Gojo Shinmachi Street

Flow of the course

About this spot

Gojo Shinmachi Street is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where townhouses from the Edo through Meiji periods remain together. Houses with lattice doors and insect-cage windows continue for about one kilometer, and the street has little traffic, so you can walk at a leisurely pace. Another highlight is the Kuriyama Residence (栗山家住宅), said to be the oldest private house in Japan with a confirmed construction date, which faces the street. Restaurants and rest facilities housed in converted townhouses are scattered along the way, so finishing lunch here makes the afternoon flow more easily. The appeal of this course is experiencing two completely different faces in one day: a historic townscape and afternoon water play.

Tips

The townscape is also where residents live, so tell children not to peer into houses or shout. The Kuriyama Residence (栗山家住宅) is mainly viewed from the outside. Restaurants have different closing days, so if you have a particular place in mind, check its opening days in advance. There is a free information facility, and learning the outline of the town history before walking deepens your understanding.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. Timing your walk around midday lets you combine the stroll with lunch

Access & map

〒637-0041 奈良県五條市新町２丁目５