2025 Kiso District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#hospitality Staying at Hanaya Ryokan is a journey into the heart of traditional Japanese hospitality. Known for its warm atmosphere and attentive service, Hanaya offers a classic ryokan experience that includes tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and serene Japanese gardens. Dining at Hanaya Ryokan is a highlight, with meals featuring seasonal ingredients arranged in beautiful kaiseki-style presentations. Every detail, from the meticulously prepared food to the cozy ambiance, reflects the essence of Japanese omotenashi, or heartfelt hospitality. #100waysoftravel #japantrip #japan #tsumagojuku #japantravel

#hikingtrails Magome Pass, part of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, is one of Japan’s most famous and scenic hiking routes. The trail connects the post towns of Magome and Tsumago, offering hikers a chance to walk through history while enjoying breathtaking views of the Japanese countryside. The path is well-preserved, with cobblestone streets, traditional wooden buildings, and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, quaint villages, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a relatively easy hike, about 8 kilometers long, making it perfect for both seasoned hikers and beginners. Tips for Visiting: Start Early: Begin your hike early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trail is mostly paved but can be uneven in spots, so good walking shoes are essential. Don’t Rush: Take your time to explore the towns of Magome and Tsumago at either end of the trail. #JapanHiking #ExploreJapan #TravelJapan #100waysoftravel

#JapanTravel Located in the Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture, Tsumago-juku is one of the best-preserved stops on the historic Nakasendo Trail. This ancient station that linked Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) will take you back in time to the Edo period. What makes Tsumago-juku unique is its efforts to preserve its historical character. Here, you will find cobblestone streets and traditional wooden houses that have been meticulously restored to their original appearance centuries ago. The absence of modern signs or conspicuous electrical cables further enhances the authentic atmosphere of the place. Walking through the quiet streets, you can admire traditional houses that have been transformed into small museums, local hotels (ryokan), and shops selling local crafts. Many of these houses offer a glimpse into everyday life in ancient times, making you feel as if you are living in the heart of Japanese history. Tsumago-juku is not just a tourist destination, but a place where you can experience Japanese history and culture vividly, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area and travel between traditional stations. An ideal place for those looking for peace, beauty, and history in the heart of Japan. 🚶♂️🌸

#QuintessaCampaign Halfway up Kibio Pass, I saw a sign for "Kiso Koma Kogen Tennensui" (Kiso Kogen Natural Water), so I thought, "I have to go!" and started climbing the mountain, but it was quite far. Just as I finally arrived and cheered "Adrian" like in a certain boxing movie, a rain shower started. Plan your trip accordingly. At times like this, it's good to have the initiative to hitchhike. . It's refreshing for both body and mind. Please go. Take the bus from Kiso Fukushima Station and get off at Oharakami (the last stop). It's about 2km on foot. It's a public road, but ring a bear bell or use a bear bell app while walking.

#QuintessaCampaign If you take the bus from Kiso Fukushima Station to the Kaida Kogen Line, you can meet the Kiso horses. These rare native horses have existed since the Genpei War, and their numbers plummeted to 30, but have now recovered to 150. They are cute, unlike Western horses. Please come and try horse riding to preserve the breed. The bus stop is "Kiso Uma no Sato Iriguchi." It costs 200 yen!

#QuintessaCampaign If you walk a little further from Hatatake Hachimangu Shrine, you will arrive at Asahi Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall that will make you lose track of time as you gaze at it. The water around here is so clear you will be amazed. There are also "pebbles".

#QuintessaCampaign After relaxing and clearing your mind at Uwabuchi, walk for a while and you will arrive at the shrine where Yoshinaka is said to have had his coming-of-age ceremony and raised the flag to raise his army. (If you don't know the way along the way, ask an old lady who works in a field and she will show you.) The large zelkova tree that is said to have been planted by Yoshinaka tells the story of the history. The place name "Hiyoshi" is said to be taken from Yoshinaka, the Asahi Shogun.

Kiso Fukushima Station is a major station on the Chuo Main Line (Chuo West Line) where express trains also stop. The surrounding area was once a post town on the old Nakasendo road, which connected Tokyo to Kyoto. From the Edo period to the Meiji period, many members of the imperial family and government officials stayed here on their way. In the background, you can see the Northern Alps and the Hida Mountains, with their rugged 3,000m-class mountains. The souvenir shop in front of the station sells unusual items unique to Nagano Prefecture. Kyoho grape-flavored Pocky and apple-flavored Pretzels ✨Grapes and apples are both Nagano specialties, after all 😂 #Free Spot #Hot Spring #Amazing Views #Gourmet Trip #Trip to Enjoy Spring

Kaida Plateau, Nagano Prefecture Kaida Plateau in Nagano Prefecture is located at the foot of Mount Kiso-Ontake, which is 3067m above sea level, and is a plateau located at an altitude of 1000m to 1500m. Even in midsummer, the average temperature is about 18 degrees, making it a cool place, so it is recommended as a summer resort. There are horses, so you can enjoy a horseback riding experience. Address: Kaida Plateau, Kiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture #A secret summer resort #Summer trip

The Tadachinotaki Group, located on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, is a spot rich in nature with a series of waterfalls of various sizes🌿✨. In particular, the trekking route, where beautifully named waterfalls such as "Tenkawa Falls" and "Shiraito Falls" appear one after another, is a luxurious time to experience the art of nature⛰️. In early spring, plum blossoms begin to bloom around the entrance to the waterfall and on parts of the mountain path, and you are enveloped in a faint sweet scent along with the sound of pure water🌸. The pale pink color, which is different from the fresh green leaves, combined with the spray of the waterfall makes you feel the arrival of spring. It is perfect for an adult nature trip, where you can be soothed by the tranquility and sound of water! 📍Basic information (check the website for the latest information) ✴︎Address: Tadachi, Minami Kiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture ✴︎Access: 30 minutes walk from JR Tadachi Station to the trailhead (approximately 1 hour one way from the trailhead to the waterfall) ✴︎Fee: 200 yen entrance fee (environmental improvement contribution) ✴︎Opening hours: Free to stroll (beware of snowfall in winter) 🌟Travel TIPS ・Traveling shoes are best, as they are less slippery than sneakers! ・The best time to see the plum blossoms is mid- to late March! Adjust the timing of your visit. ・There are few cafes around Tadachi Station, so it's a good idea to bring a packed lunch and snacks with you. With the arrival of spring, let's go and feel the gentle contrast between the waterfall and the plum blossoms♪ #Spring 0 yen trip #Domestic travel

If you want to experience a time-travel drama in Japan, you must come to Tsumago-juku! This is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. Walking in is like falling into the Edo period and transforming into an ancient traveler in a second. In February, you may encounter old streets covered with snow in Tsumago-juku, and the wooden townhouses create a very lively atmosphere! 🏯 Itinerary: A day trip through Edo 📍 10:00 - Arrive at Tsumago-juku ➡️ Address: Agatsuma, Minamigiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Take the train from Nagoya or Matsumoto to Minamigiso Station, then take a bus for 10 minutes! The scenery along the way is so beautiful that I have already entered the "travel mode". 📍 11:00 - Stroll in the Machinami Preservation Area ➡️ The streets here are very well preserved, with no messy wires or modern shops, only Japanese-style wooden townhouses and old-style shops. It really feels like going back 300 years. Just walk around and take some photos, they will all be super retro check-in photos! 📍 12:30 - Lunch: Gohei Mochi & Dengaku ➡️ Recommend "Tsumago Teahouse", you must eat Gohei Mochi here! It’s baked until crispy and fragrant, and brushed with rich miso sauce. It’s super warm to eat in winter! Pair it with a bowl of hot soba noodles and you’ll be satisfied! 📍 14:00 - Tsumago-juku Main Camp & Hatago Experience ➡️ The place where samurai and travelers stayed overnight in the past has now become a museum. You can also visit the rooms and kitchens of the old times. It has a great atmosphere! If you want a deeper experience, there are traditional inns where you can stay for a night. Walking on the old streets at night with paper lanterns lit, you will feel like a real Edo traveler! 📍 15:30 - Walk along the "Nakasendo" to Magome-juku (this is an optional challenge!!) ➡️ This ancient road is about 8 kilometers long, with super beautiful forest trails and old tea houses along the way. The snowy scenery in winter is particularly dreamy! It's very comfortable to walk, but remember to wear non-slip shoes to avoid becoming an "Edo-era skier"😂 📍 17:00 - Return & bring some souvenirs ➡️ It is recommended to bring "Kiso lacquerware" home. The lacquerware craftsmanship here is super famous, and there are also handmade wood carvings, which are great as souvenirs or gifts! 🏡 Why is it recommended to come in winter? ❄️ Snow scene x Edo street = dreamy sense of time and space In winter, Tsumago-juku may be covered with snow, and the whole scene looks like the Edo town in Japanese dramas, the atmosphere is 100 points! 🔥 Warm food heals the soul In cold weather, grilled gohei pancakes and hot soba noodles will make you feel extremely happy! 🚶 Fewer crowds, more immersive experience Compared to the tourist crowds during the cherry blossom season and red leaf season, February is more leisurely and you can quietly experience the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient post station. 📌 Reminder ✅ Anti-slip shoes are a must! The road surface may be icy in winter, making it more challenging to walk😂 ✅ Check the bus schedule. There are not many buses, so remember to check the timetable in advance for the return trip to avoid being "kidnapped by the Edo period"! ✅ Book a traditional hotel in advance If you want to experience staying in an Edo-style hotel, be sure to make a reservation in advance. It is super popular in winter! Coming to Tsumago-juku is not just a trip, but a "walk through time and space"! Here, the hustle and bustle of modern times disappears in an instant, leaving only the tranquility and beauty of the Edo period. Come be an Edo traveler for a day this winter! ⛩️✨ #2 Good Places to Go in 2025

#japantrip Lovely hike. Depending on fitness/ desire for a challenge pick your route. Magome to Tsumago is an easier walk than the other way around with 2km uphill followed by 6km downhill. If you have time I recommend continuing on to Nagiso. The town itself is nothing special but the route is also beautiful with more bamboo and some dramatic views. Be aware some rest points and toilets are not open December to February. Although the free tea house was and the host was very friendly.

#2024TravelWish Komagatake no Yūshōhi is a special landmark in Japan that symbolizes the fusion of nature and history. Sunset monuments are usually stone monuments erected to commemorate or mark some important events or people, and this monument is particularly located at Komagatake, a place with magnificent natural scenery. The Komatake Sunset Monument is not only a historical witness, but also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty. From here, visitors can enjoy the mountain scenery of Komagatake, which is particularly charming at sunset, when the mountains look particularly magnificent. Visitors who visit this landmark can not only feel the history and culture of Japan, but also enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. This is an ideal location for photography enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers. In short, Komagatake Sunset Monument is a place full of historical significance and beautiful scenery. It is a great place to experience the charm of Japan's fusion of nature and history.

Address - Nagano JR station Ambiance/Facilities - authentic with handmade soba Highlights - 100% handmade and freshly made in most authentic way Avg. Price per Person - JPY1000-1500 Rating - 4.5/5

#NaganoTrip I went to Kiso Fukushima Town, Nagano Prefecture in the summer. Compared to Osaka, the altitude is higher, so it was cool, the air was clear, and I was soothed by nature. There was a mountain path nearby, and after about 30 minutes of climbing, there was a mysterious waterfall. There were bear bells set up along the way, so I was nervous that a bear might come out💦 The waterfall was spectacular✨ #Nagano #trip2022 #Spectacular #Mountain Climbing

#QuintessaCampaign Ahh, like the flow of a river♪ The Kiso River is incredibly clear. The river fish are delicious too. There are houses along the river called "Cliff Houses," They say they were built in the mountains because there was no land, but is that true? The water in Nagano and Gifu is really clear. I hope the hearts of people all over the world are like that too.

#QuintessaCampaign What I felt clearly after coming to Kisoji was the "culture of giving way to travelers." When getting on and off trains and buses, travelers are clearly given priority. Sometimes they even say something. Old ladies and older men... I don't know if this is an old Nakasendo culture, but it's very polite.

If you take the bus from Kiso Fukushima Station to the bus stop called "Oharakami," you will find the wonderful hostel "Ryojian." I don't know how old it is, but it is a hostel built like a traditional old house, and the shared areas have a nostalgic and luxurious feel to them. It's a great value for money place to stay as a base for your trip, to refresh your life, or as a mountain lodge to spend some time in the mountains while working remotely! The air is fresh!!!

From Matsumoto, go via Shiojiri to Kiso Fukushima Station. (On the way, you will also pass Narai Station in Narai-juku) A checkpoint town on the Nakasendo road, lined with charming buildings. It is also the place where Kiso Yoshinaka, one of the 13 Shoguns of the Kamakura Shogunate, raised his army. Kiso Yoshinaka is famous for his "Fire Ox Strategy" at the Battle of Kurikara Pass.