Gonbe Pass (Gonbee Toge) When transporting Ina rice to Kiso, the routes over Shiojiri Pass or Ushikubi Pass were fine up to Narai, but Torii Pass lay beyond and made the journey inconvenient in terms of days and rice prices. To solve this, cattle driver foreman Furuhata Gonbei spent two years opening a route through this pass, 1,523 meters above sea level, to reach Ina. Afterwards, rice flowed from Inadani Valley to Kiso Valley, while lacquerware, bentwood items and other woodcraft traveled from Kiso to Ina. In recognition of this achievement, the pass came to be called Gonbe Pass. As the watershed between the Shinano River system and the Tenryu River system, the views from this pass are superb: you can look down over Inadani Valley and enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Southern Alps. In spring’s fresh buds, summer’s deep green and mountain streams, and autumn’s foliage, the scenery delights travelers through every season. The pass is designated as part of the Shinanoji Nature Trail Gonbei Pass Route, where you can fully savor the great outdoors.

Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan Location: 2272-7 Kisohirasawa, Shiojiri City ◎ Masterful craftsmanship and the power of lacquer breathe life into materials Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan is conceived as a museum and shop. From the displayed and stocked items to the building materials and furniture, the facility proudly emphasizes wood—the hallmark of this region. The entire venue overflows with the warmth of Shiojiri and Kiso, offering everything from crafts to everyday household tools and mountain-country flavors unique to the area. ◎ A wide selection of local specialties from Shiojiri and Kiso, including the traditional craft Kiso lacquerware and Shiojiri wine A range of cultures born from interactions with nature. We introduce the attractions of local industries rooted in Kiso life—skills handed down for centuries—while also presenting new lifestyle ideas. A medal awarded at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, finished by the careful work of lacquer artisans, is on permanent display. Visitors can also enjoy a Kiso tsuishu (Kiso raised lacquer) sanding-and-revealing experience. (Advance reservation required at least two weeks prior) ◎ Traditional craft “Kiso lacquerware” hands-on experience menu (advance reservation required; please book at least two weeks in advance) Kiso tsuishu sanding-and-revealing experience Duration: Approximately 1 hour Fees: ① Coaster 2,200 yen ② Chopsticks 2,500 yen ③ Spoon 2,500 yen - Overview - Address: 2272-7 Kisohirasawa, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0264-34-3888 Fax: 0264-34-2832 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Every Tuesday / Open during busy seasons (closed irregularly) Parking: Standard cars: 500 spaces / Large buses: 10 spaces / Accessible: 4 spaces (all free) Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ramps Access: By car: 25 km (about 30 minutes) from Shiojiri IC / By car: 80 km (about 90 minutes) from Nakatsugawa IC / By train: JR Chuo Main Line to kisohirasawa station, then 20-minute walk

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival This enchanting event fills winter nights along Kiso Road with the warm glow of ice candles and bamboo lanterns handcrafted by local residents. Held at post towns and other venues across the Kiso area, it usually runs from late January through mid-February each year. A photo contest will also be held. We look forward to many entries! For details, please see the Kiso Tourism Federation website.

Shiojiri-juku Location: Shiojiri City, Shiojirimachi The old Nakasendo route that crossed Misawa Pass, Ono-juku and Ushikubi Pass from Shimosuwa-shuku was abolished in 1613 (Keichō 18). From 1614 (Keichō 19) the Nakasendo was rerouted via Shiojiri Pass and the new Shiojiri-juku was established. The town layout work was overseen by Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Domain. He laid out the new Shiojiri-juku in an east–west plan southwest of the old post town. The honjin was one of the largest on the Nakasendo, and the post town also featured a noticeboard area and a Matsumoto Domain checkpoint. Plots in the post town were typically three to four ken wide. By 1843 (Tenpō 14) the town had 166 households, including 75 inns — the largest number among the 26 post towns of Shinshu, due to its position at a road junction below Shiojiri Pass. Major fires in 1828 (Bunsei 11) and 1882 (Meiji 15) destroyed much of the town, but the Ono family house, a National Important Cultural Property, still evokes the town’s former appearance.

[Torii Pass - toriitoge-] Overview A roughly 6 km mountain trail linking Narai inn on the Kiso Kaido with Yabuhara inn. In the Edo period it was famous as one of the Nakasendo’s toughest stretches, a place that made straw-sandalled travelers limp with pain. Today it is a popular, atmospheric trekking route. Hikers from Japan and abroad walk this pass in large numbers. From the summit you can look west to Mitakesan and east to Kiso Komagatake. Along the old road you will find numerous haiku and waka monuments and stone Buddhas, including those honoring Matsuo Bashō. The pass saw battles between the Kiso clan and the Takeda clan in the Sengoku era, and in the late Edo period Princess Kazunomiya passed through here on her marriage procession. Free loan of hinoki conical hats and bear bells! This service lets walkers experience the look of Edo-period travelers, especially those walking between Yabuhara and Narai on the Nakasendo. The traditional original hinoki (cypress) hats, hand-painted with kanji, make perfect travel companions and evoke the spirit of Edo travelers. They’re great for the experience and for photo opportunities. What is a hinoki hat? A hinoki hat is one of Kiso region’s traditional crafts. It remains popular with locals and visitors as a practical fashion item and as a sunshade that traces its roots to the Edo period. How to try them You can try them at the tourist information centers listed below. We refund the full deposit when you return the items. ⚠ The deposit will not be refunded if the item is lost or damaged. (Items may be wet without issue.) Loan locations: ① Narai-juku Tourist Information Center ② Yabuhara-juku Nigiwai Hiroba Enkan ③ Kiso Village Tourist Information Center Addresses: ① 497-3 Narai, Shiojiri City ② 1019-1 Yabuhara, Kiso village ③ Lot 196, Yabuhara, Kiso village TEL: ① 0264-34-3160 ② 0264-36-3020 ③ 0264-36-2543 Opening hours: ① 9:00–17:00 ② 8:30–17:00 ③ 9:00–17:00 Closed: ① During the New Year holidays ② Every Tuesday ③ Every Monday Refundable deposit: 2,000 yen per item Payment method: Cash only

【Two major local gourmets representing Shiojiri: Bandit yaki and Shinshu Soba noodles】 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 【Bandit Grill -Sanzokuyaki-】 Actually, it originated in Shiojiri!　Bandit grilling is a hot topic on social media with its exciting appearance The bandit grill, which is a exciting fried whole chicken thigh, is actually Roux by the bandits at a restaurant in Shiojiri City. The first owner and his wife worked hard to perfect the cooking method. In a scene from the movie "Seven Samurai" at the time, the appearance of bandits hunting a chicken, the location of a mountain pass nearby, and what! It is said that both husband and wife had the appearance of bandits, so they named the restaurant "Bandits" and named the dish "Bandit Yaki". -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 【Soba noodles】 If you like Soba noodles, I want to know! The birthplace of "Soba Kiri", Shiojiri, Motoyama inn In the past, "Soba noodles" were in the form of dango, which is similar to what we now call "Soba noodles". The elongated noodles that we think of when we hear the word "Soba" are called "Soba noodles" and seem to have been distinguished from the dango-shaped ones. The birthplace of "Soba Kiri" is the current Motoyama inn in Shiojiri City. It is said that the Soba kiri, which was born in Honyama inn, which was also a place where many travelers visit as a Post Town of Nakasendo, spread throughout the country through Highway. Shiojiri City was originally a place suitable for the Cultivation of high-quality Soba with a large daily and annual range of temperatures, and it seems that Soba has been Cultivation for a long time, but the oldest literature on Soba cutting in Motoyama inn can be found in the description of Unsuzu in the haibun selection "Genre Bunsen" compiled by Morikawa Kyoroku in the 2nd year of Hoei (1705). It is written that "Soba Kiri and Tsukipa, originally from Shinano Province and Motoyama Inn, will be enjoyed throughout the country."

Gohbara-juku (Gohbara-juku) Location: Gohbara, Hirooka, Shiojiri City Gohbara-juku was the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it branched from the Nakasendo at Seba-juku. It was established in Keicho 19 (1614) when Hidemasa Ogasawara, lord of Matsumoto Castle, developed the Zenkoji Kaido (the Hokuriku side route) to connect Nakasendo’s Seba-juku with the Hokkokukaido. Rather than an existing settlement becoming the post town, Gohbara’s original village lay on the east bank of the Narai River in the Ueno land division. When the post station was laid out, the settlement was moved around Genna 5 (circa 1619) to its present site together with the Kataishi hamlet, which had been on the west bank, to create the new post town. Highlights of Gohbara-juku Houses were laid out with wide frontages of five to six ken, featuring main gabled roofs with the short side facing the street and sparrow deterrents on the ridges. Each house has a forecourt with planted trees, creating an attractive streetscape, and shop names are displayed at every residence. Sōetsu Yanagi, called the father of the mingei (folk craft) movement, praised Gohbara-juku in his essays, saying the entire post town was “a single splendid work of art.” On the north side of the post town stands Gofuku-ji, which served as a resting place for Emperor Meiji during his imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). Read more about the Nakasendo and the five post towns in the city here↓

Motoyama-juku (Motoyama-juku) Location: Shiojiri City, Soga Honzan Motoyama prospered as the gateway to Kiso Road and the exit from the Matsumoto Plain. Two-story houses with latticework fronts line the streets, preserving a strong sense of the past. The town is also introduced as the birthplace of sobakiri (cut buckwheat noodles). In Keicho 19 (1614), Shiojiri, Seba, and Motoyama were designated as new post towns on the Nakasendo. Unlike Shiojiri and Seba, which were formed by relocating people from neighboring villages, Motoyama developed from a medieval settlement. It was the 32nd station counting from Edo, situated 30 cho from Seba Post Town and 2 ri from Niegawa Inn (Niegawa-juku). The post town divided into Kamimachi to the south and Shimomachi to the north, with the honjin, wakimotonjin, and dispatch office at its center. South of the town stood Hachiman Shrine, Choukyuuji, and Joukouji; to the north was Suwa Shrine, and across the Narai River lay Ikeo Shrine, though some temples were later abandoned. Because Motoyama bordered the Owari Domain in Kiso, a checkpoint was located south of the town to inspect women and timber. In Tenpo 14 (1843) the town had 117 households and 34 inns. Compared with Seba Post Town’s three-ken frontage, many houses in Motoyama had four- to five-ken facades. The town suffered several great fires, but surviving buildings date from the late Edo to Meiji periods. Facing the street, they feature hirairi degekata construction and second-floor rooms with senbon-koshi lattices, retaining much of the post town atmosphere. Notably, three residences built around the Meiji era—the Akiyama Family (Wakamatsuya), the Tanaka Family (Ikeda family), and the Kobayashi Family (Kawaguchi Family)—are registered tangible cultural properties of Japan. The honjin, Kobayashi residence, hosted Princess Kazunomiya, daughter of Emperor Ninkō, when she married Tokugawa Iemochi in Bunkyū 1 (1861), and it later accommodated the Meiji Emperor during his tour in Meiji 13. Each house still carries its traditional shop name, offering a glimpse into the past. The town’s specialty is soba. A note by Unrin in Hōei 3 (1706) in the miscellany Fūzoku Bunsen records Motoyama as the birthplace of sobakiri. Historic sites include the Motoyama Castle Ruins on a small hill behind the town, said to have been guarded by the Motoyama Minbu branch of the Kiso clan; Ike no Gongen (Ikeo Shrine), known for votive plaques for rain rituals, sericulture, and eye disease cures, whose shrine grove is a Shiojiri City natural monument; and the Shitamachi Stone Figure Group, featuring Dosojin, Koshin stone monuments, and inscribed tablets. For articles on the Nakasendo and the city’s five post towns, click here↓

【Nakasendo and 5 Post Towns in Shiojiri City】 There are 69 Shukuba on the Nakasendo Road between Edo Japan Bridge and Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Bridge. Although there are more hills in the Shiojiri City area than on the Tokaido, there was no long stay in the river, so we were able to pass as planned. There were five shukuba on the Nakasendo road in the Shiojiri city area: Shiojiri Inn, Washima Inn, Motoyama Inn, Niekawa Juku, and Narai Juku. (1) Shiojiri Inn -Shiojirijuku- (30th from Edo Japan Bridge) Shiojiri inn was set up in Sakai in the Matsumoto and Suwa territories to change Rice shells and contraband items, and the honjin and wakihonjin used for attendance shifts were established, and the number of hatagoya was the second largest in Nakasendo and the largest in Shinano at the end of the Bakumatsu shogunate. (2) Washima inn -Barajuku- (31st from Edo Japan Bridge) It is a Shukuba that corresponds to the follow-up of the Nakasendo Road and Zenkoji Temple Highway. The inn was equipped with one of only three Kanme Kaisho on Nakasendo. Most of the faces of the Shukuba were destroyed by the great fire in the early Showa period, but the stone lantern of the night light remains in the place where it hits. (3) Motoyama inn -Motoyamajuku- (32nd from Edo Japan Bridge) Motoyama inn is said to be the birthplace of Soba cutting. It flourished as the entrance to Kisoji Road and the exit of Matsumotodaira. Honjin became a Accommodation when the Imperial Princess Wagu married Tokugawa Ieshige and during the Meiji Emperor's visit in 1880 (Meiji 13). (4) Niekawa Juku -Niekawajuku- (33rd from Edo Japan Bridge) Niekawa Juku is the entrance to Kisoji 11 Inn. As a transportation hub on the Nakasendo Highway, the Kakegawa Checkpoint was located, and it developed in the Accommodation industry and remote area commerce. (5) Narai juku -Naraijuku- (34th from Edo Japan Bridge) The Shukuba was called "Narai Senken" and was crowded. Richly preserved of the faces of that time, it is now visited by many people as a popular Sightseeing spot.

[Mt. Kiritou] Mt. Kiritou rises to 1,305 meters and is a popular destination for day hikes. It sits near the middle of the Central Divide that runs east to west across Nagano Prefecture. From the summit you can take in wide views of Matsumoto, Ina, and the Suwa area, as well as the Northern and Southern Alps, MtOntake, Yatsugatake, and even MtMyoko on the far horizon. From late April into May, delicate reddish-purple okinagusa flowers greet hikers. [Hiking Routes] Mt. Kiritou has three main hiking routes, each with its own appeal. Choose the route that suits you and give Mt. Kiritou a try! 1. Shimotonishijo Course 2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course) 3. Central Divide Course Note: In winter, crampons and other cold‑weather mountaineering gear are essential. 1. Shimotonishijo Course Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station Parking: about 40 spaces Toilets: one men’s and one women’s toilet at Yamanokami Nature Garden Related: Yamanokami Nature Garden, okinagusa This route starts at Shimonishijo to the north of Mt. Kiritou. From the Yamanokami Nature Garden parking area it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. From the parking area you walk along forest paths through the Nature Garden and past Tamarazu no Ike toward the trailhead, warming up your legs before the climb. 2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course) Access by car: about 20 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Ono Station Parking: about 10 spaces Toilets: temporary toilets available (closed in winter) Related: Mt. Kiritou winter sample itinerary This route starts from Ono to the south of Mt. Kiritou. The trail passes historic spots such as the Kattori Castle Ruins and a stone monument to Ontake Daigongen. It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from the parking area, and it is the steepest of the three courses. 3. Central Divide Course Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station Parking: about 10 spaces Toilets: none Related: Oshibayama, nirinso (two‑leaf anemone) The trailhead lies slightly toward Shiojiri from the watershed park at Utou Pass. The route climbs via Oshibayama to Mt. Kiritou and takes about 2.5 hours. The scenery and terrain change rapidly on the way to the summit, offering a varied mountain trail. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Requests for a safe and enjoyable climb of Mt. Kiritou Please protect plants for nature conservation. Take your trash home to help protect the environment. The Mt. Kiritou area experiences frequent lightning, so monitor the weather carefully. Do not enter any prohibited areas. Never start a wildfire. Be aware of dangerous wildlife such as bears, hornets, and poison‑sumac species.

Hiraide Ruins The nationally designated Hiraide Ruins rank among Japan’s major archaeological sites. They lie about 2 kilometers southwest of JR Chuo Line Shiojiri Station on the vineyard-covered Kikyogahara plain. The site stretches in a belt along the Shibukawa stream flowing from Hiraide spring, extending roughly 1 kilometer east to west and 300 meters north to south. Full-scale excavations begun in 1950 revealed that people lived at Hiraide from the Jomon period through the Heian period. Numerous dwelling remains and associated artifacts were unearthed. These rich finds formed a fundamental body of material for studying prehistoric and ancient culture in this region, and the site was designated a National Historic Site in 1952. Subsequent excavations have uncovered more than 290 dwelling and building remains to date. ◇Hiraide Museum The museum displays clay figurines, pottery, stone tools, and iron implements excavated from the Hiraide Ruins, along with artifacts from other local sites. Highlights include prefectural treasures such as the green-glazed water jar, the Shibamiya bronze bell, the Irisawa tile tower, and distinctive Jomon pottery from Shinshu. ◇Historical Park Around the museum lies the Hiraide Kofun Group, three burial mounds thought to belong to powerful local leaders who once governed the Hiraide settlement. You can also see a pit-dwelling reconstruction that was the first of its kind restored anywhere in Japan. ◇Hiraide Archaeological Park Hiraide Archaeological Park reconstructs villages from the Jomon, Kofun, and Heian periods under the theme “Five thousand years of Hiraide.” Fifteen reconstructed dwellings and buildings stand in the park, and visitors can enter some of them. Recreations of Jomon, Yayoi, and Heian period dwellings let you experience changes in structure and building materials firsthand and feel how people’s daily lives evolved over time. ◇Guidance Building The guidance building houses a learning corner, rest area, and observation room, creating a relaxed space for visitors to learn about the Hiraide Ruins. Hands-on programs related to prehistoric and ancient life—such as fire making and magatama (curved bead) making—are offered and remain popular with local children. On the second floor, an observation room offers a panoramic view of the archaeological park. ◇Practical Information <Historical Park and Hiraide Museum> Address: 1011-3 Soga, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0263-52-1022 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Closed: Mondays, the day after national holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Parking: Cars 50 spaces / Large buses 10 spaces (free) Admission: Adults 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students free / Groups of 20 or more 240 yen per person Access: 15-minute walk from JR Shiojiri Station or get off at Hiraide Museum on the Soga community bus line <Archaeological Park and Guidance Building> Address: 388-2 Soga, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0263-52-3301 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays, the day after national holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Parking: Available (free) Reception hours: 9:00–11:00 and 13:00–15:30 Admission: Free (materials fees may apply for some activities) Access: 15-minute walk from JR Shiojiri Station or a 6-minute walk from Hiraide Gate on the Soga community bus line

Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Overview Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sits in the eastern part of Shiojiri City on gently sloping terrain. From the summit’s 360-degree viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps, Lake Suwa, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji. Seasonal Highlights <Spring–Summer> The highland is popular for easy observation of diverse alpine plants such as rhododendron (Renge tsutsuji) and geranium (Hakusan fuuro). From early summer to autumn, grazing dairy cows create a pastoral, otherworldly landscape. <Autumn–Winter> From mid-October, you can often see majestic sea-of-clouds formations. Camping and Outdoor Activities Since 2021, responding to the recent outdoor boom, growing workation demand, and increased interest in environmental protection, outdoor initiatives have begun, including development of camping areas so visitors can enjoy the highland in many ways. Visitor Notes for Mt. Takabocchi Highlands There are no water facilities such as cooking water taps, so please bring your own water. Toilets are available, and vending machines sell drinks including water. Basic Information Recommended Seasons June (rhododendron), June–October (cow pasturing), late October–December (sea of clouds) Address Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Access Access to Mt. Takabocchi Highlands 13 km from Shiojiri IC *Closed for winter roughly early December through late April For car navigation *Gake no Yu Route Search for Gunjo-kaku (〒399-0071 6114-235 Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Tel: 0263-58-2140). It is about 7 km and a 15-minute drive from Gunjo-kaku. *Higashiyama Route If “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands” is not registered, use Higashiyama Community Center (Tel: 0263-56-2485) as a landmark for the Takabocchi entrance from Japan National Route 20. Address: 869-4 Former Shiojiri Higashiyama, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Parking First Parking Lot (adjacent to Kusakazuba racing field, free) Second Parking Area (Toppouguchi, free) Toilets Available at the First Parking Lot and the Second Parking Area Contact 0263-88-8722 (Shiojiri City Tourist Information Center)

Famous for "Japan's best shutter point" ? The night on the Takabocchi Highlands is different! Take a look! This photo!! A little beauty for the scenery If you don't see it live, it's a loss! Family, friends, lovers, no matter who you go with, there is no waiting for Impression! I don't want to go anymore~

It's dark outside because of the Ume plum rain, but the gorgeousness of the hydrangeas stands out! This is a temple called Jokoji Temple in Kamisaijo, Shiojiri City, and is also Famous as Camphor Tree Temple.

Did you know that Shiojiri is a famous wine brewing area in One of the best in Japan? 】 Japan There are 400~500 Winery companies in Japan, Restrooms available about 80 of them are Restrooms available in Nagano Prefecture. Shiojiri City is the area with the largest Mr./Ms. Winery in Nagano Prefecture, Winery There are 15 companies. There are Winery that have been in business for more than 100 years since the Meiji era, and there are new Winery that were founded in Reiwa, Restrooms available each of the 15 companies produces wines with different personalities. In addition, Thereare in Shiojiri City, wine is also made at the high school, and there is an environment where students can learn about winemaking. The reason why the wine industry is so thriving is that the temperature difference between day and night is large due to the Elevation of 700M, the long daylight hours, and the soil is gravel and volcanic ash, making it the best environment for cultivation of grapes. High-quality wines are produced from high-quality grapes grown in this area. Among the wines made in Shiojiri, Merlot is particularly highly evaluated. In 1989, it even won a grand gold medal at a prestigious international competition. At the Shiojiri Winery Festa, which is Held in once a year Japan many visitors from all over the country visit drink all the wine in Shiojiri laughs. Please try Shiojiri wine.

[Nakasendo Narai-juku] Located beneath Torii Pass — one of the Nakasendo’s most notorious difficult stretches — Narai was known as 'Narai Senken' ('a thousand houses of Narai') and was the most prosperous post town among the eleven post towns of Kiso. The townscape has been designated by the national government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and it still strongly retains the atmosphere of the past. The roughly 1‑km stretch of buildings along the Narai River forms the longest post‑town streetscape in Japan. More than a preserved site, Narai‑juku’s charm lies in the fact that people still live there today. This award‑winning post town was also used as the setting for the 2011 NHK morning drama 'Ohisama'. As a place where visitors can experience Japan's unspoiled beauty, it attracts many people from Japan and abroad every year, who are captivated by this historic post town. ◇Basic Information ・ Parking: Please use the nearest Roadside Station 'Kiso-no-Ohashi' parking lot (free), or the Gonbei Parking Lot (paid). ・Inquiries: Narai-juku Tourist Information Center TEL 0264-34-3160

[The cityscape of the Edo period continues for 1 km! ] Special Feature on the Charm of Narai Juku] Introducing Narai Juku, located in the northernmost part of Kisoji! Narai Juku is a place of great historical value, as it was designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Showa 53, and Kisoji including Narai Juku was registered as a Japan Heritage Site in 2016 Heisei 28. Narai juku is a cityscape of the Edo period that stretches for about 1 km. You can enjoy sightseeing just by walking while looking at the cityscape. Restrooms available show completely different expressions in each season, so no matter how many times you go in one year, you won't get tired of seeing them! Inside Narai Juku, you can enjoy Nagano Prefecture's specialties such as Soba buckwheat noodles, Gohei Mochi, Oyaki, and Japan sake. You can also buy local crafts such as Kiso lacquerware and curved objects as Souvenirs! By the way, the production area of Kiso lacquerware is a place called "Kiso Hirasawa" right next to Narai Juku, and this Kiso Hirasawa is also designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings! It's fun to come to Narai juku! !! There are also shops where you can dress in kimonos and yukatas, so you can dress up and walk through the streets of the Edo period, which is truly a time slip! In the past, it has been a filming location for Morning Drama and is also popular as a sacred place. Please come to Narai juku!

[Recommended Sightseeing spot in Shiojiri! ] Special Feature on the Charm of Takabocchi Highlands] East of Shiojiri City, between the Suwa area and at an Elevation of 1655M, we will introduce the charm of the Takabocchi Highlands! Takabocchi Highlands is famous for taking beautiful photos that are said to be "the best shutter point in Japan"! In addition to being able to overlook Mt. Fuji, the Northern and Southern Alps, Norikura, Mt. Myoko, and the mountains that Representative Japan, your name is. Suwa Lake, the sea of clouds, Renge azalea, and Grazing cows, and if you bring a camera, you will definitely be able to take a good photo! It is also attractive that it shows a completely different expression depending on the time of day, such as sunset, sunrise, and night! In particular, only the Takabocchi Highlands can contain the sea of clouds, Suwa Lake, and Mt. Fuji in one piece! Maintenance of the campsite is also maintained! Camping with a view of the mountains is one of the best! If you want to know more about campgrounds and reservations, search for "Takabocchi Highlands Campground"! It is also recommended that you can hike moderately! The Promenade around the ranch and to the top is Restrooms available, so you can enjoy a distance that is not painful while breathing the clean air of the Highlands! Along the way, you may have wonderful encounters with cows and Renge azaleas! It is also famous as a sacred place for "Yuru Can△" and "Your Name"! Let's enjoy the same scenery as the characters in the story! It takes about 30 minutes from Shiojiri IC, so please come and visit us!

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Shiojiri Tourism Association. Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture is a city with a population of about 65,000 located in the center of Nagano Prefecture. Known for its historic streetscape and abundant Specialty Products, it is loved by many tourists. Please take a look at the recommended Tourist Information of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! ◆What is Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture? ◆ Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by the Northern Alps, the Hotaka Mountain Ranges, Mt. Mt. Takabochi, and the Central Alps, and is surrounded by rural scenery. Grapes are a specialty, and the wine made from those grapes is famous all over the world. In addition, at Narai Juku, which was a post town on Nakasendo, the townscape that still retains the appearance of the Edo period welcomes visitors. ◆ Introduction of Sightseeing spot Information in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture ◆ [History and Culture] ◇Narai juku Ahead of the Torii shrine gate Pass, a difficult place on the Nakasendo Road, it was the most prosperous post town among the Kiso eleven inns. Even now, it retains the appearance of the Edo period, and the atmosphere of the four seasons is beautiful, and it is full of attractions and gourmet foods that still Fascination people, such as being the stage for movies and dramas. ◇Kiso Hirasawa Kiso Hirasawa was selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2006 Heisei 18 as a "lacquer town". In addition, at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, an Olympic medal made of metal and Kiso lacquerware was adopted. ◇Highways and post towns Shiojiri City, which is served by several highways, including the Nakasendo Highway connecting Edo and Kyoto, has long been a bustling transportation hub. Let's visit the unique flavor of each post town and the many hidden episodes. ◇Hiraide Ruins Restrooms available from the Jomon period to the Heian period more than 5,000 years ago, and it is a place where people lived. Many valuable artifacts have been excavated. ◇ Shiojiri Tankakan National Registered Tangible Cultural Property Documents of poets related to Shiojiri, such as Akahiko Shimaki, are on display. The main house is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. [Nature] ◇Takabocchi Highlands Takabocchi Highlands, which belongs to the Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park, is a beautiful Highlands with an Elevation of 1,665 Meters. It is a place where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, especially the Renge azalea and Highlands plants in summer and the sea of clouds in autumn. From the Takabocchi Highlands, you can overlook Mt. Fuji, the Northern Alps, and the Suwa Lake, and the beauty fascinates people who visit it. ◇ Wine & Grapes It is Restrooms available one of the most wine region in Japan and has a history spanning 130 years. Tour the Winery and enjoy the Gastronomical delicacies that combine the skills and hearts of the makers to your heart's content. ◇ Grapes Chinese bellflower. It is a special grape that can only be tasted here. ◆Introduction of festivals and events in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Shiojiri Winery Festa This is an event where you can enjoy wine discussions with winemakers from Winery in the city while tasting Shiojiri wine. Visit many wine fans from inside and outside the prefecture. ◇Kiso Lacquerware Festival, Narai Juku Festival It is a large lacquerware market once a year. Masterpieces and storehouses are lined up in front of the store. The "Tea Pot Dochu" held at Narai Juku is also popular. ◆ Summary of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture is an area where you can enjoy rich nature and history. Heartwarming hospitality and beautiful nature and culture await you. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will send out the best Tourist Information of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, so Best regards!

Narai juku "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" It is located in Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Narai Juku is the 34th post town in the Nakasendo Highway, counting from Itabashi Inn on the Edo side and Moriyama Inn on the Kyoto side, just in the middle of the Nakasendo Highway. The Town has been selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and retains a strong appearance of the past. On the day I visited, half of the road was off-limits due to road construction tears. The construction had not started yet early in the morning, so I asked to take a picture. "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" I don't know if the two people in the photo were talking. Restrooms available.

Oni Ice 🧊👹 This is an ice candle festival held in Naraijuku, Nagano Prefecture. Since February 3rd is Setsubun, it seems 🤣 that the demon is not outside, but demon ice The time is fixed every year, so be sure to visit!

Naraijuku, Nagano Prefecture, has been selected as an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District in Japan. This post town, which is also a Japan heritage site, not only retains the remnants of the Nakasendo road of the Edo period, but also imbues the buildings with the wisdom of the old Japan life. You can enjoy nostalgia and rustic beauty. On the day of my visit, it was just snowing powder, and I was able to enjoy a fantastic moment. Japan's traditional townscape that I want the world to know about.

★ The 15th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest is currently being ★ held under the theme of "Recommended Japan Sightseeing Spots in 2023" We look forward to receiving many applications from you! This time, we will introduce a post by "shota"! The nostalgic scene is impressive. Narai-juku is located in Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, and is a post town where the old-fashioned townscape remains. It is full of attractions such as local cuisine, traditional crafts, and beautiful nature. ◆Nakasendo Narai-juku◆ 【Address】〒399-6303 Nagano Prefecture, Shiojiri City, Narai 【Access】 From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Main Line ⇒Shiojiri Station⇒ get off at Narai Station⇒ walk about 3 minutes 【Parking lot】Available Please check the official website for details.

Narai-juku in summer. There is no doubt that you will be impressed by the scenery as if you have slipped back in time!!! If you want to see a Japan-like view, this is the place!