Kiso Hirazawa

The charm of lacquer town

Kiso-Hirasawa is a historic town located in the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture, Japan (Kiso-Hirasawa, Shiojiri City), 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 train "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 Tono region to Owari Nagoya while admiring the beautiful unspoiled scenery.

1. Historical value

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 Hirasawa Streetscape and Architecture Walking Map

Kiso Yoshinaka: Lacquered gift tray with nine-star crest

2. A base for traditional crafts

Kiso Hirasawa is known as a lacquer town and a producer of traditional crafts such as lacquerware and woodworking. Techniques have been passed down since ancient times, and craftsmen produce products while protecting traditional techniques. Lacquerware and woodworking 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.

Kiso-Hirasawa 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 lacquerware and Shiojiri wine

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 perfect place for lacquerware production: the snowy scenery of Kiso Hirasawa

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