Narai-juku

Narai-juku, located in the Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture, is one of 69 post towns along the historic Nakasendo road. The post town stretches approximately 1 kilometer along the road, following the nearby Narai River.

The town flourished as a commercial and lodging hub, providing essential services to daimyo, merchants, and pilgrims. Defined by its unique architectural style, its houses feature second stories that jut out over the street forming a continuous line of eaves. The town’s buildings also feature distinctive dark lattice railings, large entrance doors, and white plaster firewalls. In addition, the town is divided into three districts, featuring roads that bend like hooks, also known as “kagi-no-te,” to prevent enemy advances and block their line of sight.

Today, Narai-juku is designated a National Important Preservation District and a Japan Heritage Site, offering visitors an immersive journey into the past. Vehicles and motorbikes are restricted in this area, with the exception of local people, so visitors can enjoy walking around town. You’ll find photogenic spots like the Kiso no Ohashi, a grand cypress bridge that connects to the entrance of Narai-juku, and the serene Two Hundred Jizo statues, making it perfect for a stroll. Its remarkably well-preserved state is the result of a dedicated conservation movement that began after World War II. Every June, the town holds the “Tea Jar Procession,” a reenactment of the procession that carried tea from Uji, Kyoto, to the Tokugawa family during the Edo period. Travelers can explore former merchant homes and inns, dine on local specialties like Gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes), and shop for traditional Kiso lacquerware. Hands-on workshops, such as making chopsticks from local hinoki cypress, provide a tangible connection to the area’s rich craft heritage.