A Journey Through Time: Explore 10 Historic Streets in Japan and Encounter a Myriad of Bygone Charm

Oita Prefecture's Yumihama-machi retains clusters of Edo-period architecture and is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

From concrete jungles filled with towering skyscrapers to quaint wooden single-story houses, tradition and modernity intertwine to create the richly layered character of Japan today. The Japanese online travel magazine Matcha has compiled a list of 10 historic streets across the country that preserve historical buildings. On your travels, encounter these old structures and, amid bricks and timber, savor the essence of time and the stories etched into space by history—experiences that are truly moving.

To protect these traditional buildings, the Japanese government requires permits for any new construction, renovations, repairs, or painting that would alter the external appearance in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, demonstrating their strong commitment to heritage conservation. As such, the architecture on these historic streets authentically reflects the appearance of ancient Japanese towns. On your next trip to Japan, consider adding these historic streets to your itinerary for an in-depth cultural and historical journey.

1. Kawagoe Kurazukuri Old Street, Saitama Prefecture

During the Edo period, this area was a thriving castle town known as Kawagoe Domain and earned the nickname "Little Edo." There's a saying: “There are many Little Kyotos, but there’s only one Little Edo—and that’s Kawagoe.” Kurazukuri refers to a style of architecture featuring large onigawara roof tiles, black exterior walls, and double sliding doors. The main structure is typically built with rammed earth or mud walls, offering fire-resistant properties. Thanks to its avoidance of war and major earthquakes, the city retains a wealth of historical charm and attracts about 6.2 million visitors annually.

2. Yumihama-machi, Oita Prefecture

Located in the northern part of Hita City, Oita Prefecture, along the Hanamigawa River, lies a small town that preserves clusters of Edo-period architecture and is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The shops lining the street sell famous local products from Hita, such as Togei pottery and geta wooden clogs, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and to soak in the lingering charm of the past.

The architecture in Sanma-cho, Fukui Prefecture, features a tsuma-iri entrance style paired with hira-iri side rooms—a sight you can only see here today. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

Kurashiki’s Korakuen district presents the look of a water town, with weeping willows hanging low. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

3. Sanma-cho, Fukui Prefecture

Sanma is a quaint port town in Fukui Prefecture. Located at the mouth of the Kuzuryu River and bordering the Sea of Japan, it flourished during the Edo and Meiji eras as a port for kitamaebune cargo ships. After periods of prosperity and decline, it has regained its sparkle through tourism. “Kagura-style” architecture, which features a tsuma-iri entrance and hira-iri side rooms, can only be seen in Sanma-cho today. Stop by a kagura-style rest area and listen to the historical tales of this port town.

4. Kurashiki Old Town, Okayama Prefecture

The Korakuen district in Kurashiki City still retains the architectural style and scenery from 300 years ago during the Edo period. An old canal, the Kurashiki River, runs through the area, creating the look of a water town. Take a sightseeing boat ride along the Kurashiki River to admire the white-walled buildings unique to Kurashiki, the weeping willows, and the bustling activity along the banks. For a moment, forget you're a tourist and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the locals.

"Higashi Chaya District" is a charming geisha teahouse district where you can feel the lively atmosphere of 190 years ago. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

The Noto River flows through Sawara Old Street, and taking a boat ride evokes the canal's former glory. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

5. Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture

Kanazawa City, located in the center of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a city that retains much of the ambiance of the Edo period. Around Kanazawa Castle, there were many residences of samurai and merchants, as well as numerous temples. Among them, the “Higashi Chaya District” is a particularly atmospheric geisha teahouse district. In the Edo period, teahouses were venues for enjoying performances by geisha, and they were the only type of building allowed to have two stories. The buildings in Higashi Chaya District are well preserved, with some converted into exhibition spaces, allowing visitors to experience the lively ambiance of 190 years ago within the teahouses themselves.

6. Sawara Old Street, Chiba Prefecture

Sawara was originally a small town in northeastern Chiba Prefecture. In 2006, it merged with other towns to become part of "Katori City." The Noto River once flowed through Sawara, and since ancient times, the town prospered as a river port hub and was known as "Little Edo." The Noto River runs through the old streets of Sawara, flanked by well-preserved wooden Edo-period buildings that seem untouched by time. You can also take a flat-bottomed boat or swan boat to explore the riverside scenery. The gentle sunlight, small bridges, flowing water, willows along the banks, and traditional buildings form the simple yet charming landscape of Sawara. A boat ride here feels like a return to the canal’s heyday.

Gujo Hachiman is designed with temples in nearly every corner, and the sight of 13 temple rooftops closely clustered in a short distance is truly spectacular. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

Narai-juku is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and was historically a resting place for merchants, travelers, and couriers on long journeys. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

7. Gujo Hachiman Craftsmen’s Town, Gifu Prefecture

Gujo Hachiman originally prospered as a castle town, and its nickname “Little Kyoto” comes from its strategic layout of temples in nearly every corner. In a short stretch, you can find 13 temple rooftops closely lined up—an impressive sight that fans of Japanese temple culture shouldn’t miss.

8. Narai-juku, Nagano Prefecture

Narai-juku is located upstream on the Narai River in Nagiso City, surrounded by mountains, and has been designated as a nationally important preservation district. Historically a resting stop for merchants, travelers, and couriers, its role declined with modern advancements. However, Narai-juku has been well preserved. It was selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Scenic Spots” in 2007, and the Nakasendo route was recognized as a “Japan Heritage” site in 2016.

Yanagawa, located in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, is a world-famous water town. Its geographical location also makes it home to Japan’s greatest variety of freshwater fish species. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

The tsuma-iri merchant buildings are found in central-eastern Hyogo Prefecture, formerly known as “Tango Province.” They feature a distinctive architectural design. (Photo provided by MATCHA)

9. Yanagawa Old Street, Fukuoka Prefecture

Yanagawa is located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture. In ancient times, an artificial canal was dug, winding through the city for about 470 kilometers, earning it the reputation as a world-famous water town. Due to its geographical location, Yanagawa boasts the greatest variety of fish catches in Japan. Seaweed and eel are among its famous specialties. The old streets, preserving the Taisho-era architectural style, invite you to casually stroll into a specialty eel restaurant to savor local delicacies, or to find a café set in a renovated old house to take a rest and enjoy the rustic charm of Yanagawa’s old quarters.

10. The Tsumairi Merchant Houses of Kawaramachi, Hyogo Prefecture

The Tsumairi merchant houses are located in the central-eastern part of Hyogo Prefecture. Formerly known as “Tamba Province,” in 2015 the area was designated as one of Japan’s top preservation districts for groups of traditional buildings, ranking first in the nation. When you visit this historic town, not only can you appreciate the traditional architecture and rich culture, but you can also take a step back in time. As you walk down the narrow streets, you’ll see that the second floors of the buildings jut out over the first, creating a distinctive townscape. This unique design feature helps shield pedestrians from rain and sun. The area is rich in history, with many buildings preserved in their original form since the Edo period. Strolling through these streets feels like traveling back hundreds of years, offering a glimpse into life during that era.

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