How long does it take to walk through Naramachi?

A standard self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to step inside a traditional lattice house and view the ancient tiles at Gango-ji.

What are the red hanging monkeys in Nara?

These are called Migawari-zaru, or 'substitute monkeys.' They are traditional charms in the Naramachi district intended to protect the home from bad luck and illness by acting as a decoy for the residents.

Is Naramachi worth visiting compared to Nara Park?

Yes, it offers a completely different atmosphere. While Nara Park is famous for deer and grand temples, Naramachi provides an intimate look at Edo-period merchant life and traditional Japanese architecture.

Is the walking tour Nara route accessible for seniors?

The route is very flat and easy to walk, making it ideal for seniors. However, entering traditional houses like the Koshi-no-Ie may require removing shoes and stepping over high wooden thresholds.

Can I see deer in the Naramachi district?

While the deer mostly stay in Nara Park, they occasionally wander into the northern parts of Naramachi near Sarusawa Pond. For a guaranteed deer experience, you only need to walk 5 minutes east of the pagoda.

When is the best time to visit Naramachi?

Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM is ideal. Most of the historic houses and small museums in the district open at 9:00 or 10:00 and close by 5:00 PM.

Are there any fees for this walking route?

The walk itself is free. Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie is free to enter, but Gango-ji Temple requires a paid admission fee (usually around 500 yen) if you wish to enter the temple grounds.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the famous deer park and into the winding, atmospheric alleys of Naramachi, the 'Town of Nara.' This self-guided walk invites you to explore the former merchant district, where the spirits of the Edo period still linger among beautifully preserved 'machiya' (traditional townhouses). Unlike the grand, open spaces of Nara Park, this neighborhood stroll offers an intimate look at the daily lives of the artisans, brewers, and traders who built this city's commercial legacy. This walking route highlights the unique architecture of the region, specifically the narrow-fronted houses designed to minimize property taxes based on street width. You will encounter the curious 'Migawari-zaru'—bright red cloth monkeys hanging from the eaves of homes—which act as charms to ward off bad luck and illness. The journey begins in the heart of the merchant district at the Naramachi Shiryo-kan, where the history of local commerce comes alive. From there, the path leads to Gango-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once one of the seven great temples of Nara. As you navigate the quiet lanes, you will reach the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a faithfully restored lattice house that allows you to step inside and experience the spatial ingenuity of 19th-century Japanese architecture. The final leg of this self-guided adventure transitions from the domestic to the divine, leading you to the scenic Sarusawa Pond and the towering Five-Storied Pagoda of Kofukuji. This walking tour Nara experience is perfect for those who want to see the city through a historical lens, balancing the charm of a residential neighborhood with the majesty of ancient Buddhist monuments. Whether you are a fan of traditional craftsmanship or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds, this neighborhood route provides a deep dive into the merchant secrets of historic Nara.

Highlights

Explore the 'machiya' lattice houses and their unique tax-saving designs

See the 'Migawari-zaru' charms hanging throughout the Naramachi district

Visit Gango-ji, home to Japan's oldest roof tiles from the Asuka period

Walk through the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie to see life in the Edo era

Capture the iconic reflection of Kofukuji's Pagoda in Sarusawa Pond

Tour Stops (5)

Naramachi Shiryo-kan Museum

Welcome to the heart of the old merchant district. This small, privately-run museum is the perfect introduction to Naramachi’s unique culture. As you look around, you will notice the 'Migawari-zaru' or 'substitute monkeys.' These red cloth charms are iconic to this neighborhood. Local legend says these monkeys take the place of residents when bad luck or illness strikes. Inside the museum, you can see artifacts of daily life from the Edo and Meiji periods, including traditional signboards and household items. The museum building itself is a converted warehouse, showcasing the sturdy construction required by the merchant class who once dominated this bustling trade hub.

Gango-ji (Gokurakubo)

Gango-ji is a place where history is physically layered. This UNESCO World Heritage site was originally Asuka-dera, the first true Buddhist temple in Japan, before it was moved here in the 8th century. What makes Gango-ji fascinating is how it transformed; as the temple lost its imperial patronage, the local community essentially built the Naramachi neighborhood around it. Look closely at the roof of the Zen-room and Main Hall—some of the tiles are over 1,300 years old, recognizable by their distinct reddish-brown hue and slightly irregular shapes. It is a rare survivor of the ancient capital's grandeur, now tucked quietly into a residential street.

Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Lattice House)

Step inside this 'Koshi-no-Ie' to experience the cleverness of Nara’s merchant architecture. During the Edo period, property taxes were calculated based on the width of the house facing the street. This led to the creation of 'unagi no nedoko' or 'eel’s beds'—houses that are very narrow but stretch far back into the block. The 'koshi' or lattice windows were not just for show; they allowed residents to see out while preventing passersby from looking in, and they provided essential ventilation. Explore the three distinct sections: the shop at the front, the living quarters in the middle, and the storehouse at the back, separated by small, serene courtyards.

Sarusawa Pond

As you leave the narrow streets, you emerge at Sarusawa Pond. This artificial pond, created in 749, is steeped in local folklore. The most famous tale is that of the Uneme, a beautiful lady-in-waiting who supposedly drowned herself here after losing the Emperor's favor. On a clear day, the pond provides a perfect mirror image of the Kofukuji Pagoda. It is a favorite spot for locals to sit and watch the turtles sunbathe on the rocks. This area serves as a physical bridge between the merchant world of Naramachi and the sacred temple grounds of the Kofukuji complex just above the stairs.

Five Storied Pagoda - Kofukuji Temple

Standing at 50.1 meters, this is the second-tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. The current structure dates to 1426, though it has been rebuilt five times following various fires. It serves as the landmark of Nara and a symbol of the Fujiwara clan's immense power during the Nara period. The pagoda was built without nails, using a complex wood-joining system that allows it to sway and absorb the energy of earthquakes—a testament to ancient engineering. While the interior is rarely open to the public, the exterior’s graceful proportions and the surrounding temple grounds offer a grand conclusion to your walk through the city's layers of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route starts at the Naramachi Shiryo-kan to understand the merchant culture, winds through the narrow alleys to see the Machiya houses, and ends at Kofukuji Temple. This path covers approximately 1.5 kilometers and captures both the residential charm and the historic temple architecture.