【ひとり旅】奈良井宿から藪原宿まで歩く。古い町並みと豊かな紅葉が続く素敵な道。【長野観光】/ Japan travel, Walking around Autumn Narai-juku.

【ひとり旅】奈良井宿から藪原宿まで歩く。古い町並みと豊かな紅葉が続く素敵な道。【長野観光】/ Japan travel, Walking around Autumn Narai-juku.

Visited was an old post town dyed in orange. And the mountain pass of the Nakasendo connecting post towns. While capturing the season wrapped in nostalgia, please enjoy a leisurely stroll in Nagano. Under the pale sky, what arrived was a single train. Resonating with sounds that evoke the awakening of morning, today we came to Narai-juku in the mountains of Nagano. Flowing here is the Narai River crossing Nagano Prefecture. As we slowly proceed along the riverside, there was a wooden bridge arching gracefully. Beyond this bridge lies an area where old townscapes stretch endlessly, this is also one of my favorite places. Mountains looming ever closer. It seems today is just the right season for beautiful autumn leaves, their beauty is conveyed even in the dark. A chime began to ring announcing 7:00 AM. Sunrise should have been around 6:30 AM, so it’s already a refreshing morning, but surrounded by mountains, it will take a little longer to brighten. It’s about time to leave the bridge and head to the main street. Beyond the railway are rows of tiled roofs. Looking up, sunlight was gradually shining through. Looking forward to it getting brighter😊 The old townscape gradually came into view. “Narai-juku” This is a street where Nagano proudly preserves its old charm. While gazing at eaves still lit by street lamps, I walk leisurely deeper inside. The slightly winding yet endless old townscape, truly wonderful… I have visited this place many times, yet I am always overwhelmed by the scenery embodying such charm. In the Edo period, the Nakasendo highway connecting present-day Tokyo and Kyoto was developed, and it was used for various purposes such as sankin-kotai and commerce, this was one of the post towns along that Nakasendo. Nagano and Gifu Prefectures have many post towns along the Nakasendo, famous ones include Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, but among them, Narai-juku has the longest townscape, stretching for as much as 1 km. Moreover, each building symbolizes traditional Japan, its beauty enough to draw sighs. It’s also fun to stray into side paths, where you can admire scenic views surrounded by trees. This townscape overflowing with atmosphere, of course I want to take time to savor it, but the true purpose of coming here today is hiking. Apparently, one can walk the Nakasendo from Narai-juku to Yabuhara-juku, crossing the pass, so I came here excitedly, aiming for a sunny day😊 The distance is about 6~7 km, but it’s said there are many slopes, so I want to conserve as much energy as possible at the start, and it seems I won’t be able to explore every corner of Narai-juku. Anyway, I’ll surely come back here again soon, and at that time I’ll stroll around the surroundings more. So today, I’ll just pass through this townscape. Even that alone is enough to feel the atmosphere. This area is probably the central part of Narai-juku. Lanterns and maple trees stand quietly, still giving the sense of a calm autumn morning. The surroundings are gradually becoming brighter, and some buildings are now lit dazzlingly. Finally, night has ended and morning has begun to move. This area has wide streets, bustling with people during the day, but in the morning there are only sparse signs of people. Walking during this special time is truly the most enjoyable😌 Many buildings in Narai-juku have second floors jutting forward, I heard this is a traditional architectural style called “de-bari-zukuri.” Here, buildings from the Edo period to the present stand side by side, and as time went on, houses grew taller, so if you find a low-roofed house, it may be one remaining from the Edo period. Mist from evaporating dew creates a fantastic scene. From the water spots here and there comes a soothing sound. Everywhere fills me with a calm feeling. This road now reaches its final corner. Passing through the crank-shaped road called “Kaginote,” what appears are colored mountains and rows of buildings. There are some eateries here too, but it feels calmer than before. Narai-juku is a town stretched long from north to south, divided into Shimomachi, Nakamachi, and Kamimachi. This is Kamimachi, my favorite area. Being nearly 1 km from the entrance, it has relatively fewer people, and above all, I love the rustic feeling here😌 It seems more like a district for locals than for tourists. As I proceed, the old townscape gradually ends, and I can now see from a slightly higher vantage point. From here, seeing Kamimachi with uneven roof heights that show the passage of time is the best… The moment the sun peeks out from the mountain top. A beautiful band of light flows across the mountainside. It’s now past 8:30 AM. Quite a late awakening for the sun🤔 “Shizume-jinja Shrine” At the end of Narai-juku stands a neat shrine. It’s not very large, but it exudes a dignified presence. The area is filled with nature, perhaps the mountain’s mystery envelops the shrine. The fully risen sunlight gently illuminated everything, and my cold, numbed hands quickly thawed. With the sun rising, my spirits lifted as well. Feeling the breath of the town beginning its activity, I head toward the mountains. “Torii Pass” Looking to the side, clear water flows down. Looking back, Narai-juku gradually recedes into the distance. Seen this way, the town is clearly nestled between mountains. A train curved gracefully along the tracks! This railway connects north to Nagano City and south to Nagoya City, an indispensable means of travel in Nagano. Ahead, vivid red colors appeared. How brilliant it is… I don’t know the name of this fiery red. Perhaps “Crimson Red” is the closest. With maples as the highlight, autumn’s calm hues are truly wonderful. From here, we enter the mountains in earnest. Looking up, autumn leaves of broadleaf trees burst into view. Many trees have already shed their leaves, but many still retain their colors, creating a romantic path between fallen leaves and autumn foliage😊 The road connecting Narai-juku and Yabuhara-juku is called Torii Pass, and in the Edo period it was known as a difficult spot. The reason must be the continuous steep slopes. Narai-juku sits at about 900m elevation, Torii Pass at around 1200m. Looking at the numbers alone, it may not seem much, but walking unpaved, bumpy roads takes a toll on the legs. Moreover, in the Edo period, footwear was straw sandals, absorbing shocks directly, and since travel was all on foot, stamina was drained, so it’s understandable this pass was called a difficult spot. Also, the section of the Nakasendo running north-south through Nagano is called Kisoji, and besides Torii Pass, Kisoji had other difficult spots, requiring determination to pass through. Perhaps the many post towns existed to comfort travelers crossing such harsh roads. Ahead, a simple rest area came into view. It’s said this rest area once operated as a teahouse on the pass. In imagination, weary travelers appear, resting midway through the pass. On the steep slopes, walking mindlessly while battling fatigue. Back in Narai-juku, voices of relief after crossing the pass, or scenes of travelers slowly resting before tackling the pass. Together with autumn’s warm colors, it all feels very nostalgic🍁 What’s fluttering in the wind are likely larch leaves. This area is near the top of the pass, and with higher elevation, the proportion of fallen leaves has increased. That too gives a real sense of having climbed💭 Remaining stamina gauge is about 60%. From here it’s mostly downhill, so I can still walk plenty today💪 The sight of clustered larches in color is overwhelming😶 Everything that enters my eyes brings calmness😌 The forest with long shadows is also lovely. Through gaps in the trees I could see Mt. Ontake! So graceful… “Ontake-jinja Shrine” Descending further, a dignified stone torii appeared. Its figure harmonizing with nature was enchanting. Facing such divinity, it feels like being taught the importance of worship. I can understand why shrines exist everywhere. Compared to early morning, the wind has grown stronger. My sweaty body cooled rapidly, late autumn chill striking. The warm sunshine made me forget, but it’s already close to year’s end. To blow away the cold, I must walk more to generate heat…! Around me were maples shining in backlight. While enjoying the surroundings, I found a lone pavilion. Amazing… Mountains glowing orange, with a village spread between them. The plain embraced by overwhelming autumn colors must be today’s goal, Yabuhara-juku. The town developed as if weaving through mountains, continuing as if entrusted to nature, showing a way of life together with the mountains. Though I thought I had walked far, there’s still some distance to reach there. But there’s still plenty of time today, so let’s descend slowly while enjoying the scenery. As noon approaches, people gradually increase. Surprisingly, I saw several groups of parents with middle school children. This place feels more subdued than flashy, but perhaps many students love history and nature. I only became interested in such places after becoming an adult, so I’m amazed at the difference in learning😇 Earlier I mentioned Torii Pass as a difficult spot on the Nakasendo, but before the Edo period it was also a place of conflict. Current prefectures were established in the early Meiji era with the abolition of domains, before that there were different regional divisions, and Torii Pass was the boundary between Shinano Province, now Nagano, and Mino Province, now southern Gifu. Thus, when the two provinces clashed, this became a battlefield. The name Torii Pass is said to come from the Kiso clan building a torii after victory. This beautiful mountain path, in another era, was a place of bloodshed. A bit frightening, appearances aren’t everything. Finally, I reached a paved road. Swaying strongly in the wind, it looks cold🍃 A well-maintained road means Yabuhara-juku must be near. Advancing through the woods, I emerged into a residential area. The scenery behind me carrying orange hues was magnificent, and I fully felt the pleasant flavor of the countryside😊 It feels like stepping into a fictional world. I’ve driven through here in spring and summer, but autumn has a different flavor. In spring and summer, vivid greens energize you, while autumn feels sentimental and downbeat. Of course its beauty lifts my spirits, yet conflicting emotions wrestle inside, a strange sensation. Viewing the scenery in crisp cold air feels like time has stopped. If I were a painter I’d capture it in art, if a musician, in verse. Such a scene inevitably stirs the heart, with intricacy that images alone cannot convey. If you watch while bundled in a cold room, feeling the chill on face and fingers, you might come closer to my feelings at that time. Kind of like 4DX💭 Looking closely, distant mountains have many areas of fallen leaves, adding charm. Along the way, there was another water spot. Such peaceful places truly suit water😌 The spacing between houses gradually narrowed. Proof we’re heading toward a more prosperous area. Walking while gazing at houses lined along the slope, I finally reached a spot where the flatland could be seen! “Yabuhara-juku” Beyond the long pass lies a village coexisting with nature. A leisurely, tranquil place. Railway tracks stretch endlessly. It felt like returning to my hometown. What a beautiful town… Scenes harmonizing with nature that move the heart are everywhere, this is why I can’t quit traveling in Nagano. Now, let’s head to the main street of Yabuhara-juku. On both sides of the road stand shops and houses, the scene reminiscent of the Showa era. This town existed before the Edo period, but repeated great fires destroyed the original buildings. Though a little disappointing, it’s part of history’s flow. Each time, the town revived, showing indomitable spirit, felt together with the beautiful mountains as I walk. Such post towns were built for foot traffic, but after railways spread in the Meiji era, they lost their role. Thus, compared to their prosperity, they remain today in a quieter form, yet ironically preserved nostalgic scenery by avoiding development. Yabuhara-juku too, offers nostalgic air not found in cities, a very pleasant place for lovers of atmosphere. In contrast to the splendid scenery, few people were around, giving a special sense of having it all to myself. Maple leaves rustling softly was delightful. When the wind blows, it’s cold enough to want to retreat indoors, but precisely on such days, going outside, to catch the sway of plants, the sounds they play, and the flying dust, makes me feel life’s vividness even more😌 Looking closely at the mountains, the trees are densely packed😶 Growing so tall and abundant with only light, water, and nutrients from the soil, it’s impossible not to feel the mystery of nature. Moreover, many kinds of plants all change color at once, what a perfectly designed system of nature. Amidst such nature, I’m getting closer to Yabuhara Station. Today’s journey ends at Yabuhara Station. There are about 40 minutes until the next train departs. I’ve been walking nonstop and I’m tired, and above all, hungry, so I must deal with this hunger before the train arrives👊 Speaking of Nagano, it has to be oyaki. I’ve loved oyaki since long ago and often ate it, and even when I visited Hakuba recently, I ate it on the way back. In the cold sky, savoring warm food while enjoying this picturesque view, is not bad at all😊 So, while marveling at the scenery from above, I head to the roadside station that has everything. “Kisomura Roadside Station” I bought plenty of food at the roadside station, so after recharging my energy, I’ll head home. Today I crossed Torii Pass, walking from Narai-juku to Yabuhara-juku, where overwhelming old townscapes remain, and orange-colored mountains harmonize beautifully with villages, scenery rarely experienced in everyday life spread before me. A peaceful stroll immersed in nostalgia, I hope viewers too will, try enjoying this quiet season. That’s it for today. Bye-bye. Thank you for watching! If you’d like, please subscribe to the channel, give a like, and hype it up!

秋の中山道を散策してきました。
今回は木曽路の奈良井宿から藪原宿にかけての鳥居峠。
圧倒的な景観の続く素敵な道でした😌

0:00 OP
3:22 奈良井宿 / Narai-juku
12:58 鳥居峠 / Torii Pass
24:34 紅葉と町並み / Autumn Leaves and Townscape
27:48 藪原宿 / Yabuhara-juku

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