From $350
Private Nakasendo Hiking Tours
13 Things to do in Kiso-Fukushima
Nezame-no-toko Gorge
Uenodan
Takigyo on the Ontake Kodo
Mount Ontake
Festival in Narai Juku
Kozenji Temple
Hike from Yabuhara to Narai
Misty mountains of Kiso Fukushima
The Kiso Fukushima is the 37th post town from Tokyo on the Nakasendo. It is now and was in the Edo period (1603-1867), the biggest, most populous, and bustling town of the Kiso Valley. It was the location of one of the largest, most important checkpoints in all of Japan, it was the gateway for pilgrims climbing the sacred Mount Ontake, and it was the center of commerce in the Kiso Valley. Fukushima was home to the Yamamura family who governed the Kiso Valley. For these and series of other reasons, Fukushima was often stayed in longer than other towns. There are more ryokan and minshuku here to accommodate guests and even today travelers on the Nakasendo may choose to take a rest here as there is plenty to see and do.
13 Things to do in Kiso Fukushima
Kiso Fukushima Walking Tour - Enjoy a Really Rural Japan walking tour of Kiso Fukushima and learn all about the history, culture and nature of the town. A lot of the items in this list can be enjoyed during a tour. Contact us for more information.
Fukushima Sekisho Museum - 300 JPY - Kiso Fukushima had one of the four largest checkpoints in all of Japan. It did all of the normal things a checkpoint normally would do. It searched for contraband such as guns, it made sure that only people with official permission could travel, but it is also took a particular interest in women. Why women? In the Edo Period wives, mothers, and daughters of Daimyo were often moved around against their will and used as strategic hostages to forge alliances. They were known to get homesick, take disguise and try and sneak their way back home. Some would disguise themselves as common poor folk, others would even dress in men’s clothes in an attempt to avoid detection.
Yamamura Residence - 300 JPY - The Yamamura family governed Kiso during the Edo Period. They were awarded this honor thanks to their loyalty to the Tokugawa clan in the battle of Sekigahara. Their role as magistrate here was typically one that changed personage every few years, but the Yamamura family were allowed to keep their positions here for a full 274 years. They also oversaw the seki-sho. Nowadays you can look around the small area of the residence that remains. Of particular interest is the real mummified fox that you can see on request.
Uenodan - Most of Kiso Fukushima architecture has been lost, burned down, knocked down, etc. But one section known as Uenodan has kept its ancient buildings and character. It is full of cafes and museums and a must while in town.
Try Local Sake - 1,000 JPY - The Kiso region is known for its delicious sake. One store in Kiso Fukushima, Nakanorisan, offers a 1,000 JPY tasting course with three varieties to try. It is very good value and very good sake!
Kozenji Temple and Stone Garden - 500 JPY. Said to be the largest zen stone garden in all of Japan, the Central Alps in the background is no mistake. This is how the Japanese made their gardens, with the bigger picture in mind.
Visit Narai Juku - A quick 20 minute train ride transports you Kiso Fukushima Station to Narai Station. Narai Juku is one of the most beautiful post towns in Japan. Nicknamed Narai-of-1000-inns, it is a 1 km long town full of Edo architecture.
Hike from Yabuhara to Narai - A quick 15 minute train ride to Yabuhara and you can begin to hike the Torii Pass. This gorgeous mountain hike ends in the stunning post town of Narai. Guided tours are available.
Climb Mount Ontake - Mount Ontake (3,067m) is one of the most sacred mountain in Japan. So much so, that it has its own religious faith called Ontake-kyo. It is the second biggest volcano in Japan, only after Mount Fuji, and the views are stunning! Especially recommended in summer and autumn. Guided tours are available.
Hike the Ontake Kodo - The ancient pilgrimage route on the way to climb Mount Ontake is absolutely stunning. Huge waterfalls which are used for takigyo, or Japanese waterfall meditation can be found along the route, along with thousands of ancient stone monuments. On request, sometimes takigyo experiences can even be arranged. Contact us for more information.
Stay in a Hot Spring Ryokan - The town of Kiso-Fukushima is rare. Most towns along the Nakasendo did not have natural hot springs. So when in town, please consider an onsen ryokan. Some inns even have rooms with private onsen baths. Click here for more info.
Nezame-no-toko Gorge - A ten minute train ride from Kiso-Fukushima takes you to Agematsu. From there it is a 20 minute walk to one of the most famous icons of the Kiso region, Nezame-no-toko. This beautiful gorge is home to the story of Urashima Taro, the man who lived with dragons under the sea.
Akasawa Forest - Open from May to October each year, the Akasawa Forest is the birthplace of Shin-rin-yoku or Japanese forest bathing. There are several hiking courses. It can be accessed by bus from Agematsu Station.