![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
Abstract
The monzenmachi (temple town; i.e., shopping neighborhood on streets leading to the main gate of a temple) has been one of the most important forms of urban settlement in Japan. The Saidaiji Temple has developed a typical monzenmachi in front of its temple gate. Since World War II the prosperity of its monzenmachi has declined because of the development of modern transportation systems and nearby shopping malls. This paper explains the development and decline of the monzenmachi in front of the Saidaiji Temple of Okayama Prefecture.