Stroll through a beautifully quiet townscape that feels like stepping back in time.
Uda-matsuyama is a town steeped in history and tradition, located in the southwestern part of Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Having developed as the castle town of a castle built during the Sengoku period by the Akiyama clan, it retains a strong sense of that era. Designated in 2006 as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings," it boasts numerous historical structures designated as Important Cultural Properties. The rows of traditional townhouses, built from the Edo period to the early Showa period, are invaluable cultural assets that evoke the lives of people in those times. Explore historical structures such as the Kuro-mon (Black Gate), the former main gate of the castle town, and Morino Old Medicinal Herb Garden, Japan's oldest private medicinal herb garden, immersing yourself in the lives and culture of the past. As you wander through the tranquil streets, you'll feel time slow down. You'll find your heart soothed by the nostalgic scenery, unlike anything found in modern life. It's also recommended to experience the unique culture of Uda-matsuyama, such as its local specialty, "Yoshino Kuzu" (arrowroot starch), and sake made using its excellent water. Uda-matsuyama is a quiet, beautiful town where history and nature harmoniously coexist. Come visit and spend some time relaxing.