In the mountains of central Japan, remains of an ancient trade route can be found. Many small towns have been preserved in their Edo-period style and are now national Japanese treasures.

These old “post towns” take you back hundreds of years to 17th century Japan.

Nakasen-do 「中山道」 is the name of an old and famous Japanese trade-route that was used during the Edo period (1603 – 1867). The Nakasendo ran from Kyoto to Edo (old Tokyo) and in the mountains of Nagano, this part of the route is known as Kisoji 「木曽路」.

Narai-juku 「奈良井宿」, located at Narai, Shiojiri-city, Nagano Prefecture 「長野県塩尻市奈良井」 is almost exactly halfway between Kyoto and Tokyo. In the Kisoji area, there are 11 post towns which form part of the Nakasendo, all of which offer a journey back through Japanese history, accessible by train from many large cities including Tokyo, Nagoya and Nagano.

Narai-juku historic status sign
The government’s seal of approval… this place is a national treasure.

I’ve visited two of these towns, one is Narai-juku (perhaps the most famous of the 11) and the other is Tsumago-juku (the first post town in Japan to preserve its historic streets). The typical traveller to Japan will experience the big cities, and see a few temples in Kyoto. If you want a unique experience in Japan, immerse yourself in real tradition and history, take a look at the old towns of the Kisoji…

History of Narai-juku

During the Edo period, there were many strict rules put in place as to where and how people travel. In each of the 11 post towns in this area, there are large wooden boards where the local rules and laws, etc are posted. Some are from the Edo period and are very aged.

Bulletin board (Kosatsu-ba) in Narai-juku on the Nakasendo
The bulletin board (Kosatsu-ba) are “high rise” tablets which are made to be imposing as if looking down on people.

Step back into Edo-period Japan at Narai-juku

In Narai-juku, people still live in the old houses and inns along the historic Nakasendo road. There are a lot of restaurants, souvenir shops and more along the road. I picked up many very unique and traditional souvenirs, as many are made by the locals.

Historic Narai-juku shops along the Nakasendo in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Many of the old buildings are now shops selling local souvenirs or food.

Here is a copy of a passage on the “welcome board” which you can view before entering the streets:

Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings

Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture

Narai-juku was one of the post towns on the Nakesendo highway officially ruled by the Edo Shogunate and situated exactly between Edo and Kyoto. As it retains a historical row of Edo period houses along the street, it was confirmed as a Cultural Asset in 1978 and is maintained by the government grant system.

The conservation area extends about 1km north to south and about 200m east to west along the environs of the old highway. There is a shrine at both the north and sound end, as well as five temples among the row of houses. In Nakamachi (the middle part of the town) the highway is at its widest and here stood the Honjin (where the feudal lord stayed) and Wakihonjin (where his subordinates stayed). Also in this area the houses have very wide doorways. Many comb-makers or woodworking craftsmen lived in Kanmachi (the upper part of town) and Shimomachi (downtown).

The Torii Pass to the south of Narai was considered one of the most difficult ones to go through on the Nakasendo highway. Narai-juku prospered because travelers rested and stayed there in order to prepare for crossing the pass. The buildings are unique in that the second floor overhangs the first, with eaves sloping further to overhang the entire building. Most of the roods now have steel sheets, but originally were wooden slats held down by rocks.

Visitors come from all over Japan to see these historical buildings.

Reference: Photo taken on 17 July 2011 at the entrance to Narai-juku.

Narai-juku’s buildings

The Narai-juku conservation area (Japanese Cultural Asset) is very impressive, and the scenery in just about any season is impressive. In summer the area is clear and green, in autumn the surrounding mountains turn a golden orange, in winter snow caps the trees and buildings, and in spring cherry blossoms appear everywhere.

Looking down the historic Nakasendo street of Narai-juku
A view from the southern end of Narai-juku.

Some of the historic sites in Narai-juku are:

  • Shizume-jinja Shrine,
  • Honjinato Ruins,
  • Two Hundred Juzos (stone Buddhist statuettes),
  • Nakamura House (historic house, preserved same as it was around 1840),
  • Old inns and guest houses,
  • Traditional stores such as lacquer ware, soba restaurants, tea rooms and more,
  • Kiso-ohashi (a 300 year old bridge built out of regional hinoki cypress).

Shizume-jinja Shrine 『鎮神社』

Shizume Shrine (Shizume Jinja) in Narai-juku.
Shizume Shrine (Shizume Jinja), which translates to “relieve”, offering rest and health.
Koma-inu (lion-dog) statue at Shizume-jijna, Narai-juku
Koma-inu (lion-dog) statue at Shizume-jijna, Narai-juku
『奈良井宿鎮神社に鯉狛犬』
3 small altars at Shizume-jinja, Narai-juku, Kisoji
3 small altars at Shizume-jinja

Update: This post has become quite popular, so I went back and found some more photos to add to this article. So, here are some NEW…

Photos of Narai-juku 『奈良井宿の写真』

Narai-juku's Edo-period main street in summer, Edo-period main street of Narai-juku, Shiojiri-city, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Narai-juku’s Edo-period main street
Nakaya "middle store" at Narai-juku
Naka-ya “middle store”
『奈良井宿の中屋』
Soba-dokoro Yama-naka, Naira-juku, Nagano, Japan
Soba-dokoro Yama-naka / そば処 山なか
The Anchor Inn (いかりや Ikariya) in Narai-juku
The Anchor Inn (いかりや Ikariya) in Narai-juku, you can stay here for 8500 yen including 2 meals.
Old Edo Style Japanese House: Furuta's Barbershop in Narai-juku. ????? / ????
Furuta’s Barbershop, Narai-juku.
「奈良井宿古田理容店」
Matsuya's tea-room, Narai-juku
Matsuya’s Tea-room, Narai-juku
『奈良井宿の松屋茶店』
Koi (Japanese carp) at Narai-juku
Koi / Japanese carp / 鯉
Kisono-ohashi Bridge, Narai-juku
Narai-juku’s Kisono-ohashi Bridge 『奈良井宿 木曽の大橋」

How to get to Narai-juku

If you are travelling by train (e.g. using a Japan Rail Pass), you can get to Narai station from Tokyo, Nagoya and Nagano (well, those are the main stations and cities that are convenient). Narai station is adjacent to Narai-juku, easy walking distance.

  • From Tokyo, go to Shinjuku station and catch the “Super Azusa” (Limited Express) on the JR Chuo Line to Shiojiri Station. From Shiojiri Station, Narai is the 5th station on the JR Chuohonsen Line. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
  • From Nagoya Station you can take the “Wide View Shinano” (Limited Express) to Kisofukushima Station on the JR Chuo Line, which takes about 1 hour 25 minutes, you change at Kisofukushima Station to get to Narai Station, which is a local train and takes about 30 minutes.
  • From Nagano Station you need to change trains at either Matsumoto Station or Shiojiri Station.