Imai Town: "Little Kyoto of Yamato" with Japan's Largest Scale Edo Period Streetscapes

One of Japan's Largest Historic Streetscapes

Imai Town in Kashihara City is one of the nation's largest Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, with about 500 traditional townhouses remaining. Sometimes called the Little Kyoto of Yamato, its appeal lies in a lived-in townscape that has not been over-commercialized, inviting a stroll that feels like stepping back in time.

From Temple Town to Autonomous City

Imai Town originated in 1533 as a temple town centered on Shonenji, a training hall of the Ikko sect (Jodo Shinshu). Surrounded by moats and earthen walls for defense, it developed into a merchant and autonomous city, prospering enough to be called Imai's Thousand Houses and maintaining independent self-governance.

Edo Period Merchant Houses

The town retains about 500 traditional buildings, including merchant houses such as the former Kometani, Ueda, and Nakahashi residences. Streets lined with latticed doors, insect-cage windows, and slatted windows are frequently used as period drama filming locations. The town contains nine designated Important Cultural Properties comprising twelve buildings.

Imanishi Family Residence

The Imanishi Family Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is the most prestigious house in Imai. Its substantial, castle-like structure is called yatsumune construction, and the current building was rebuilt in 1650, conveying the dignity of the town elder who oversaw local self-governance. Interior tours reveal spaces such as an area resembling a former judicial court.

Practical Travel Notes

From Kintetsu Yagi-Nishiguchi Station it is about an 8-minute walk southwest, and Yamato-Yagi Station is also within walking distance. The district was selected as an Important Preservation District in 1993. Imai remains a living town where residents still live, so avoid entering private property or photographing interiors without permission. Streets are narrow with occasional car traffic, so take care when walking. Interior-open houses often have limited days and hours, so confirm in advance. In summer, shade is scarce, so bring water and a hat.

Tips

The pleasure of Imai lies in savoring its quiet, lived-in streetscape at a relaxed pace. Combine it with Kashihara Jingu and the ancient sites of Asuka for a fuller day of Nara history. Picking up a tourist map at the Hanairaka visitor center before you start helps you cover the highlights efficiently.

📚 Sources

This article is based on guidance from Kashihara City and the Kashihara Tourism Association, public information from the bodies and museums involved in preserving the Imaicho townscape, and on-site information boards. The hours of open townhouses and museums may change, so please confirm with the Kashihara Tourism Association or each facility before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about one to two hours to stroll the preserved townscape.
• What to prepare: Easy-walking shoes for the old streets.
• How to tour: Wander the merchant townhouses on foot, and visit any open interiors.
• Manners: Many houses are lived in, so be considerate of residents.
• Before you go: Confirm facility hours in advance, as they may change.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Imai-cho is a living townscape where residents go about their daily lives, and there is no admission fee. The practical information below is based on the Imai Machinami Exchange Centre Hanairaka, the natural base for a stroll around the district.

• Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Admission: Free of charge
• Parking: The Imai Machinami Hiroba car park immediately west of Hanairaka (maximum 48 vehicles). 200 yen for up to 1 hour, 300 yen for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, 410 yen for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and 520 yen for more than 2 hours. Free if you leave within 30 minutes of entering. Entry and exit are possible 7:00 to 23:00, open every day
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Yagi-Nishiguchi Station / about an 8-minute walk from JR Unebi Station / about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station
• Visiting the Imanishi Family Residence: Public viewing is strictly by advance reservation. You must apply by the day before, either by telephone (0744-25-3388) or through the reservation form on the official website
• Note for drivers: The roads within the preservation district are extremely narrow and it is difficult for cars to pass one another. Park in one of the car parks nearby and explore the district on foot

* The closing days of Hanairaka are not stated on the official website.

(Sources: Kashihara City official website, "Imai Machinami Exchange Centre Hanairaka" and "Imai-cho"; Kashihara City tourist information site; Toichi Agatanushi Imanishi Family Preservation Society official website)