Experience a different Nara through travel

There has been a significant change in the way people from our country travel. Many who visit Japan no longer focus solely on shopping. There are also many who have been to Japan before and have moved beyond the typical photo-taking tourism, evolving into a more immersive travel experience. I often receive private messages from netizens who are eager to visit lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path places. I would like to share a spot in Nara Prefecture that is seldom visited by foreign tourists and is perfect for those who enjoy leisurely walks and photography: Imai-cho in Nara. Imai-cho began to take shape in 1503 during Japan's Warring States period. It was once an enemy of Oda Nobunaga as part of the Hongan-ji sect. However, persuaded by Akechi Mitsuhide, they surrendered to Oda Nobunaga, which changed their fate from being annihilated. Later, during the Edo period, the area prospered even more through trade with Osaka and Sakai. Today, Imai-cho has been designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan and is also recognized as a Japanese heritage site. Over 500 buildings are protected, and five have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Walking through Imai-cho is like traveling back to the Edo period. Due to the larger area and fewer tourists, strolling and street photography in Imai-cho offer a much better experience than in Kyoto. I recommend my friends to also take a turn around here. 📍Address: Imai-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture 🚃Transport: Get off at Yagi-nishiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Railway, and it's a 5-minute walk. After crossing the red Sobu Bridge, you will arrive.