Halfway along the Nakasendo sits the picturesque Kiso Fukushima, one of the largest of the post towns. Tucked away in the Kiso Valley surrounded by nature, this historical town was one of the key points along the Nakasendo. Centuries later, remnants of Kiso Fukushima’s past can be discovered behind many doors on a wander around the town’s pretty streets.
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01
Kozenji Temple
![Kozenji Temple]()
Kozenji Temple
A must-visit on a trip to Kiso Fukushima is Kozenji Temple. The abundance of temples around Japan can make it hard to pick which ones to visit but with its title as one of the three great temples of Kiso Valley, this is one not to miss. Originally built in 1434, the striking temple was a popular spot to visit for travellers making their way along the Nakasendo. Today anyone can enter the temple for free and wander around the colourful buildings on its grounds. The zen garden behind the temple is well worth the 500 yen fee for a close-up look at the meticulously raked gravel arranged into patterns reminiscent of water.
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Kiso Fukushima Sekisho
![Kiso Fukushima Sekisho]()
Kiso Fukushima Sekisho
When the Nakasendo route was in use during the Edo Period there were just four checkpoints, one of which was found at Kiso Fukushima. The remains of the checkpoint have been developed into a museum which is found in a reconstructed but beautiful piece of traditional Edo architecture on a hill a 20-minute walk north of the train station. Here, you can learn about the strict policies of the time where the security checkpoints were used to ensure no women, children, or guns were smuggled into Tokyo, known as Edo at the time.
- the Fukushima Sekisho-ato
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- Nagano Pref. Kisogunkisomachi Fukushima Seki, Mie 4748-1
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03
Kiso Kiso Café
![Kiso Kiso Café]()
Kiso Kiso Café
As Kiso Fukushima has plenty to see, it’s worth sticking around for lunch or at least picking up a snack on your way through. Kiso Kiso Cafe’s friendly staff freshly bake bread, pastries, and cakes every day which can be taken out at Bee’s Bakery, attached to the café, or eaten in alongside other lunch items. The cafe is recognisable from its live mascot, Akkun, a Shiba dog that has attracted so much attention he even has his own Instagram account. The surprises don’t end there with the rather unexpected option of paying in Bitcoin.
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04
Yamamura Daikan
![Yamamura Daikan]()
Yamamura Daikan
While there was only a small number of full-time residents living in Kiso Fukushima, among them was the important Yamamura clan. Headed by the governor in charge of the Kiso Fukushima checkpoint, they lived in the Yamamura Daikan estate.
![Yamamura Daikan]()
Yamamura Daikan
The reconstructed mansion is built in the Edo Era style as it was first constructed with a pretty Japanese garden in the front. For a 300 yen fee (or 150 yen for children), visitors can take a look around the impressive structure and get a feel for the life of the upper classes in Edo period Japan with replicas such as a typical Yamamura banquet.
- Yamamura Daikan Yashiki
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- Nagano Kiso-gun Kisomachi Fukushima 5808-1
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- 0264223003
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05
Gongendaki Falls
![Gongendaki Falls]()
Gongendaki Falls
While those trekking along the Nakasendo may be reluctant to go too far off their route, it’s recommended that visitors who still have a bounce in their step go off and explore the surrounding nature. As Kiso Fukushima is found down in the valley with towering mountains at either side, there are plenty of waterfalls trickling down the neighbouring hills. Gongendaki Falls and Momijigaoka lie around an hour out of the town where you’ll find plenty of fresh mountain water and an impressive display of colourful leaves in autumn.
- Gongendaki
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- Nagano Kiso-gun Kisomachi
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