Kiso Valley
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Nakasendo Route In The Kiso Valley
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Nakasendo Route In The Kiso Valley
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Nakasendo Route In The Kiso Valley
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Nakasendo Route In The Kiso Valley
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Autumn Leaves In The Kiso Valley
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Kiso Valley Between Magome And Tsumago
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Hiking Trail In The Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route Between Magome And Tsumago
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Drying Kaki (Persimmons) In Tsugamo Kiso Valley
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Drying Kaki (Persimmons) In Tsugamo Kiso Valley
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route Near Tsumago
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route Near Tsumago
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route Near Tsumago
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Route
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Facts & Figures
The Kiso Valley has a length of app. 60km. It is located in the southwestern part of the Nagano Prefecture. The alpine and densely forested area is crossed by the Nakasendo Route, a former post road. This route connected Kyoto with Edo (Tokyo city). Kiso Valley's main attractions are the beautiful nature and the old restored towns.
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History
The Nakasendo Route was created when the Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan from 1603 till 1867. Part of this route, which runs through the Kiso Valley, is called Kiso-ji Road. The Kiso-ji Road consists of eleven post stations/towns every 8 to 16km. Touristic highlights are the following 3 post towns Narai, Tsumago and Magome.
Location
Kiso Valley is located along the Kiso-gawa River in the southwestern part of Nagano Prefecture.
How to get to Kiso Valley?
- 2,5hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Shiojiri Station by JR Azusa Line and
- 1hr from Shiojiri Station to Nagiso Station by JR Chuo Line (Limited Express) and
- 9min from Nagiso Station to Tsumago by local bus
- 1hr from Nagoya to Nagiso Station by JR Chuo Line (Limited Express) and
- 9min from Nagiso Station to Tsumago by local bus
Sightseeing spots
Top:
Mt. Ontake-san hiking - enjoy the 3hrs climb to the top (3,067m) of this holly mountain
Tsumago to Magome - 2,5hrs hiking tour along the Nakasendo Route, it is a must-do on your Japan trip
Narai, Tsumago, Magome - 3 beautiful preserved post towns
Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)
June
in Narai: Narai-juku Festival (5th till 7th)
The festival is celebrating the processions of tea also known as ocha-tsubo-dou-chuu during the Edo period.
August
in Tsumago: Fire Festival (fourth Saturday)
The festival is held near the ruins of Tsumago Castle. Enjoy the Kiso dance performances.
November
in Tsumago: Fuzoku Emaki Gyoretsu Parade (23rd)
Local people wearing costumes from the late Edo-period (Bunka-Bunsei 19th century) during this big parade.
in Magome: Shukuba Matsuri (23rd)
The parade with traditional costumes is the highlight of the Magome-juku post town festival.
Where to stay near Kiso Valley?
My 100 Best Moments in Japan
I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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