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Private Nakasendo Hiking Tours

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9 Things to do in Narai Juku

Lacquerware artisan's shop in Hirasawa

Lacquerware artisan's shop in Hirasawa

Narai Juku of 1,000 inns

Narai Juku of 1,000 inns

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle

Akimiya, one of four Suwa Grand Shrines

Akimiya, one of four Suwa Grand Shrines

200 Jizo Bodhisattvas

200 Jizo Bodhisattvas

Torii Gate on the Torii Pass

Torii Gate on the Torii Pass

Hike from Yabuhara to Narai

Hike from Yabuhara to Narai

Cafe in Narai Juku

Cafe in Narai Juku

Narai Juku is the 34th post town from Tokyo on the Nakasendo. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the post town of Narai Juku was known as Narai of 1,000 inns (奈良井千軒). This impressive historical town stretches out for 1km and is absolutely packed with ancient architecture. It’s long and impressive. The Edo period architecture is in fantastic condition and has been protected excellently! In recent times newer businesses, including cafes and artisan shops have started to take over the previously empty buildings which are breathing new life into the town. Though on the surface, it may not seem like it, if you know where to look there is plenty to see and do.

 

9 Things to do in Narai Juku

  1. Hike to/from Yabuhara - This hike also goes by another name, the Torii Pass. Named after a shinto torii gate that now sits on the top of the pass. This is the first spot on the Nakasendo where the sacred Mount Ontake can be seen. Here the Kiso family prayed for victory in battle. When they won they built the gate in thanks. Hikers are known to occasionally encounter bears. Guided tours are available.

  2. Visit Kiso-Hirasawa - Hirasawa is a quiet village near to Narai which is absolutely full of Japanese lacquerware artisans. In their ancient past the village used to create the majority of Japan’s lacquerware. Here you can learn about the craft and enter the personal shops of the artisans, a trade which has been passed down in families through several generations. This is an optional extension to the Yabuhara to Narai hike.

  3. Experience Lacquerware - In the artisans town of Hirasawa, a couple of shops offer hands on experiences of painting your own lacquerware items with advanced booking. These can be added to our hiking tours if booked in advance. Please contact us for more.

  4. 200 Jizo Bodhisattvas - The incredible collection of over 200 Buddhist statues were gathered here as railroads and car roads displaced them. Each one has a unique expression on their face.

  5. Nakamura-tei - 300 JPY. This small museum is located in an ancient house in Narai Juku. The house used to sell its own original lacquerware combs. It is lovely to see a house kept exactly as it was.

  6. Kiso-Fukushima - The cultural capital of the Kiso Valley, Kiso Fukushima has plenty to see and do. Really Rural Japan run walking tours of Kiso Fukushima for those who want to learn about it from a local.

  7. Buy a Comb - As random as it sounds, the famous item that was made in the neighboring Yabuhara are combs called Orokugushi. Geisha and ladies of the Edo period would wear them and they were very popular. Nowadays a few craftsmen keep the tradition alive. Narai also sells lots of local woodwork, chopsticks, wooden bento boxes, and more.

  8. Matsumoto Castle - After departing from Narai, heading north, many people decide to stop at Matsumoto and check out the ancient castle town.

  9. Lake Suwa - Again close by to Narai is the holy town of Suwa with its huge lake and four grand shrines.