Kiso Hirazawa

The charm of Urushi-go and Urushi-ko Town

Kiso-Hirasawa is a historic town located in the Kiso region (Shiojiri City) of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is an old, deserted mountain village with a population of about 1,100 people, and has flourished as an important transportation hub since ancient times. It is also a lacquer town with Kiso lacquerware and the Nakasendo road , and a climate that is ideal for lacquer painting. Below, we will introduce the characteristics and charms of Kiso-Hirasawa.

JR Kiso-Hirasawa Station : JR Central's Chuo Main Line (Chuo West Line) <Nagoya Station - Shiojiri Station>, where the express "Shinano" also stops for the annual lacquerware festival held every June. It is the fourth station from Shiojiri Station. It is a comfortable journey where you can feel the breath of nature as you travel through the historic Gifu Prefecture and Eastern Agriculture region to Owari Nagoya while admiring the beautiful unspoiled scenery.

1. Historical value: "Kiso Cherry Blossoms"

It flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo and Kiso Kaido roads. During the Edo period, many inns and merchant houses were built along the Kiso Kaido road, and it was a bustling transportation hub. It was also the territory of the brave and courageous Kiso Yoshinaka (Minamoto no Yoshinaka), known as the "Kiso Cherry Blossoms ," and played an important role as a base for military commanders. Shiojiri City Tourist Guide

Kiso Yoshinaka: Lacquered gift tray with nine-star crest

2. A base for traditional crafts

Kiso Hirasawa is known as a lacquer town and lacquer crafts town, and is also known as a producer of traditional crafts such as lacquerware and woodwork. Techniques have been handed down since ancient times, and craftsmen produce products while protecting traditional techniques. Lacquerware and woodwork are highly regarded for their beauty and quality. In addition, rust soil harvested from the local area, Narai-juku (formerly Narakawa Village), has long contributed to the evolution of Kiso lacquerware. About Kiso lacquerware

3. Cultural Landscape

This is also an area where historical townscapes and buildings remain. The scenery of the good old days, such as old buildings and cobblestone streets, remains, and you can feel the history and culture. ( Urushi-ko Town, a nationally designated important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings )

4. Rich natural environment

The area is located in an area rich in nature, including the Kiso Mountains ( Central Alps ) and the Kiso River. With beautiful seasonal scenery and clear streams, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as forest therapy, hiking, and playing in the river.

5. Attractiveness as a tourist destination

Its historical value, traditional crafts, and natural environment all combine to draw many tourists, and it is loved by people from both within Japan and overseas as an area where you can experience the atmosphere of good old Japan.

It is a wonderful region where rich history, tradition and beautiful nature coexist in harmony, and is loved by many people as a place to experience Japanese culture and history.

Kiso-Hirazawa Station, JR Central

Central West Line, local trains, local trains (local trains)

Welcome to the lacquer town: Lacquerware display at 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] The Kakumaru lacquerware wholesaler was also listed.

Main street - Signboard to station

A suitable place for lacquerware production: Lacquer Town

I wish I had it♡ Favorites【Lacquerware】