Shimoichi Town, Yoshino District, is located in the southern part of Nara Prefecture, south of the Yoshino River. The town stretches from north to south and is roughly divided into mountainous and hilly regions. Approximately 80% of the town is covered by forests, resulting in a relatively cool and comfortable summer climate. Since the Heian period, Shimoichi has flourished as the gateway to Yoshino and a key transportation hub connecting the Yoshino Mountains and the Yamato Plain. It became a major commercial center in the Yoshino region, and was home to the first commercial bills in Japan, the Shimoichi bills. Today, woodworking, forestry, and agriculture are the town's core industries. In agriculture, rice, chrysanthemums, roses, and other flowers are cultivated and shipped to cities. It is also known as the birthplace of konjac. The town is home to important cultural properties, including a seated statue of Amida Buddha and a painting depicting the nine stages of pilgrimage.