Hiking and lacquerware mini break around Narai in Nagano prefecture

Hop on a train from Tokyo (3.2h) or Kyoto (2.3h) to Narai in Nagano prefecture. At this former post town stay the night in an atmospheric traditional inn, ISEYA, run by the friendly Sakai family. During the Edo period Narai was a post town situated roughly half way between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) on the Nakasendo. Today it has a preserved 19th century look as a result of a conservation order. Despite it's living museum status, you still see ordinary residents going about their daily life in the village which adds to the sense of authenticity and charm. Local crafts include lacquerware production.

Neighbouring Kisohirasawa is, however, the village to visit for some amazing high quality lacquerware with price tags to match. This quiet little village is a 25 minute walk from Narai. Craftsmen have been producing lacquerware here for the past 300 hundred years and some fabulous pieces can be found.

Sampke itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive in Narai and deposit any luggage at the inn and head out for the Nakasendo hiking trail. Walk up to the pass and either return the same way or continue further to Yabuhara village from where you can take a local train back to Narai (trains are only once an hour during peak times). Hiking time is 2.5 hours. Dinner is provided at the inn.

Day 2. Explore Narai after breakfast and continue on foot to neighboring Kisohirasawa. Visit lacquerware shops. Take the local train back from Kisohirasawa to Shiojiri or Kisofukushima and change for onward connections. Luggage can be left at the inn for collection later.

Recommended accommodation is at Iseya. Run by the Sakai family, the seventh generation of inn keepers in Narai.
(In Japanese only) http://www.oyado-iseya.jp/
From JPY8,800 per person including dinner & breakfast based on double occupancy. Single occupancy is JPY9,300.
Tel：0264-34-3051
Fax：0264-34-3156


Getting there:
Train from Shinjuku station: Ltd Express Azusa to Shiojiri then transfer to Chuo line arriving in Narai. Fare from JPY6,930 per person one way.
Train from Kyoto: Shinkansen to Nagoya then transfer to Shinano Ltd. Express to Kisofukushima and transfer to JR Chuo line arriving in Narai. Fare from JPY9,210 per person one way.