Tucked away in the scenic Kiso Valley, about an hour’s train ride from Matsumoto, Narai-juku is one of the best-preserved post towns along the historic Nakasendo, the Edo-period highway that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Known as the “Narai of a Thousand Houses,” it was the wealthiest and longest of the eleven post towns in the region. Today, it offers a striking window into the past. Tradition and history are still etched into every wooden beam and street of the village. A Living Historic Post Town What sets Narai-juku apart is that it isn’t just preserved, it’s alive. People still live and work here, maintaining wooden homes and … Continue reading Narai-juku on the Nakasendo Road: A Living Time Capsule