Saturday, September 3, 2016

Visited a southern part of the Shinshu region 1: Narai-juke, a post town





< 1. Narai-juke >


From now on, I introduce a Southern part of Nagano prefecture that we traveled in summer.
Today, I introduce the Narai-juke that is a one of old post towns.



Abut this trip
We went round each place by our car.
The period is from August 19 to 22, 2016.
I can’t introduce the sightseeing of the 20th due to a drizzle.
But it was fine weather every day except for the day.




<  2.   visited places   >


Upper side of the photo is the north side.


No. 1:  Narai-juke.
We walked around the old post town.


No. 2:  Komagane highland.
We played with our grandchildren in the riverbank.


No. 3:  Achi village
We visited the Peace Memorial Hall for Volunteer Pioneer of Manchuria and Mongolia, and the inner shrine of Achi-jinja Shrine.
We stayed at Hirugami Onsen, a hot spring resort and went to the morning market.


No. 4:  “Heavens Sonohara” , a plateau.
We had gazed at the star-sprinkled sky while sitting on the plateau at the night.


No. 5:  Jibusaka Kougen, a plateau.
We enjoyed a view from the peak called a horseback.





< 3.  Maps of Narai-juke  >


Upper photo:  the five land traffic routes in the Edo period.
Nakasen-do Road is indicated in a brown line connecting between two red points, and connected Edo and Kyoto.


Central photo:  upper side of the photo is the north side.
A elongated town is Narai-juke, and if you go to the right-hand road, you can arrive at Edo.


Lower photo:  the expansion of Narai-juke.
We parked our car in a parking area B and crossed a big bridge.
we started to take a walk from the east end S, and turned back at the west end E.




Narai-juke
Narai-juke was one of the post towns on the Nakasen-do Road, and was flourished by travelers who prepared crossing the “Torii Pass” which was hardest pass on the Kiso.
In addition, Narai-juke is at the highest altitudes in the Nakasen-do Road, and the town having approximately 1km long is the longest post town in Japan.
Narai-juke was established as a relay station in 1601, and there were 8 various accommodations for samurai and average people.   
Narai-juke was famous for the wood industry such as lacquerware and hair comb, and these were popular as a souvenir of travelers.


Nakasen-do Road connected between Edo and Kyoto, and passed through mountain area unlike Tokai-do Road passing along sea shore.
In despite of flat road, Tokai-do Road had defects such as getting stuck at swollen rivers, and strict controls.
Thus, 67 post towns and Narai-juke on Nakasen-do Road prospered in the Edo period.





<  4.  parking area B  >


Upper photo:  Kiso-Ohashi bridge.
this is a largest class in wooden bridges which don't have a supporting beam.


Central photo:  I saw the east side from the top of the bridge.
Going this direction, the road goes through Shiojiri and reaches Edo.


Lower photo:  I saw the west side from the top of the bridge.
There is Torii Pass in this side and the road reaches Kyoto.






<  5.  finally enters the post town >


Upper photo:  the east end S.
Lower photo:  the street.
There is a water fountain at the near left side.
These were 6 water fountains for travelers passing through Narai-juke.




<  6.   appearance of the street, 1  >




<  7.   appearance of the street, 2  >



<  8.  inside view of 3 houses >


Upper photo:  a shop of folk art object.
Central photo:  a shop of lacquerware. 
Lower photo:  a Japanese inn.
There are some inns, ryokan and minshuku opening now.




<  9.  I reach the west end soon  >


Upper photo:  a temple.
Central photo:  a Shinto shrine was seen at the back of the street.
Here is the west end E.


Lower photo:   Kosatsu site(street bulletin board).
This is the site that Shogunate and feudal lords wrote a law and rules to the board and put up it here.




<  10.  at the west end of the post town  >


Upper photo:  I see the Shinto shrine from the street.
Lower photo:  I see the street from the Shinto shrine.
There is a water fountain and Kosatsu site at the near left side.


This continues the next time.





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