In the Warring States period, when wars and riots occurred continually, Tondabayashi was a religious autonomous community (jinaimachi), centered on Koshoji Betsuin Temple of the Ikko sect of Buddhism. The jinaimachi district was protected by earthen walls and canals. Tondabayashi Jinaimachi, measuring approx. 400 m from east to west and 350 m from north to south, originally consisted of six streets and seven towns. Around the district were four gates, which were closed at night to ensure security. The district still preserves ancient orderly town divisions as they were. Earthen walls and yojinbori (ditches used for fire prevention), parts of which remain today, are also reminiscent of the ancient times. In particular, the Jonomonsuji Avenue, extending north and south at the middle of the district, brims with a historical atmosphere. Out of 600 town houses in the district, 250 are traditional houses. The former Sugiyama family's residence, located in the southwest part of the district, was designated as a national important cultural property, and the former Nakamura family's residence as a prefectural tangible cultural property. The entire district was designated as an important traditional architectures preservation district by the national government.