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Narai-juku

Take a stroll through the townscape, which features rows of houses with "senbon-goushi" lattices and inns that evoke the Edo period.

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It is Japan's longest post town, stretching about 1 km along the old Nakasendo Route. Located at the highest elevation among the 11 inns on the Kisoji Route, which is known for its perilous passes, the town used to be so crowded with travelers that it was called "Narai Senken (Narai of One Thousand Buildings)”. The townscape retains strong Edo period traces, such as houses with "senbon-goushi (a thousand of vertical grids)" lattices and inn eaves lights, and the entire town has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

It is divided into three areas along the route from the south: Kanmachi, Nakamachi, and Shimomachi. The main camp, side camps, and wholesale stores were located in Nakamachi, the town's center, at the time. There are shrines at both the north and south ends of the town and one in Nakamachi, as well as six drinking fountains and five temples known as the "Five Temples of Narai" on the mountain side of the street.

Another highlight is the various systems used to protect this post town from enemy invasion. A curved road called "Kaginote" separates Kanmachi and Nakamachi; a stream called "Yokomizu" separates Nakamachi and Shimomachi; and in Shimomachi, a stone wall and earthen mound called "Masugata" are built in a quadrilateral shape.

Along the road are many stores and restaurants selling local cuisine, sweets, and folk crafts, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll while feeling the history. There are also facilities where visitors can learn about the history of Narai-juku, such as the Nakamura Residence, a former comb wholesaler that still retains its original appearance, and the Kamitoiya Museum, which displays old documents and other historical materials.

Highlights

  • A one-kilometer-long Edo period townscape has been preserved.
  • Traditional local dishes such as oyaki, gohei-mochi (rice cakes), wild vegetable dishes, and Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles) are available.
  • You can find traditional crafts such as Kiso lacquerware and magemono (round-shaped containers made with thin strips of wood).

Photos

  • It is located right in the middle of Nakasendo Route.

    It is located right in the middle of Nakasendo Route.

  • Taiko-bashi (arched bridge) made entirely of hinoki cypress. It is illuminated at night.

    Taiko-bashi (arched bridge) made entirely of hinoki cypress. It is illuminated at night.

  • The "Tea Pot Road Trip," an annual event held in early summer.

    The "Tea Pot Road Trip," an annual event held in early summer.

  • Stores and cafes using historic buildings line the streets.

    Stores and cafes using historic buildings line the streets.

  • The street is decorated with Tanabata ornaments in the early summer.

    The street is decorated with Tanabata ornaments in the early summer.

Reviews

3
  • 張立溪

    古色古香的街道真的很美。

  • 小毅

    保存良好江戶時代驛站,過去的風貌幾乎沒有任何改變,在小鎭內散步彷彿穿越時空回到過去。

  • 呂成志

    短短這一條街道感覺身處於江戶時代,喜歡日式復古建築物的人不能錯過。

Details

Name in Japanese
奈良井宿
Postal Code
399-6303
Address
Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano
Telephone
0264-34-3160 (Narai-juku Tourist Association)
Hours
Free to walk around anytime
Admission
Free (admission may be required at each facility)
Directions
3 minutes on foot from JR Narai Station
Credit Cards
Depend on facilities
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese/English)