Naramachi

Naramachi is the atmospheric historic merchant quarter that grew up around Gangoji temple and the former precincts of that once-vast temple complex. The narrow lanes are lined with beautifully preserved machiya townhouses from the Edo period, characterized by their narrow facades and deep interiors, a design that minimized street-frontage taxes. Today these charming wooden buildings house an eclectic mix of specialty shops, artisan workshops, contemporary art galleries, cozy cafes, and small museums including the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a restored townhouse open for free viewing. Look for the distinctive red migawari-zaru monkey charms hanging at doorways throughout the neighborhood, believed to ward off misfortune by taking on suffering in place of the household's residents. The district is a delight to explore on foot, with something interesting around every corner and a pace far removed from the busier tourist areas around Nara Park.