TRANSPORT NAGANO JAPAN / LAMPYA
Bus Charter/Airport Transfer/Sightseeing/Experience in NAGANO
I visited Naraijuku in Nagano Prefecture on a hot day in mid-August. Naraijuku is an old historical post-town in Kisoji (Kiso Road) along the Nakasendo, which was one of the main highways in the Edo Era (1603-1867) and connected Kyoto and Edo (old name of Tokyo).
Naraijuku Street is about 1km long, and old wooden houses are beside it. The Japanese Agency of Culture has specified this street as an “area of valuable traditional buildings to be reserved.”
Togakushi is located north of Nagano City and takes about an hour by bus from Nagano Station.
The approach to the shrine is approximately two kilometers long, having a red gate with thatched roof named Zuishinmon （随神門） in the middle of the path. This is followed by giant cedar trees over 400 years old along the road on both sides, which are a part of a forest reserve designated as a natural monument.
Okusha Shrine is popular not only in summer but also in winter, many people visit there between skiing trips. However, if you visit in winter, we recommend you bring warm shoes instead of sneakers.
There are four other attractive shrines in Togakushi, and some people make it a goal to visit all of them, known as the “Five Shrine Tour.” （五社巡り Gosya Meguri）
On sunny day of May, I walked Nakasendo trail from Yabuhara-jyuku to Narai-jyuku. I just wanted to walk along Torii Pass, which is popular with foreigners.
The Nakasendo trail is the old mountain route that connects Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1867).
The Torii Pass that I walked this time was one of the most challenging places for travelers now and then. Moreover, in the past people used to cross this mountain pass in straw sandals instead of sneakers.
In fact, it was difficult for my body, usually lacks exercise to cross the mountain pass. However, all the foreigners passing us were smiling and walking lightly and the clothes are light.
After 2hours walking, tourists were happily eating soba and buying souvenirs.
At Narai-jyuku and Yabuhara-jyuku ,you can rent Hinoki-hat（Cypress hat).If you walk around wearing a Hinoki hat, you might understand the feelings of people in the past.
