Yamato people
The area is thought to have been inhabited by the Yamato people in prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence indicating activity in the area as far back as the Jōmon period. What is now the town of Shimoichi has stood as the "entrance to Yoshino" since the Heian period (794-1185). It flourished as the main business district of the Yoshino region, with "Shimoichi bills" being issued as Japan's first commercial bills.