Around Osaka city you can discover a completely different atmosphere from a metropolitan town and experience a traditional old town, preserved from the Edo era called Tondabayashi Jinaimachi.
Tondabayashi was formed around 1558, it was a religious town in the Medieval periods and also a commercial town. This village could remained intact as it was protected by earthen walls and canals.
Now of age Tondabayashi is possible to visit and it is very easy to reach from Osaka Abenobashi station (Osaka) by using the Kintetsu line and the old town of Jinaimachi is just 400 meter from the Tondabayashi train station.
While you walking into the town you will find Machiya traditional house, local shops and restaurants. There is also information center which will provide you an English map and a brief explanation of the village.
I personally suggest to visit the Old House of the Sugiyamas a wealthy family of the Edo era, that built this huge house. This old tradesman house had plane structures like a farmhouse, wuch a big beam, which supports the hanging wall to stop smoke from the cooking stove.
Sample itinerary if you would like to visit:
Tennoji station <5 minutes walk> OsakaAbenobashi station <Nagano Line Semi-Exp. for Kawachinagano> Tondabayashi Station
If you need more information how to go and what to do around Osaka please feel free to contact us.