🗺️ Kiso Road (Nakasendo)木曽路

Kiso Road (Nakasendo) is one of the "Five Routes of Japan." Since the Edo period, travelers have continuously moved between Kyoto and Edo, with the entire route stretching about 540 kilometers and featuring 69 post stations along the way. Among these, Kiso Road has 11 post stations. The Kiso Road, winding along the Nakasendo and through steep mountains, still retains a strong atmosphere of the old post station streets, evoking memories of the Edo period. The beautiful Kiso cypress forests and scenic riversides are also quite attractive, and the entire area of Kiso Road was designated as a "Japan Heritage" site in 2016. In addition to the post stations that preserve the charm of the old streets, some areas along the road also have post stations that bear traces of the Edo period. It is recommended to explore various places and experience the different histories and traditional cultures of each post station. Depending on the post station, you can find remnants of residences, museums, and cafes set in traditional houses, making it quite suitable for leisurely strolls. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase traditional crafts such as Kiso lacquerware or to taste local delicacies like Gohei-mochi.

There are a total of 69 post stations along the Nakasendo, of which 11 are located here. The Kiso Road, which still retains a strong atmosphere of the old post station streets, was recognized as a "Japan Heritage" in 2016. The various post stations, featuring remnants of residences, museums, and traditional farmhouse cafes, are perfect for a leisurely stroll.