SPOT 01
Kiso-no-Kakehashi
A feared cliff passage & Bashō’s haiku
Once one of the most difficult sections on the Nakasendo. Later reinforced with stone walls during the Edo period.
Nezame-no-Toko (Kiso River & granite rocks)">
Agematsu Town · Inbound Program Research
Stone heritage & the “lost” Nakasendo route.
Stone heritage & the “lost” Nakasendo route.
What kind of experiences would you enjoy in Agematsu?
This is a prototype page for proposed inbound stay programs in Agematsu Town (Kiso Valley, Nagano). Please explore the concepts below, then answer a short questionnaire (3–5 minutes).
Your answers will be used only for program planning and aggregated analysis.
ABOUT
About Agematsu Town
Agematsu is a small mountain town along the historic Nakasendo route in the Kiso Valley. Dramatic cliffs above the Kiso River, stone structures along the old road, and calm forest scenery create a “slow-travel” atmosphere where stories come alive on foot.
Around 90% of the town is forest, and the area is known for Kiso cypress. From the Taisho era through the Showa era, the Kiso Forest Railway supported both forestry and daily life. Today, traces of stonework, shrines/temples, and old road segments remain across the valley—ideal for a walk that blends nature, history, and local storytelling.
Highlights
What you can experience
- Kiso River gorge views and cliff landscapes
- Kiso cypress forests and railway remnants
- Historic road markers and stone heritage
- Sites connected to poets, writers, and travelers
TownscapeOld post-town atmosphere.
Kiso RiverCliffs and clear water.
Cypress ForestQuiet forest walks.
Stone HeritageWalls, markers, and monuments.
Local LifeSmall-town hospitality.
FoodSimple, regional flavors.
TRAVEL THEME 01
Stone Heritage & the “Lost” Nakasendo
A story-driven walking route connecting stoneworks, old road traces, and hidden local episodes. Add real photos to the top of each card later.
SPOT 02
Forest Railway Platform Remains
A small station that supported forestry & daily life
Traces of the Kiso Forest Railway remain, reminding visitors of the valley’s industrial heritage.
SPOT 03
Nezame no Toko
Granite gorge & classic scenic viewpoint
Walk along the river-carved granite landscape. A signature view of Agematsu and a highlight on the Kiso Valley route.
SPOT 04
Sasazawa – Shinchaya “Lost” Route
Historic Nakasendo Path
Follow the traces of an old path, rediscovering the authentic scenery of the Nakasendo.
Why international travelers may love Agematsu
Walking quietly through a real local town—listening to stories, noticing stone details, and feeling the pace of the valley— can become a deeply “Japan-like” travel memory beyond famous hotspots.
TRAVEL THEME 02
Footsteps of Poets & Travelers
A route connecting places linked to poets, writers, and historic figures. Add photos above each card.
SPOT 01
Kiso no Kakehashi | Matsuo Basho
A haiku at the cliff road
A classic haiku tied to the famous cliff road.
SPOT 02
Nezame-no-Toko | Jippensha Ikku
A comic writer’s view of the gorge
A famed gorge described in travel literature.
SPOT 03
Ono Falls | Hijikata Toshizo
A waterfall on the Kiso route
A dramatic falls spot along the valley route.
SPOT 04
Modern poets & tanka writers
Compose a verse on the road
Turn local literature into a hands-on creative experience.
SPOT 05
Travel writers
Read, then walk
Pair reading with walking to deepen the experience.
SPOT 06
Local storytellers
Stories and town walk
Great for families—stories plus an easy walk.
STAY PROGRAMS
Sample Itineraries (Draft)
We’d like to learn your preferred trip length, willingness to join, and price expectations.
PROGRAM A
Stone Heritage & “Lost” Nakasendo Walk (Half day to full day)
- Guided walk linking stoneworks and old road traces.
- Stories about the Edo-era road, travelers, and local legends.
- Photo viewpoints along the river gorge.
PROGRAM B
Cultural Footsteps Trail (Half day)
- Sites linked to poets, writers, and historic figures.
- Enjoy scenery through haiku, poems, and old travel narratives.
- Optional café stop.
PROGRAM C
1–2 Night Stay in Agematsu
- Day 1: Stone heritage route.
- Day 2: Cultural route + forest walk.
- Stay at a local inn and enjoy regional meals.
SURVEY
Short Questionnaire
What kind of trip would you like to join in Agematsu?
Your answers will be aggregated and used only for program design.
Implementation note
Add your photos by enabling the commented <img> tags.
For data collection, connecting this form to Google Forms or another service is recommended.
ACCESS
Access Map
Agematsu Town (Nagano) on Google Maps
You can zoom and pan the map below.
Getting there (example)
- From Nagoya: JR Chuo Line to Agematsu Station (around 80 minutes depending on the train).
- From Tokyo: via the JR Chuo corridor (route varies by schedule).