Imai-cho, located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, is a historic district renowned for its remarkably well-preserved traditional streetscape. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it retains numerous historic homes and merchant houses. Its distinctive atmosphere has even earned it the nickname “the Venice of the East.”
Imai-cho flourished as a merchant town from the Sengoku period through the Edo period. It developed as a self-governing community, and many of its streets and buildings still evoke the appearance of a Japanese town several centuries ago. Often described as one of Japan’s oldest self-governing towns, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the history and architecture of a traditional commercial center.
The history of Imai-cho dates back to the Sengoku period, when it developed into a fortified town with a substantial degree of local autonomy. During the latter half of the 16th century, it became involved in the conflicts of powerful warlords, including Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After these turbulent years, the town prospered as a center of commerce.
Historic residences and merchant houses remain scattered throughout the district. Their imposing wooden structures, traditional façades, and carefully preserved architectural details offer a vivid impression of the town’s former prosperity.
Imai Machiya-kan is a useful starting point for exploring the district. This facility introduces the history and culture of Imai-cho, helping visitors understand how the town developed and how people lived during the Edo period.
Other important buildings include the Imanishi Family Residence and the Former Kometani Family Residence. These historic houses preserve traditional wooden architecture and provide insight into the lifestyles of the merchants and influential families who helped shape the town.
The Imanishi Family Residence has a history connected with the Tōichi clan. In 1566, Tōichi Tōkatsu was driven from his stronghold by Tsutsui Junkei and fled to Imai. Kawai Kiyonaga, a member of the same extended family, subsequently settled in the area. In 1575, the local forces fought Oda Nobunaga’s army and were defeated. Nobunaga later pardoned them and recognized the town’s autonomy, including the right to administer justice.
The residence was rebuilt in 1650. Its unusual structure retains features associated with its former judicial functions, including an area resembling a traditional courthouse and a prison room known as an ibushirō. The building is also called Yatsumune-zukuri, or the “eight-ridge style,” because of its distinctive roof structure. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property on June 18, 1957, and is open to the public.
The Toyota Family Residence was associated with the trade name “Kamihachi.” The property was originally owned by the Makimura family, who operated a timber business and engaged in finance. Known as Nishi no Kiya, the family accumulated considerable wealth and served as a financial agent for the Fukui Domain, including providing financial support to Matsudaira Shungaku, its lord.
Following the Meiji Restoration, the abandonment of loans made to feudal lords contributed to the family’s departure from Imai-cho. The residence dates to 1662 and is among the older surviving buildings in the district. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property on May 15, 1972.
The Ueda Family Residence was known by the trade name “Tsuboya.” According to family tradition, its ancestry can be traced to Kataoka Harutoshi, lord of Kataoka Castle. After the castle fell, the family moved to Imai in 1571. From 1679 onward, it served as one of the town’s senior administrative families alongside the Imanishi and Ozaki families.
A prayer talisman dated 1744 survives at the residence, and the building is believed to date from around that time. Its imposing hip-and-gable roof and distinctive west-facing entrance are among its notable architectural features. The residence was designated a National Important Cultural Property on May 15, 1972.
Shonenji is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha school of Buddhism and once served as a spiritual center for Imai-cho. According to tradition, the temple was founded by Kawase Gonhachiro, a member of the Kawase family, whose ancestors had ruled Kawase Castle in Omi Province. After entering the Buddhist priesthood, he established the temple.
The main hall was rebuilt in the early modern period. On May 23, 2002, it became the first temple of the Jodo Shinshu tradition outside the main head temple to be designated a National Important Cultural Property.
Known as Hana-iraka, this building serves as an information and cultural center for visitors exploring Imai-cho. Completed in 1903, it originally housed the former Takaichi District Educational Museum. It was built as an important educational institution after the original main building of the former Imperial Nara Museum and later served as the Imai-cho municipal office from 1929.
Today, the center introduces the town’s history through exhibitions, audiovisual presentations, scale models, and a reading room. Admission is free. It is closed on Mondays, or the following day when Monday is a public holiday, as well as from December 25 to January 5. Paid parking is available.
Known by the trade name “Tsubohachi,” the Maruta Family Residence was formerly associated with the Ueda family, who operated a fertilizer business. The main house was rebuilt in 1805, and the property also includes structures dating back approximately another 50 years.
Five buildings—the main house, retirement residence, inner storehouse, warehouse, and workshop—are designated Nara Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties. The residence is not open to the public.
The Yamao Family Residence was known as “Shindoya” and operated as a money-changing business. The family originally came from Shindo Village in Tōichi District and became an important part of Imai-cho’s commercial life. During the late Edo period, a family member served as a senior town official. The residence is also known for hosting Kido Takayoshi when Emperor Meiji visited the area.
Five buildings—the main house, reception rooms, inner storehouse, retirement residence, and eastern storehouse—are designated Nara Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties. The family’s wealth was celebrated in a local saying that praised Shindoya’s riches as extending even to its entrance hall.
The Former Jofukuji Kannon Hall was built in 1613. A ridge tag dated to the sixteenth day of the seventh month of that year survives, providing valuable evidence of its history. The hall enshrines the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a Buddhist manifestation of compassion.
In 1681, the temple became affiliated with Myorakuji Temple on Mount Tonomine, a temple of the Tendai school. The historic hall still stands within the grounds of Kasuga Shrine in Imai-cho 3-chome, Kashihara City.
Kasuga Shrine was established on the former site of the Imanishi family residence and served as the guardian shrine of Jofukuji Temple. Although its exact founding date is unknown, a stone lantern bearing an inscription dated 1652 indicates that the shrine already existed by that time.
The grounds contain 49 donated stone lanterns, some of which reflect the commercial connections between Imai-cho and merchants from Sakai and Osaka during the Edo period. The annual festival takes place on a Saturday and Sunday near the end of September. Before World War II, the celebrations included seven festival floats representing different neighborhoods.
Further attractions include the Kamihan Toyota Memorial Museum, the Nakazawa Family Residence, and the Imai Town Planning Center. Small green spaces, including Imai Children’s Park and Kita-Kango Small Park, also contribute to preserving the character and landscape of the historic district.
Imai-cho offers a different atmosphere in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms brighten the historic streets. Summer brings lush greenery, while autumn leaves create a striking contrast with the traditional wooden buildings. Winter is often quieter, allowing visitors to appreciate the town’s architecture in a peaceful setting. When snow falls, the old houses can take on an especially atmospheric appearance.
Imai-cho is approximately a 10-minute walk from Yagi-Nishiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Railway network. The district can be explored on foot, making it easy to appreciate the narrow streets, historic façades, and traditional buildings at a relaxed pace.
Nearby attractions include Kashihara Jingu Shrine and the historic village of Asuka. Combining these destinations with a walk through Imai-cho makes for a rewarding journey through the history of ancient and early modern Japan.
Imai-cho preserves an exceptional streetscape where traditional merchant houses and historic buildings convey the atmosphere of an earlier age. As you wander through its quiet lanes, you can discover the architectural heritage, commercial history, and community traditions that shaped this remarkable town. With cultural attractions and seasonal scenery to enjoy throughout the year, Imai-cho is an appealing destination for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s past.