A Guide to Narai

Narai is one of the most northerly of the Kiso Valley post towns that was originally a marker of the halfway point along the Nakasendo highway. The one-kilometer street of two-storey wooden buildings is recognisable for its overhanging second floors many of which are adorned with climbing plants that frame the shop fronts. As one of the most characterful of the valley’s post towns, Narai is a good spot to spend a whole day for shopping and outdoor activities as well as for an overnight stay.

Shopping and Eating

While the main street of Narai isn’t long, it makes up for its size with every building offering something to see or do. Aimed at visitors passing through the town, the stores brim with souvenir shops of every nature from calligraphy brushes, geta wooden sandals, and lacquerware to Japanese snacks and trinkets. The town’s rich history can also be discovered at Nakamura’s Residence, an impressive building that was home to a man well-known for his success in selling combs in the 19th century, and the Narakawa Museum of History and Folklore which introduces the story of the Nakasendo highway and traditions in the Kiso Valley.

Narakawa Historical and Folklore Museum

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Nagano Shiojiri-shi Narai 68

0264342654

10:00-16:00

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Temples

Narai is home to many a temple which were frequented on travellers’ journeys along the Nakasendo highway. For the most part, the temples are off small paths to the west of the main street where they can be found tucked away in the lush green hillside forests. The well-tamed Chosenji Temple is worth a visit as well as Jyoruji Temple, Shinmei Shrine, and Honenji Temple.

The 200 jizo

The 200 jizo stone statues just a five-minute walk from Narai Station have sat there since the Edo period, increasing in number over the years as travellers that died along the long strenuous Nakasendo route were buried in the area, represented by these images of Buddha. The best way to experience the peaceful atmosphere of Narai’s temples is on an early morning visit in order to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sun rising over the valley.

Nihyakujizo

Nagano Pref. Shiojirishi Narai 960-1

0264-34-3160

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Staying overnight

As is the case for all the post towns along the Kiso Valley, the shops and restaurants begin to close from 5pm meaning there are very few evening activities in the area. Luckily Narai is home to a number of cosy ryokan offering an authentic, albeit more luxurious, experience to that of travellers stopping overnight on their trip from Edo (today’s Tokyo) to Kyoto along the Nakasendo. One of the oldest ryokan in Narai, Echigoya Ryokan, found in one of the charming two-storey wooden buildings, is the one of the only guest houses in the whole of the Kiso Valley that has been passed down the generations of the same family since the Edo period.

越後屋旅館

長野県下高井郡山ノ内町佐野2346-1

0269333188

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Outdoor activities

The stunning scenery surrounding Narai isn’t just for looking at but can be visited by taking one of the many paths that leads up into the forests of cedar and pine that envelope the valley. An unmissable route is up to the Nezame no Toko Gorge which merits the incline for the satisfaction of reaching the Kiso River which is bordered by rugged rock formations that go for kilometers along the clear river. You can get a glimpse of the gorge on the train ride into Narai, which is located on the handy JR Chuo Line which runs directly from Nagoya to Narai Station.

Nezame no Toko

Nami Prefecture Kiso County Kamimatsu Town sleeping sensation

0264521133

Freedom to walk

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