Japan Trip: Kamidonya Shiryokan historic wholesaler, Nagano, Japan
【★016★Nagano Kiso Valley Narai Kamidonya Shiryokan】
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The spacious former residence of a local wholesaler, or “tonya,” this Kami-”donya (tonya)” building is maintained as it was in the Edo Period. There is a small garden in the back of the house.
During the Edo Period, Narai marked the halfway point between Kyoto and Edo to travelers along the Nakasendo Route. It was the most wealthy post town of the Kiso Valley, and was sometimes referred to as “Narai of a Thousand Houses”. Visitors will understand why that is when comparing Narai to the other former post towns in the area; the preserved houses stretch on much longer in Narai than elsewhere.
The long walk down Narai’s main road is not without interest, though the restored houses are very similar to each other. Among the buildings, two are former residences open to the public, while others are souvenir shops, restaurants and minshuku. Narai’s main drawbacks are that the Honjin and Wakihonjin (the main inns of earlier times) no longer remain, and that vehicular traffic is not allowed on the street.
Information on Kamidonya Shiryokan
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: January and February
Admission: 300 yen