Narai in Kiso Valley

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Domo arigato.
  • Narai Station within Nagano Prefecture

    Narai Station, Nagano Prefecture

  • Narai Station within Nagano Prefecture

    Narai Station, Nagano Prefecture

  • Kiso Ohashi Bridge over Narai River

    Kiso Ohashi Bridge over Narai River

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Kamidonya Shiryokan in Narai Kiso Valley

    Kamidonya Shiryokan in Narai, Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

    Old Post Town Narai in Kiso Valley

  • Narai Hachiman Shrine in Kiso Valley

    Narai Hachiman Shrine in Kiso Valley

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Facts & Figures

Narai (Narai-juku), an old post town along the Nakasendo Route, is the perfect example of how traditional Japanese architecture looked like during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). The town belongs to one of Japan's protected areas for the preservation of traditional buildings. Japan Rail Pass Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I travel nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favourite country.
Narai was during his heydays the most successful and wealthiest out of eleven towns along the route. It was also called "Narai of a Thousand Houses". The wooden buildings would stretch for over 1 km. The town is also the heart of the Kiso lacquer-making industry. When you stroll around make sure to visit some of the lacquer-ware shops or check out the nice restaurants and minshuku lodges. A hiking tour connecting the old post towns Narai, Tsumago and Magome is my must-do recommendation for you on your Japan trip.

My tips for local activities

Explore within a day trip the best parts of Narai, Matsumoto Castle or Nagano with a local English-speaking guide. Check out this page > for more details.

History

Narai was the 34th station out of 69 stations along the old Nakasendo Route and marked the half way point of this journey. This route with a length of approx. 534 km connected Kyoto with Edo (Tokyo city) during the period when the Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan (1603-1867).

Location

Map of Japan

Narai belongs to the city Shiojiri and is located within the Nagano Prefecture.

How to get to Narai?

  • 2,5hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Shiojiri Station by JR Azusa Line and
  • 20min from Shiojiri Station to Narai Station by JR Chuohonsen Line
  • 100min from Tokyo to Nagoya by JR Tokaido Shinkansen and
  • 85min from Nagoya to Kisofukushima Station by JR Shinano (Limited Express) and
  • 30min from Kisofukushima Station to Narai Station by local train

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Kiso-no-Ohashi (Kiso’s Big Bridge) - The bridge spans the Narai River with a length of 30m and is about 300 years old. The structure is made of Japanese hinoki cypress trees. It is one of the longest wooden bridges in Japan. In a period from April to November the bridge gets illuminated at night.

Torii Pass - It is a 3hrs hiking course between Narai Station and Yabuhara Station.

Nakamura Residence - It is a well preserved historic house built in 1840. For 300 yen entrance fee you are able to study the amazing architecture and the history of the Nakamura family.

Kamidonya Shiryokan - Another beautiful historic house by a wholesaler in Narai. Check it out and get a glimpse of how people lived here for hundreds of years.

Shizume Jinja Shrine - It is a Shinto shrine with a great atmosphere.

Narai Notice Board - Before the invention of social media :) the shogunate used these boards to announce new rules/mandates to the public.

200 Juzos (stone Buddhist statues) - located at the northern end of Narai, every statue is unique

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

June

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.

Kiso Lacquer Craft Festival (5th till 7th)
Shop till you drop and enjoy the stylish lacquer craft.

August

Shizume Jinja Shrine Festival (12th)
A nice annual festival takes place here in August. The performances include folk dances and traditional music.

Where to stay near Narai?

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