Naramachi Old Town
Explore Nara's atmospheric merchant quarter in beautifully preserved Edo-period streets
Naramachi developed during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a prosperous merchant town south of Nara's great temples. The district grew around Gangoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples dating from the early 7th century. Wealthy merchants built distinctive machiya townhouses along narrow streets, creating a dense urban fabric of traditional wooden buildings. These long, narrow structures, called 'unagi-no-nedoko' (eel's nest) due to their shape, featured shops at the front, living quarters in the middle, and workshops or storehouses at the rear.
The townhouses developed unique architectural features adapted to Nara's climate and merchant needs. Lattice fronts (koshi) provided privacy while allowing ventilation, tiled roofs with decorative ridge-end tiles reflected wealth, and interior courtyards brought light and air into deep buildings. A distinctive feature of Naramachi houses is the hanging red monkey dolls called 'migawari-zaru' (substitute monkey) displayed at entrances, believed to ward off evil and disease. This tradition continues today with red monkeys visible throughout the district.
While many Japanese towns demolished historic districts during modernization, Naramachi largely survived and has been preserved as an important example of Edo-period merchant culture. Several townhouses have been converted into museums, including the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie which offers free admission to explore traditional merchant house architecture. The district now blends preservation with contemporary use, with traditional buildings housing craft shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries, creating a living historic district rather than a museum piece.
Key Highlights
- Well-preserved Edo-period merchant district with machiya townhouses
- Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie traditional house museum (free admission)
- Distinctive red 'migawari-zaru' monkey dolls hanging at entrances
- Gangoji Temple - UNESCO World Heritage Site from 7th century
- Traditional craft shops selling Nara-zuke pickles, ink, and calligraphy
- Converted machiya cafes serving traditional sweets and modern fusion
- Easy 10-minute walk from Nara Park and major temples
- Free to explore streets, individual attractions have varied pricing
Access Information
Location
Naramachi area, Nara City, Nara (south of Sarusawa Pond)
Nearest Stations
- • Kintetsu Nara Station - 10-minute walk south through shopping arcade
- • JR Nara Station - 20-minute walk east, or 10-minute bus ride
Opening Hours
Streets accessible 24 hours. Shops and cafes: typically 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed irregularly (many closed Mondays). Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie Museum: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Mondays. Gangoji Temple: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
Admission Fee
Free to walk the district. Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie: Free admission. Gangoji Temple: ¥500 adults, ¥250 students. Shops, cafes, and restaurants have individual pricing. Museums ¥300-¥500.
How to Get There
From Kintetsu Nara Station
Exit station, walk south through Higashimuki shopping arcade, pass Sarusawa Pond on your right, Naramachi begins immediately south of the pond. Well-signed in English.
10 minutes
From Nara Park/Todai-ji
Walk west from Nara Park toward town center, pass Sarusawa Pond, continue south into Naramachi district (15 minutes on foot from Todai-ji area)
15 minutes
From Osaka/Kyoto
Take Kintetsu Limited Express to Kintetsu Nara Station (45 min from Osaka Namba, 50 min from Kyoto), then walk 10 minutes south
45-60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Walking the District
The core area is compact - allow 2-3 hours for leisurely exploration including museum and cafe stop. Pick up a free map at tourist information near Kintetsu Nara Station. The main streets are Naramachi-dori and Moto-Gangoji-dori. Wander side alleys for hidden cafes and shops.
Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie
Free traditional townhouse museum is a must-visit to understand machiya architecture. See lattice fronts, interior courtyards, storage areas, and living quarters. English explanations available. Helpful staff can answer questions. Visit early to avoid tour groups. Takes 20-30 minutes.
Photography Subjects
Red migawari-zaru monkeys hanging at entrances are iconic. Traditional lattice facades and narrow lanes create atmospheric shots. Gangoji Temple's ancient tiles. Converted machiya cafes with traditional exteriors. Morning or late afternoon light best for street photography.
Dining & Cafes
Many converted machiya cafes serve matcha desserts and traditional sweets (¥800-¥1,500). Restaurants offer Nara specialties like kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi) and yamato-mana (local vegetables). Lunch sets ¥1,000-¥2,000. Reservations recommended for popular cafes on weekends.
Traditional Crafts
Shop for Nara-zuke pickles (sake-marinated vegetables), sumi ink sticks, calligraphy brushes, deer-motif souvenirs, and traditional textiles. Yu Nakagawa shop sells beautiful handmade textiles. Takayama Chaho offers high-quality tea. Prices range from affordable to artisan-level.
Gangoji Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site with 7th-century origins. The main hall and pagoda use original tiles from 1,300 years ago. Peaceful garden with stone Buddhas. Less crowded than Nara's major temples but equally historically significant. English pamphlet available. Allow 30-40 minutes.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) less crowded than afternoons and weekends. Afternoon light (2:00-4:00 PM) creates nice shadows on traditional streets. Many shops closed Mondays - avoid if possible. Any season works but spring and autumn most pleasant for walking.
Combining with Nara Park
Perfect complement to Nara Park's temples and deer - combine both in full-day itinerary. Visit major temples in morning, walk through Naramachi in afternoon for lunch and shopping. The district offers more intimate, human-scale experience compared to grand temple compounds. 10-minute walk between areas.
FAQ
How long should I spend exploring Naramachi?
A thorough exploration including several machiya houses, shops, cafes, and museums takes 2-3 hours. Casual wandering with stops at a few locations takes 60-90 minutes. If combining with lunch or extensive shopping at craft stores, allow a half-day. The compact area is easily walkable.
What are machiya houses?
Machiya are traditional wooden townhouses, narrow and deep, built by merchants and artisans. Several preserved machiya in Naramachi are open as museums, shops, or cafes. Their architecture features latticed facades, inner gardens, and traditional interiors. Some allow interior visits to experience historic living spaces.
Which machiya houses should I visit?
Koshi-no-Ie (free admission) is an excellent preserved merchant house showing traditional architecture and lifestyle. Naramachi Shiryokan museum is also free and informative. Some machiya operate as cafes or shops, allowing you to experience the architecture while enjoying refreshments or browsing crafts.
What are the red monkey dolls hanging everywhere?
Migawari-zaru (substitute monkeys) are traditional talismans believed to take on misfortune in place of the owner. These cloth monkey dolls hang from eaves throughout Naramachi, creating distinctive streetscapes. They're sold as souvenirs and represent local folk belief unique to Nara.
Are there good cafes and restaurants in Naramachi?
Excellent cafes and restaurants fill the district, many in converted machiya houses. Options range from traditional Japanese tea houses to modern cafes and international cuisine. Lunch spots can get crowded (12-1:30pm), so arrive early or late. Many serve local Nara specialties and seasonal ingredients.
What local crafts can I buy?
Naramachi specializes in traditional crafts including Nara-sarashi linen, Akahada-yaki pottery, Nara-ningyo dolls, and Nara-fude brushes. Many shops allow you to watch artisans at work. Prices range from affordable small items to investment pieces. These crafts make meaningful, locally-made souvenirs.
Is Naramachi crowded compared to Nara Park?
Naramachi is significantly less crowded than Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, offering a quieter experience. Weekdays are particularly peaceful. The residential nature means fewer tour groups and more opportunity for contemplative wandering. It's a welcome contrast to the busy main sights.
Can I combine Naramachi with other Nara attractions?
Absolutely. Naramachi is walking distance from Nara Park, Todai-ji, and Kofuku-ji temples (10-15 minutes). A typical itinerary visits the major temples and deer park in the morning, then explores quieter Naramachi in the afternoon for lunch and shopping. This balances famous sights with local atmosphere.
Are there English signs and information?
English signage is limited compared to major tourist sites. Some machiya houses have English pamphlets. Shop staff typically have basic English. The area is best enjoyed through wandering and observation. Consider downloading information beforehand or using translation apps for deeper understanding.
Is the area accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Streets are narrow and some have traditional stone paving which can be bumpy. Most main streets are paved and relatively flat, making wheelchair and stroller navigation possible though tight in places. Some machiya houses have steps at entrances. Overall, it's more accessible than mountainside temples but less than modern areas.
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