In the heart of the Kiso Valley lies Narai-juku, one of the finest surviving post towns of the old Nakasendo Trail. Once called the “Narai of a Thousand Houses,” it flourished as a prosperous stopover between Kyoto and Edo, and its long street of dark wooden buildings still captures the elegance of the Edo period. Walking through Narai today feels like stepping back in time—whether browsing family-run craft shops, pausing at a teahouse, or visiting a preserved merchant’s home. With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can experience this historic town at a relaxed pace, free from the stress of planning.
Getting to Narai-juku on your own can be tricky, as trains are infrequent and local transport is limited. That’s why Snow Monkey Resorts offers guided day tours, private charters, and flexible itineraries from Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, and beyond. With everything arranged—from transport to guiding—you’re left to simply enjoy the quiet charm and atmosphere that make Narai-juku unforgettable.
Getting to Narai-juku with Snow Monkey Resorts
Reaching Narai-juku can feel complicated, with limited train connections and access points depending on where you begin. Whether you’re coming from Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, or elsewhere, Snow Monkey Resorts makes the journey easy with comfortable transfers and clear support—so you can simply enjoy the town’s historic streets.
Our tours give you the flexibility to begin in one city and finish in another, an ideal choice for travelers following a multi-city route through Central Japan. Whether you’re looking for a gentle day of exploring Edo-period architecture or adding Narai-juku into a wider journey through the Kiso Valley, our guides and transport services ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
From Matsumoto/Nagano
Starting from Matsumoto, located at the northern reaches of the Nakasendo, or further afield in Nagano City, we provide convenient private charters and guided tours tailored to your schedule. Enjoy direct access to Narai-juku, the longest post town on the whole Nakasendo Trail.
Group Tours
Joining one of our guided group tours from Matsumoto or Nagano makes visiting Narai-juku straightforward and stress-free. With your guide on hand to share the town’s history, answer questions, and keep everything on track, you can relax and focus on enjoying the atmosphere of this beautifully preserved post town.
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku / all year round
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
This engaging one-day tour takes you to Matsumoto Castle – one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure – before heading to the beautifully preserved, 1-km long post town known as Narai-juku, located on the Nakasendo road. Led by a locally-based guide and including direct transport to Narai-juku from Matsumoto and Nagano, this tour captures the essence of Old Japan at two of its best preserved historical sites.
Charter Services
Our chartered vehicles are the most flexible way to visit Narai-juku, giving you full control over your schedule and itinerary. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a small group, or simply want a private and personalized experience, our charters make the journey easy and comfortable.
Click the banners below or here for more charter options, or contact us directly if you need greater flexibility.
MATSUMOTO→NARAI(4HRS)→MATSUMOTO
- Duration:
- 6-7 Hours
- Spots:
- Matsumoto, Kiso Valley
From Takayama
From the beautifully preserved town of Takayama, Narai-juku can be reached by going over the Northern Japanese Alps down in to the Kiso Valley. Our tours and charters provide a good way to reach Narai-juku, a journey that would otherwise be impossible as a day trip from Takayama on public transport.
Group Tours
At the moment, we unfortunately do not have any group tours running to Narai-juku from Takayama, but we are working on fixing that! In the meantime, if you happen to be in Takayama and want to visit Narai-juku with us, we recommend heading over to Matsumoto using the local Nohi Bus service, from where you can join the above mentioned tour.
Charter Services
To receive a quote and proceed to booking a private charter from Takayama to the Narai-juku area, please begin at the below page. We provide door to door service, and can fit larger groups and accommodate for those with luggage, making it easy to move from place to place and removing the need for hectic public transfers. Locations beyond Narai-juku are also open to you to choose, and our expert agents will be ready to assist with improving your travel plan.
From Nagoya
From the bustling city of Nagoya, the beautifully preserved town of Narai-juku lies north in the Kiso Valley. Our tours and private charters offer a comfortable and efficient way to reach this historic post town, which can be difficult to visit by public transport within the span of a convenient day trip.
Charter Services
Our chartered vehicles are the most flexible way to visit Narai-juku, giving you full control over your schedule and itinerary. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a small group, or simply want a private and personalized experience, our charters make the journey easy and comfortable.
Click the banners below or here for more charter options, or contact us directly if you need greater flexibility.
NAGOYA→NARAI-JUKU (3HRS)→NAGOYA
- Duration:
- 9-10 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagoya, Kiso Valley
Why Choose Snow Monkey Resorts for Narai-juku
Visiting Narai-juku is a highlight of any journey along the Nakasendo Trail, and travelling with Snow Monkey Resorts ensures your experience is seamless and rewarding. Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll through the preserved post town, a full day exploring the historic route, or a multi-destination adventure, we provide the support and flexibility you need.
- Multiple starting points, including Matsumoto, Nagano, Takayama, and Nagoya, with the option to end your trip in a different city for maximum convenience.
- Choice of private tours for a tailored itinerary, private charters for flexible travel, or customised add-ons to combine Narai-juku with other iconic destinations such as Magome, Tsumago, Matsumoto Castle, or the Snow Monkey Park.
- Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides who share insights into Narai-juku’s history, cultural heritage, and role on the Nakasendo Trail.
- Safe, comfortable transport by private vehicle, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Kiso Valley and Japanese Alps.
Let us take care of the logistics so you can focus on experiencing the timeless charm of Narai-juku — whether for a single day or as part of a longer journey along the historic Nakasendo.
The Best Time to Visit Narai-juku
Most shops are open in the warmer months, between May and October, but the main street can be very quiet in winter, and in that season you often won't see more than a handful of other tourists in town. For those looking to enjoy shopping and a lively atmosphere, we highly recommend to visit in summer.
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the town’s preserved streets are best enjoyed on foot. An umbrella or raincoat is recommended, since sudden showers are not uncommon in the mountains. Dressing in layers is also advisable, as temperatures can change quickly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Winter can be harsh, with temperatures hovering around -10 Celsius even at the highest not being unheard of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Narai-juku famous for?
A: Narai-juku is one of the best-preserved post towns on the historic Nakasendo Trail, known as the “Narai of a Thousand Houses.” Its long stretch of Edo-period wooden buildings offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s travel culture of the past.
Q: How much time do I need in Narai-juku?
A: Most travelers spend 2–3 hours exploring Narai-juku’s main street, visiting small museums, and enjoying local specialties such as gohei mochi. For a deeper experience, allow half a day to include nearby walking trails or surrounding post towns.
Q: What are the best things to do in Narai-juku?
A: Popular highlights include strolling the preserved townscape, visiting the Kiso-no-Ohashi wooden bridge, exploring folk history museums, and browsing craft shops selling lacquerware and handmade goods. Seasonal events and festivals also bring the town to life.
Q: Can I walk the Nakasendo Trail from Narai-juku?
A: Yes. Narai-juku is a great starting point for short hikes on the historic Nakasendo, including routes to Kiso-Hirasawa or Yabuhara. Our guides can help plan a walk suited to your time and ability.