Nagano

Experience handicrafts-making at Kiso!

[Guide]Narai-juku Tourist Association Ms. Erika Kishiku

1

“Narai-juku” at Nakasendo

Japan’s longest post town stretching 1 km in distance, the townscape will remind you of the good old days, as though you have entered a time slip and gone back to the Edo period. Enjoy strolling the nostalgic streets that are now lined up with traditional-style inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

[Access] Walk: 1 minute from JR Narai Station. By car: 40 minutes via the Nagano Expressway “Shiojiri IC”[Homepage] https://www.naraijuku.com/。

2

Hands-on Gohei Mochi-making Experience

Gohei Mochi baked with sesame, walnut and other sauces is a very popular local dish with a modest sweetness and excellent appetizing aroma. The Gohei Mochi-making experience is for about 1.5 to 2 hours and then, you can enjoy the newly baked Gohei Mochi you made.

[Access] The activity is carried out in Narai-juku’s restaurants (Kanameya, Echigoya) which are about a 5- to 10-minute walk from JR Narai Station.[Homepage] https://www.naraijuku.com/shop/post-33/(Kanameya)

https://www.naraijuku.com/shop/post2/ (Echigoya)

3

Hands-on Magemono Cup-making Experience

Magemono, a well-known product of Narai-juku, is a wooden craft made out of thin slabs of Hinoki and Sawara Cypress bended in special techniques. It is said that Narai-juku has a history of more than 400 years, and this activity will bring you closer to the local craftsmen and the warmth of Kiso wood.

[Access] The activity is carried out in the “Hananoya Main Branch,” which is about a 10-minute walk from JR Narai Station. By car, it is 22 km or about 45 minutes by the Nagano Expressway “Shiojiri IC”.[Homepage] https://www.hananoya.jp/