Kawakami, village in Yoshino district, Nara prefecture, Japan
Kawakami is a small village in the Yoshino district nestled in a valley surrounded by forested mountains. The settlement features traditional wooden houses arranged along a stream, connected by narrow lanes and pathways that wind through the community.
Kawakami developed over centuries as a forest farming settlement in the Yoshino mountains. Its structure was shaped by dependence on the forest and local water resources, which determined daily life and economic activity.
Visiting the village works best on foot since the pathways are narrow for vehicles, and walking through the streets gives the best view of the architecture and village life. The best time to explore is during daylight hours when you can clearly see the details of the houses and natural surroundings.
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