Kiso Hirazawa

History, tradition and spectacular natural scenery woven together in the lacquer village

Kiso Hirasawa (formerly Narakawa Village) , located in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, is a quiet, old, deserted mountain village with a population of about 1,100, but its profound charm never ceases to draw visitors. Having flourished as a key transportation hub since ancient times, this area has two faces: Kiso lacquerware and the Nakasendo road , and with a climate perfect for lacquering, it is truly a "hometown of lacquerware" and a "lacquer town."

*The "former Narakawa Village" is the name of a village located in the southern part of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, that once belonged to Kiso County. It was once made up of two independent villages, Niekawa Village and Narai Village. These villages each played an important role as post towns on the Nakasendo, one of the five main roads during the Edo period , and developed their own unique history and culture.

Kiso-Hirasawa was one of the districts belonging to Narai village. Narai village was home to Narai-juku , the largest post town on the Nakasendo road, and Kiso-Hirasawa was included in the surrounding area. Therefore, Kiso-Hirasawa can be said to be an area deeply connected to the history of Narai village as a post town along the Nakasendo road and its tradition of lacquerware.

The villages of Narakawa and Narai merged in 1889 (Meiji 22) to form Narakawa Village , which was then incorporated into Shiojiri City on April 1, 2005 (Heisei 17), and is now part of Shiojiri City.

As an aside, the "Nara" in Narakawa Village is thought to be derived from the beech tree, a species of the beech family . The area was home to many oak trees and other broad-leaved beech trees, so the village was likely named after the rich natural environment. This is just my opinion, but when you consider that a place name like this was born from the natural surroundings around us, I think it's a lovely name that feels very familiar.

The former Narakawa village was an area with the following characteristics:

・Geographical features and natural environment:

• • Located at the northern end of the Kiso Valley: It stretches across the northern foothills of the Kiso Mountains (Central Alps), and is the entrance to the Kiso Valley, bordered by Torii Pass (1,197 meters).
  • Settlements along the Narai River: Major settlements were scattered along the Narai River, which flows north from its source in Chausuyama in the south.
  • Highlands: The entire area is highlands, with many sloping areas and little flat land. This restricted the development of agriculture, but at the same time it also contributed to the development of industries that do not require large amounts of land, such as the lacquerware industry.
  • Abundant forests: 95% of the administrative area is covered by forests, and the region has abundant water resources and a variety of functions that contribute to combating global warming.
    
    

JR Kiso-Hirasawa Station: The gateway to the lacquerware festival, where the Shinano express train also stops

JR Kiso-Hirasawa Station , on JR Central's Chuo Main Line (Chuo West Line), is located on the line connecting Nagoya Station and Shiojiri Station, and is just the fourth station from Shiojiri Station.

During the annual Lacquerware Festival held every June, the Shinano express train makes a special stop, making access from far away extremely convenient. The journey through the historic Tono region of Gifu Prefecture, admiring the beautiful natural scenery, and continuing on to Owari Nagoya, will be a pleasant experience, allowing you to feel the breath of Japan's abundant nature.

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1. Historical value: A place where the Nakasendo and Kiso Yoshinaka live on

Kiso Hirasawa was a bustling post town on the Nakasendo and Kiso Kaido roads during the Edo period. Many inns and merchant houses lined the roads, and it played an important role as a transportation hub.

Furthermore, it was the domain of Kiso Yoshinaka (Minamoto no Yoshinaka) , a brave and courageous military commander also known as the "Cherry Blossom of Kiso," and has left its mark in history as a base for military commanders. The lacquered gift tray bearing his symbolic nine-star crest is a valuable item that conveys the traditions and history of this area to the present day.

Kiso Yoshinaka: Lacquered gift tray with nine-star crest

2. A hub of traditional crafts: Experience the essence of Kiso lacquerware

Kiso Hirasawa is known nationwide as a lacquer town and lacquerware production area, producing traditional crafts such as Kiso lacquerware . The outstanding skills of artisans that have been passed down since ancient times are still carefully preserved, and the beauty and quality of their products are highly acclaimed.

In particular, the rust clay collected from Naraijuku (formerly Narakawa Village), a local area since ancient times, has contributed greatly to the evolution of Kiso lacquerware. There are also many places where you can observe the lacquerware production process and experience the craftsmanship, allowing you to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand.

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3. Cultural Landscape: Nationally Designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Kiso Hirasawa is an area where the historic townscape and buildings remain in good condition. The old buildings, roads, and scenery of the good old days remain intact, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

This "Urushi Town" has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government, and its landscape is protected as a valuable cultural heritage of Japan. Just strolling through the quiet and tranquil streets will allow you to experience the depth of history and culture.

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4. Rich natural environment: The blessings of the Central Alps and clear streams

Kiso Hirasawa is located on the central watershed, surrounded by abundant nature , including the Kiso Mountains (Central Alps) and the Kiso River . The beautiful natural scenery and pure streams of the four seasons soothe the souls of all who visit.

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as refreshing your body and mind with forest therapy , enjoying the great outdoors on a hike , or cooling off by playing in the river . Breathtaking views await you, especially during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.

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5. Attractions as a tourist destination: A fusion of history, tradition, and nature

Kiso-Hirasawa is a truly fascinating tourist destination, with its exquisite blend of historical value, traditional crafts, and a rich natural environment. This area, where you can experience the atmosphere of good old Japan, is loved and attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad.

Why not experience the beauty of Kiso lacquerware , taste the local Shiojiri wine , and experience the profound depths of this region? Kiso-Hirasawa is a wonderful region where you can deeply experience Japanese culture and history, where rich history and traditions blend in harmony with breathtakingly beautiful nature.

Kiso-Hirasawa Station, JR Central

Chuo-Nishi Line, local trains, local trains

Welcome to the lacquerware town: Lacquerware exhibition inside the station

After leaving the station, cross Urushi no Sato Waterfront Park on your left (south) and you will come out onto the main street.

Old map advertising sign: [Kuradedono] Kakumaru lacquerware wholesaler was also listed.

Main Street - Signpost to the station

A suitable place for lacquerware production: Urushi-go

I wish I had it♡ Favorites [General Lacquerware]