A townscape steeped in Edo- and Meiji-era ambience.
Niimi Gotenmachi was laid out under Nagaharu Seki, the first lord of the Niimi Domain, during the Genroku era.
Since castle construction was not permitted at the time, a goten (lord’s residence) was established instead—hence the name “Gotenmachi”.
As you stroll the district, you can still sense the prosperity of later times in sites such as Taiike-tei, once central to Niimi’s modern commerce, and Matsuba, a former ryotei (traditional restaurant).
The streets preserve the look and feel of bygone days, inviting unhurried walks and photography.
