A Warm Welcome with Retro Charm
Gojo, a small town on the bus and train route to World Heritage destination Koyasan, has a charming historic centre and retro atmosphere. The town is famous for persimmon fruits and kakinohazushi: sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. The area around Shinmachi-dori flourished as the castle town of the Gojo Domain. In ancient times it was a key stop on the route between Osaka and Kii. The street is lined with buildings that still retain their original appearance. The area was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2010.
As you meander down the hill towards the river, you’ll find traditional shops and houses. The neighborhood shows some signs of life with houses being faithfully restored using traditional elements while adapting to modern conveniences. Nakako Shoyu supplies soy sauce to Nara’s top restaurants and the family can show you the production process. Many machiya houses have been converted into cafes and galleries, like Kitayama Gyunyuten and the Machiya Museum. Mochisho Hitotsubashi is an essential stop for photos and mochi sweets.
If planning a trip to Koyasan or further south to the Kumano Sanzan shrines in Wakayama prefecture, Gojo, makes for a strategic overnight stay. Yanaseya, a large restored machiya house in the middle of the historic Shinmachi district is one of the most luxurious accommodation options.
As you meander down the hill towards the river, you’ll find traditional shops and houses. The neighborhood shows some signs of life with houses being faithfully restored using traditional elements while adapting to modern conveniences. Nakako Shoyu supplies soy sauce to Nara’s top restaurants and the family can show you the production process. Many machiya houses have been converted into cafes and galleries, like Kitayama Gyunyuten and the Machiya Museum. Mochisho Hitotsubashi is an essential stop for photos and mochi sweets.
If planning a trip to Koyasan or further south to the Kumano Sanzan shrines in Wakayama prefecture, Gojo, makes for a strategic overnight stay. Yanaseya, a large restored machiya house in the middle of the historic Shinmachi district is one of the most luxurious accommodation options.
