Japan Quests
Heritage
Old towns in Japan — 92 preserved townscape districts
重要伝統的建造物群保存地区
This collection presents 92 officially protected traditional townscapes across Japan, designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. These old towns in Japan include machiya merchant rows, historic castle towns, and rural villages. Each location listed here has been preserved for its architectural and historical significance, offering examples of traditional Japanese urban and rural planning.
The list covers 38 of Japan's 47 prefectures, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Examples include the post station towns of Tsumago-juku in Nagano and Ōuchi-juku in Fukushima, the merchant district of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama, and the samurai residences of Chiran in Kagoshima. Other notable inclusions are the historic streets of Sawara in Chiba and the fishing village of Ine-ura in Kyoto.
Travellers can use this list to locate and explore these preserved areas, which represent various aspects of Japan's cultural heritage. The collection provides a geographic overview of these sites, allowing for itinerary planning that incorporates multiple traditional townscapes across different regions.
Aomori 青森
Nakachō
弘前市仲町Nakachō: Aomori, Japan. Discover traditional townscapes in this historic district.
Nakamachi Komise Street
中町こみせ通りExperience traditional Japan in Aomori! Nakamachi Komise Street offers unique covered komise walkways for a charming stroll.
Iwate 岩手
Kanegasaki Jōnai Suwa-kōji
金ケ崎町城内諏訪小路Historic district in Kanegasaki, Japan. A designated area of traditional buildings and streets.
Akita 秋田
Kakunodate
角館Kakunodate, a beautiful Akita townscape. Stroll through samurai districts and admire traditional architecture.
Masuda, Yokote
横手市増田伝統的建造物群保存地区Historic Akita charm: Masuda Traditional Buildings Preservation Area invites you to step back in time. Discover its unique allure.
Fukushima 福島
Ōuchi-juku
大内宿
Maesawa, Minamiaizu
南会津町前沢Maezawa, a Traditional Townscape of Japan, preserves ancient village life.
Ibaraki 茨城
Makabe
桜川市真壁Makabe: an Ibaraki gem in Sakuragawa, offering Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Tochigi 栃木
Kauemonchō
嘉右衛門町Kauemonchō in Tochigi, Japan, is a designated Traditional Townscape, offering a glimpse into historic Japan.
Gunma 群馬
Kiryū Shinmachi
桐生新町Kiryū Shinmachi is a Traditional Townscape of Japan in Gunma. Explore the historic streetscapes.
Akaiwa, Nakanojō
赤岩Akaiwa, a Traditional Townscape of Japan, is a picturesque destination in the heart of Japan.
Chiba 千葉
historic streets of Sawara
佐原の町並みSawara's historic streets offer charming, traditional townscapes in Chiba, Japan.
Niigata 新潟
Shukunegi
宿根木Explore Shukunegi, a historic village in Niigata, known for its remarkably preserved traditional townscapes.
Toyama 富山
Kanayamachi
金屋町Kanayamachi: Preserving the charm of old Japan. Explore traditional townscapes in Toyama.
Yoshihisa, Takaoka
吉久Gikyū: a Traditional Townscape of Japan in Toyama. Explore this charming district.
Yamachōsuji
山町筋Yamachōsuji, Toyama: Historic charm in Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Ainokura Village
越中五箇山相倉集落Ainokura Village: A serene, unspoiled hamlet amidst Toyama's mountains, preserving traditional Japanese townscapes.
Suganuma Village
越中五箇山菅沼集落Suganuma Village: Traditional Japanese townscape nestled in Toyama.
Ishikawa 石川
Kazuemachi
主計町Kazuemachi: Ishikawa's traditional townscape, where historic charm meets idyllic riverside lanes. Discover timeless beauty riverfront.
Kaga Hashitate
加賀橋立Kaga Hashitate: Ishikawa’s traditional townscapes, a beautiful coastal village.
Utatsuyama Temple Area
卯辰山山麓寺院群
Higashiyama-Higashi
東山ひがしHigashiyama-Higashi: Ishikawa's Traditional Townscapes. Step into history, savor unique charm.
Shiramine
白山市白峰Shiramine: nestled in Ishikawa, this village preserves traditional Japanese townscapes.
Fukui 福井
Imajo-juku
今庄宿Imajo-juku: a traditional townscape in Fukui, Japan, inviting exploration through historic streets.
Obama Nishigumi
小浜西組Obama Nishigumi: Fukui's charming Traditional Townscapes, inviting exploration of classic Japanese beauty.
Kumagawa-juku
熊川宿Kumagawa-juku: a captivating traditional townscape in Fukui, Japan.
Yamanashi 山梨
Akasawa
赤沢Akasawa, nestled in Yamanashi, Japan, is a captivating Traditional Townscape.
Nagano 長野
Tsumago-juku
妻籠宿Step back in time in Tsumago-juku, a preserved Edo-period post town nestled in the picturesque mountains of Nagano.
Kiso-Hirasawa
木曽平沢Kiso-Hirasawa: Step into a timeless journey through traditional townscapes in Nagano, Japan.
Unno-juku
海野宿
Inariyama-juku
稲荷山宿Inariyama-juku, Nagano: Experience traditional townscapes in this historic Japanese setting.
Aoni
青鬼Aoni, Nagano: Traditional Japanese townscapes nestled in the heart of the mountains. A step back in time.
Narai-juku
奈良井宿Narai-juku: a Edo-period post town in Nagano, preserving Japan's traditional townscapes.
Gifu 岐阜
Sanmachi
三町Sanmachi, Gifu: historic mercantile heart, perfectly preserved with traditional Japanese townscapes.
Iwamura-chō Hondōri
岩村町本通りIwamura-chō Hondōri, Gifu: a historic streetscape preserving the charm of traditional Japan.
Mino Old Street
美濃町Explore Mino Old Street in Gifu, Japan: Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Shizuoka 静岡
Hanazawa no Sato
花沢の里Hanazawa-no-Sato, a village of traditional townscapes in Japan.
Mie 三重
Seki-juku
関宿Seki-juku in Mie, Japan: Preserved Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Shiga 滋賀
Gokasho-kondo-cho, Higashiomi
五個荘金堂町Gokasho-kondo-cho: A captivating traditional townscape of Japan.
Sakamoto
坂本Sakamoto in Shiga, Japan, offers traditional townscapes, reflecting Japan's rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty.
Himure Hachimangū
日牟禮八幡宮Himure Hachimangū: Shiga’s National Traditional Townscapes.
Hachiman
近江八幡市八幡伝統的建造物群保存地区Preserved traditional townscapes of Ōmihachiman, Shiga – a glimpse into Japan's rich history.
Hanashobu Street
花しょうぶ通り商店街Hanashobu Street in Shiga preserves Traditional Townscapes of Japan. Explore its historic charm.
Kyoto 京都
Saga Toriimoto
嵯峨鳥居本Saga-Toriimoto, Kyoto is a district preserved as Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Kayabukinosato-Kitamura
かやぶきの里・北村Kayabukinosato, a hidden Kyoto village, preserves traditional thatched-roof houses amidst serene mountain landscapes.
Kamigamo
上賀茂Discover Kamigamo, Kyoto, a "Traditional Townscapes of Japan" site offering timeless beauty and cultural immersion.
Ine-ura
伊根の舟屋Ine, Kyoto: picturesque fishing village with unique boathouses.
Three-year Slope
産寧坂
Gion
祇園Gion, Kyoto: Japan's traditional townscapes. A historic district rich in culture.
Osaka 大阪
Tondabayashi Jinaimachi
富田林寺内町Tondabayashi Jinaimachi, Osaka: Step back in time through traditional Japanese townscapes.
Hyogo 兵庫
Kitano-chō and Yamamoto-dōri
北野町山本通Historic Kitano-chō and Yamamoto-dōri offer traditional townscapes in Hyogo, Japan. A truly evocative experience.
Izushi
出石Izushi: Explore timeless streets and samurai residences in this beautifully preserved Traditional Townscape of Japan.
Tambasasayama City Preservation District for Groups of Historic Sasayama Buildings
丹波篠山市篠山伝統的建造物群保存地区Explore Tambasasayama, Hyōgo, a historic district preserving traditional Japanese townscapes.
Nara 奈良
Imaichō
今井町Imaichō, Nara: Ancient heart of Japan, a town of traditional landscapes.
Matsuyama
松山Matsuyama: Traditional Townscapes of Japan in Nara, a city rich in cultural heritage.
Gojō Shinmachi
五條新町Gojō Shinmachi, Nara, Japan: Step back in time within these preserved Traditional Townscapes.
Wakayama 和歌山
Yuasa-cho Yuasa
湯浅町湯浅
Tottori 鳥取
Utsubuki-tamagawa
打吹玉川Utsubuki-tamagawa: Tottori, Japan. A traditional townscape, it offers a glimpse into historic Japan.
Tokorogo
大山町所子Tokorogo, Tottori: experience traditional Japanese townscapes in this charming rural village.
Shimane 島根
Tsuwano Old Street
津和野町津和野伝統的建造物群保存地区Tsuwano Old Street: a charming Shimane townscape, where historic Japan lives on.
Yunotsu Onsen
温泉津温泉Yunotsu Onsen: historic Japanese main street and a designated “Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.”
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
石見銀山Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: discover Shimane's beautiful traditional townscapes of Japan, rich with history.
Okayama 岡山
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
倉敷美観地区Immerse yourself in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where traditional townscapes transport you to old Japan. Okayama, Japan.
Fukiya
吹屋
Jōtō Street
城東町並み保存地区Jotō Street in Okayama preserves traditional Japanese townscapes. Stroll through history.
Hiroshima 広島
Mitarai
御手洗Mitarai, Hiroshima, is a captivating preservation district with traditional townscapes of Japan.
Takehara
竹原Immerse yourself in Hiroshima's charming Traditional Townscapes of Takehara. History whispers through ancient streets.
Tomonoura
鞆の浦Tomonoura: a charming seaside town in Hiroshima, Japan, renowned for its traditional townscapes.
Yamaguchi 山口
Furuichi-Kanaya Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
柳井市古市金屋伝統的建造物群保存地区Furuichi-Kanaya in Yamaguchi, a captivating traditional townscape of Japan.
Tokushima 徳島
Higashiiya Ochiai
東祖谷落合Higashiiya Ochiai offers picturesque traditional townscapes in the remote valleys of Tokushima, Japan.
Tebajima
出羽島Tebajima, a remote island in Tokushima, Japan, preserves traditional townscapes.
Wakimachi Minami-machi
脇町南町Wakimachi Minami-machi: traditional townscapes of Japan evoke history and culture.
Kagawa 香川
Honjima-chō Kasashima
本島町笠島Honjima-chō Kasashima: Preserving traditional townscapes in Kagawa, Japan.
Ehime 愛媛
Yōkaichi-Gokoku
八日市護国Yōkaichi-Gokoku: Ehime, Japan: Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Uwachō Unomachi
宇和町卯之町Uwachō Unomachi: a captivating Traditional Townscape of Japan in Ehime.
Fukuoka 福岡
Chikugo-Yoshii
筑後吉井Chikugo-Yoshii, Fukuoka: Discover traditional townscapes and historic white-walled streets.
Saga 佐賀
Shiotatsu
塩田津Shiotatsu, a charming traditional townscape in Saga, Japan, offers a glimpse into historic Japan.
Arita Uchiyama
有田町有田内山伝統的建造物群保存地区Immerse yourself in Arita Uchiyama, a Saga preserved traditional townscape. Historic Japan awaits.
Hamashozumachi Hamakanayamachi
鹿島市浜庄津町浜金屋町Discover Hamashozumachi Hamakanayamachi, a charming Traditional Townscape in Saga, Japan.
Hamanakamachi Hachihongishuku
鹿島市浜中町八本木宿Hamanakamachi Hachihongishuku: Traditional Townscapes of Japan.
Nagasaki 長崎
Minami-Yamate
南山手Minami-Yamate, Nagasaki, offers traditional townscapes. A charming glimpse into Japan's past.
Kōnoura
大島村神浦Kōnoura, a Traditional Townscape of Japan in Nagasaki, offers a glimpse into historic island life.
Higashiyamate
東山手Higashiyamate in Nagasaki offers traditional townscapes of Japan, preserving historical charm.
Kōjirokūji
神代小路Kōjirokūji: Traditional Townscapes of Japan transport you to ancient Nagasaki. Historic charm awaits your discovery.
Oita 大分
Mameda-machi
豆田町Mameda-machi: a beautifully-preserved district in Oita, Japan, with traditional townscapes.
Miyazaki 宮崎
Mimitsu
美々津Mimitsu, Miyazaki, is a Traditional Townscapes of Japan, a beautiful glimpse into historic Japan.
Obi
飫肥
Tonegawa, Shiiba
椎葉村十根川Shiiba, Tōgō: A Traditional Townscape of Japan in Miyazaki
Kagoshima 鹿児島
Chiran Samurai Residences
知覧武家屋敷Chiran Samurai Residences: Step back in time in these beautifully preserved samurai homes and gardens in Kagoshima, Japan.
Izumi-Fumoto
出水麓Izumi-Fumoto, in Kagoshima, is a designated Traditional Townscape of Japan.
Okinawa 沖縄
Tonaki Island
渡名喜島Tonaki Island: Okinawa's tranquil haven, with traditional townscapes and white coral paths.
Taketomi Island
竹富島Taketomi Island: Preserving the timeless charm of Okinawa's traditional townscapes.
Photo credits
- Imajo-juku — Opqr — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Higashiiya Ochiai — KimonBerlin — CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
- Tsumago-juku — Gryffindor — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Kitano-chō and Yamamoto-dōri — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Shiotatsu — Mixtures — CC BY 3.0 · source
- Saga Toriimoto — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Furuichi-Kanaya Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings — 皓月旗 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Kayabukinosato-Kitamura — Kansai explorer — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Tsuwano Old Street — Naokijp — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Sanmachi — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Kamigamo — 日:もかめーる — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Kazuemachi — Yusuke.ogawa — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Gokasho-kondo-cho, Higashiomi — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Imaichō — ignis — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Ine-ura — Chi King — CC BY 3.0 · source
- historic streets of Sawara — Tamaki — Public domain · source
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter — 663highland — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Yōkaichi-Gokoku — katorisi — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Izushi — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Tebajima — Bakkai — CC BY 3.0 · source
- Kaga Hashitate — 藤谷良秀 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Minami-Yamate — そらみみ — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Fukiya — 皓月旗 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Kauemonchō — Abasaa — Public domain · source
- Sakamoto — Oilstreet — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Jōtō Street — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Kōnoura — isoyan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Uwachō Unomachi — PekePON (talk) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Shukunegi — JH0WJF — Public domain · source
- Tondabayashi Jinaimachi — Morocco — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Obama Nishigumi — Asturio Cantabrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Iwamura-chō Hondōri — Asturio Cantabrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Nakachō — At by At — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Mitarai — 柳田亮 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Utsubuki-tamagawa — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Himure Hachimangū — 先従隗始 — CC0 · source
- Kiso-Hirasawa — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Higashiyamate — Houjyou-Minori — CC0 · source
- Matsuyama — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Kiryū Shinmachi — 禁樹なずな — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Chiran Samurai Residences — STA3816 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Unno-juku — Nux-vomica 1007 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Yunotsu Onsen — 皓月旗 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Yuasa-cho Yuasa — 663highland — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Kumagawa-juku — Asturio Cantabrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Three-year Slope — Aporon999 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Kōjirokūji — Original uploader was ぱちょぴ (Edited by 663highland) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Inariyama-juku — Suikotei — CC BY 4.0 · source
- Takehara — OS6 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Honjima-chō Kasashima — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Chikugo-Yoshii — STA3816 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Tambasasayama City Preservation District for Groups of Historic Sasayama Buildings — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Mimitsu — ja:User:Sanjo — Public domain · source
- Mino Old Street — Fumihiko Ueno — CC BY 3.0 · source
- Wakimachi Minami-machi — Original uploader was ＋－ (User:PlusMinus) (Edited by 663h) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Kakunodate — 掬茶 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Mameda-machi — Asturio Cantabrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Akaiwa, Nakanojō — On-chan — CC0 · source
- Akasawa — Sakaori (talk) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Hachiman — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Kanegasaki Jōnai Suwa-kōji — 国土交通省 — Attribution · source
- Kanayamachi — Isoyan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Aoni — 大友ディミトリ — Public domain · source
- Obi — Naokijp — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Arita Uchiyama — Pekachu — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Yoshihisa, Takaoka — Ruess1 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Masuda, Yokote — 皓月旗 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Gojō Shinmachi — 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · source
- Yamachōsuji — 掬茶 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine — 663highland — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Tonaki Island — Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway t — Public domain · source
- Izumi-Fumoto — Asturio Cantabrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Nakamachi Komise Street — 掬茶 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Utatsuyama Temple Area — Isoyan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Seki-juku — ignis — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Narai-juku — 663highland — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Ōuchi-juku — くろふね — CC BY 3.0 · source
- Taketomi Island — Flickr user: Ken@Okinawa Okinawa, Japan https://www.flickr.com/people/trektra — CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
- Higashiyama-Higashi — Kakidai — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Hanazawa no Sato — Azabujulie — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Ainokura Village — minque — Public domain · source
- Suganuma Village — Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Tomonoura — Prue Simmons — CC BY 2.0 · source
- Hanashobu Street — Asturio Cantabrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Gion — Joli Rumi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Hamashozumachi Hamakanayamachi — そらみみ — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Tonegawa, Shiiba — Asset utilitist — CC0 · source
- Maesawa, Minamiaizu — Isoyan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Hamanakamachi Hachihongishuku — そらみみ — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Shiramine — Opqr — CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Tokorogo — Flow in edgewise — CC BY 3.0 · source
- Makabe — Abasaa — Public domain · source
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