Not just Narai-juku! A Nakasendo walk from Niekawa to Yabuhara, discovering the depths of the Kiso Road
From Niekawa-juku to Yabuhara-juku! A walking guide to the Nakasendo trail along the Kisoji road
This is a particularly picturesque section of the Kisoji Road, from Niekawa-juku to Yabuhara-juku . We will introduce a walking course where you can fully enjoy the history and culture of the Nakasendo, as well as the abundant nature.
Customize your route freely using JR stations!
The appeal of this walking course is that JR Chuo Line stations are dotted along the way, including Niekawa, Kiso-Hirasawa, Narai, and Yabuhara . This allows you to freely shorten the course based on your stamina and time, or spend more time at spots that interest you, creating a trip that is just right for you.
for example,
- If you want to enjoy Narai-juku at your own pace , get off at Niekawa Station, walk to Narai Station, and focus on exploring Narai-juku.
- If you're interested in Kiso lacquerware , get off at Kiso Hirasawa Station and stroll through the lacquerware town, then head to Narai-juku.
- If you can't miss Torii Pass but aren't confident in your physical strength , you can make a flexible plan, such as walking from Narai Station over Torii Pass and finishing at Yabuhara Station.
[Course Overview]
Niekawa-juku → Niekawa Checkpoint → Prefectural Natural Monument, Giant Horse Chestnut Tree of Niekawa → Fukazawa Family Residence → Katahira Bridge (Civil Engineering Heritage) → Kiso Hirasawa (Lacquerware Town | Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings ) → Narai River → Narai-juku (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, Five Temples, Kiso Bridge, Nakasendo Cedar Avenue and Two Hundred Jizo, Chinjinja Shrine) → Torii Pass (Central Watershed) → Yabuhara-juku (Oroku Kushi)
[Time Required] Approximately 6 to 8 hours (varies depending on breaks, meal times, and viewing time)
Sightseeing spots and directions
Niekawa -juku
The northern gateway to the Kisoji road. A quiet and peaceful post town.
- Niekawa Checkpoint Ruins : Located at the southern end of the post town, it still retains the appearance of a checkpoint from the Edo period. There is also a museum attached, where you can learn about what it was like back then.
- Prefectural Natural Monument, Giant Horse Chestnut Tree of Niegawa : A short walk past the checkpoint, you will come across a towering giant horse chestnut tree that is several hundred years old. You will be overwhelmed by its imposing presence. (Be careful when crossing the west side of National Route 19.)
- Fukasawa House : A historic private home remaining along the highway.
To Kiso Hirasawa (approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes on foot from Niekawa-juku)
From Niekawa-juku, head south along the Nakasendo road. Along the way, you'll encounter lush nature and enjoy the tranquil scenery. The quiet townscape is also quite pleasant.
- Katahira Bridge : A bridge between Niekawa-juku and Kiso-Hirasawa. The surrounding area is a beautiful valley, and you can see the clear waters of the Narai River. This RC open arch (rib + pillar) bridge crosses the Narai River. Although it is now abandoned, the bridge body has a very beautiful arch shape.
-
Kiso Hirasawa : Known as the home of Kiso lacquerware , it is lined with many lacquerware shops.
- Kiso Lacquerware : Designated as a national traditional craft, you can see and purchase a variety of beautiful lacquerware. Some shops even offer lacquer painting experiences. (Lacquerware Town | Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings )
- Urushigo Suwa Shrine : A shrine built in prayer for the prosperity of lacquerware.
- Kiso Living Crafts Museum: Located next to the roadside station, it offers a selection of traditional crafts such as Kiso lacquerware, as well as specialty products such as wine and sake.
- Kiso Lacquerware Hall: A museum unique to the Kiso lacquerware production area. It exhibits the production process of Kiso lacquerware, a tangible folk cultural property, as well as works and materials.
To Naraijuku (approximately 30-40 minutes on foot from Kiso Hirasawa)
If you walk further south from Kiso Hirasawa, you will finally arrive at Narai-juku, the largest post town on the Nakasendo road.
-
Narai-juku : Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government, the town once flourished to the point that it was known as "Narai Senken." The magnificent townscape makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period.
- Five Temples : Located at either end of the post town, these five temples each have their own charm, making them a great place to stop by during your stroll.
- Kiso Bridge : This arched bridge is made entirely of cypress and is a symbol of Narai-juku.
- Nakasendo Cedar Avenue and 200 Jizo Statues : Located at the southern end of the post town, this historic avenue of cedar trees continues. 200 Jizo statues are lined up along the road.
-
Chinjinja Shrine : The guardian deity of Naraijuku. A god who calms all things, quelling conflicts, illnesses, and disasters.
[Rest and Meals in Narai-juku] Narai-juku has many restaurants and coffee shops.
- Gohei mochi : A local dish from the Kiso region. The fragrant miso sauce will whet your appetite.
- Soba : Shinshu soba is delicious.
- Cafes : There are also many stylish cafes that have been renovated from old houses.
To Torii Pass (approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes on foot from Narai-juku)
From the southern end of Narai-juku, the climb to Torii Pass finally begins. From here, the trail becomes fully mountainous, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. This is the central watershed and the source of the Shinano River and Kiso River. (The weather can change suddenly, so be careful of thunder and bears.)
-
Torii Pass : A pass at an altitude of 1,197m. It is a strategic point connecting Kiso and Matsumoto, and was once known as a difficult spot on the Nakasendo road.
- Directions : At the southern end of Narai-juku, once you pass Nihyaku Jizo, the trail begins to climb. There are well-maintained signposts, so follow them. There is also a bear bell along the way.
- Scenery : The pass offers magnificent views of the Kiso Mountains, especially during the autumn foliage season.
- Horse chestnut trees: This is the only large horse chestnut tree colony in Kiso Village. There are also many small trees within the area. The trees are estimated to be between 70 and 490 years old.
[Rest at Torii Pass] There is a small rest area at the pass. We recommend bringing some drinks and snacks.
To Yabuharajuku (approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour on foot from Torii Pass)
Once you cross Torii Pass, you will begin the downhill route to Yabuhara-juku.
-
Yabuhara-juku : A post town located in the center of the Kiso Road. It was once the center of the eleven post towns along the Kiso Road, and was lined with teahouses and other establishments.
- Oroku Comb : Yabuharajuku is famous for producing "Oroku Combs." Why not pick one up as a souvenir to commemorate your trip?
[Resting and eating in Yabu Harajuku] There are also restaurants and coffee shops in Yabu Harajuku.
Seasonal changes
- Spring : The post town is beautiful, and new green leaves begin to sprout. The gradation of the mountain ranges, with deep green conifers (cypress and sawara) and light green broadleaf trees, is beautiful.
- Summer : The clear waters of the Narai River are refreshing, and the deep green mountains are soothing to the soul.
- Autumn : The trees along the road turn red, and the view from Torii Pass in particular is breathtaking.
- Winter : The post towns surrounded by snowy scenery are enveloped in a quiet, mystical atmosphere. However, some areas are difficult to pass through when there is snow, so it is important to gather information in advance.
others
- Transportation : Niekawa, Kiso-Hirasawa, Narai, and Yabuhara all have stations on the JR Chuo Main Line, making it convenient for accessing each post town and changing routes along the way.
- What to wear : We recommend wearing layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions. Bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, drinks, snacks, a map, and a bear bell (for crossing Torii Pass).
- Gather information : We recommend checking the latest information in advance on tourist association websites, etc.
- Roadside Station: Kiso Narakawa and Kiso Living Crafts Museum (Kiso Hirasawa) | Kiso Bridge (Narai) | Kisomura, the Source of the Kiso River (Yabuhara)
This is a wonderful walking course that allows you to fully experience the history and abundant nature of the Nakasendo. Please enjoy the journey at your own pace and experience the atmosphere of the Kisoji Road!
Civil Engineering Heritage Katahira Bridge