From Kashihara-jingu Shrine to the Archaeological Museum and the Historic Townscape of Imaicho

Starting on foot from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, this course begins with a visit to Kashihara-jingu Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Jinmu. Next, you will view Japan's history traced through archaeology at the Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, before heading to Imaicho to stroll through a jinaimachi (temple town) that preserves the townscape of the Edo period.

History and Regional Appeal

Kashihara is considered in the Nihon Shoki to be the birthplace of the nation of Japan. It is said that Emperor Jinmu was enthroned as the first emperor at Kashihara Palace to the southeast of Mt. Unebi. In 1890 (Meiji 23), Kashihara-jingu Shrine was established on the site believed to be the remains of that palace.

There is a deep connection between Kashihara-jingu Shrine and the archaeological museum. In 1938 (Showa 13), along with the project to develop the outer precinct of Kashihara-jingu Shrine, Dr. Suenaga Masao oversaw the excavation of the Kashihara site. The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara marks this investigation as its beginning. In 1940 (Showa 15), deemed the 2,600th anniversary of Emperor Jinmu's enthronement, the grounds of the shrine were greatly expanded, and the Yamato Kokushikan was founded through donations. The Yamato Kokushikan continued under various names and took its current title as the affiliated museum in 1980 (Showa 55).

North of the museum lies Imaicho, a jinaimachi that originated during the Tenbun era of the Sengoku period centered around Shonen-ji Temple. The followers developed military strength for self-defense and dug moats around the town. In the Edo period, it flourished as the largest zaigomachi (rural merchant town) in southern Yamato, so much so that it was said that "seven-tenths of Yamato's wealth is in Imai." Approximately 500 traditional buildings remain today, and the area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Key Highlights

• ​Kashihara-jingu Shrine​​: From the First Torii gate to the west, the main approach lined with oak trees stretches for about 300 meters. Climbing the stone steps of the Minami-shinmon Gate brings the Gehaiden (outer worship hall), backed by Mt. Unebi, into view before you. The Honden (main sanctuary) is an Important Cultural Property of Japan, relocated from the Naishidokoro of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. South of the open square in front of the Minami-shinmon Gate lies Fukada-ike Pond, which is said to have been constructed during the Asuka period.
• ​Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture​​: In the permanent exhibition "Archaeology of Yamato," archaeological artifacts dating from the Paleolithic period to the Muromachi period are displayed chronologically, centered on actual materials unearthed through the institute's excavation surveys. The Kofun-period Exhibition Room 2 features a section dedicated to the Fujinoki Kofun Burial Mound in Ikaruga. Special exhibitions are held in spring and autumn, and the "Digging Yamato" flash exhibition sharing the latest excavation survey results is held in summer.
• ​Imaicho​​: Most of the streets inside the town bend at least once. This is a vestige designed to prevent a clear view into the distance to guard against enemy invasions. The Imanishi Family Residence at the western edge of the town is called "yatsumune-zukuri" (multiple-ridge style) due to its castle-like appearance. The Imai Machiyakan, located around the middle of Honmachi-suji street, is a restored townhouse from around the early 18th century shown in its original form, where you can sense the atmosphere of the mid-Edo period.

Recommended Route and Travel Time

The estimated time required is about 5 hours. From the Central Exit of Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, Kashihara-jingu Shrine is roughly a 10-minute walk. Proceed west along the main approach from the First Torii gate, pass over the Shinbashi bridge and through the Second Torii gate, and you will reach the Minami-shinmon Gate. After worshipping, it is also pleasant to stop by Fukada-ike Pond and walk along the promenade extending to the opposite shore.

From Kashihara-jingu Shrine, the museum is about 550 meters to the north-northeast. Walk chronologically from Exhibition Room 1 covering the Paleolithic period to Exhibition Room 3 covering "Life of Medieval People." Grasping the flow of the eras in the exhibits will allow you to view the historic streetscapes of Imaicho within their historical context later on.

From the museum to Imaicho, it is about 1.7 kilometers to the north-northwest. If taking the train, walk 5 minutes from the museum to Kintetsu Unebigoryomae Station, take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line, and get off at Yagi-nishiguchi Station. Imaicho is about a 5-minute walk from Yagi-nishiguchi Station. Crossing the red Sobu Bridge over the Asuka River brings you to the start of the historic townscape. Touring the interior of the Imanishi Family Residence requires advance reservations. On the way back, you can take a train from Yagi-nishiguchi Station or JR Unebi Station, which is about an 8-minute walk away.

Summary of the Experience

From the shrine in Kashihara, regarded as the land of national founding, to a museum tracing Japanese history through excavated artifacts, and on to a moat-protected temple town. This is a one-day walk moving back and forth through time: the mythical age, the ancient times told by ruins, and the Edo period when merchants flourished. When standing at the corner of a bent street in Imaicho, picture how this town was built to obstruct distant views in preparation for enemy attacks.