Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Naramachi is a traditional buildings preservation district located on the south side of Nara Park, where rows of townhouses and lattice-style merchant houses from the Edo to Meiji periods remain in the old town area. It once flourished as the center of commerce and townspeople culture in Nara, and the townhouses with their narrow alleys, dirt floors, and small gardens have been preserved and reused to the present day.
Today, the area is dotted with renovated old houses that house cafes, galleries, craft shops, second-hand bookstores, souvenir shops, and small museums, making it a popular strolling area that retains the historic scenery and scent of everyday life.As a tourist destination, it is attractive for strolling the quiet alleys, taking photos, shopping for traditional crafts, and experiencing things at townhouses (such as tea ceremonies and handicraft experiences).
Highlights
- Townhouse streetscape: A charming landscape of latticework, clay walls, and white-walled storehouses. Just walking down the alleys will transport you to the atmosphere of the past.
- Open old houses such as the Naramachi Lattice House: These are preserved houses that can be toured from the inside, where you can learn about everyday items and the structure of townhouses (opening days and hours vary by facility).
- Small museums and archives: Facilities and exhibition spaces that introduce the history and folklore of Naramachi. They also hold special exhibitions and workshops.
- Cafe/Sweets Shop: Take a break at this cafe, which is housed in an old Japanese house. You can enjoy local Japanese sweets, matcha green tea, and seasonal desserts.
- Craft shops and galleries: There are shops selling Nara brushes, Japanese paper, pottery, Japanese goods, and other crafts. You can also see solo exhibitions and demonstrations by artists.
- Strolling through the alleys: There are many photogenic spots, such as narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and small gardens surrounded by plants (tsubo-niwa).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: About a 10-15 minute walk from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. Both stations are adjacent to each other, making it easy to access.
- Bus: Take any Nara Kotsu line and get off at bus stops such as "Naramachi," "Higashimuki Shopping Street," or "Shonan-inmachi," then it's just a few minutes' walk.
- By car: Public transportation is recommended as the roads in the city center are narrow and parking is limited. There are paid parking lots in the area, but they tend to fill up during peak hours.
- Bicycles and walking: Nara City is densely packed with tourist attractions, so renting a bicycle or walking is convenient. Rental bicycles are available around the station.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Quick stroll: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (just walk along the main streets and enjoy the atmosphere)
- Leisurely tour: 2-3 hours (including a tour of the old houses, a cafe break, and a tour of the craft shops)
- Combine with sightseeing in the surrounding area: Half a day to a full day (when visiting Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, gardens, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Nara Park and Todaiji Temple: Within a 20-30 minute walk. A famous spot for the Great Buddha and deer.
- Kofuku-ji Temple: A famous temple where you can see a five-story pagoda and Buddhist statues. It is within walking distance of Naramachi.
- Ancient temples around Gangoji Temple and Naramachi: There are many old temples scattered around, making them easy to incorporate into walking routes.
- Isuien Garden and Nishinokyo Gardens (Isuien Garden, Yoshikien Garden, etc.): There are spots nearby where you can enjoy Japanese gardens.
- Naramachi is a cluster of small galleries and brick-and-mortar shops where you can enjoy food and crafts.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Along with surrounding tourist spots, it gets crowded during spring (cherry blossoms), autumn (autumn leaves), long holidays, and weekends. If you want a quiet stroll, we recommend weekday mornings or evenings.
- Narrow alleys: Many alleys are narrow, so be careful when passing vehicles. Strollers and large suitcases can obstruct traffic.
- Consider private property and residences: Many townhouses are places of actual living and business. Please observe local etiquette by not entering without permission, not entering gardens, and not making loud noises.
- Photography etiquette: It is okay to take photos of the exterior of a building, but if you are taking photos of the interior of a store or people, be sure to ask permission or be considerate.
- Beware of deer (Nara Park nearby): Deer are a tourist attraction, but if you get too close they may bite or poke you with their antlers. Do not feed them anything other than deer crackers, and be careful not to let them steal your belongings.
- Cash and opening hours: Small stores may only accept cash, or may have short opening hours or irregular closing days, so it's a good idea to have cash ready and check opening hours in advance.
- Barrier-free access: Many old houses have steps and narrow entrances, making some areas difficult to access with wheelchairs or strollers. Please inquire with the facility in advance.
This is an area where you can experience Nara's history and "lifestyle" in a short space of time. Take your time walking through the alleys and find your favorite place, while being mindful of crowds and manners.
