Kisoji is an old trade used during the Edo Period. It is in the middle of Nakasendo, one of the Edo Five Routes that connected Tokyo and Kyoto. Among many of the Shukubamachi, or staging post stations, on the route, Kisoji is the largest, with 11 stations. Some of the stations preserve traditional buildings very well.
The fountain used to be a water station for travelers, both human and horses. Also it was an important infrastructure to the village to extinguish fire back in the Edo period.
There were also many souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. Most of them used to be inns for travelers during the Edo period.
There are only few inns left in Narai Shuku. I stayed at Aburaya Ryokan. It was a traditional Japaneses building, small inn. The owner said that they can host only one group per night.
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| I could look down the street of Narai Shuku from my room |
Part of Kisoji is maintained as a hiking trail. I hiked from Narai Shuku to Yabuhara Shuku, which includes the highest point in Kisoji, Torii Pass.
I sometimes encountered the stone paves, probably been here for several hundred years.
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| The part of the Nakasendo trail leaves stone paves |
The trailhead has a bear bell. You should ring this bell to make bears aware that people are here.
The highest point Torii Pass. I was expecting some beautiful view, but unfortunately, there wasn't any.
I only walked for one way from Narai Shuku to Yabuhara Shuku, so took a local train from Yabuhara to Narai.
After going back to Narai Shuku, I encountered a sake distillery called Suginomori Brewery. They offered a sake flight; I couldn't resist having one. Kisoji is known for producing delicious Japanese sake. Although Suginomori Brewery was established more than 200 years ago, the flavor of its sake was very delicate and modern. As they offered a menu in English, I assume the place is also foreigner-friendly.
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