Jinaimachi

are Japanese towns that were built around temples.  Many started from new towns built around temples.

During the 16th century the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect made many Jinaimachi.

The name means literally   

 Cities and Buddhist Temples 
Buddhist temples were important in medieval Japanese cities. They helped cities grow. Buddhist sects formed in cities. People joined them to escape the caste system. Priests used to travel. They started staying in one place during rain. Temples were built in easy-to-reach locations. Over time, temples became important city features.https://www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english/outline/publication/ronbun/ronbun1/pdf/008009.pdf

 Formation and Development of Jinaimachi 
Jinaimachi developed in stages:

 Before Jinaimachi: Temples were symbols of authority.
 Emergence of Jinaimachi: Public halls were built for worship.
 Central and Regional Jinaimachi: There were main and smaller Jinaimachi.
 Transformation of Jinaimachi: Jinaimachi changed over time.

Jodo Shinshu followers led to the rise of Jinaimachi. They built towns around temples for religious solidarity.

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 References 

Category:Monasteries
Category:Human geography