What to know
The Kiso Valley (Kisoji in Japanese) lies in Nagano Prefecture, nestled beside the Central Alps. An ancient trade route known as the Kisoji once ran through this 70-kilometer valley, serving as a vital commercial artery for the region.
The Kisoji gained even greater significance at the start of the Edo Period (1603–1868), when it was incorporated into the 500-kilometer Nakasendo, one of the two main highways linking Edo (modern Tokyo) and Kyoto. Unlike the coastal Tokaido, the Nakasendo was known as the "path through mountains."
Due to shogunate restrictions, travelers were almost always required to journey on foot. Consequently, post towns sprang up every few kilometers, offering places to rest, eat, and sleep during the long trek.
Today, several of these post towns—especially Magome, Tsumago, and Narai—have been beautifully preserved, retaining their original stone paths and wooden buildings. Visitors can step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Kiso Valley
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.