A Village at the Source of the Kiso River
The name Kiso reflects the village’s location at the source of the Kiso River and carries the meaning of the “origin of Kiso.” The river known as the Miso River, which forms part of the Kiso River’s headwaters, flows through the center of the village and has long been closely connected with the lives and culture of local residents.
Miso River Dam creates a beautiful reservoir surrounded by mountains. The high elevation brings cool summers and snowy winters, while spring, autumn, and the other seasons each reveal a different character of the mountain landscape.
Yabuhara-juku and the History of the Nakasendo
During the Edo period, Yabuhara-juku flourished as the 35th post station along the Nakasendo, the historic highway connecting Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto. Travelers and merchants passed through the settlement, helping its commerce and culture to develop.
The Owari Domain also maintained a falconry office here, reflecting the importance of Yabuhara as a strategic point during the Edo period. Walking through the historic streets today offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a traditional Nakasendo post town.
Miyagawa Family Historical Museum
Among the historic buildings of Yabuhara-juku is the Miyagawa Family Historical Museum, also known as Miyagawa Lacquerware Shop. Historical documents and lacquerware provide an insight into everyday life, craftsmanship, and culture from earlier periods.
Strolling through the old streets of Yabuhara, visitors can experience the atmosphere of a historic Japanese post town and imagine the travelers who once journeyed along the Nakasendo.
Yabuhara Kogen Ski Resort
In winter, Yabuhara Kogen Ski Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders with its good-quality snow and variety of courses. The resort offers terrain suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced winter-sports enthusiasts.
During the warmer months, the highland becomes a refreshing summer retreat. Cool mountain air, green forests, and beautiful scenery make the area an appealing destination throughout the year.
Shinshu Yabuhara Kogen Kodama no Mori
Shinshu Yabuhara Kogen Kodama no Mori is a comprehensive outdoor recreation area where visitors can enjoy camping, athletic activities, barbecues, and other experiences surrounded by nature.
It is particularly popular with families and groups, offering opportunities to enjoy the changing seasons while spending time outdoors in the forests and highlands of Kiso.
Mizukizawa Natural Forest and the History of Forest Conservation
At the headwaters of Kiso Village lies the Mizukizawa Natural Forest, a pristine woodland known for its exceptionally clear water and selected as one of Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters of the Heisei Era.” Giant trees more than 200 years old create a mysterious atmosphere deep in the forest.
The history of this forest is closely connected with Kiso’s tradition of forest conservation. During the Edo period, extensive logging took place in the Kiso Valley for castle construction and river improvement. In response, the Owari Domain introduced a strict forest protection system known as “Tomeyama,” or protected forests.
Under this system, the cutting of the five valuable Kiso tree species—Kiso hinoki cypress, sawara cypress, nezuko, asunaro, and koya-maki—was strictly prohibited. The rules were so severe that the saying “One tree, one life” came to symbolize the strict protection of the forests.
The conservation philosophy established centuries ago continues to shape the forests of Kiso today, making Mizukizawa Natural Forest one of the village’s most valuable natural treasures.
Ayame Park Pond and Torii Pass
Ayame Park Pond is a beautiful reservoir selected as one of Japan’s “100 Remarkable Irrigation Ponds.” In early summer, colorful irises bloom around the water, creating an especially attractive landscape.
Nearby Torii Pass was one of the difficult sections of the historic Nakasendo. From the pass, visitors can enjoy expansive views over the Kiso Valley while following in the footsteps of travelers who once crossed the mountains on foot.
Orikushi: The Traditional Craft of Kiso Village
One of Kiso Village’s best-known traditional crafts is Orikushi, a type of wooden comb traditionally made from hard, resilient woods such as minebari and Japanese zelkova. These woods produce combs that are durable while displaying beautiful natural grain.
Different styles are made for different purposes, including fine-toothed combs, detangling combs, and decorative hair combs. Orikushi was designated a Nagano Prefecture Traditional Craft in 1982 and was recognized as part of Japan Heritage in 2016.
The craft represents the close relationship between Kiso’s forests and the traditional skills of the people who have lived among them.
Yabuhara Festival and Local Traditions
Every summer, the Yabuhara Festival, the annual festival of Yabuhara Shrine, becomes one of the village’s most important community events. Traditional portable shrines, drums, and elaborately decorated festival floats make their way through the town, creating a lively and impressive atmosphere.
The festival is more than a colorful event for visitors. It is a cherished tradition that brings local residents together and represents the continuing cultural heritage of Kiso Village.
A Peaceful Journey into Rural Japan
Kiso Village is a place where nature, history, traditional craftsmanship, and local life remain closely connected. From the clear waters at the source of the Kiso River to the forests protected for centuries, the historic streets of Yabuhara-juku, and the enduring tradition of Orikushi wooden combs, the village offers many ways to experience the character of the Kiso region.
Whether exploring an old Nakasendo post town, walking through an ancient forest, enjoying the highlands in summer, or skiing through fresh snow in winter, visitors can discover a quieter and more intimate side of Japan here.
Surrounded by mountains and blessed with pure water and rich forests, Kiso Village offers a peaceful journey into the traditional landscape of rural Japan, where the natural and cultural heritage of Kiso continues to live on.