* Kofukuji Temple *

　This beautiful three-storied
pagoda is the oldest structure
in Kofukuji Temple.

* Local belief-1 *

　Local people visit these stone
images of "Jizo", who is the
Buddhist guardian of children

* Old entertainment district *

This is where geisha and maiko
(apprentice geisha) work
as professional entertainers.

* Local belief-2 *

These charms are often seen
at the doorway of each house.
They are the guardians of
the family.

*Traditional medicine shop*


The oldest medicine shop
in Naramachi, which can date
back to the 12th century

* Private folklore museum *

Old household articles, wooden
shop signs, beautiful porcelain
plates and other items are exhibited.

* Old “machiya” townhouses *

The merchant house was narrow
but very deep because land taxes
were assessed on the width of the
house’s frontage.

*"Tsubo-niwa" inner garden *

There is an inner garden in the
middle of this townhouse
in order to get sunlight and
fresh air into this long house

* Lattice windows *

The lattice windows let sunlight
and breeze into the house, but they
don't let passengers look into
the house while the inhabitants
can see the outside clearly.

* Local Buddhist temples
and Shinto shrines *

　　We have two major religions
　in Japan: Buddhism and Shinto.

* Daijoin Garden *

This recently restored garden
was originally designed and laid out
by Zen-ami, the famous gardener
in the 15th century.

Inside of the houses

Be ready to take off your shoes
to go inside of the "machiya" house.