Notes on the Geography of Japan: Nara: NaramachiNaramachi is the part of Nara that has worked most successfully to retain its traditional character. Make default image size larger ![]() Initial impressions are not encouraging. ![]() Here, however, a new house has been built in the traditional style of the urban townhouse, or machiya. It's open as a free museum. ![]() The floorplan is long and narrow, fitting the historically characteristic long, narrow lot. ![]() Room is made for an inner garden or naka-niwa. ![]() The garden is more likely to be enjoyed from inside than out. ![]() A box staircase, or hako-kaidan, doubling as a cabinet. ![]() The posts are trunks. ![]() The single-roomed upstairs. ![]() The rooftop view. ![]() Stove. ![]() Back on a traditional-looking street. ![]() Plenty of wood fronts. ![]() More. ![]() Wood slats, or koshi, deflect prying eyes while allowing residents to see the street. ![]() Entrance. ![]() The same building. ![]() A pharmacy. ![]() Misfit. ![]() Why were lots so narrow? One explanation is that taxes were proportional to facade length. ![]() The local craft museum. |
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