Nakasendō

Nakasendō

The Nakasendō is the popular name for the old national highway Route 19 that runs from Shiojiri City in Nagano Prefecture through the Kiso Valley to Nagisago City in Gifu Prefecture. It still preserves the appearance of 11 historic post towns and streets dating back to the Edo period, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience Japan’s past and immerse themselves in the country’s ancient history and culture. It is part of the Nakasendō route and developed alongside the Nakasendō. The Nakasendō was one of the five major routes of the Edo period in Japan, connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto via inland roads. It started at Nihonbashi in Tokyo and ended at Sanjō Ōhashi in Kyoto, with 69 post stations along the way.

There are 11 post stations along the Nakasendō, many of which still retain their historic charm. Among them, the post towns of Narai-juku and Tsumago-juku are particularly vibrant with traditional inn streetscapes and have been designated as Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Narai-juku is the largest post town on the Nakasendō, lined with traditional houses featuring elements such as nagaya (row houses), degoshi (projecting beams), and shitomi-do (lattice windows). The area also has shops selling Kiso cypress lacquerware and high-quality sake, where visitors can purchase local specialties. Tsumago-juku boasts long stretches of streetscape that preserve original Edo-period architectural features such as nuki (brackets) and kōshi (lattice) windows. The town also has many long-established inns, tea houses, restored post stations, and notice board stands, and is actively engaged in preserving its historic streets.

Kisoji

Must-visit reason: The region's most famous nostalgic attraction

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Gifu and Nagano Prefectures [Gifu and Nagano Prefectures]