Step into Edo Japan along the historic Nakasendo Trail

Walk through time in Narai-juku, a remarkably preserved post town on the Nakasendō, the inland highway that once linked Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Often described as one of the route’s most prosperous towns, Narai’s wooden main street stretches for over a kilometer, creating one of Japan’s most immersive Edo-period streetscapes. On this guided walk, you’ll uncover the link between historic travel routes and a community that still lives along them. Jump on a southbound train and in less than an hour you’ll be there!

Ride into Narai’s History

Meet your guide at Narai Station, which opened in 1909. From here, it is only a short walk to Narai-juku’s preserved main street. Your guide will introduce Narai’s role as the 34th of the 69 post towns on the Nakasendō, and why its location near the route’s midpoint helped it thrive.

Unlike the coastal Tōkaidō, the Nakasendō runs inland through mountain basins and passes, making well-run post towns like Narai essential for food, supplies, and lodging. While the stops below are some of the key highlights, the walk includes plenty more along the way, from small architectural details to local stories you would likely miss on your own.

Walking the Post Town

Walk south along Narai’s main street, which runs for just over a kilometer and is lined with two-story wooden buildings, deep eaves, and latticed windows. In the Edo period, Narai became known as “Narai of a Thousand Houses,” reflecting the scale of businesses and lodgings serving travelers.

Along the way, you'll see how Narai's designation as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings protected authentic structures rather than encouraging reconstructions. This distinguishes Narai from other Nakasendo post towns where tourist-focused rebuilding created a more manufactured atmosphere. Narai-juku was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1978, helping ensure that its historic townscape remains intact.

Chosenji Temple and Torii Pass

Chosenji Temple was founded in 1366 and rebuilt in 1866 after repeated fires. The main hall houses an extraordinary dragon ceiling painting measuring 20 meters long and 3.5 meters wide. The dragon's eyes follow you across the room, painted with techniques meant to protect Buddhist teachings and those who practice them.

Near the southern end of town, you'll reach Shizume Shrine, positioned at the approach to Torii Pass. Travelers paused at Shizume Shrine either to give thanks for surviving the pass or to pray before attempting it. Your guide will explain how geography shaped Narai's importance: the town's position at the base of this formidable barrier guaranteed a steady flow of travelers who needed rest, supplies, and lodging.

Return to Narai Station, where the guided portion concludes. You'll have time to explore independently, browse the lacquerware shops and cafes that now occupy historic buildings, or simply walk the street again with a sharper understanding of what you're seeing: a community driven preservation site that still operates as it did 200 years before, not just a museum attraction.

Additional Information

Meeting Location: Your tour will begin at Narai-juku Station. Your guide will pick you up at 9:00 or 13:30

Group Type: Group (Private Tour Option Available)

Important information:

• This is a walking tour and includes a moderate walk.
• The tour operates in light rain but may be modified in extreme snow conditions
• Most shops close around 4:00 PM, with earlier closures common in winter
• The walking surface is paved but some sections have slight inclines
• The main street is generally accessible, but some historic buildings have steep stairs or raised thresholds. Please contact us with specific accessibility questions.
• Interior visits may require removing shoes
• Photography is permitted in most locations but always check with your guide

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions