PURE SPLENDOUR
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. Come and enjoy its pure splendour.
KISO ONTAKE TOURISM OFFICE
The Kiso Ontake Tourism Office was formed in April 2017. Our team have hands-on experience with overseas markets and are passionate about showcasing the untouched splendour of the Kiso Valley.
Located in Nagano Prefecture
Main train station: JR Kiso Fukushima
3.5 hours from Tokyo by train
2.5 hours from Kyoto by train
1.5 hours from Nagoya by train
35 minutes from Matsumoto by train, one of Nagano’s major tourist cities
Part of the Nakasendo Trail, one of the ancient routes of the Edo period connecting Kyoto with Edo
SEASONALITY IN KISO VALLEY
SPRING
As Winter’s snow melts into waterfalls and rivers, Spring bursts to life in Kiso. This season is synonymous with the iconic cherry blossom, a fleeting beauty said to be a symbol of life itself. Kiso’s high altitude means that cherry blossom appears a little later than in other towns on the same latitude – around mid to late April. These conditions also make for an extended snow season; the ski resorts of Mount Ontake remain open into April. As temperatures climb toward 20ºC, Kiso’s landscape grows more beautiful each day and is best appreciated by walking, hiking or cycling around the area. After a long day exploring, join the locals in a relaxing soak at one of the many natural hot springs.
SUMMER
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. Kiso enjoys Summer temperatures of 13–29ºC making it an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of the major cities. These temperatures allow visitors to comfortably walk, hike and cycle all day long. The area is also home to many lakes and rivers, perfect for canoeing and camping. The climbing season officially commences in mid-July and treks of varying difficulty are available for beginners and experts alike. Summer in Japan is traditionally festival season; a great opportunity for visitors to join the locals and parade, dance, light fireworks and enjoy traditional cuisine and culture.
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AUTUMN
The forested hills of Kiso turn a wondrous display of red, green and gold in Autumn and the clear night skies provide incredible stargazing experiences. Temperatures range from 1ºC to 25ºC so visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including mountain trekking, which is possible until mid-October. It is a picturesque time to walk the Nakasendo Trail and learn the history of the ancient Edo routes. Since those feudal times, the Kiso Valley has been a famous timber region, producing all kinds of building materials, furniture, instruments and woodcraft. Many local artisans still operate today, even offering workshops so visitors can experience these traditional methods.
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WINTER
The Nagano prefecture came into the public eye when it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics.
It is considered one of Japan’s best Winter sports regions with over 100 ski resorts. The Kiso Ontake resorts are undiscovered gems, perfect for those looking for quieter runs and minimal chairlift queues. With temperatures between -4ºC and 7ºC, blue skies and star-filled nights, winter is spectacular in Kiso. The horizon features the iconic snow capped peaks of Mt. Ontake, Japan’s second largest volcano after Mt. Fuji. Closer to ground are the picturesque traditional post-towns of the Nakasendo trail, which look particularly stunning with snow topped rooves and trees. The low temperatures make the natural hot spring experience even more enjoyable after a busy day on the slopes.
MOUNT ONTAKE
A SACRED MOUNTAIN, HOME TO SHRINES AND NATURAL WONDERS, ONTAKE IS MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE.
Standing 3,067m tall, Mount Ontake is Japan’s second largest volcano. It has been a site of mountain worship since ancient times and remains popular with devotees, climbers and snow sport enthusiasts alike. The climbing season runs from mid-July to mid-October where a number of trails of varying difficulty are available. Along these paths, hikers can enjoy the natural beauty, ancient shrines and perhaps even catch a glimpse of white-clad pilgrims in prayer. The five crater lakes are an unforgettable sight, sparkling like emeralds in the landscape. The lowest altitude lake, Gonoike, conveniently features a café and lodge for those needing a rest stop. Winter is a time to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports on the slopes of Mount Ontake. Whether snow-capped or lush green, Mount Ontake is an impressive sight all year-round.
HIGHLIGHTS IN KISO VALLEY
Nakasendo
Step back in time and explore the ancient Nakasendo trail, one of the ‘Five Routes’ of the Edo period, travelled by feudal lords on their way to the capital. Spanning 540 kilometres of stunning mountainous terrain between Kyoto and Tokyo, the Nakasendo trail features 69 station towns where travellers could rest during their long journey.
Otaki Village
Ancient Japanese beliefs are rooted in nature worship, so it was widely believed that mountains were the meeting place of heaven and earth. As Mount Ontake is Japan’s second largest volcano, it is a centuries old destination for religious pilgrims to pray and be purified. Otaki village, located 40 minutes from Kiso-Fukushima, lies at the foot of Mt. Ontake and has a history of accommodating the pilgrims travelling to the area.
Local Experiences
Since the feudal times of the Nakasendo trail, Kiso’s focus has shifted to celebrating and sharing its unique natural resources with the world. Hinoki cypress plays a major role in today’s economy and no visit would be complete without seeing, touching, smelling or working with this beautiful material. The foods and crafts produced in the Kiso Valley offer great insight into the environment, history and lifestyle of its people.
Hot Spring (Onsen)
Japan is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world and as a result, contains an abundance of natural hot springs. Over the centuries, these have become a beloved staple of Japanese culture and make for an unforgettable visitor experience. Hot springs (onsen) are widely sought out for their therapeutic benefits.
Culinary Experiences
Kiso is an unspoiled slice of Japan, a place where local, organic and slow food are not movements but an unwavering way of life. The generations-old culinary traditions of Kiso are waiting to be enjoyed by all who visit.
Suggested Itinerary
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