2025 Shiojiri Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Narai-juku (奈良井宿) is a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendō route, offering a glimpse into Japan's Edo period. Located in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, it's an ideal day trip from Matsumoto, taking approximately one hour by train. 🏯 Step Back in Time Once known as "Narai of 1,000 buildings," Narai-juku was the thirty-fourth of the sixty-nine stations of the Nakasendō and the second of eleven stations along the Kisoji. Its well-preserved wooden buildings and traditional architecture have earned it the designation of an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. 🚶 Things to Do in Narai-juku Stroll the Historic Street: Walk along the main street lined with traditional wooden houses, shops, and inns, capturing the essence of Edo-period Japan. Visit Local Museums: Explore small museums showcasing tools and artifacts from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, providing insight into the daily life of the town's past residents. Torii Pass Hike: For the adventurous, take a walk on the Torii Pass (鳥居峠 Torii Tōge), a scenic trail that was part of the old Nakasendō route. Steam Locomotive Display: On the opposite side of the railway line by the car park, there's an old C12 199 steam train on display, made in 1938 and serving the Kiso Valley before being scrapped in 1974. 🍜 Local Delicacies Narai-juku offers various eateries where you can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes. Savor local specialties like soba noodles and regional sweets while soaking in the historical ambiance. 🛤️ Getting There From Matsumoto: Take the JR Chūō Main Line towards Nakatsugawa and get off at Narai Station. The journey takes about one hour. 📜 Interesting Facts About Narai-juku: 1. “Narai of 1,000 Houses” Narai-juku was once the longest post town on the entire Nakasendō route, earning the nickname “Narai of 1,000 houses.” It stretched over 1 km, lined with traditional wooden merchant homes and inns. 2. Part of the Edo Five Routes Narai-juku was a stop on the Nakasendō, one of the five main highways during the Edo period that connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Unlike the coastal Tōkaidō route, the Nakasendō ran through the mountains. 3. No Modern Wires on Main Street The main street is preserved without visible power lines or modern signage to keep the authentic Edo-period look, making it incredibly photogenic and atmospheric. 4. Pilgrims and Samurai Stayed Here During the Edo period, Narai-juku hosted all kinds of travelers — from samurai, merchants, and monks, to feudal lords on their sankin-kōtai (alternate attendance) journeys to and from Edo. 5. You Can Stay in a Real Edo-Era Ryokan Some of the guesthouses in Narai-juku are centuries old and still host overnight guests, offering a truly immersive historical experience. Narai-juku offers a unique opportunity to experience Japan's historical charm, making it a must-visit for those exploring the Nagano region. ✨ Don’t forget to look for handmade souvenirs while being there!

📍 Location and Background Naraijuku is located in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, and is one of the most well-preserved and representative post towns along the Nakasendo route. It is about a 3-4 hour drive from Nagoya or Tokyo. During the Edo period, it served as an important station and commercial hub, and today it retains approximately 1 kilometer of ancient wooden streets, exuding a strong Edo-era charm. 🏘️ Old Town Atmosphere Wooden Architecture The 1-kilometer-long street is lined with traditional black lacquered wooden houses and white walls, creating a sense of stepping back in time. Shops and Restaurants Stores sell traditional crafts, kimono rentals, local snacks, and specialties, allowing visitors to buy souvenirs or experience strolling in a kimono. Cultural Activities Regular festivals, tea ceremonies, and traditional performances are held, especially lively during spring and autumn. 🚶♀️ Transportation Options By JR Chuo Main Line Take a rapid train from Nagoya or Matsumoto Station to Narai Station, approximately 1.5 hours. The old town is a 5-minute walk from the station. By Car The route is straightforward, and there is parking near the old town. However, it can be crowded on holidays, so arriving early is recommended to avoid the crowds. By Bus Local buses connect Shiojiri City and other attractions, making it convenient for exploring nearby destinations. 🍡 Food Recommendations Soba Noodles Naraijuku is famous for Shinshu soba. Try the hearty, chewy handmade soba at one of the old town’s traditional restaurants. Pickled Vegetables Featuring Nagano’s specialty pickled vegetables, these tangy and sweet treats are perfect as a side dish. Local Sweets Sweet chestnut cakes and red bean dumplings are delightful snacks to enjoy while strolling. 💡 Travel Tips Wear Comfortable Shoes The old town has cobblestone streets, so flat or athletic shoes are recommended to avoid discomfort. Avoid Peak Holiday Times Weekends and festivals can be crowded; visiting on weekdays offers a more relaxed experience. Try Kimono Rental Several shops in the old town offer kimono rentals, making it a fantastic cultural experience to stroll in traditional attire. Respect Local Life Keep noise levels down, respect residents and shopkeepers, and avoid loud conversations. Photography Etiquette Take photos when the streets are less crowded, and avoid disturbing shopkeepers or other visitors. 💬 Personal Reflections Stepping into Naraijuku feels like traveling back in time. Walking through the tranquil wooden streets, hearing the soft rustle of wind against wooden windows and cobblestones, brings a sense of calm. At dusk, the golden glow of the setting sun bathes the rooftops, enveloping the entire street in warmth and nostalgia. This serene and timeless atmosphere invites you to slow down and savor the traces of Edo-period life. Naraijuku is not only ideal for cultural enthusiasts but also for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a pure, traditional Japanese slow travel experience.

📍Naraijuku, Nagano Prefecture The 34th post town on the Nakasendo road. The entire townscape has been designated as a nationally important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings, and the buildings and streets that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period make you feel like you've traveled back in time. I will introduce my actual visit and stroll around the town along with my experiences. _ _ _ _ _ ⚫︎Access Car: Parking available Train: From Kanto → Shiojiri Station → Naraijuku Station From Kansai → Kiso Fukushima Station → Naraijuku Station ⚫︎Business hours Open every day/9:00-17:00 _ _ _ _ _ Naraijuku has an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. The winding streets are a distinctive feature, and you can enjoy traditional crafts such as lacquerware and combs, as well as local delicacies such as gohei mochi and Shinshu soba 🫘🪀 There are also several renovated cafes, and "Shukuba Cafe Izumiya" is a building that has been passed down from generation to generation and has a history of about 180 years. The sweets are handmade and the coffee is roasted on the spot, so you can enjoy a refined taste and elegant time ☕️ ⚫︎Note Lunch sells out quickly, so it is recommended to enter early. Be careful when using public transportation, as IC cards cannot be used on trains. Use this as a reference for your next travel plan 🔖 #Domestic travel #Nagano #Nagano sightseeing #Narai-juku #Shukuba town #Free hotel stay

#DomesticTravelRecord Naraijuku is one of the three major post towns in Japan, the other two being Tsumagojuku and Magomejuku. I wrote that 😇 Tehe combs are famous and there were a lot of good combs for sale. Another thing I saw a lot was soba noodles! Soba noodles made with fresh air and water must be delicious! Many places were closed on Thursdays, so I couldn't eat them, but I'll report on them next time I go 😊 There is also a Chinjinja Shrine in Naraijuku, and when I looked it up 📖🖊, it is said that an epidemic broke out in Naraijuku, and in order to calm it down, they started a ritual to invite the main deity from Katori Shrine in Chiba Prefecture. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ Spot. Nakasendo Narai-juku 📍. Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture 🅿️ Free parking Kiso Ohashi Bridge East Parking Lot (National Highway Side), 12 regular cars, 3 handicapped cars Kiso Ohashi Bridge West Parking Lot (Railway Side) 51 regular cars, 1 handicapped car Roadside station Naraijuku Parking Lot (north of Kiso Ohashi Bridge) 15 large vehicles, 2 medium-sized vehicles (microbuses), 28 regular cars, 2 spaces for disabled people🅿️ Paid parking lotNarai Station Parking Lot 15 regular cars Cost: 500 yen *No parking on August 12th every year due to the summer festivalNarai Gonbe Parking Lot 8 large vehicles / Cost: 2000 yen (microbus: 1500 yen) 83 regular cars (13 spaces in the first parking lot, 70 spaces in the second parking lot) / Cost: 500 yenIf you come by train, take JR Chuo Line Narai Station. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈#Comments are welcome #Want to go with the family #Naraijuku #Nagano sightseeing #Lemon8 Travel Academy model. @Rina Japanese travel tour

~Nagano Prefecture~ Naraijuku ☑️The retro townscape is wonderful♡ The town was also the setting for the TV drama series "Ohisama"! A town where you can feel the beauty of Japan. ☑️A historic post town! 1km along the Narai River! The longest post town in Japan! It once flourished with travelers passing by on the road! It was known as "Narai Senken" and was the busiest place on the Kiso Road! ☑️A retro atmosphere that still retains traces of the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the Senbonkoshi lattice. You can feel the timeless atmosphere. Useful for your trip to Nagano Prefecture ◎ 📍Naraijuku 399-6303 Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture #0 yen travel #japantrip #japantravel #japan #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano Prefecture tourist spots #Nagano trip

Narai juku, nestled within the picturesque Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As one of the most well-preserved and charming examples of its kind, Narai juku beckons travelers to step back in time. Its strategic location amidst lush mountains and pristine rivers made it a pivotal point along the route. A good and peaceful walk in a historic place that seems to be hidden in the middle of nowhere. Some locals speaks decent English. Friendly people everywhere #songkran2024#mytravelhacks#cherryblossom2024#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip#trip#instatravel#goodfoods#foodphotography#langkawi#chinatown#ipoh#temples#familyfun#siemreap#edinburgh#คาเฟ่ห้ามพลาด

#Sakura2024 🌸 The ancient Edo period village Narai Juku A village that still preserves ancient houses, stretching along the Narai River. You can enjoy walking around the village. 🏡The village is open as souvenir shops and restaurants for tourists. There are areas for taking pictures at various points. ❄️The village starts in the valley. The average temperature is 7-15C. 🏘️Narai juku Nagano Japan 🚂Jr Shiojiri Line Narai Station #japan #naganoprefecture #traveljapan #sakura2024

#Sakura2024 🏡 Check-in point of the ancient village of Narai Juku (Narai Juku) 🏘️The bridge across the Narai River, the wooden bridge Kiso Ohashi, a quiet park suitable for stopping by to take beautiful check-in photos. If you come to Narai, don't forget to come to this point. 🚞🚖Travel Private car Or take the Jr train, the station is right in front of the village. 📍Location Narai Juku, Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano, Japan #TravelJapan #japan #naganoprefecture

To Naraijuku in Nagano. Naraijuku is located on the Nakasendo road, a highway connecting Tokyo (Edo) and Kyoto. Apparently, during the Edo period, it was a prosperous post town with many travelers, merchants, feudal lord processions, and shogunate officials passing through! The townscape stretches for about 1 kilometer and is registered as a nationally important traditional buildings preservation district, offering a spectacular view that is hard to find anywhere else. 💓 The atmosphere of the post town from the Edo period remains, and just walking around makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. ✨ ⁡ It was popular with many Japanese and foreign tourists alike. 🫶 I happened to walk into a souvenir shop and chatted with the owner's grandmother over tea, which was very relaxing. 🍵 There are also many food shops, so it's nice to be able to eat while walking around. ✨ It was a relaxing spot where you can experience the good old Japanese scenery! #NaganoTourism #NaganoTrip #Naraijuku

Narai-Juku, an old town in Nagano Prefecture 🇯🇵 The surrounding atmosphere is lined with old wooden houses. Still preserving the ancient atmosphere of an old Japanese ryokan. Making you feel the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Along the way, there are souvenir shops and snacks. Including various savory dishes, making us spend time here without looking at the time because it is quiet and the air is very good. Had a chance to stop by a roadside restaurant. Let me tell you that it is very delicious. It has an old Japanese style. 🚃 You can take the JR Chuo Line and get off at Narai Station. 🌸 Travel period April 2023 #tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี #naganojapan #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น #ญี่ปุ่นน่าเที่ยว

Many travelers rarely include Naraijuku in their plans when planning their trips to Nagoya and surrounding attractions. In fact, Naraijuku is a small town located between Kiso Fukushima and Matsumoto Station. In ancient times, it was one of the "11 Kiso Road Posts" along the Nakasendo Road connecting Edo and Kyoto. Therefore, visiting the area can allow you to experience the Edo culture and historical style. Naraijuku is mainly composed of one street, with neat and antique wooden buildings on both sides, which gives it a very nostalgic feel. The buildings are all accommodations, restaurants and gift shops. You can buy the famous wooden products, dried flowers, lacquerware, etc. here, and you can also try the chewy and delicious five-layer cakes. Walking along the street for about one kilometer, there are six roadside wells. When you come across one, you can scoop up a mouthful of well water to drink, which is clear and cool. Compared to Kyoto, which is crowded with people and full of commercial elements, I believe Narai is more simple and traditional. I recommend that you wear a kimono and stroll around and check in in this remote Narai-juku in a relaxed manner! #JapanTravel #Edo Period #Must-visit spots for taking kimono photos #Leisurely #Good place to check in

#TravelJapan 🚂 Narai-juku, Nagano City An ancient village with an old town atmosphere from the Eda period A village that preserves traditional old houses and is a pedestrian street that can be walked for more than 1 kilometer. Experience the originality of the village and have a quiet atmosphere. 🏘 The village has ryokan-style accommodations, restaurants, local products, handmade products for sale along the way. 🚂 You can travel by JR train and get off at Narai Juku Station or by private car. #japantravel #japan #nagano #naraijuku

#Japan Attractions #OverseasTravel #Japan Travel Narai-juku, located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan🇯🇵, is an Edo period-style Japanese town that cannot be missed, with many tourists visiting it every year! Nara Iju is on Nakayama Road, which connects Tokyo and Kyoto in the past. The rooms and buildings on both sides are antique, preserved intact, mostly wooden🪵 style, so it has a very "little Kyoto" feeling✨, so it's like traveling back to the Edo period in Japan, it's a special experience! 👍🏻 And Nara Iju also has many shops and restaurants, good to stroll Nara Ijuku 📍399-6303 Narai-juku, Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture

#Japan Attractions #OverseasTravel #Japan Travel When you come to Japan🇯🇵 Nara Iju, you must visit Kiso Bridge! This bridge is located next to the station and is a half-moon arch bridge made of wood🌉, so the structure of the wooden bridge is grand and magnificent, and full of aesthetics💕 Go to the center of the bridge, and you can see the beautiful scenery of the river! 👍🏻 Kiso Bridge 📍399-6303 Narai-juku, Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture

#Japan Attractions #OverseasTravel #Japan Travel Located in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan🇯🇵 In addition to Nara Ijuku is very popular, but also the town shrine is a must-visit attraction! Before walking into the town shrine, you have to pass through a very large red torii ⛩️, and after going up to the high platform, you can 😌 see the medieval beauty of Nara Ijuku, beautiful scenery 💕 There are not too many tourists coming to this shrine in the morning, it feels particularly peaceful, just enjoying the view of the big tree🌳 and praying for blessings is already very comfortable😌 Town Shrine (Shiojiri, Japan) 📍〒399-6303 Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano

#Japan Attractions #OverseasTravel #Japan Travel When you come to Nara Ijuku in Nagano Prefecture, you can visit the Kiso Bridge. The most special thing about this wooden bridge is its architectural structure! It is made from trees 🌲 that are over 300 years old and is one of the largest wooden bridges without bridges in Japan🇯🇵! You can see the wooden structure layer by layer under the bridge up close, which is very special, and also very aesthetic! You can also see the stream of Nara Igawa from this bridge. The Great Bridge 📍 Nara Well, Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture

#EasternJapan Naraijuku is located in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, and is designated as a traditional buildings preservation district. The townscape from the post town era remains intact, and you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. There is a museum from that time and accommodation facilities, so you can enjoy yourself at your own pace☺️ #Breathtaking views #Couple trip #Historical sites #Summer trip #Nagano Prefecture #Naraijuku

#QuintessaCampaign From Miyanokoshi Station at Yoshinaka-kan, go two more stops to reach the miraculous town of Narai-juku. There are guides at the station who will kindly guide you there and back. Once you enter the street, you'll enter a different world. On both sides, the streets from the Edo period stretch for about a kilometer! It just goes on and on. The sound of wind chimes fluttering in the wind blowing through from the mountains. You'll feel like you've traveled back in time, and the power of wood will soothe you.

Shiojiri Station is the starting point when heading from Matsumoto to Naraijuku, Kiso Fukushima, and Nagoya. The Shinano Limited Express runs frequently, but travelers taking local trains may have to wait a little while. A nice touch on the platform. Shiojiri is a wine producing region, and there are beautifully laid out barrels and vineyards! Please note that Suica cannot be used on this line.

Looking at the name Narai-juku, I wondered if it had something to do with the famous "Nara". After researching, I found out that Narai-juku was an old post town, which means it could also be called a "hotel district" today. In Narai-juku, long-established inns and houses with latticed windows remain as they were in the post town days, and walking around here makes me feel like I've traveled back in time to the Edo period. Due to COVID-19, there were not many tourists this time, and some stores were closed. It's a bit disappointing, but with fewer people, the quiet Narai-juku is even more beautiful. Access: From Tokyo to Shiojiri Station, then take the JR Chuo Main Line to Narai-juku Station It's a three-minute walk from the station. It's very easy to get to. #trip2022

Nakasendo Road connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo period. Right in the middle of the road, in the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture, is Japan's longest post town, Narai-juku, which stretches about 1 km from north to south. The townscape is so atmospheric that it feels like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period, with long-established inns and latticed houses that are just as they were in the post town, and people's lives still thrive. The charm of Narai-juku is that vestiges of the Edo period remain in various places in the town, such as historic temples and shrines, and water sources that have quenched the thirst of travelers. Please come and visit us! ! #Couple trip #Gourmet #Historical sites #Free spots #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Historical sites #Amazing nature #Most beautiful guesthouses #Summer trip #Gourmet trip #Trip with children

A short trip to Narai-juku – Stepping Back in Time in the Kiso Valley Travelling from Matsumoto to Mt Fuji, we decided to visit Narai-Juku, which is tucked away in the scenic Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture. Narai-Juku is a beautifullyy preserved post town on the old Nakasendo trail. The air was crisp and quiet, and the view was beautiful, with tall autumn trees swaying as the wind blew. It was a peaceful contrast to Japan's bustling cities. As we strolled along the town's main street, we were surrounded by rows of Edo-period wooden machiya houses, many now functioning as cozy cafes, craft shops and family inns. We took our time exploring local shops selling handcrafted lacquerware, wooden combs, and Kiso-hinoki (cypress) products — traditional souvenirs that reflect the town’s artisan heritage. Before leaving, we walked up to the Kamakura-style Shizu Shrine, a serene forested path that offered a beautiful overlook of the town. With the gentle sound of cicadas in the background and no crowds in sight, it was a moment of pure peace. Narai-juku is more than just a picturesque town — it’s a rare place where history, tradition, and nature meet. Whether you're a lover of old-world Japan, a history buff, or simply looking for a quiet escape, a day in Narai-juku is like pressing pause on modern life.

Such an incredible view along the way. Recommended to visit in June. Don’t forget to take some water and be aware of wide animals. I saw some deers just right on the path. On top of that there is some historical sights like an old temple with statues. In the middle there is one shelter with a toilet and benches. In the end you will end up in Narai-juku station. Enjoy!

📍Address: 9-1 Daimon Hachibancho, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-0737 "Kikyo" standing soba restaurant at Shiojiri Station A wide variety of menu items, including wild vegetable soba, leaf wasabi soba, and sanzoku soba 🕰️Opening hours: 6:50-19:00 #Eki soba

A beautiful Edo period post town that's beautifully preserved. Narai-Juku is 422 years old and still as charming. Took some effort to get there from Nagano but it was worth the two hours journey there. There were some quaint restaurants and we went to one that serves udon. Amazing experience to dine inside a traditional Japanese building. There were also some interesting shops to buy souvenirs and snacks.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip A secret base in the middle of nature surrounded by mountains and lakes "Nagano Glamping enCamp" 📍638-1 Kanai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Free pick-up from Shiojiri Station available upon request🚙…˖⁺ ✾Phone Number: 070-4000-2585 Check-in: 15:00-17:00 Check-out: 10:00 𓊆 Lots of activities to enjoy to your heart's content 𓊇 ・Large and small zip lines ・Swings ・Trampoline ・Various play equipment (badminton, frisbee) ・Board games from around the world There are plans for overnight stays only, and pets are allowed in some tents 🐶 The bath is in a separate building 🛁 The toilets are outside and in a separate building 🚽 There are convenience stores and supermarkets about 10 minutes away by car, so you can easily go shopping ⟡.· Surrounded by nature, you can just forget about your daily life and relax, and it's great for traveling with children ◡̈⋆* #glamping #Naganotrip #ShiojiriStation #Lake #Accommodation #Domestictrip #trip #nagano #나가노여행 #japantrip

This time I went to Kamikochi in Nagano for a self-driving trip, the weather was great! The air is fresh too! It has just been opened for a short time and there is still snow on the roadside. There are many tourists and foreigners. There is a section of the road to Kamikochi where you have to take a bus, but there are many buses, so don't worry, just pay attention to the time of the last bus. The environment in Kamikochi is also very good and there are many wild animals. I saw a mother monkey with her children and wild frogs. It is indeed a very famous tourist attraction! There are also cafes and restaurants along the way, and you can bring your own picnic, but remember to take your trash down the mountain! Highly recommended place!

📍Naraijuku and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano #Naraijuku #Walking around Naraijuku #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano trip Naraijuku is a place where you can travel back in time! The main street is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, so it's recommended for eating while walking around🥰 It's a place with a charm and atmosphere where you can feel the old Japan, and wherever you take a picture, it's a picturesque place. When you think of Matsumoto City, you think of Matsumoto Castle! It's much more impressive and impressive than I imagined!! When it's sunny during the day, Matsumoto Castle is reflected in the pond and is beautiful🤍 At night, it's lit up and it's even more beautiful!