< 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.
