The village of Kiso (Nagano) 木祖村

The village of Kiso is an ideal break between your long hikes in the Japanese Alps , retracing the historic path of Nakasendo , connecting Tokyo to Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868). At the level of the village, you will also find an imposing torii , which deserves at least a shot! But the village of Kiso can be a stage in its own right on your journey because there are several things to discover there.

The source of the river

At the village of Kiso, you will find the origin of the Kiso River, more than 200 kilometers long, nicknamed the Rhine of Japan. The Misogawa dam was built there, more than 1,000 meters above sea level. It allowed the formation of Lake Okukiso , which offers a breathtaking landscape, all year round. Climb the observatory for an incomparable view of the lake, surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high.

An ancestral forest

Surrounded by the Mizukizawa Tennenrin natural forest , you will have plenty to stretch your legs. It is the treasure of the village, cherished by the local population. You have the choice between two hiking trails, the " Taiko-no-Mori" ("The Ancient Forest") or the " Genshi-no-Mori" ("The Prehistoric Forest") of approximately equal length: approximately 3 kilometers each, but with elevation. In the middle of the trees that could not be more deciduous, you will find two-hundred-year-old conifers. The highlight of the walk is still the 500-year-old cypress, whose diameter is more than 2.5 meters. Do you want more ? Continue your hike to the Tokonami-no-Taki waterfalls.

A sacred cherry tree

If you are lucky enough to visit the Kiso Valley in late April-early May, don't miss the flowering of the Shidare-zakura tree , a real event for the inhabitants of the village. It belongs to the Tannoue Kannondo temple , which it shelters with its long branches. In full bloom, the tree becomes all the more majestic with its flowers covering the roof of the temple: the spectacle is not to be missed.

Less popular than its neighbor Tsumago , the village of Kiso gives you the opportunity to explore the Japan of yesteryear, in peace.