Narai Photo Gallery

The Kiso Valley is bounded by the Japanese Alps and was known as Nakasendo when the post road ran through here from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). Modernization through new highways and railways rednered these post towns obsolete, although preservation efforts have been successful in keeping the area historic and authentic.
Narai was the most prosperous town in the Kiso Valley thanks to its location near the highest pass on the Nakasendo. A 1km-long preserved main street is only a short walk from the train station.

Kamidonya Museum is a good place to stop to enjoy a beautiful preserved home, with over 400 artifacts on display.

Rihei Nakamura was a wealthy comb merchant and his home dates from the early 19th century. Resembling Kyoto's refined houses, they look narrow on the outside but extend deep behind it.

At this point, I was near the end of the 1km-long town.

Narai is only a 2.5 hour train ride from Nagoya or as short as 40 minutes from Matsumoto.

Chubu Countryside Photo Gallery


The Kiso Valley is bounded by the Japanese Alps and was known as Nakasendo when the post road ran through here from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). Modernization through new highways and railways rednered these post towns obsolete, although preservation efforts have been successful in keeping the area historic and authentic. Narai was the most prosperous town in the Kiso Valley thanks to its location near the highest pass on the Nakasendo. A 1km-long preserved main street is only a short walk from the train station.





Kamidonya Museum is a good place to stop to enjoy a beautiful preserved home, with over 400 artifacts on display. Rihei Nakamura was a wealthy comb merchant and his home dates from the early 19th century. Resembling Kyoto's refined houses, they look narrow on the outside but extend deep behind it. At this point, I was near the end of the 1km-long town. Narai is only a 2.5 hour train ride from Nagoya or as short as 40 minutes from Matsumoto.