You have to eat the latter as a whole if you dare -, and it was so delicious, as the rest of the meal! These conditions also make for an extended snow season; the ski resorts of Mount Ontake remain open into April. Ontake (3,067m) for meditation and worship. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule including transport to and from any ski resort in the region. Highlights of our dinner were the grilled bonito with egg yolk confit and mushroom juice. If you have two nights to spare for a lesser-visit rural destination with historic relevance on your way from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka or to Takayama/Kanazawa, then Kiso Valley is it! The one and only luxurious accommodation on the island is Sankara Hotel, where we stayed. As Winters snow melts into waterfalls and rivers, Spring bursts to life in Kiso. Running from Nagoya to Nagano, the Limited Express Shinano stops at Nakatsugawa Station and Kiso-Fukushima Station, making the area easy to access along one of Japans most scenic railway lines. Please also refer to my Google Map where I listed things to do in a compact form. On this occasion, there is a self-service beer dispenser in use, which impressed my husband deeply. If you want to walk the trail during winter, you should consider arranging a local guide. However, we had some issues at the Ayana Restaurant. For accommodation listings in the town, see our Kiso-Fukushima & Narai Area hotel page. These three places, above all the two former ones, are the jewels of the Nakasendo. Welcome to Really Rural Japan. All limited express services stop at Kiso-Fukushima, allowing visitors to then use local services onto nearby destinations and express services onto Nagoya, Matsumoto or Nagano. Home Nakasendo Attractions Kiso Fukushima Otaki Village Local Experiences Hot Spring Culinary Experience Suggested Itinerary Accommodation Contact Us, 2012-5 Fukushima, Kiso-cho, Kiso-Gun, Nagano Prefecture Japan 397-0001, 2022 Kiso Ontake Tourism Office. Enjoying a traditional bento (packed lunch along the way), the walk takes around 4 to 4.5 hours, is mostly downhill and is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness. Come and enjoy its pure splendour. Top 19 Airbnbs In Midrand, South Africa - Updated 2023 | Trip101 But count in enough time to explore this gem of a town before. As to luxury accommodation, possibilities to stay in style are scarce on Yakushima. Whether snow-capped or lush green, Mount Ontake is an impressive sight all year-round. At 247 meters long, Momose Bridge is one of Japans longest wooden suspension bridges. 23 / WOODWORKING ACTIVITIES / all year round. Got a question about visiting the Kiso Valley and Central Japan? . A nice touch was it also that the owners offered to do the laundry for us! The owner of this unpretentious, welcoming inn speaks some English, Italian and Spanish. 18 / ENJOY KISO SOBA / all year round. The Otaki Forest Railway train was originally built in 1916 to transport lumber as well as people and it still runs today purely for sightseeing. Shumba Valley Lodge - UPDATED Prices, Reviews & Photos - Tripadvisor Lets start by considering our recommended place to stay when visiting the Kiso Valley: KISO-FUKUSHIMA GATEWAY TO THE KISO VALLEY. Other amenities include a large outdoor pool (only open in the summer season), a car rental service (a must-have here), laundry services and washing machines for self-use. Hot Spring Hotel, 2-Day Tour: Tenryu River Rafting, Tea-Picking & Tokimata Fireworks Festival, 2-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle, Nakasendo & Countryside Azumino, (Special Event) 2-Day Tour: 'Shimotsuki' Winter Festival, Traditional Food & Sake Experience, Mount 'Ontake Kodo' Pilgrimage Trails in Kiso Valley, Mount Ontake Ropeway & Forest Hiking Tour, #TRAVELTOMORROW: Japan Set to Lower Travel Advisories for Certain Countries. When it comes to which room to choose, there are basically two options. Running north to south, the valley follows the Kiso River and is known for its pristine waterways, forests, waterfalls and hiking trails including the historic Nakasendo. Here the chef performs his culinary magic behind an array of pots and a grill. Nezamenotoko is also a setting in the legend of Urashima Taro, one of Japans most well-known fairy tales. With a glamping site newly opened. We have the local knowledge of where and when to go, to help you discover and enjoy the Kiso Valley in comfort. That is what my husband and I did. Many local artisans still operate today, even offering workshops so visitors can experience these traditional methods. Ancient Japanese beliefs are rooted in nature worship, so it was widely believed that mountains were the meeting place of heaven and earth. Parts of the route can still be walked today with the shukubamachi towns of Magome and Tsumago being the most popular destinations, located in the southern part of Kiso Valley nearby Nakatsugawa Station. And it was delectable! This kind of room comes with a daybed, which is nice. Anyway, he is a very nice person, aged more than 70 but looks much younger. In addition, both stops could be integrated in our itinerary without too many difficulties. Approximately 7.5km walk from Tsumago, Magome is the third of Kisos best preserved shukubamachi. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to travel these two hidden gems in style: 1. The Kiso Valley (, Kisoji) is located in Nagano Prefecture, and runs alongside the mountains of the Central Alps. Fortunately this service is readily available and can be arranged through most guesthouses. And the fifth blogpost was about our stay at a luxurious ryokan. Though Kiso-Fukushima doesnt match nearby Narai, Magome and Tsumago in the state of its preservation, it is a more functional town with the best range of accommodation and dining options in the region. For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region. Depending on lighting and other factors, its lakes, rivers, and streams vary from crystal clear to turquoise to emerald green. Unfortunately, ours featured the not so great view of the neighboring villa. During that time, the Owari clan placed strict limitations on timber use, however in the late 1800s, the imperial family took control and began logging the area. Along the nature trail that takes you through the forest, you will find trees that are over three centuries old, misty waterfalls, and beautiful greenery. Despite the lack of competition in the upscale hotel segment here, this is absolutely a good choice! Treehouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom. Tsumago Guide | Japan Experience My husband and I had an excellent nine-course tasting menu here. There are two restaurants, which I will go into in the next chapter. One the other side, there is Okas, the signature Japanese French dining-spot. The road up AteraGorge runs along a crystal-clear stream that reflects the light in beautiful aquamarine and emerald hues. Forests, Lakes and Ancient Trails: Day trips in the Kiso-Valley Did you use a Japan Rail Pass on your last trip to Japan? On one evening, servers were very busy. It has been a site of mountain worship since ancient times and remains popular with devotees, climbers and snow sport enthusiasts alike. The thirty-seventh of the original sixty-nine shukubamachi, Kiso-Fukushima was one of the most prosperous towns along the Nakasendo. And the annual precipitation is one of the worlds highest. Guesthouses, restaurants, cafes and stores line the road, with plenty to explore and enjoy during the day. You can send your luggage to the next post town while you hike costing 500JPY per item and pick them up when you finish your hike. The appeal of staying in Nakatsugawa is convenience however the popularity of its hotels with large tour groups and distance from other attractions in the Kiso Valley such as Mount Ontake, mean that we recommend choosing Kiso-Fukushima over Nakatsugawa. Simple, great fun and you walk away with a nice memento of your time in Kiso and Japan. Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the regions No.1 tour and charter operator. The leaves impart a subtly sweet and floral aroma on the food when used to wrap ingredients such as rice and mochi or when ingredients are grilled upon the leaves. It was the location of one of the largest, most important checkpoints in all of Japan, it was the gateway for pilgrims climbing the sacred Mount Ontake, and it was the center of commerce in the Kiso Valley. #SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Go To Travel Extended to Tokyo as of October 1st 2020. The checkpoint itself has been restored and now contains many fascinating relics of the Edo period including a display of documents, maps and weapons. We offer private hiking tours of the Nakasendo. Running north to south, the valley follows the Kiso River and is known for its pristine waterways, forests, waterfalls and hiking trails including the historic Nakasendo. One of Magomes most iconic features is its wooden watermill which still operates to this day. BOOK WITH US! There are no right or wrong ways to do it. With a climate well-suited for growing the buckwheat, soba noodles have been eaten in the Kiso Valley for hundreds of years. This included a map created with My Google Maps complete with all the activities, hotels and restaurants of our trip. This valley used to be part of one of the two trails between Tokyo and Kyoto. Contact us and lets get planning together! These days a lot of visitors traveling on the Nakasendo spend a night or more in Kiso-Fukushima. Walking the paths and taking the train through the forest is the perfect way to refresh yourself in nature. Check out this stylish place in South Africa. This town, imbued with Nakasendo history, is not only a great base for exploring the region but a wonderful destination in itself. KISO ONTAKE TOURISM OFFICE The Kiso Ontake Tourism Office was formed in April 2017. While Ochiaigawa Station is the nearest to Magome, it will be easy to reach the town from Nakatsugawa Station. On our first evening, Koike treated us to an inside fire pit dinner. Running north to south, the valley follows the Kiso River and is known for its pristine waterways, forests, waterfalls and hiking trails including the historic Nakasendo. Less busy than Magome and Tsumago, Narai is well-worth visiting however in terms of staying there, you are limited to traditional guesthouses with no other restaurants open at night. As to the meal, you also cook food (wagyu beef, tofu, vegetables and mushrooms) in a pot yet in contains rather a sauce than a broth. Look for stone haiku monuments featuring Bashos poems and Buddhist statues along the way. Your email address will not be published. ), dropped from the air, and eventually destroyed. This is a great hike to do. These were once important postal towns on the Nakasendo samurai trail . Having said that they are for your exclusive use. Previously on my blog, I published five more. In addition, they are connected by a wonderful 7.7 km/4.8 mi stretch of the Nakasendo. Required fields are marked *. My three-week Japan trip together with my husband (before the pandemic) brought me not only to the typical route of the Golden Triangle (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) with three extensions (Hakone, Takayama & Kanazawa), but also to rural Japan to two off the beaten path destinations. You will also find many places to buy souvenirs and a bite to eat. Views are of the surrounding woods. Kiso Mikawaya () - Across the river from the Nakasendo is this business hotel/inn with hot springs. On this page you will find the following information: Best Places to Stay in Kiso Valley & Nakasendo, 25 Things to Do Around Kiso Valley & Nakasendo, Book With Us! A particularity of Takimi Onsen Inn is, that you can book it for one party only. We liked our accommodation, although it could use a little touch up. As the Kiso Valley is renowned for its thermal hot springs, accommodations with private onsen are likely here. The region has long been a hidden gem among the highlights of Nagano yet in recent years, an increasing number of international visitors has discovered the beauty of the Nakasendo Trail and its historic shukubamachi. 53. Maybe you want to launch a business. It is important to note that there is no Western-style accommodation in Tsumago. In Nakatsugawa, Magome, and Tsumago there is a special luggage delivery service provided jointly by the various tourism bureaus. and a small fish from the grill. Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. You do not have to go far to reach them yet it is still unusual. 24 / GOHEI MOCHI, HOBA LEAF CUISINE & OTHER TRADITIONAL FOOD / all year round. I am not completely sure but I think that this kind of meal (omakase) is the one and only way to have dinner here. About the Japanese diplomat who saved hundreds of Jews. Kiso is a forested, mountainous valley nestled in southern Nagano, known for its scenic peaks, carbonated hot springs, hiking trails and picturesque towns on the historic Nakasendo trail. This time it was sukiyaki, under the lead of Koikes wife, Kazoku. The region is home to pristine forests, emerald rivers and waterfalls, and an undulating landscape of mountains and ravines rising to the brooding summit of Mount Ontake Japans second tallest volcano. As temperatures climb toward 20C, Kisos landscape grows more beautiful each day and is best appreciated by walking, hiking or cycling around the area. Especially when I came across a ryokan owner that offered to pick us up from the station. The Kiso Valley has a seemingly endless flow of incredibly pure water. Take the JR Hida limited express from Takayama to Nagoya and transfer to the JR Shinano limited express from Nagoya into the Kiso Valley.For Magome, get off at Nakatsugawa Station (4 hours, about 8500 yen one way).For Tsumago get off at Nagiso Station (4.5 hours, about 8500 yen, not all limited express trains stop at Nagiso). The generations-old culinary traditions of Kiso are waiting to be enjoyed by all who visit. Hot springs (onsen) are widely sought out for their therapeutic benefits. Having said that, the overall experience here is good and I would stay here again. Further, you find here a fitness center, a library lounge where they serve snacks and drinks in the afternoon. Our second dinner was a highlight, too! Apropos getting around, it is absolutely necessary to rent a car to fully appreciate Yakushimas offerings. Magome makes a great starting point for the Nakasendo Trail. Each accommodations at the 4-star hotel has mountain views and free WiFi. Anyone attempting to walk during winter from December until March needs to be adequately prepared and fit, as the trail can be affected by heavy snow. Standing 3,067m tall, Mount Ontake is Japans second largest volcano. For directions about how to get to and move around the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo, see How to Get to Kiso Valley & Nakasendo below. This section of the trail (the Torii Pass) from Yabuhara to Narai is particularly strenuous so travellers often needed to stop and rest here. Stylish one-bedroom flat (from USD 31) Show all photos. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen separating the driver from passenger and luggage area and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety. 25 Things To Do Around The Kiso Valley / Nakasendo & Where To Stay, 25 Things to Do Around Kiso Valley & Nakasendo, Where to Stay When Visiting Kiso Valley & Nakasendo, Book With Us! The foods and crafts produced in the Kiso Valley offer great insight into the environment, history and lifestyle of its people. #SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn Koyo Season Will Soon Be Here! Magome & Tsumago in Kiso Valley, Japan - Time Travel To Edo Period! However, don't worry about hiking all the way up, as the Ontake Ropeway takes you from a point at 1,570m to 2,150m on the mountainside. Best Places to Stay in Kiso Valley & Nakasendo, 25 Things to Do Around Kiso Valley & Nakasendo, Book With Us! Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule including transport to and from any ski resort in the region. all these reasons and more, travelers who prefer to make a base and travel to and from the hikes each day often opt to stay in Kiso-Fukushima. While the facilities are well kept and very clean, they have not been updated recently. A key route linking Tokyo then called Edo to Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo spanned a distance of more than 500KM with the area of the route that passed through the Kiso Valley, known as the Kiso-ji, regarded as particularly beautiful. The historic townscape of Narai is lined with hundreds of candles set in ice, giving the streets a magical glow. Ours was Eri who did a good job. For more information including detailed directions, see our How To Get To The Kiso Valley & Nakasendo page. The area around Nakatsugawa Station doesnt have much to see in terms of historical attractions or natural beauty however it does have a range of both traditional accommodation and Western-style hotels, often popular with large tour groups. And it is not too hard, especially if you start in Magome. 25 Things To Do Around The Kiso Valley / Nakasendo & Where To Stay The region is part of an ancient trade route to Kyoto and is dotted with picturesque 'post towns' that were built centuries ago to provide rest and food for weary travellers on the road. However, if you are not as fussy as I am, it will probably not be a problem for you. Really Rural Japan | Hiking Tours & Traditional Crafts In the Kiso As mentioned above, you may choose between two restaurants. NAGANOS NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR. So without further ado, this is where to stay in Kiso Fukushima: In the town, you can take advantage of the train station being close and the urban-ish conveniences. The Secrets Of Japan's Kiso Valley Revealed - Culture Trip If you time it right, you can even get up above the clouds for an extraordinary scene! As explained below, we recommend staying in the Kiso-Fukushima Station area. Ontake, which boasts an elevation of 3,067 meters. Visitors wanting to try their hand a traditional woodcraft can do so at the Furusato Experience Center near Kiso-Fukushima, where you can join a short workshop to craft your own hashi (chopsticks) using a hand-plane and guided by an instructor. Sarashina-ya () About 200m from the station is this simple, no-thrills, traditional minshuku. Kiso Fukushima is now and was in the Edo period (1603-1867), the biggest, most populous, and bustling town of the Kiso Valley. You can camp at the Atera GorgeCampground or walk a short hiking loop that takes through the gorges forest. Map Magome and Tsumago are two restored and preserved Edo-period way stations on the Nakasendo highway in the Kiso Valley. And you get a fantastic breakfast here with exquisite freshly baked good from the onsite bakery. Kiso-Fukushima & Narai Area - SNOW MONKEY RESORTS Yabuhara - Narai This section of the trail (the Torii Pass) from Yabuhara to Narai is particularly strenuous so travellers often needed to stop and rest here. In this section we will discuss the best places to stay including: KISO-FUKUSHIMA NARAI TSUMAGO MAGOME NAKATSUGAWA. Kiso Valley | Nagano | Hokuriku Shinetsu - Travel Japan The region is home to pristine forests, emerald rivers and waterfalls, and an undulating landscape of mountains and ravines rising to the brooding summit of Mount Ontake Japans second tallest volcano. Kiso Valley (Nakasendo Trail) Step back in time and explore the ancient Nakasendo trail, one of the 'Five Routes' travelled by feudal lords on their way to the capital during the Edo period. Lying to the south of Kiso-Fukushima, Tsumago can be accessed by local bus from nearby Nagiso Station. Jade Miles - July 21, 2019 If you're planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the Nakasendo Trail, you will likely arrive in Kiso-Fukushima, the main access point to the region. Long considered sacred, Ontake is worshipped by adherents of the Shinto sect Ontake Shinko, with the most devote practitioners walking the Ontake Kodo pilgrimage trails that run through the forests and past waterways of the mountain. As a result, Narai grew to be one of the most prosperous towns in the Kiso Valley and received the nickname Narai of a Thousand Houses due to the sheer abundance of guesthouses. All Rights Reserved. Following the Kiso River and Limited Express Shinano line, the valley covers quite a large area with its many attractions spread-out over distance. As one of five major highways during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), the Nakasendo was largely used to transport people including feudal lords and their families between Kyoto and Edo now called Tokyo. For accommodation listings in the area, see our Kiso-Fukushima & Narai Area hotel page. If you plan to visit the Land of the Rising Sun once it is possible again, consider doing the same. Where To Stay In The Kiso Valley & Nakasendo? Planning A Trip To Japan? Here's A Weekend Itinerary To Kiso Valley Only 20-minutes by local train from Kiso-Fukushima Station, Narai Station is less than 2-minutes walk from the historic town centre making it an easy to visit as a morning, afternoon or day-trip. I have to mention one more thing. The trail is technically open all year round however best-enjoyed from April until November. The path that connects Magome and Tsumago is a gentle trail that takes you through a mixed landscape of forest, farmlands and vililages of which Magome and Tsumago book-end the walk which can be done in either direction. 1. Temperatures range from 1C to 25C so visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including mountain trekking, which is possible until mid-October. He served also salmon and horse sashimi, rice, miso soup, pickles. Heres our suggestion of of some of the best destinations and activities on offer: This beautiful historic post town was built on a hillside and is lined with a cobblestone path. How To Get To Kiso Valley & Nakasendo - SNOW MONKEY RESORTS Magome And Tsumago - Where To Stay Guest House Gaku This may sound like a normal thing you could do anywhere but the Kiso Valley is ultra rural and in most other places you will struggle to find any nightlife. There are also fireworks on the night of the 22nd. There are still a couple of places that are not so easy to book. The area is also home to many lakes and rivers, perfect for canoeing and camping. We chose a room on the upper floor which comes with a small additional charge. Tsutaya Toki no Yado Kazari () - A luxury splurge with views of Mount Ontake. #TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy Get Outdoors & Get Back to Nature! Wed love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more! Agematsu (Near Kiso) Boasting a shared lounge, Nezame Hotel is located in Agematsu. He prepared shabu shabu, food cooked in a hot pot, and grilled wagyu beef, vegetables and mushrooms. The inn features two onsen, each with an inner and outer basin, complete with shower and washing facilities. And be it one person only or up to eight guests. Available from July until November, this immersive day-tour takes you along one of the pilgrimage trails of Ontake, deep into the tradition of Japans nature worship including visits to Kiyotaki and Shintaki Falls. A stop on Limited Express Shinano services running between Nagoya, Kiso-Fukushima, Matsumoto and Nagano, regular bus services run from the station to Magome and onto Tsumago. Running north to south, the valley follows the Kiso River and is known for its pristine waterways, forests, waterfalls and hiking trails including the historic Nakasendo. With its stunning waterfalls, cerulean-emerald waters, and impressive rock formations, Kakizore Gorge is considered one of Kisos most beautiful spots. When looking at a map, if you follow the train line that runs between those two stations, much of which runs adjacent to the Kiso River, you are looking at the area referred to as the Kiso Valley. The propriety opened about ten years ago, and the extremely wet climate contributes to its aging quickly. There is the master bedroom. The distinct Edo-style buildings throughout town are a picturesque reminder of this history. It cost us 58,800 JPY (540 SFR/US$) per room and night, including dinner (without drinks). Kozenji Temples beautiful Zen-style rock garden, which spreads out before the backdrop of Kisos impressive mountains, is one of the largest in Asia. The 10 best hotels & places to stay in Kiso, Japan - Kiso hotels 5 / WALK THE NAKASENDO: YABUHARA TO NARAI / best: April to November. While there are many places to stay in the Kiso Valley, I find Kiso Fukushima to be a well connected and well-facilitated town. The lowest altitude lake, Gonoike, conveniently features a caf and lodge for those needing a rest stop. #TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy Get Outdoors & Get Back to Nature! Our team have hands-on experience with overseas markets and are passionate about showcasing the untouched splendour of the Kiso Valley. The ropeway overlooking Kiso Valley and Central Japanese Alps through . The island, located 61 km (38 mi) south of Kyushu, has been a UNESCO world heritage since 1993. The Sankara Hotel is remotely located on the islands south. Of course, these destinations did not come out of my head. As Mount Ontake is Japans second largest volcano, it is a centuries old destination for religious pilgrims to pray and be purified. The Kiso Valley (, Kisoji) is located in Nagano Prefecture, and runs alongside the mountains of the Central Alps. As Mount Ontake is Japans second largest volcano, it is a centuries old destination for religious pilgrims to pray and be purified. Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest tells a fascinating story. In fact, Kiso is considered the origin of soba noodles in Japan and one of the best places to enjoy the dish to this day. The walk can just as easily be made in reverse from Magome to Tsumago but requires visitors to send their luggage ahead. Prior to visiting Ontake, we recommend checking the following website. Kiso Valley, an off the beaten path destination in Japan Why visit Kiso Valley? The Kiso Valley is a beautiful area located between Shiojiri and Nakatsugawa in Nagano Prefecture. And this is for a reason. Kiso enjoys Summer temperatures of 1329C making it an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of the major cities. Hotels, Inns, and Ryokans in Kiso Valley. Part of the wider Kiso Ontake region, Mount Ontake is one of Japans most sacred mountains. But let me come to the essentials. After being in the pot, you dip the ingredients in raw egg before eating. 25 THINGS TO DO AROUND KISO VALLEY & NAKASENDO. For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region. Summer in Kiso is the best time for an unforgettable outdoor adventure; the unspoiled landscape is breathtakingly green and feels as though it is humming with life. Later on, the owner brought noodles, which you also cook in the pot. This is the more costly way to enjoy your time on Yakushima. The post Kiso Valley & Yakushima Island, 2 of Japans off the beaten path destinations first appeared on Swiss Traveler, Your email address will not be published. The Torii pass hike is 8.5km long and takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete. This despite the fact that rates are quite high (116,600 JPY per day and room including half board, about 1,034 SFR/US$). The climbing season runs from mid-July to mid-October where a number of trails of varying difficulty are available. If you want to visit Magome and Tsumago with a guide, you can also book this tour online. Because of the various hot springs in the area, including the Kiso Ontake Hot Spring and the Minami Kiso Hot Spring, you can also choose an inn that lets you make use of one . The Kiso Valley is a very popular destination in Nagano prefecture, especially for backpackers and history buffs who enjoy its beautiful forests and undisturbed post towns.