Imai-cho (今井町)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Imai-cho in Kashihara City is a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where Edo-period townhouses survive together in one area. Rows of houses with white walls and latticed doors follow the narrow streets, and simply walking makes you feel the era has changed around you. At the entrance to the town, the Imai Machinami Exchange Center Hana-Iraka introduces the town's origins and the construction of its townhouses in an easy-to-follow way, which makes a good starting point for children's curiosity. There are places to eat and townhouses where you can rest along the streets, so taking lunch here makes for a natural flow. The splash park is about 10 minutes away by car, so the afternoon move is nothing to worry about.

Tips

The townscape is also where people live, so tell your children not to peer into the houses or raise their voices. The streets are narrow with many one-way sections, so parking in a nearby lot and walking is the safest choice. Some streets have little shade, so bring a hat and drinks and keep the walk short. Restaurants have different closing days, so if you have somewhere particular in mind, check its opening days in advance.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 20 minutes. Timing the walk with the lunch hour lets you cover the walk and the meal in one go

Access & map

〒634-0812 Imai-cho, Kashihara City, Nara (奈良県橿原市今井町)