Greetings from the museum.

Greetings from the museum.

In Naramachi, where historic sites from the Nara period and “machiya” (wooden houses with a narrow but deep frontage) from the Edo period remain to this day, ancient beliefs and time-honored traditions have been handed down for generations. Those beliefs and traditions are still a part of everyday life for the people of Naramachi.

Here you can see “Migawari Zaru” (red cloth monkey dolls on ropes) hanging from the eaves in the front of houses, stone Buddha statues, and small shrines and Jizo statues with offerings of flowers and tea on roadsides. Aside from encountering these common scenes around Naramachi which used to be a part of Gango-ji Temple precinct, you can also feel the warmth and kindness of the people living here.

I believe visitors to Naramachi are attracted not only by the historic sites and traditions but also by the hospitality of its people. The people who live here have inherited the characteristics unique to Naramachi that was cultivated by their predecessors over generations and have not forgotten to pass it on to the new generation. This shows the determination and dedication of the people to preserve their tradition and identity.

Please come and visit Naramachi!

Tetsuro Minami

President

Naramachi Museum