imai-cho was fortified with a moat and enclosing walls during Japan’s period of civil war. When the warlord Oda Nobunaga sought to depose the power of Buddhist institutions, Imai-cho was spared destruction after its surrender in 1575. Instead, it was granted autonomy, allowing it to flourish as a merchant town.

Historical buildings open to the public today include townhouses that once belonged to wealthy merchants and governors as well as a sake brewery and soy sauce factory, both of which are still in business.