Stroll through traditional Japanese houses, explore hidden cafes and a classic sake brewery in “Imaicho”

Kintetsu Railway and fromJapan invite everyone to visit “Imaicho,” a town often referred to as the “City of Miracles.” Imaicho is home to many fascinating attractions, including its historic old town and well-preserved charm. The captivating atmosphere of this town serves as a gateway to discovering ancient Japan, beautifully intertwined with the present.

Index

• 1.Imaicho, “City of Miracles,” boasts a rich history spanning from the Muromachi to the Sengoku periods.
• 2.Strolling Through Imaicho: Immersing in the Past
• 3.Exploring Hidden Retro Cafes and a Famous Sake Brewery

Imaicho, “City of Miracles,” boasts a rich history spanning from the Muromachi, Sengoku periods to nowadays.

Imaicho (今井町) is historically significant as a “City of Miracles” that has survived wars and destruction, making it one of the largest and most important areas in Japan dedicated to preserving traditional architecture.

During its golden age, Imaicho became the financial center of the region, especially during the Edo period, which served as a thriving trading hub. It was even said that 70% of the gold in Yamato (Nara) was concentrated in Imaicho.

Imaicho’s wealth and prosperity are evident in its architecture, especially in the traditional houses known as Machiya. These houses are distinguished by their ornate tiled roofs and beautifully crafted white terracotta walls. Notably, 500 out of the original 700 houses from that era have been preserved and passed down to the present day.

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Explore Imaicho and experience the atmosphere of the past through its traditional architecture and houses.

From the very beginning, you can experience ancient Japan. If you walk from Yagi Station, go to the west exit, you’ll find Sobubashi Bridge (蘇武橋) with its eye-catching bright red railings. From this area, you can first admire the historic old town.

As mentioned earlier, Imaicho is an old town with 500 houses, passed down through generations, out of a total of 700. These houses have been registered as traditional historical buildings and are open to visitors, allowing them to experience life in the past firsthand.

For those who want to find out more information about the town, we recommend visiting “Imaicho City Exchange Center” (or Hanairaka), a traditional building located in the southern part of the district. Here, visitors can learn about the city’s history and receive accompanying documents.

Imaicho has done an impressive job of preserving its ancient architecture. Exploring the city on foot is truly a rewarding experience. The narrow alleyways are perfect for strolls. Additionally, many traditional houses are open to the public or have been converted into charming hidden cafes, which we will introduce in the next section.

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Exploring Retro-Style Cafes and Famous Sake Brewery

If you’re feeling a bit worn out from wandering the charming winding alleys of the traditional houses that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, why not take a break and check out one of the cozy hidden cafes in the city? They’re perfect for a nice pause!

Just a short walk across Sobu Bridge from the train station, you’ll find Hackberry Cafe, identifiable by its large elm tree. The interior design blends Japanese and Western architecture, and it’s open from lunch to dinner.

Popular menu items include “Champagne Omelet Rice” is a visually stunning dish, and the “Homemade Black Curry” is another must-try!

For those who prefer something refreshing, head to Unomachi Coffee (うのまち珈琲店), a book café famous for its “Seasonal Fruit Parfait” and “Colorful Cream Soda.”

Besides delicious drinks and desserts, the café also offers lunch menus featuring Japanese-style curry using dashi for a rich flavor. The atmosphere is chill and relaxing, perfect for those who enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle.

Next up is Cafe Saryo Hyakudai (茶寮 百代), a hidden café in a tranquil setting. The storefront is decorated with Japanese-style white curtains, and inside there are both tables and tatami mat seating, allowing you to enjoy the small garden.

A recommended menu item is the delicate “Apple Compote” made with a whole apple for a perfectly sweet taste. Another charming menu features a special drink for each season that you can taste through all four seasons.

Moreover, don’t miss the “Zenzai” at Cafe Kannadzuki (神奈月) This is a menu that you can only try during the cold winter season. It’s rumoured to be incredibly delicious, especially the freshly grilled mochi, known for its soft texture and fragrant aroma. When you take a bite, you’ll experience the fluffy texture of the mochi, perfectly complemented by the sweet and delicate red bean paste.

The food at this place is so delicious that you won’t want to stop eating! In addition to their tasty dishes, they also offer adorable cat-shaped skewers as a fun gimmick. If you’re looking to relax while enjoying great food, this is a place you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Besides the must-visit cafes, another place you absolutely have to see when visiting Imaicho is “Kawai Shuzo,” the only sake brewery in the town.

This place is special because it has been in business since the Edo period. The exterior is a beautiful old building worth admiring, and inside, you can participate in a sake tasting event featuring three different types of Japanese sake through a tasting set.

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Getting to Imaicho is easy by Kintetsu Railway.

• 1.Traveling from major cities:

– From Osaka: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Osaka-Namba Station to Yamato-Yagi Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

– From Kyoto: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Kyoto Station to Yamato-Yagi Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

– From Nara: Take the Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nara Station to Yamato-Saidaiji Station. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Then, transfer to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line and get off at Yamato-Yagi Station. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

*From Kintetsu-Nara Station to Imaicho takes 30 minutes.

• 2.From Yamato-Yagi Station:

– Upon arriving at Yamato-Yagi Station, you can choose to walk to Imaicho town, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

– Alternatively, you can take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line train and get off at Yagi-Nishiguchi Station, from where you can walk a shorter distance of only 3-5 minutes.

*If you are taking the Kintetsu Limited Express train on this route, you will need two tickets:

• Basic Fare Ticket:

You can purchase a basic fare ticket at the station. Alternatively, you can use an IC Card or KINTETSU RAIL PASS. For the route to Imaicho, you must use a KINTETSU RAIL PASS 2-day, 5-day, or 5-day plus. A 1-day pass does not cover this route.

• Limited Express Ticket:

Reservations for this special train are required for each seat. For more information on the route and train schedules, please visit >> https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/about/limited_express/index.html

Website for booking tickets: https://www.ticket.kintetsu.co.jp/vs/en/T/TZZ/TZZ10.do?op=tDisplayVisitorMenu

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From our tour today, it’s clear that Imaicho is a charming city that is rich in history and suitable for people of all ages. Whether you’re interested in learning about traditional Japanese culture, observing the sake-making process, strolling through an ancient town, or enjoying the atmosphere of lovely cafes, Imaicho is the perfect place to visit.

Ref :

https://www.city.kashihara.nara.jp/soshiki/1063/gyomu/1/2/1/3830.html

https://kashihara-kanko.or.jp/feature/detail.php?fid=7

https://www.gdrc.org/heritage/imai-cho/imai-cho.html

Kintetsu Railway Official Website

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